Can non-citizens in France be foster parents?
Famille d'accueil are paid and considered employees
Fostering is subject to several rules but is
Davor Geber/Shutterstock
Reader Question: We are interested in fostering children, but are not French citizens. We have lived here 15 years and speak fluent French, is this enough? Is it the same for adoption?
To be a famille d'accueil (foster or ‘host’ family) several rules apply, however, French citizenship is not one of them.
Alongside French nationals, EU/EEA citizens and holders of any valid residency permit that allows people to work can also apply for the role.
So, it would not be possible, for example, for foreign people on a ‘visitor’ visa.
One thing that may affect non natives is their level of French as you must be proficient in the language to foster children – if you are not a native speaker, your level will be assessed during an interview.
Fostering is managed at a departmental level through the protection maternelle et infantile service. Contact them to find out more about fostering in your area, such as the level of demand and specific requirements.
Alongside the ability to legally work in France and possible language checks, a police check (casier judiciaire) for you and anyone living in the home is required, as well as a health examination.
The services will also be looking for evidence that you can provide a suitable environment for a child or children to thrive.
You can apply by completing this Cerfa form and handing it to your local PMI service or sending it via registered post.
Unless you have a diploma in childcare, you will need to attend an initial 60-hour training course in the two months preceding your first foster child arriving. This is followed by top-up training.
Foster parents are employees and are therefore paid the equivalent of the monthly minimum wage (€1,426.30 in November 2025) for the first child they look after, with additional payments for additional children.
As for adopting, nationality is also not a requirement for this, the main condition being at least a 15-year age difference (10 in the case of a spouse’s child). People can adopt as individuals or as couples if married at least two years.
Note that in the case of foreign would-be adoptees, the rules of their country must also allow it (for example you cannot adopt a British adult).
