Moving to Paris is a dream for many, especially for those eager to experience the magical atmosphere of one of the world’s most iconic cities. For families making the move, Paris offers not only exceptional culture and architecture but also many challenges related to formalities, finding the right home, and ensuring a proper education for children. Fortunately, companies like Your Friend in Paris specialize in comprehensive relocation assistance, providing peace of mind and security during this important process.
Relocating to Paris with family – where to begin?
Deciding to move to Paris is an exciting step, but it comes with a series of logistical challenges. So, how to move to Paris? Choosing the right neighborhood, finding a home suited to your family’s needs, and planning your children’s education are key elements that can be difficult to organize on your own. To avoid stress, it’s worth enlisting the help of a company that offers personalized relocation services, making it easier for every newcomer to settle into the heart of France while also preparing an appropriate action plan.
If you plan to relocate with your family, it’s a good idea to start by finding a school for your children. This crucial step will not only help in choosing the right location for your new home but will also assist with the visa process. For younger children, it’s also worth considering other childcare options, such as nurseries or nannies.
The visa process is best started around 3 months before the planned move. There are many types of visas, and your choice will depend on whether you plan to work in Paris. If you plan to work, the “passport talent” or freelancer visa might be suitable, while those not planning to work can apply for a long-term visitor visa.
It’s important to remember that children under 18 usually receive visas tied to the main applicant. However, children aged 3–18 must be enrolled in school, which needs to be documented during the visa process.
Finding a suitable home in Paris can be challenging, especially if you have specific requirements related to location, size, and budget. It’s best to start searching around 4–6 weeks before your move to avoid paying rent on an empty apartment months before your arrival.
Your choice of neighborhood often depends on the location of your children’s school.

Health and insurance in Paris
Moving to Paris also means ensuring you and your family are covered for healthcare. France offers public health insurance, but you can only access it after receiving a “titre de séjour.” Therefore, it’s essential to have international health insurance before your move.
Arriving in Paris and settling in
After arriving in Paris, one of the most important tasks will be setting up your new home. Exploring your new neighborhood is a great way to acclimate quickly—find a local market, bakery, and café to help you feel more at home.
In terms of integrating into the local community, joining Facebook groups can help you connect with people in similar situations. You should also consider attending local events and gatherings to ease into the rhythm of life in Paris.
Moving to Paris can be a big challenge, but with a good plan and the right support, you can make the process much smoother and less stressful for the entire family.
Finding the perfect home in Paris
Finding the right house in Paris is one of the biggest challenges when moving to Paris. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy property, Your Friend in Paris offers comprehensive advice and support throughout the process. They cater to individual needs and situations, from luxury homes to atypical cases, and provide convenient remote services that make renting a property in Paris easier, even if you’re not physically present in the city.
Your Friend in Paris ensures a seamless experience from rental to purchase and even post-transaction assistance, guaranteeing comfort and security for every client. Their team of specialists analyzes the client’s needs and helps find a home that matches personal preferences such as size, location, and proximity to schools or parks. The company works with trusted real estate agents, offering access to the best properties, often before they are officially listed on the market.
Understanding the french education system: what parents should know
Relocating to France with children involves understanding the intricacies of its education system. French schools follow a unique 20-point grading scale, with 20 being ‘perfect.’ Scores between 17-20 are rare, and a score of 12-16 is often considered excellent. The education system culminates with the baccalaureate exams, necessary for university admission. Around 85% of students obtain the diploma, which grants them access to French universities, while elite institutions,grandes écoles, often require additional preparatory studies.
Public Schools in France
French public schools are free and open to all, but quality varies based on the socioeconomic status of the neighborhood. Class sizes are typically larger, and language assistance for non-French-speaking students is rare, which can make integration difficult for older children. School registration happens in the spring for the following academic year, and parents must provide documents like proof of birth, residence, and identification to enroll.
Private and International Schools
Private schools, attended by 22% of French children, come in two types:sous contract(government-funded) andhors contract(independent).Sous contractschools follow the public curriculum with additional support, whilehors contractschools have complete curricular freedom but are more expensive.
For expat families, international school Paris offer several curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), French Baccalaureate International, and American International Schools, which prepare students for different college entrance exams and pathways. IB schools, in particular, provide a globally recognized diploma, while American schools often offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses for students aiming to study in the U.S. school is a top priority. The French education system can be surprisingly complex, especially for those new to life in France. Your Friend in Paris offers comprehensive support in education, helping parents navigate the differences between public, private, and international schools.
Relocating to a new country, especially a large city like Paris, can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, particularly for families. By choosing Your Friend in Paris, you gain not only professional help with logistical issues but also support rooted in empathy and understanding of individual needs. Every client receives personalized solutions, making the relocation process smoother and more comfortable.