Visa to France for EU and Chinese couple

[laodan100]

I am a British citizen and my wife is a Chinese national. We are planning to visit France together for a short stay.

It seems we can either apply for a Schengen visa (involving more paperwork and proof of tickets etc) for my wife or a Spouse of an EU citizen visa. With the latter is seems our marriage certificate needs to have been translated and certified by the Chinese foreign office or the Chinese Embassy here in the UK. It has been certified by the FCO here but the Chinese Embassy here wouldn't touch it as it's already from China.

Does this mean our only option is to go for a Schengen visa or go to China to get our marriage certificate certified first?

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

You live in the UK? What residence status does your wife have?

Why do you think you need to have the marriage certificate certified by China?

[laodan100]

My wife has a ILR visa and we live in the UK. The French embassy website states:

"If your Marriage Certificate has been issued outside the European Union, it must be stamped by the Foreign Office of the issuing country, or its Embassy in the UK."

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

If the embassy in London will not do it, then just tell the French that. And submit the FCO certified copy as well. Explain very clearly that you understand that the visa should be issued as soon as possible and on the basis of an accelerated process.

In the end, you are married and your wife enjoys the same freedom of movement as you do except that they can require a visa for her. But they must issue it based on your relationship alone.

You should read through the guide to what Directive 2004/38/EC provides for you at http://eumovement.wordpress.com/directive-200438ec/

If you have any troubles, contact http://eumovement.wordpress.com/help-eu-solvit/

[laodan100]

Thank you for your help. I may quote the Chinese Embassy website to them which says "Chinese Embassies or Consulates do not notarize or authenticate documents executed in China".