Quick Overview
When having a baby in France, you must declare the birth (déclaration de naissance) at the Mairie within 5 days to receive the acte de naissance (birth certificate) and Livret de famille (family record book). Unmarried fathers must complete reconnaissance (paternity recognition) before or after birth. Register the baby with Sécurité sociale (CPAM) and your mutuelle for health coverage, and declare to CAF for family benefits including PAJE (Prestation d'accueil du jeune enfant) with prime à la naissance (€1,000+ birth grant). France offers generous parental leave: 16 weeks congé maternité for mothers (26 weeks for 3rd+ child) and 28 days congé paternité (25+3), both paid at 100% salary by Sécurité sociale.
Key Facts
Birth registration deadline
5 days at Mairie to obtain acte de naissance
Maternity leave (congé maternité)
16 weeks (1st/2nd child), 26 weeks (3rd+ child), 100% paid
Paternity leave (congé paternité)
28 days total (3 birth + 25 paternity), 100% paid
Birth grant (prime à la naissance)
€1,000+ from CAF/PAJE (income-tested)
Government agencies
Mairie, CPAM (Sécurité sociale), CAF, PMI
Key benefits
PAJE, allocations familiales (from 2nd child), crèche subsidies
How It Works
Having a Baby in France
France offers comprehensive support for new parents, starting with birth registration at the Mairie within 5 days where you receive the acte de naissance and Livret de famille (official family record book). For unmarried couples, the father must complete reconnaissance (paternity acknowledgment) at the Mairie before or after birth to establish legal parentage. Within the first month, register your baby with CPAM (Sécurité sociale) for Carte Vitale health coverage and add them to your mutuelle (supplemental insurance). The CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) provides multiple benefits: declare the baby at caf.fr to receive PAJE benefits including prime à la naissance (€1,000+ birth grant, income-tested) and monthly allocation. Allocations familiales (family allowances) begin with the second child. France mandates generous parental leave: congé maternité provides 16 weeks for first/second children (6 before birth, 10 after) or 26 weeks for third+ children, paid at 100% salary (capped) by Sécurité sociale. Fathers receive 28 days congé paternité (3 days congé naissance + 25 days paternity leave within 6 months). Optional congé parental d'éducation allows unpaid leave up to 3 years with job protection, and you may receive PreParE from CAF. Early crèche registration is essential as spots are limited - register during pregnancy in many communes. Free PMI (Protection Maternelle et Infantile) provides maternal/child health services.
Inscriptions après la naissance
Declare birth (Déclaration de naissance)
Register birth at Mairie within 5 days.
Get Livret de famille
Official family record book.
Paternity recognition if unmarried
Father must officially recognize child if not married.
Prestations et assurances
Register baby with Sécurité sociale
Add baby to your health insurance.
Add baby to mutuelle (supplemental insurance)
Extend your complementary health insurance.
Declare baby to CAF
Register for family benefits.
Apply for PAJE (Prestation d'accueil du jeune enfant)
Package of early childhood benefits.
Register with pediatrician/PMI
Set up baby healthcare.
Congés du travail
Congé maternité
16 weeks for first/second child (6 before, 10 after).
Congé paternité
25 days for father (+ 3 days congé naissance).
Congé parental d'éducation
Optional unpaid parental leave up to 3 years.
Autres inscriptions
Register for crèche (daycare)
Crèche spots are limited; waitlists long.
Apply for passport if needed
For international travel.
Having a Baby Costs in France (2025)
Fully covered by Sécurité sociale
From Mairie
For international travel
Income-based pricing, heavily subsidized
Adding baby to parents' plan
Furniture, clothes, equipment (one-time)
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birth at public hospital | Free | Fully covered by Sécurité sociale |
| Birth certificates (multiple copies) | Free | From Mairie |
| Baby passport (if needed) | €17 | For international travel |
| Crèche (daycare) | €200-600/month | Income-based pricing, heavily subsidized |
| Mutuelle (for baby) | €0-30/month increase | Adding baby to parents' plan |
| Baby essentials | €1,000-3,000 | Furniture, clothes, equipment (one-time) |
| Total estimate | €1,000-3,000 for initial baby essentials. Ongoing costs: €200-600/month for crèche if needed. Medical care mostly covered. | |
*France heavily subsidizes childbirth and childcare. Hospital births are free. PAJE birth grant provides €1,000+ (income-tested). Crèche costs are income-based and heavily subsidized. Maternity/paternity leave paid at 100% salary (capped at ~€3,666/month). Prices current as of January 2025.
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