Long-Stay Visa to Host Moroccan Parents in Europe: 2026 Guide

Yes, but conditions vary by European country. In France, a long-stay visa for parents of French nationals (or permanent residents) exists but is subject to strict income and housing conditions. Most European countries do not have a specific "ascending family reunification" pathway unless parents are fully dependent and the applicant has very high income. The Schengen short-stay visa (90 days/180 days) remains the most accessible route for temporary stays.

In France, ascending family reunification (parents) is provided for by law but difficult to obtain. The applicant (child residing in France) must: be French or hold a long-term residence permit, have income above the minimum wage (approximately 1,800 €/month net for 2 parents), have housing of sufficient size, and prove that the parents are exclusively dependent on them (no other children able to house them in their country). The procedure goes through the OFII and can take 12 to 24 months.

No. The Schengen tourist visa authorizes a maximum stay of 90 days over any 180-day period, in all Schengen area countries. It cannot be extended from within the Schengen area except for exceptional reasons (hospitalization, force majeure). Returning to Morocco after 90 days and coming back after the waiting period (90 days) is legally possible but may result in visa refusals if the consulate detects abusive use of the tourist visa.

The long-stay visa (VLS-TS in France) is granted for periods of 4 months to 1 year. For parents, the "Visitor" category (formerly "Family visit") is most appropriate: the applicant proves they have family ties in France and sufficient means of subsistence without working. The application is made at the French consulate in Rabat or Casablanca. Supporting documents include: official invitation from the resident child, accommodation certificate, proof of income, international medical insurance covering 30,000 euros.

No, not through European public health systems (French Social Security, etc.) except in cases of life-threatening emergency. Parents on visit must absolutely take out international travel medical insurance covering a minimum of 30,000 euros in medical expenses to obtain their Schengen visa, and ideally much more to be genuinely covered in case of hospitalization. The resident child cannot cover them through their own French health insurance.

French consulates in Rabat and Casablanca recommend filing the application 3 months before the desired travel date. Processing times are generally 2 to 8 weeks. During summer (May-August), processing times increase considerably. It is advisable to book an appointment on the TLScontact website as soon as the travel date is known. Visa renewal applications or parents who have already obtained several visas generally have shorter processing times.

The resident child must provide: a signed official invitation letter (available on service-public.fr for France or equivalent depending on the country), a recent proof of address (electricity bill, rent receipt), a copy of their residence permit or passport, the last 3 pay slips or proof of income, and ideally an employer's certificate. Some consulates also ask for a copy of the child's birth certificate proving the parent-child relationship.