Reasons to Move to France With Family

Moving to France with your family can be an attractive opportunity. The country offers a rich cultural heritage, world-class education, and excellent healthcare. The relocation process has also been facilitated recently, making it easier for families to shift to a new life in France.

Is France a Good Place to Raise a Family?

Yes, France is a great place to raise a family. When successfully relocating and adjusting, you and your family will have access to the very best one must expect from life. The French education system is highly regarded, providing numerous activities and opportunities for your kids from childhood to adulthood. Safety and a high standard of living are additional factors that make France an ideal place for families. The sooner, the better. If your kids are young, the chances they’ll pick the pace of learning the French language quickly are tremendously high. It should be no challenge for them. A few good tips: focus on long-term issues. Being cautious is suitable for your and your family’s safety, but when we look at problems on a grand scale instead of solving what we can already reach, the chances you won’t feel like going further will increase. And if your budget allows you to travel abroad to the place you dream of living, do it as much as possible before moving for good. This will give you a great idea of what it is like, the environment, culture, receptiveness, food and many other factors that might influence your decision.

Do the French Value Family and What’s French Parenting Like?

Culturally, the French family matters are highly valued. Family-oriented policies and a robust support system are evident throughout the country. Public services, including healthcare and education, are designed to support families, making France an appealing destination for those looking to improve their quality of life. The bonds created between parents, kids, and close relatives are well respected. A point to highlight is the level of authority parents place in the household, giving hints of a stricter style, leaving no doubt about who is actually in charge. This can be viewed with a few side eyes by some but is encouraged among the French community as parents also focus on transmitting confidence to their children, helping them have autonomy and the capability to solve their problems as adults.

The French Food Style

The French live to eat, not the other way around. Their cuisine is renowned worldwide, with many healthy and appealing options for all ages. As children go through phases of being pickier about some types of food, this will hardly be a problem there. French diets typically include fresh produce, making it easy to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet for your family. A typical French family will always have some type of cheese at home. Their breakfast can go from cornflakes and milk to a simple cup of coffee accompanied by bread with butter and jam. Lunch and dinner can be simplified by grilled meat or fish with raw or boiled vegetables, but it also depends on the occasion and the weather. Cold days could ask for a stew or soup; on special occasions, gratin dishes with cheese on top are often a way to go. 

Is the French Healthcare System Good?

Often considered one of the best in the world, French healthcare gives access to quality care to locals and newcomers. This is a significant advantage for families moving to France. Comprehensive health insurance and accessible medical services ensure that getting help whenever needed is certain. A piece of advice: Maintain all your family’s documents well organised, as you will need to legalise your stay there. Summarising, you must obtain a residence permit (titre de séjour). Once you have this, register with the local health insurance office (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie – CPAM) in your area. You’ll need proof of residence, identification, income, and marriage and birth certificates for your family members. After registration, you’ll receive a social security number and can apply for a Carte Vitale, the health insurance card that allows access to public healthcare services. It’s also advisable to have private health insurance during the initial period while your public healthcare application is processed. 

To obtain help or information about applying for healthcare in France as a foreigner, you should contact the following:

• Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM): Visit the local CPAM office for detailed information and assistance on registration and documentation requirements.
• Prefecture: Contact the local prefecture for guidance on obtaining a residence permit (titre de séjour) necessary for healthcare registration.
• French Consulate or Embassy: Contact the French consulate or embassy in your home country for pre-departure information and assistance with the visa process. If you are in the UK, you can find them at the French Embassy in London.
• Assurance Maladie Helpline: Call the Assurance Maladie helpline for specific health insurance queries. You can find more info at l’Assurance Maladi.
• Expatriate Support Services: Seek advice from expatriate support services or associations in France that assist foreigners, such as the “Maison des Français de l’Étranger” (MFE).
• Immigration Lawyers or Consultants: Consider consulting with an immigration lawyer or expert who can provide personalised guidance.

Families Moving to France From Non-EU Countries

Families moving from non-EU countries to France must navigate specific rules, including obtaining appropriate visas, such as long-stay or family reunion visas. It’s crucial to consult the French consulate or embassy in your home country for the latest visa requirements and procedures. Additionally, researching the French government’s official immigration website and seeking advice from relocation experts can provide valuable guidance. Understanding documentation, healthcare, education enrolment, and housing regulations will ensure a more facilitated transition. Engaging with expat communities online can offer practical advice and personal experiences to help ease the process.

Visa Options to Move with Family to France

The visa options for families moving to France will depend on their circumstances. The long-stay visa, or “visa de long séjour,” is commonly used for stays longer than 90 days and includes categories such as the family reunion visa for joining a family member already residing in France. The Talent Passport is an option for skilled professionals, researchers, and business owners, allowing their families to accompany them. Student visas also enable family members to join the primary visa holder. Each visa type has specific requirements, such as proof of financial stability, health insurance, and accommodation. It’s essential to consult the French consulate or embassy and the official French immigration website for up-to-date information and detailed application procedures. To facilitate your relocation, it is crucial to understand the requirements and apply well in advance.

French Education System

The French education system for kids and teens is renowned for its high standards and comprehensive curriculum, providing a range of educational options to suit different needs. Public schools follow a national curriculum, offering free preschool to high school education, emphasising academics, critical thinking, and cultural enrichment. Private schools, including religious and secular institutions, offer alternative curricula and smaller classes, often at a cost. For expatriate families, international schools present an attractive option, delivering instruction in English and other languages while usually following the International Baccalaureate (IB) or other international curricula. These diverse schooling options ensure that every child can find a suitable educational environment that supports their academic and personal growth. One thing that needs attention is the disadvantage poorer regions face due to the lack of resources, leading to inequality and unfair competition years later when they face the job market. 

Government Aid for Parents Moving to France with Kids

The French government provides substantial support for parents moving to France with children, including family allowances to help with the cost of raising children, significant tax breaks for families, and financial assistance for childcare costs through programs like PAJE (Prestation d’Accueil du Jeune Enfant). Additionally, recent improvements in administrative procedures have expedited the documentation process, simplifying the steps for obtaining residency permits and accessing public services, thus facilitating a more efficient transition for families settling in France. Families moving to France can determine their eligibility for government aid by consulting the official French social security website (CAF – Caisse d’Allocations Familiales), which provides detailed information on the various benefits and eligibility criteria. Eligibility typically depends on factors such as residency status, family income, number of children, and specific needs related to childcare or education. Additionally, visiting local CAF offices or contacting relocation experts can provide personalised guidance. Ensuring all necessary documentation, such as residency permits and proof of income, is in order will also facilitate the application process for these aids.

Making Your Move to France With VanOne

Basically, your journey will probably start with a lot of research for the best location to live with kids, followed by the best schools and how easy it’ll be to access public transport, for example. But what about the costs of your house removal? This bit and all the customs clearance of your goods are out of your plate. Trust us to arrange all the details of your relocation to France. At VanOne International Movers, we offer a tailored service to ensure all your requests are answered. We count on a friendly user platform where you can generate and book your move within a few clicks. Contact us today if you prefer to talk with a specialist, and we’ll be glad to walk you through all the necessary steps.