Relocating to France for employment under the salarié immigration status is an exciting opportunity, but it often presents challenges for family members wishing to relocate at the same time. Unlike some other immigration routes, salarié employees cannot immediately sponsor dependants.
For families in this situation, France’s Visitor visa (Visa de Long Séjour Visiteur) offers a faster and more practical solution, allowing eligible relatives to join the employee without waiting for the lengthy family reunification process.
Foreign nationals working in France on a salarié long-stay visa are not able to sponsor family members straight away. Instead, a family reunification (regroupement familial) application must be filed:
This means families often face prolonged separation or the need to explore alternative visa routes.
The Visitor visa is designed for individuals who wish to stay in France for private reasons longer than three months, without engaging in employment or professional activity.
Family members of salarié visa holders may apply for this visa, which enables them to relocate to France more quickly than through the family reunification route.
Applicants should be mindful of several important conditions:
Upon entry into France, Visitor visa holders must complete the following steps:
For families of salarié employees, the Visitor visa provides a valuable solution to avoid lengthy separation and to relocate together to France. While it comes with restrictions—particularly the inability to work—it allows spouses, children, and in some cases other relatives to live in France sooner, offering stability while waiting for longer-term options such as family reunification or permanent residency.
For families in this situation, France’s Visitor visa (Visa de Long Séjour Visiteur) offers a faster and more practical solution, allowing eligible relatives to join the employee without waiting for the lengthy family reunification process.
The Challenge for Families of Salarié Employees
Foreign nationals working in France on a salarié long-stay visa are not able to sponsor family members straight away. Instead, a family reunification (regroupement familial) application must be filed:
- Only spouses and minor children are eligible.
- Applications can be submitted only after 12 to 18 months of residence, depending on nationality.
- Processing times are long, often taking 12 to 18 months from filing.
This means families often face prolonged separation or the need to explore alternative visa routes.
What Is France’s Visitor Visa?
The Visitor visa is designed for individuals who wish to stay in France for private reasons longer than three months, without engaging in employment or professional activity.
Family members of salarié visa holders may apply for this visa, which enables them to relocate to France more quickly than through the family reunification route.
Benefits of the Visitor Visa
- Faster process: Applications are typically decided within two to three weeks at French consulates.
- Flexibility: No requirement for employment or business activity.
- Future options: Over time, holders may become eligible to transition to a 10-year residence card or apply for French nationality, provided they meet the relevant criteria.
Key Considerations Before Applying
Applicants should be mindful of several important conditions:
- No local employment: The Visitor visa does not permit any paid work in France.
- Financial resources: Applicants must show sufficient means, usually at least equal to the French minimum wage per month, to cover living expenses.
- Health insurance: Comprehensive coverage (including medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation) is mandatory for the full duration of stay.
- Consular discretion: Final approval lies with the French consulate, and supporting documentation is crucial.
Post-Arrival Requirements
Upon entry into France, Visitor visa holders must complete the following steps:
- Online visa validation – must be done within three months of arrival.
- Medical examination with OFII – required for adults to confirm residence rights.
- Note: Children under 18 are exempt from these post-arrival procedures.
Key Takeaway
For families of salarié employees, the Visitor visa provides a valuable solution to avoid lengthy separation and to relocate together to France. While it comes with restrictions—particularly the inability to work—it allows spouses, children, and in some cases other relatives to live in France sooner, offering stability while waiting for longer-term options such as family reunification or permanent residency.
I’ve seen so many spouses stuck abroad for months waiting for regroupement familial approval. The Visitor visa gives families a chance to stay together while sorting out the long-term paperwork — a big emotional relief.
