Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint)
Foreign spouses of French citizens living together in France.
The Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint) is a French family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€99 visa + €225 OFII/residence tax) and processing time (~2-8 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint) is for
Foreign spouses of French citizens living together in France.
Eligible for a 10-year resident card after ~3 years and for citizenship by marriage after 4 years.
Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint) - eligibility criteria
- Married to a French citizen
- Genuine, ongoing marital relationship and shared life
- Spouse retains French nationality
- Entry on a long-stay visa (or transcribed marriage if married abroad)
- Valid passport and clean record
Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint) (France) is ~€99 visa + €225 OFII/residence tax, with an indicative processing time of ~2-8 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at France-Visas.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a French consulate abroad (long-stay visa), then prefecture |
| Length of stay | 1 year, renewable (multi-year after first renewal) |
| Work rights | Open work rights |
| Study rights | Permitted |
| Government fee | ~€99 visa + €225 OFII/residence tax |
| Processing time | ~2-8 weeks |
| Route to PR | Eligible for a 10-year resident card after ~3 years and for citizenship by marriage after 4 years. |
Pathway & next steps
Eligible for a 10-year resident card after ~3 years and for citizenship by marriage after 4 years.
Many applicants also compare Déclaration (Mariage) · French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité), Vie Privée et Familiale · Private and Family Life Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale), Parent d'Enfant Français · Parent of a French Child Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Parent). Run a free VisaChief check to see which French route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint) pitfalls we fix
Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint) cost?
The Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint) government fee is ~€99 visa + €225 OFII/residence tax. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at France-Visas before applying.
How long does the Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-8 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint) lead to permanent residence?
Eligible for a 10-year resident card after ~3 years and for citizenship by marriage after 4 years.
Can I work on the Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint)?
Work rights: Open work rights.
Who can apply for the Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint)?
Foreign spouses of French citizens living together in France.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official France government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- France-Visas - official France immigration authority