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Moving to Senegal with your family.

Relocating with children adds layers — schools, healthcare, housing space, safety. Here's your complete plan: a checklist built for families, the guides that matter most, and a concierge to handle the hard parts.

WARNING NOTE

Family relocations typically take 6-10 weeks to fully settle. Start the school and visa process at least 2 months before arrival.

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Stats panel
Visa
Long-stay required for each family member
Average setup time
6-10 weeks
International schools
Enroll 2+ months before academic year
Family housing in Dakar
From 700 EUR/month
Healthcare
Family insurance policy required
Checklist items
21 steps

Your profile checklist

Tick items as you complete them

0 / 20 completed
Phase 1: Before departure

Weeks -8 to 0

Apply for long-stay visa
Each family member needs their own application
Research & contact international schools
ISDs, Lycee francais, American school — allow 2 months
Get a family health insurance policy
Verify Senegal-specific coverage
Gather documents for all family members
Passports, birth certs, marriage certificate
Research family-friendly neighborhoods
Almadies, Sacre-Coeur, Les Mamelles
Book short-term family accommodation
Serviced apartment, first 3 weeks minimum
Ship or store belongings
Sea freight to Dakar takes 4-6 weeks
Phase 2: First two weeks

Days 1 – 14

Get SIM cards for adults
Orange or Free Senegal
Open a local bank account
CBAO or Ecobank accept International residents
Finalize school enrollment [PRIORITY]
Bring all original + translated documents
Find long-term family housing
3+ bedrooms, secure compound with garden if possible
Locate pediatrician & family clinic
Clinique du Cap, SOS Medecins
Register with your embassy
Especially important when traveling with children
Set up mobile money
Wave or Orange Money for daily family expenses
Phase 3: First month

Days 15 – 45

Apply for residence permits (CIE)
For each family member, within 90 days of arrival
Set up internet & electricity
Sonatel fiber + SENELEC account
Children start school
Prepare them with basic French or Wolof words
Explore family activities & parks
Parc de Hann, Atlantic beaches, local clubs
Connect with International residents family groups
Visene community, neighborhood Facebook groups
Review family monthly budget
School fees, food, transport, activitie
You're settled. Welcome to Senegal.
The family adventure starts here.

Curated guides

View all guides
Visa & Residence
Essential Guide

Visa & Residence

Complete guide to visas, CIE residence permits, required documents and real processing timelines for living in Senegal.

Read guide →
Healthcare
Essential Guide

Healthcare

Clinics, insurance, emergency contacts, pharmacies and practical healthcare planning for families and residents.

Read guide →
Dakar Neighborhoods
Housing Guide

Dakar Neighborhoods

Compare Almadies, Ngor, Mermoz, Plateau and other areas by lifestyle, commute, schools and budget.

Read guide →
International Schools
Family Guide

International Schools

School options, admissions timelines, curricula and planning notes for families relocating to Dakar.

Read guide →
Expert support

Concierge recommendation — Premium pack

Relocating with children adds layers — schools, healthcare, housing space, safety. The Premium concierge service helps families coordinate the important details.

Thomas & Marie L.
Thomas & Marie L.

Lyon, 2 children

Recommended for you Premium

Premium

Families & complex

€990

One-time

White-glove relocation for families and entrepreneurs who need everything handled.

  • All Relocation +
  • School & healthcare
  • Multi-step admin
  • Dedicated manager
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Relevant services

Support matched to this profile

Assisted apartment search
Airport transfer on arrival
International health insurance
International schools in Dakar
Recommended neighbourhoods guide