Travel Documents for Foreign Minors in France (DCEM)
Document de circulation pour étranger mineur
Update: 06, June, 2026
Update: 06, June, 2026
Travel Documents for Foreign Minors in France (DCEM)
Document de circulation pour étranger mineur
Update: 06, June, 2026
Update: 06, June, 2026
Minors residing in France are not required to have a residence permit, and French law does not provide for the issuance of a residence card (carte de séjour) to minors.
However, if a minor needs to travel outside of France and the Schengen area, their legal guardians can request a special document called the DCEM (document de circulation pour étranger mineur). This document enables minors to cross French borders and the external borders of other Schengen states without needing a visa.
The DCEM request must be made by one of the parents (or the legal guardian) who holds a valid residence permit in France.
Parents who are citizens of another European Union country and have been residing in France for more than three months are not required to hold a residence permit, and minor children who are EU citizens are not required to have a DCEM.
The DCEM is issued for a period of one to five years, depending on the status and validity of the residence card (carte de séjour) of the parents or legal guardians residing in France.
At the border, the DCEM must be presented alongside the minor’s passport during passport control.
However, if a minor needs to travel outside of France and the Schengen area, their legal guardians can request a special document called the DCEM (document de circulation pour étranger mineur). This document enables minors to cross French borders and the external borders of other Schengen states without needing a visa.
The DCEM request must be made by one of the parents (or the legal guardian) who holds a valid residence permit in France.
Parents who are citizens of another European Union country and have been residing in France for more than three months are not required to hold a residence permit, and minor children who are EU citizens are not required to have a DCEM.
The DCEM is issued for a period of one to five years, depending on the status and validity of the residence card (carte de séjour) of the parents or legal guardians residing in France.
At the border, the DCEM must be presented alongside the minor’s passport during passport control.
How We Work?
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Your enquiry and initial assessment
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Agreement and payment for our services
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A detailed list of required documents, with guidance on collecting them
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Document collection and preparation
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Submission of the DCEM application
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Support until you receive the DCEM
What are our fees?
Our fee for full support in obtaining the DCEM is 600 EUR (VAT included) for standard requests, or 900 EUR (VAT included) for urgent ones.
Tell us about your situation using our enquiry form, and we’ll confirm the scope, the fee and the next steps within 24 hours. There’s no charge to enquire.
Tell us about your situation using our enquiry form, and we’ll confirm the scope, the fee and the next steps within 24 hours. There’s no charge to enquire.
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© 2004-2026 Zlokazov and Company
Lyon: Gare des Brotteaux, 15, place Jules Ferry, 69006 Lyon FR
© 2004-2026 Zlokazov and Company
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The transmission or receipt of information through this website, in part or in whole, or communication with ZLOKAZOV AND COMPANY (SAS) via the Internet or email does not establish an attorney-client relationship between you and us. You should not send any confidential information to us in response to this website. Such submissions will not create an attorney-client relationship, and any information disclosed will not be treated as privileged or confidential unless we have agreed to represent you as legal counsel, and a written engagement agreement has been signed with ZLOKAZOV AND COMPANY (SAS)
The materials provided on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. The content and interpretation of laws discussed herein are subject to change. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this website to the fullest extent permitted by law. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of the information on this website without seeking professional legal counsel.
Social Media Channels Disclaimer
The media content posted on our social media channels and/or website is intended to provide a general overview and discussion of the topics addressed. It does not establish an attorney-client relationship and should not be relied upon as a substitute for seeking legal advice regarding your specific situation.
ZLOKAZOV AND COMPANY (SAS) assumes no responsibility for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in these publications. All videos, podcasts, and other media produced and published by ZLOKAZOV AND COMPANY (SAS) are copyrighted and all rights are reserved.