French residency cards: what rules for financially dependent spouses?

Reader question: What are the rules when applying for a French residency card if you are financially dependent on your spouse?

All adult non-EU foreigners in France need their own visa when they come to France as well as their own residency card to prolong their right to stay in the country long-term.

When applying for the visa to come, even if you are dependent on another person, such as your spouse, you should each make a separate application when applying to move to France long-term. Where you are coming as a couple you should indicate this when applying so the applications can be linked.

The same applies once you are living in France when you are applying for a residency card so that the prefecture can offer visits at the same time if you need to take any paperwork in or to collect your cards.

With regard to proof of income for a card application, if you rely on your spouse/partner, then you will need to include bank statements and other proofs of income in their name as well as proof of the relationship, such as a marriage/civil partnership certificate.

For proof of domicile you can supply, for example, utility bills in your partner’s name. A signed, dated, statement from your partner that you live with them at the address should also be supplied, called une attestation d’hébergement.

In France, official documents such as marriage certificates usually have to be translated by a sworn translator if they are not in French. See here for how to find one.

Related articles

Must we carry carte de séjour at all times in France?

Lost Brexit residency card in France: how do I replace it?

Can we renew a carte de séjour online in France?