Can a foreigner without a residence permit bring his family to France?

Verified 26 June 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

The regulations are different depending on whether you are a foreigner or not European or citizen of a State of l', of l' (EEE) or Switzerland:

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You are a non-European foreigner

No. You can not bring your family if you do not have a residence permit which allows you to reside regularly in France.

You are a UE citizen, EEE or Swiss

You must have a right to stay in France as a worker, inactive or student to bring your family to France.

You can be reached by the following people:

  • Your spouse
  • Your children under the age of 21 or indebted
  • Children under 21 years of age or indebted of your spouse
  • Your ascendants or those of your spouse, indebted.

Warning  

If you are a student, you cannot bring your ancestors to France.

Your family must enter the country regularly, with or without a visa.

You can check if your family needs a visa using the following online service:

Check if you need a visa - Visa Assistant

Within 3 months of entering France, your family members who have joined you:

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Administrative information by telephone - Allô Service Public

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      For more information on this subject, you can contact Allô Service Public.

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