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Education in France
Children in France have a right to school, and adults can usually access language or integration courses. Contact the municipality early once you have an address.
Schools and language support in France
Validate your long-stay visa (VLS-TS): Within 3 months of arrival, validate online — otherwise you become irregular. Pay the OFII tax online — Use the official site administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr. Cost: 200 € (most categories). Wait for OFII summons — You'll be called for a medical visit + welcome interview. Bring passport, address proof, photo. Sign the CIR — Contrat d'Intégration Républicaine commits you to civic training (4 days) and French classes if your level is below A1. Free French classes: Through the CIR, 100 to 600 hours are paid for. Plus city associations offer extra. Take the OFII test — Decides your hours. A1 → 100 h; below → up to 600 h. Associations — Search '[city] cours français FLE association' — many municipalities and Secours Catholique offer free conversation groups. Your rights: You're protected by French and EU anti-discrimination law from day one. Discrimination — Défenseur des droits — free, 09 69 39 00 00, defenseurdesdroits.fr. Violence — 3919 (women) / 119 (children) / 116 006 (victims of any crime) — all free and confidential. Legal aid — Aide juridictionnelle covers a lawyer if your income is below thresholds. Ask at any tribunal or Maison de Justice.
Enrolling children
Bring passports or ID, birth certificates, previous school documents, vaccination records if available, and proof of address. If documents are missing, still contact the school or municipality — children should not wait at home.
Adult language and integration courses
Learning French makes appointments, work and school contact much easier. Ask integration offices, adult education centres, municipalities and NGOs about free or subsidised courses.
Education-related offices
OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration): Visa validation, integration contract (CIR). Phone: 01 55 35 60 00. OFII language training providers: Free 100–600 h French courses.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child start school before all documents are ready in France?
Yes, schools and municipalities should help children enter education even while paperwork is being completed.
Which office should I contact first in France?
Start with OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration). For broader newcomer help, also check OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration), Préfecture, OFPRA.
What language will offices use in France?
The main administrative language is French. Larger offices often offer English or interpreters, but bring translated documents when possible.
Do my children need documents to enrol in school?
Schools must enrol every child. If documents are missing, the municipality helps to sort it out — do not delay.
Can I study for free?
Public universities are free or low-cost for EU citizens and often for other residents after a qualifying period.