Certificate of common life or cohabitation
Verified 24 October 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
You live in a common-law relationship and you need to prove it to certain organizations to benefit from rights or benefits? Some town halls establish a certificate of common life (or cohabitation). But they don't have to deliver him. We present you the information to know.
Cohabitation (with a person of a different sex or the same sex) is a common-law relationship. It is characterized by a living together, stable and continuous.
The certificate of common life or cohabitation (also called certificate of marital life or declaration of common life) allows you to prove that you live in a common-law relationship.
It is requested by some organizations to allow you to benefit from certain rights or benefits.
The certificate of cohabitation is issued by the town hall, but it is not not obligated to do it.
FYI
The certificate of cohabitation does not no legal value (unlike a marriage certificate for example).
Check if your local town hall issues this certificate.
If she delivers, you can request a certificate from the town hall where you live, regardless of your nationality, if you live in France.
Please note
Before you move, check if you need to make an appointment.
The supporting documents to be provided vary according to town halls.
In general, you must submit the following documents:
- Identity documents (identity card, passport)
- Proof of address (electricity bill, rent receipt, etc.) to your 2 names at your common address (or 2 individual vouchers with the same address).
Your presence at every 2 may be required.
Some town halls ask for the presence (or certificates) of witnesses of age, not related to cohabiting partners. Witnesses must present their identification.
The certificate is free.
The delivery time varies from municipality to municipality.
You must present to the organizations a declaration on honor.
You can write your declaration of cohabitation using a template:
Warning
You must sign every 2 your statement of honor.
No, no action is necessary to cancel the certificate of cohabitation.
Definition of cohabitation
Justification of identity, marital status, family situation, French nationality and domicile
Document template