The termjustificatif de vie communerefers to proof of shared life a document or set of documents demonstrating that two people live together in a stable, continuous, and committed relationship in France. Although not equivalent to marriage or PACS (civil partnership), this proof is often required by authorities when non-married couples apply for residence permits, social benefits, or other civil rights. Understanding what a justificatif de vie commune is, when it is needed, and how to prepare it can help expats and couples navigate legal and administrative processes in France.
What Is a Justificatif de Vie Commune?
The justificatif de vie commune, sometimes called an attestation of cohabitation or community of life, is a declaration confirming that two partners live together under the same roof in a relationship of more than just occasional visits. It must show continuity, stability, and material as well as emotional sharing of life.
Legal and Administrative Context
Under French law (topic 5158 of the Civil Code), concubinage is a de facto union between two adults of the same or opposite sex, based on a stable and continuous life together contentReference[oaicite0]. While concubinage has limited legal status compared to marriage or PACS, certain public authorities and prefectures require proof of this status for residence-related applications or access to social benefits contentReference[oaicite1].
When Do You Need It?
A justificatif de vie commune is commonly required in the following situations
- Applying for a residence permit (carte de séjour) based on private or family life (vie privée et familiale), especially when married or in a PACS to a French national but needing to prove at least six months of life together in France contentReference[oaicite2].
- Registering for family-based benefits where authorities request proof of shared domicile or partnership status.
- Completing administrative steps where marriage or PACS documentation is not available, but proof of shared life is required by local authorities contentReference[oaicite3].
How to Provide a Justificatif de Vie Commune
There are generally two ways to provide proof
1. Certificate from the Town Hall
Some French municipalities issue a certificate of cohabitation or concubinage. Requirements vary by mairie but often include
- Valid identity documents for both partners
- Proof of shared address joint utilities, rental agreements, or bills in both names
- Sometimes, witness attestations from nonrelatives contentReference[oaicite4].
These certificates are often free, but town halls are not legally obligated to issue them contentReference[oaicite5].
2. Joint Declaration on Honor (Déclaration sur l’Honneur)
If no certificate is provided by the mairie, partners must write a sworn statement signed by both declaring their community of life (community de vie). They then supplement it with supporting documents showing cohabitation over time typically six months or more contentReference[oaicite6].
Required documents include
- Bail or rental contract in both names
- Housing insurance certificate (assurance habitation)
- Joint utility bills EDF, internet, or phone showing both names or same address contentReference[oaicite7]
- Joint bank statements or separate statements delivered to the same address
- Joint enrollment in a health insurance scheme (mutuelle or Assurance maladie) with both names or separate attestation for each partner contentReference[oaicite8]
- Joint tax filings or avis d’impôts if applicable
Preparing Your Evidence
When assembling your justificatif de vie commune, quality and consistency matter
- Include documents dated within the last six months
- Ensure both partner names appear on documents or that documents are separate but show same address
- If a document shows only one partner’s name, pair with another document in the other partner’s name at the same address
Authorities expect that all proofs clearly demonstrate a shared domicile and daily life, not occasional visits or temporary stays contentReference[oaicite9].
Specific Case Residence Permit for Spouse or PACSed Partner
If you are applying for a visa or residence permit based on private or family life, particularly as a spouse of a French citizen or PACSed partner, French immigration services require a justification of at least six months of communauty de vie in France contentReference[oaicite10].
You must submit
- A signed declaration of shared life
- Multiple proofs such as lease, bills, insurance, or joint registration documents
- Preferably dated and clearly covering the required time span
Practical Tips for Submission
- Bring both partners to the mairie or prefecture appointment if requested
- Prepare at least three types of supporting documents to strengthen credibility
- Use original documents or official copies as required
- Use a template for the declaration if none is provided, and sign in front of an official if required
Prefectures may offer guidance on acceptable document types always review their checklist carefully before submission.
Limitations and Legal Value
A justificatif de vie commune does not offer legal status equivalent to marriage or PACS. It does not convey rights such as inheritance, tax benefits, or spousal protections under French civil law. Rather, it enables administrative recognition for certain procedures or benefits, particularly in residence permit processing contentReference[oaicite11].
A justificatif de vie commune, whether a mairie-issued certificate or a sworn joint declaration backed with supporting documents, is an essential administrative proof of cohabitation in France. It is commonly required for residence permits and some benefit applications, especially for non-married couples. While less formal than marriage or PACS, it demonstrates continuity, stability, and shared domicile. By preparing dated documents in both names or showing separate utility/insurance statements at the same address, couples can effectively establish their shared life. Understanding and correctly submitting this proof helps ensure smoother interaction with French civil authorities and supports your procedural needs.