The “dependent ascendant of a French national” visa (visa ascendant à charge de Français) allows the foreign parent or grandparent of a French citizen to settle in France with his or her child or grandchild. It can lead to a resident card. But the key condition, financial dependency, is examined strictly and is the main cause of refusals.
Conditions
- Family link: the applicant must be the father, mother or grandparent of a French national, proven by civil status records.
- Financial dependency: the applicant must be dependent on the French descendant, meaning that he or she cannot meet essential needs (housing, food, health care) without the descendant’s financial support.
- Residence abroad: the ascendant must live outside France when applying.
Proving financial dependency
This is the core of the file. The following documents are particularly useful:
- bank statements covering at least the last six to twelve months, showing regular transfers from the descendant to the ascendant;
- proof that the descendant directly pays specific expenses (rent, utilities, medical care, food);
- a detailed commitment of financial support signed by the descendant, specifying the frequency and amount of support;
- proof of the ascendant’s absence or insufficiency of income (tax or non-taxation certificates, pension certificates, sworn statement);
- proof of the descendant’s own resources, showing that he or she can actually support the parent.
Occasional transfers made just before the application are often considered insufficient. The administration looks for regular and long-standing support.
Documents
- passport and long-stay visa application form;
- birth certificates establishing the link with the French descendant;
- proof of the descendant’s French nationality and residence in France;
- proof of financial dependency (see above);
- proof of accommodation in France.
Documents in a foreign language must be translated by a sworn translator.
Procedure and processing times
The application is filed with the French consulate (or its service provider) in the ascendant’s country of residence. An interview may be requested. Processing usually takes several weeks, longer when additional checks are carried out.
Frequent grounds for refusal
- dependency considered not established (irregular or recent transfers, ascendant with own income or property);
- doubt about civil status documents;
- risk of misuse of the purpose of the visa.
In case of refusal
The refusal must be challenged within 30 days before the Commission de recours contre les refus de visa, then before the Administrative Court of Nantes. Before filing, it is often worth strengthening the evidence of dependency. See: Visa refusals in France: grounds, appeals and solutions.
For a visit of less than three months, a short-stay visa is the appropriate route, and refusals can also be challenged. See: Cancellation of a short-stay visa refusal for a parent of a French child.
Need help with your case?
FATOU BABOU AVOCAT assists individuals, families and companies with visas, family reunification, residence permits and appeals against refusals, before consulates, prefectures and courts.
- Bordeaux office: 11 rue Galin, 33100 Bordeaux, France – +33 9 85 40 18 64 – contact@legalfb-avocat.fr
- Dakar office: 14 rue Woro Fila, Fann Hock, Dakar, Senegal – +221 77 173 69 05 / +221 33 844 29 16 – contact@fbavocat-sn.com
- Book an appointment online
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules, amounts and deadlines change regularly: always have your own situation checked by a lawyer.