Many people assume that being married to a French citizen makes it easier to live in France compared to being married to an EU citizen.
However, this is often not the case. In fact, European Union (EU) regulations provide more flexibility for family members of EU citizens compared to those of French citizens. This surprising reality can lead to confusion when navigating the permits and residency process in France.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between permits for family members of French citizens and EU citizens, and clarify what you need to know when planning to live in France.
1. Family Members of French Citizens
When you are married to a French citizen, the application process can be quite structured, and here’s what you need to be aware of:
a. Long-Stay Permit (VLS-TS – Vie Privée et Familiale)
To join your French spouse in France, you must apply for a long-stay permit (VLS-TS – «Vie Privée et Familiale») before entering the country. This permit is mandatory and is typically valid for one year.
b. Residency Permit (Titre de Séjour)
After arriving in France, you need to validate your VLS-TS permit online. Once the initial permit expires, you must apply for a Titre de Séjour (residency permit) to continue residing in France. This step is crucial, as your residency in France depends on holding this permit.
c. Permanent Residency Path
Once you’ve held a Titre de Séjour for four years, you may become eligible for permanent residency in France (Carte de Résident), subject to certain conditions.
d. No Flexibility for PACS or Concubinage
It’s important to note that being in a PACS (civil partnership) or a concubinage relationship with a French citizen does not grant the same rights as marriage when applying for a permit or residency. Only formal marriages are recognized for applications in these cases.
2. Family Members of EU Citizens
If you are married to a citizen from another EU country, you might be surprised to learn that the permit process can be more flexible. Here’s what to expect:
a. Permit Exemptions for Certain Nationalities
If you come from a permit-exempt country, you can enter France freely and stay for up to three months without needing a permit. During this period, you must apply for a Titre de Séjour (residency permit) to stay longer than 90 days.
b. Requirements for Non-Exempt Nationalities
If your nationality requires a specific permit, you will need to apply for a short-stay permit before entering France. After arriving, you have three months to apply for a Titre de Séjour.
c. PACS and Concubinage: More Flexibility
Unlike French national laws, EU regulations can recognize PACS and concubinage relationships for certain family reunification rights. This makes the process more flexible for family members of EU citizens compared to those of French citizens.
3. Why the EU Offers More Flexibility for Family Members
It may seem surprising that family members of EU citizens have more flexibility than French citizens, but this is due to the Schengen Agreement and EU-wide regulations. The goal of these laws is to simplify free movement within the EU and harmonize family reunification procedures. As a result, spouses of EU citizens often face fewer bureaucratic hurdles than those married to French nationals.
Navigating French and EU Family Permits
Understanding the differences between French and EU family permits is crucial for a smooth transition to life in France. While being married to a French citizen involves more formalities and structured procedures, being married to an EU citizen can offer more flexibility, particularly regarding permit exemptions and recognition of PACS and concubinage.
By knowing which process applies to your specific situation, you can better prepare and navigate the complex permit landscape in France. If you are unsure which category you fall into, consulting our legal experts can help clarify the best path forward.
