Childcare in Paris: crèches, childminders and the CMG

Documents you need

• Family record book (livret de famille) or equivalent proof of parentage

  optional

• Child's full birth certificate (after the birth)

  required

• Identity documents of the parents

  required

• Proof of address in the arrondissement

  required

• Latest CAF benefit statement or tax notice

  Used to calculate crèche fees

  required

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Understand the main options

   • Municipal crèche (crèche municipale, multi-accueil): run by the City, allocated by the town hall, with fees based on income.
   • Associative, parental or company crèches: run by associations, parents or private companies, often with places reserved by employers; many apply the same income-based scale.
   • Micro-crèche: small structures, often private, with prices set by the operator.
   • Registered childminder (assistante maternelle agréée): looks after a few children in her own home or in a shared childminders' house (maison d'assistantes maternelles, MAM). You are her employer.
   • Nanny at home (garde à domicile), alone or shared with another family: the most flexible and usually the most expensive option.
   • Occasional care (halte-garderie, jardin d'enfants): part-time places for a few half-days a week.
2. 2

   Step 2: Apply for a municipal crèche at your town hall

   You can apply from the sixth month of pregnancy (or from the adoption decision) and must confirm the request after the birth. Apply online on the City's Paris Familles portal, uploading the required documents and booking a confirmation appointment, or in person at the family service of your arrondissement town hall by appointment. You must live in the arrondissement and exercise parental authority.

   Places are allocated by the arrondissement mayor after a commission of elected officials and early-childhood professionals, according to places available and criteria such as the child's needs, the parents' work, social diversity and inclusion. You are notified by the town hall and on Paris Familles. If you are offered a place, you have ten working days to make an appointment with the crèche director, or the place is lost.

3. 3

   Step 3: Understand crèche fees

   Most crèches funded by the CAF apply the national fee scale (barème CNAF): an hourly rate equal to a percentage of your monthly income, which decreases with the number of children, with a minimum and a maximum. Income from two years earlier is used. If you receive CAF benefits, you give your CAF number; otherwise, your tax notice. Use the crèche cost simulator on monenfant.fr to estimate the price.

4. 4

   Step 4: Search for a childminder or nanny in parallel

   On monenfant.fr, search for registered childminders, MAMs, crèches and the early-childhood information centres (relais petite enfance, RPE) near you. The RPE gives free information on childminders' availability and on your role as an employer. Meet several childminders, ask about hours, holidays, meals and the adaptation period, and check that she holds a valid registration (agrément).

5. 5

   Step 5: Employ the childminder and claim the CMG

   You sign a written employment contract, declare the salary every month through the Pajemploi service and apply to the CAF for the childcare supplement (complément de libre choix du mode de garde, CMG). Since September 2025, the CMG is calculated more precisely from your monthly income, number of children, the hourly cost of care and the number of hours, and it covers 100% of social contributions for a registered childminder and 50% for home care, within limits. It is available for children under 6, and up to age 12 for single parents. At least one parent must work, study or be in certain situations. Use the CMG simulator on monenfant.fr.

6. 6

   Step 6: Claim the tax credit

   For care outside the home (crèche, childminder) of a child under 6 on 1 January of the tax year, you can claim a tax credit of 50% of costs up to €3,500 per child per year (a credit of up to €1,750), after deducting the CMG and any employer help. For a nanny employed at home, different tax rules for home employment apply; check them before you declare. Declare the costs in your annual income tax return.

Paying for childcare as a newcomer

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Waiting until the child is born to start the crèche application, when you could apply from the sixth month of pregnancy.
• Forgetting to confirm the crèche request after the birth, which can cancel the application.
• Missing the ten-working-day deadline to contact the crèche after a place is offered.
• Not declaring the childminder's salary on Pajemploi, which blocks the CMG.

Tips

• Ask the arrondissement's family service when the commission meets and how to update your request if your situation changes.
• Visit the relais petite enfance early; childminders with good reputations are often booked months ahead.
• Keep a folder with the birth certificate, CAF statements and tax notices; every option asks for them.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Official links

In your plan

• Apply for a crèche place and look for a childminderAdd to plan
• Enrol your children in schoolAdd to plan
• File your French income tax return each springAdd to plan
• Plan school and childcare for your childrenAdd to plan
• Apply to the CAF for family benefitsAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 5 Apr 2027.