France’s Visitor Visa: A Faster Option for Family Members of Local Hire (Salarié) Employees

Relocating to France for employment under the salarié immigration status presents an exciting opportunity, but can create challenges for families wishing to move together.

Unlike other visa options, family members of local hire (salarié) employees cannot be included in the immigration process and obtain a dependent visa.

For family members who cannot benefit from an accompanying family procedure, the long-stay Visitor visa offers a faster and more immediate solution. This blog outlines the key aspects of Visitor visa and points to consider before applying.

What are the challenges for families of salarié employees?

Foreign employees holding a salarié long-stay visa in France are not eligible to sponsor family members immediately. A family reunification (regroupement familial) application must be filed after a minimum period of residence, within one year or 18 months (depending on nationality) after the employee’s date of arrival in France. Family reunification applies only to minor children and spouses, further limiting options for other family members. Moreover, it is a lengthy process (approximately 12 to 18 months from date of filing).

What is France’s Visitor visa?

France’s Visitor visa (Visa de Long Séjour Visiteur) is designed for individuals who wish to stay in France for private reasons for more than three months without engaging in any professional activity during their stay. It is open to all applicants, including the family members of salarié visa holders.

What are the benefits of applying for a Visitor visa?

• • • Flexibility: The Visitor Visa does not require proof of employment or business activity.
    • Pathway to Long-Term Residency: Over time, holders may become eligible for a 10-year card or French citizenship, provided all requirements are met. However, fulfilling eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval; it remains at the French administration’s discretion.

What are the key points to consider before applying?

• • • No Local Employment: The applicant cannot engage in any form of paid work in France.
    • Financial Independence: The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial resources, at least equivalent to the French minimum wage per month, to cover the duration of their stay.
    • Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance is mandatory, providing coverage for the duration of your stay in France. This must include medical expenses, repatriation, and hospitalization.
    • The Visitor visa status is solely approved at the discretion of the French Consulate.

Application timeline and next steps

Families of salarié visa holders often select the Visitor visa as it allows them to come to France at the same time as the employee. If the application is accepted by the French consulate, the visa is typically issued within two to three weeks.

Upon arrival in France, the Visitor visa holder must validate the visa online and attend a medical examination with the French Immigration Office (OFII). The visa validation step confirms the right to live in France, and it must be done within three months of entry into France. Post-arrival steps do not apply to children under the age of 18.

How Fragomen can help

Securing employment in France while being unable to bring family members can be both frustrating and disheartening. Moreover, as the issuance of the Visitor Visa is at the discretion of the French consulate and the process can be complex.

Fragomen provides end-to-end assistance, from eligibility assessments to document preparation and submission, making the process as smooth and efficient as possible. By ensuring the applications are accurate and complete, Fragomen’s team of experienced immigration consultants and jurists help families avoid costly mistakes and delays and provide peace of mind during what can otherwise be a challenging transition.

Need to know more?

For further information or questions, please contact Elsa Guillais at [email protected] or Clemence Theron at [email protected].

This blog was published on 6 May 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.