Since 1976, the family reunification procedure has allowed immigrants from countries outside the European Union to bring their spouses and children to France legally. Fifty years after its introduction, the scheme no longer plays as significant a role in migration patterns as it once did. In this new issue of Population & Societies, Julia Descamps (INED) shows that this historically important route of entry accounted for just 5% of the first residence permits issued in 2023. While the program remains a right for the families of foreigners, it now operates within a more limited framework among newer routes of entry to France. The study highlights changes in applicant profiles, family structures, and eligibility criteria, thereby shedding light on contemporary trends in family immigration.
A steady decline in family reunification
The family reunification program, established in 1976 to allow foreign nationals legally residing in France to bring their spouses and children to the country, plays a less significant role today than it did when it was first introduced. Between 2000 and 2023, the annual number of permits issued through the scheme averaged around 11,000 per year, compared with 20,000 to 32,000 in the late 1980s. In 2023, it accounted for only 5% of initial residence permits valid for at least one year, compared to 11% in 2000. At the same time, family-based immigration is declining on the whole: it accounted for 31% of initial residence permits in 2023.
A decline linked to more permit types
The decline in family reunification can be attributed primarily to changes in its legal framework and in migration policies. Eligibility requirements such as financial resources, housing, length of stay, and proficiency in French have become more stringent, thus reducing the number of potential beneficiaries. At the same time, new routes of entry have been developed: permits issued to individuals claiming family ties with foreign nationals, regularizations on family grounds, and the “talent passport”, for highly skilled workers such as engineers, researchers, executives, etc. The increase in permits issued for other economic, humanitarian, and study-related reasons has also contributed to reducing the relative share of family reunification permits among all residence permits.
Changes in the profiles of applicants
Changes in migration patterns also explain the decline. In 2000, one third of people applying to bring their families to France had already formed a family before migrating. One third had arrived as minors, and one third as single, childless adults. By 2023, this last configuration had become the principal one, representing 60% of applicants, and this profile reflects the evolution of international migration. Migrants are now younger, more often students upon arrival, with family patterns marked by a decline in and delay of marriage. The system, originally designed for families already formed before migration, thus appears less suited to current realities.
A process marked by inequalities
Family reunification is a demanding process, both administratively and financially. In 2023, the average processing time reached ten months, though the statutory processing time is six months, and it exceeded one year in the Île-de-France region. Furthermore, 18% of applications were rejected. Income and housing requirements, which are particularly critical in areas where the housing market is tight, are the main obstacles, and account for the majority of rejections.
A migration pathway heavily influenced by gender
In 2023, 81% of applicants were men: the most common scenario involved a man already living in France bringing his wife to join him, with or without children.
A high concentration of geographic origins
In 2023, more than half of applicants came from the Maghreb region, and 28% from sub-Saharan Africa. Applicants from Europe are among the least represented, given that there is free movement within the European Union.
Key figures on family reunification:
- 12,885 residency permits were issued on grounds of family reunification in 2023
- 5% of initial permits in 2023 were issued for family reunification, compared with 11% in 2000, and family reunification represented 16% of all initial permits issued on family grounds
- 60% of applicants in 2023 were single and childless upon their arrival in France
- 81% of applicants in 2023 were men
- 82% of applications in 2023 were accepted; 18% were refused
- Average processing time in 2023 was 10 months, but over 12 months in the Île-de-France (Paris) region
- 51% of applicants in 2023 were from the Maghreb region and 28% were from sub-Saharan Africa
