Family reunification in France from Cameroon
France · About 95 weeks with us, as an indication: it depends on your file and on the authorities.
Family reunification lets a foreign national living legally in France bring their spouse and minor children. The application is not made in Cameroon: the person living in France files it with the OFII.
The town hall checks income and housing, then the prefect decides. If approved, the family applies for its visa in Cameroon, through TLScontact.
We work on both sides: with the person in France on the file, and with the family in Douala or Yaoundé on civil records and the visa.
Who is it for?
- Spouse aged 18 or over, legally married to the person living in France.
- Minor children of the couple, or of one partner in the cases set by law.
- Sponsor in France holding a residence permit of at least one year, after 18 months of legal residence (general case).
The main conditions
- The sponsor has lived legally in France for at least 18 months, with a residence permit of at least one year (general case).
- Stable and sufficient income, assessed against the French minimum wage and family size; some benefits do not count.
- Housing considered normal for a comparable family in the same region, with a minimum surface set by zone.
- Civil records proving the marriage and parentage, translated where needed.
- No second spouse if a first one already lives in France with the sponsor.
- The fees set by the authorities (see the official page).
How long does it take?
The prefect must notify the decision within six months of the complete file, and silence means refusal; the family then enters France within three months of the visa being issued (service-public.gouv.fr).
The steps
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Eligibility check
Documents to prepare
- Sponsor's residence permit
- Proof of family relationship
-
Income requirements
Documents to prepare
- Tax notices
- Payslips
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Proof of accommodation
Documents to prepare
- Lease or title deed
- Utility bills
-
Filing with the OFII
Documents to prepare
- Form CERFA 11436
-
OFII review
-
Prefecture decision
Documents to prepare
- Decision notice
-
Visa application
Documents to prepare
- Civil status records
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Entry into France
-
Residence permit application
Documents to prepare
- Passport photos
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Residence permit issued
Documents to prepare
- Residence permit
Fees are discussed at the appointment, depending on your situation.
What we check with you
- We check Cameroonian civil records: a name, date or spelling that differs between documents can block the file.
- Income is examined over the twelve months before the application: irregular income needs planning.
- The town hall may visit the housing: it must meet the standards when it is examined.
- A refusal must give reasons and can be appealed: we go through the decision with you.
Book an appointment for this visa All visas for France
Frequently asked questions
Who files the family reunification application?
The person living in France. They send the file to the OFII, online or by registered post, choosing only one of the two. The family in Cameroon steps in after approval, for the visa.
What income is required?
Stable and sufficient income, assessed against the French minimum wage and the number of people. Family benefits and RSA do not count. The exact threshold is on service-public.gouv.fr.
How long does it take?
The town hall gives its opinion within two months. The prefect must notify the decision within six months of the complete file. Without an answer in that time, the application is deemed refused.
Can my parents come through family reunification?
No. Family reunification covers the spouse and minor children. Parents and grandparents may, depending on their situation, apply for another type of visa.
What does the family in Cameroon do after approval?
The spouse applies for a long-stay visa serving as a residence permit, the children for a visa marked family reunification. The file goes through France-Visas then TLScontact. The family enters France within three months of the visa, then attends the OFII medical check.
My spouse is French: is this family reunification?
No. The spouse of a French national follows another procedure: the long-stay visa for spouses of French nationals, requested directly from the consulate via France-Visas. We point you to the right one.