Your foreign employee is arriving in France: what about their spouse?

Depending on the employee’s situation and the spouse’s status, the rules governing residency and the right to work may vary. It is therefore helpful to address these issues early on, as you begin planning the assignment.

The “Talent – Family” program: quick and easy

The spouse of a “Talent” permit holder benefits from a simplified procedure, which can be initiated at the same time as the employee’s application. A single application thus allows the family to settle in France: the spouse receives a “Talent – Family” residence permit, which allows them to live and work in France without needing an additional work permit.

Family Members of European Citizens: A Special Regime

Family members of a European citizen who are themselves nationals of a third country benefit from a specific regime for settling in France. Provided they meet the applicable conditions, they may apply for a “family member of a Union citizen” residence permit, allowing them to reside and work in France.

Important note: Processing times for these applications can be particularly long. It is therefore important to plan for a period during which the spouse may not yet be able to work in France.

Please note: New developments for inactive European citizens

There have been changes to social security coverage for inactive European citizens, particularly European spouses who are not employed.

Applications continue to be submitted via the dedicated Health Insurance platform.

Once the application has been processed, coverage is now granted for a period of one year.

Non-working European insured individuals must then submit a renewal application on this same platform starting two months before their coverage expires, in order to confirm that their situation has not changed.

Platform for Non-Working European Citizens

Key Points:

  • A spouse’s status depends on their own situation and that of the employed partner.
  • The right to reside and the right to work are two separate issues.
  • For non-working EU nationals, social security benefits are now granted for one year.
  • Renewal must be requested within the two months preceding the expiration of benefits.

Our advice: Include these steps in your mobility plan from the outset to avoid any interruption in benefits or difficulties when settling in France.

Our immigration experts are available to answer all your questions. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.