Immigration to France Through Marriage

Immigration to France through marriage is one of the popular ways to obtain residency and citizenship in this European country. By marrying a French citizen, you can benefit from numerous opportunities to live and work in France. Benefits of immigrating to France through marriage:

• Obtaining permanent residence or French citizenship
• Access to advanced health and educational services
• Permit to work and engage in economic activity in France
• Possibility of visa-free travel to Schengen countries

 

To obtain French citizenship through marriage, your union must be legal and genuine, supported by documents like a valid marriage certificate and IDs. You must prove financial stability and be in good health. After living together in France for four years, you can apply for permanent residency.

Marriage immigration offers a great chance to live in a top European country. Malekpour Immigration Institute provides expert guidance to help you smoothly navigate the process and build a bright future in France.

 

 

Benefits of Immigration to France Through Marriage

Immigrating to France through marriage to a French citizen can offer you numerous opportunities. The benefits of immigration to France through marriage include:

1. Obtaining permanent residency or French citizenship
2. Possibility of living in France for 10 years with a marriage visa
3. Access to advanced educational facilities
4. Use of new health and medical services
5. Possibility of visa-free travel to Schengen countries
6. Obtaining a work permit in France
7. Possibility of obtaining permanent residency after 4 years of cohabitation

 

Obtaining a Visa for the Spouse in France

The family reunification visa in France enables spouses of French citizens or permanent residents to apply for residency and eventually citizenship and French passport. Applicants must provide a valid marriage certificate, proof of sufficient financial means, and meet health requirements. After submitting all necessary documents and paying fees, French authorities review the application. If approved, the visa is granted, allowing the spouse to join their partner in France.

 

Marriage Laws in France

If you plan to marry after immigrating to France, you must be familiar with the marriage laws of this country. In France, if either you or your partner are not residents of this country, you must meet one of the following conditions to marry legally:

• Temporary Residence

 Either you or your partner must have lived continuously in the city where the marriage will take place for at least 30 days before the marriage.

 

• Parental Residence

 One of your parents or your partner’s parents must be a resident of France. In this case, additional documentation will be required to prove this.

 

 

Obtaining Residency in France Through Marriage

Marriage in France, if done correctly and honestly, can lead to obtaining French citizenship through marriage for individuals. If individuals marry a French citizen, they can first receive an 18-month residence permit after obtaining a visa.

After spending 4 years living together with their spouse in France and fulfilling the necessary conditions, not having a criminal record, having good mental and social health, and familiarity with the French language and culture, an individual can apply for permanent residency in France. In this regard, if you are not familiar with the process, it is advisable to work with an immigration lawyer residing in France so that your case proceeds smoothly without issues and is completed in a timely manner.

 

Conditions for Immigration to France Through Marriage

Immigrating to France through marriage is one of the common methods to obtain residency in this country, but certain specific conditions must be met. 

To immigrate to France through marriage to a French citizen, the marriage must be genuine and proven, including meeting in person at least once. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. The French spouse must demonstrate financial stability and provide suitable accommodation.

Marriage can occur in France or abroad, but if married in Iran, the French spouse may need to convert religion to match. Genuine marriages allow for permanent residency; otherwise, a temporary visa is granted until permanent residency can be applied for after five years upon proof of authenticity.

 

Steps to Obtain a Marriage Visa for France

In general, individuals must go through several steps to obtain French citizenship through marriage so that their visa application process at the French immigration office proceeds smoothly. These steps include the following:

1. Marriage must be conducted with someone who holds French citizenship.
2. Necessary documents such as a copy of the marriage certificate, visa application form, valid identification documents, financial capability documents, and proof of the authenticity of the marriage, such as family photos, emails, and tickets from joint travels, must be submitted.
3. After gathering the documents, must apply at the French embassy or consulate in their country, which can be done online or in person. The individual must attend the interview and answer questions regarding their marriage and future plans.
4. After the application, the French embassy will conduct the necessary checks, and if approved, the visa will be issued. The process for reviewing the case may take several months.
5. After entering France, individuals must receive their residency card within a maximum of two months.

 

 

Required Documents for Obtaining a French Marriage Visa

Individuals wishing to obtain French citizenship through marriage must provide the necessary documents such as a marriage certificate and valid identity documents along with proof of financial capability after meeting the marriage conditions with a French citizen and before applying for the family reunification visa.

These documents must be officially translated and submitted to the French embassy in their country. The fee for applying for a French marriage visa is approximately 200 euros. These documents include:

1. Original and copy of valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2. Recent biometric photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background)
3. Original and copy of identity card and national ID
4. Certificate of singleness or divorce (if applicable)
5. Original and translated marriage certificate
6. Proof of financial means (salary slips, property deeds, bank statements)
7. Certificate of no criminal record
8. Valid health insurance
9. Invitation letter from French spouse with residence details
10. Evidence of marriage authenticity (photos, call logs, emails, joint travel bookings)
11. Completed visa application form
12. Visa fee payment receipt

 

Timeframe for Obtaining a French Fiancé Visa

Generally, the time it takes to obtain a French fiancé visa ranges from 2 to 4 months; however, various factors can influence the timeframe for reviewing the application. These factors may differ based on the type of visa, which includes type D and type L, which may have varying review processes. The place of residence of individuals can also affect the timeframe to receive visa appointments.

Additionally, the number of visa applications can delay individuals. Similarly, the complexity of the case, such as factors like previous marriage history and long-term travel history, can significantly impact the duration of the case review. Generally, if issues arise with the case, this period may extend up to two years.

 

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding French Citizenship Through Marriage

• What conditions are required to obtain French citizenship through marriage?

Among the conditions, it can be stated that you must marry a French citizen and live in France for at least 4 years, and you must have a level A2 proficiency in the French language and sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family, as well as familiarity with the customs and laws of the French Republic and no criminal record.

 

• What documents are necessary to obtain French citizenship through marriage?

Some of the documents include a visa application form, valid identity documents, a copy and original of the marriage certificate, proof of financial capability, a certificate of good conduct, proof of proficiency in the French language, and evidence of integration into French society (such as employment certificates, proof of children’s schooling in French schools, participation in social activities).

 

• What are the steps to obtain French citizenship through marriage?

These steps include gathering the necessary documents, completing the application form, sending the documents to the French immigration office, attending the interview, and receiving a response.

 

• How long does it take to obtain French citizenship through marriage?

The processing time for French citizenship applications through marriage is typically 18 months. However, this time may vary depending on various circumstances.

 

Conclusion:

Obtaining French citizenship through marriage is a legal immigration path for those joining a French spouse. The marriage must be official and valid, with the French partner financially stable and in good health. Applicants must prove no criminal record and genuine intent to marry. The visa application fee is around 200 euros, and processing takes 2 to 4 months if documents are complete.

For expert guidance on immigration to France, contact Malekpour Immigration Institute for a free consultation or leave your questions in the comments.