Private and Family Life Residence Permit: Complete 2025 Guide

The "private and family life" residence permit is a residence permit issued to foreigners with family ties in France or benefiting from protection related to their private life.

This complete guide explains the conditions, procedure, and documents required to obtain this residence permit.

👨‍👩‍👧 What is the Private and Family Life Residence Permit?

The "private and family life" residence permit is a temporary residence permit valid for one year, renewable.

It allows you to:

Legally reside in France
Work (as employee or self-employed) without additional work authorization
Access social rights (health care, family benefits, etc.)

✅ Who Can Obtain This Residence Permit?

Several categories of foreigners can apply for this residence permit:

1. Spouse of French Citizen

You are married to a French citizen and:

You entered France with a long-stay visa
Your marriage is genuine (not a marriage of convenience)
You live together (community of life)

2. Parent of French Child

You are the parent of a minor French child residing in France and:

You effectively contribute to the child's support and education
You exercise parental authority

3. Foreigner with Personal and Family Ties in France

You demonstrate intense private and family ties in France:

Habitual residence in France for many years
Children's schooling in France
Spouse or children legally residing in France
Exceptional personal situation

4. Family Reunification Beneficiary

You have joined a family member (spouse, children) in France through a family reunification procedure.

5. Young Foreigner Who Entered France as a Minor

You entered France before age 13 and demonstrate habitual residence in France since then.

6. Foreigner with Subsidiary Protection

You are a beneficiary of subsidiary protection or a family member of a protected person.

7. Victim of Domestic Violence

You are a victim of domestic violence and your community of life has been broken.

8. Other Situations

Parent of a deceased French child
War veteran
Sick foreigner who cannot be treated in their country of origin (under strict conditions)

📋 Required Documents

Common Documents

Application form for residence permit (CERFA)
Valid passport
Proof of address less than 6 months old
3 passport photos meeting standards
Long-stay visa or current residence permit
Civil status document (birth certificate with certified translation)

Specific Documents Depending on Situation

Spouse of French Citizen:

Marriage certificate (with apostille or legalization)
Proof of common life (joint lease, bills, joint tax return)
Proof of French nationality of spouse (national ID card, passport, nationality certificate)

Parent of French Child:

Child's birth certificate mentioning filiation
Proof of French nationality of the child
Proof of contribution to support and education: child support payments, school certificates, etc.

Private and Family Life (ties in France):

Proof of residence in France (bills, rent receipts, tax notices)
Proof of family ties: birth certificates, family record book, certificate of common life
Proof of integration: school certificates, employment, community activities

Family Reunification:

Admission decision to stay under family reunification (OFII)

🏛️ Application Procedure

Initial Application

Step 1: Make an Appointment at the Prefecture

Make an appointment on your prefecture's website or via the ANEF platform (Digital Administration for Foreigners in France).

Step 2: Prepare the File

Gather all required documents (originals + copies).

Step 3: Submit the Application

Attend the appointment with your complete file. An agent will verify the documents.

You will receive a receipt of application valid for 3 to 6 months, renewable, allowing you to stay in France during processing.

Step 4: Processing

The prefecture processes your application (civil status verification, marriage authenticity, integration, etc.).

Step 5: Decision

You will be summoned to:

Collect your residence permit (if approved)
Receive a refusal notification (if rejected)

Renewal

Deadline: submit your renewal application 2 to 4 months before expiration of your permit.

Documents: same as for initial application + your current residence permit.

⏳ Processing Times

Average time: 4 to 8 months
Some prefectures may take up to 12 months

During processing, you have a receipt allowing you to stay and, in some cases, work.

💶 Cost of Residence Permit

Tax stamp: €225 (initial application and renewal)
- Including €75 residence tax
- And €150 stamp duty

Exemptions:

Refugees and subsidiary protection beneficiaries: free
Victims of domestic violence: free

🔄 Transition to Resident Card

After 3 years holding the "private and family life" permit (or immediately for spouses of French citizens after 3 years of marriage), you can apply for a 10-year resident card.

Additional conditions:

Republican integration: French proficiency (A2 level), knowledge of Republic values
Financial condition: stable and sufficient income

❌ Common Reasons for Refusal

Fraudulent marriage or lack of common life
Non-contribution to French child's support
Absence of real and serious ties in France
Threat to public order
Incomplete or fraudulent documents
Irregular entry to France (without long-stay visa)

Appeal in Case of Refusal

You can file:

Administrative appeal to the prefect (within 2 months)
Legal appeal to the administrative court (within 2 months)

🚨 Withdrawal of Residence Permit

Your permit can be withdrawn in case of:

Breakdown of common life (for spouses of French citizens, except domestic violence)
Fraud or false declarations
Threat to public order (serious criminal convictions)
Cessation of contribution to child's support

🤝 VisaPref Supports You

Obtaining a "private and family life" residence permit can be complex, especially to prove your ties in France or the authenticity of your marriage.

At VisaPref, we support you to:

Assess your eligibility
Build a strong and complete file
Prepare your proof of common life and integration
Maximize your chances of obtaining the permit

👉 Contact us for personalized support.

❓ FAQ – Private and Family Life Residence Permit

1. Can I work with this residence permit?

Yes, this permit allows you to work without restriction as an employee or self-employed.

2. How long does it take to obtain this permit?

On average 4 to 8 months, but this can vary by prefecture.

3. What happens if I divorce my French spouse?

If you divorce less than 4 years after marriage, your permit may be withdrawn, unless:

You have French children
You have suffered domestic violence
You demonstrate intense personal and family ties in France

4. Can I obtain this permit if I entered France illegally?

In principle, no. You must have entered with a long-stay visa. However, exceptions exist for parents of French children or victims of violence.

5. Can I obtain a resident card afterward?

Yes, after 3 years holding this permit (or 3 years of marriage for spouses of French citizens), you can apply for a 10-year resident card.