Your profile
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.
Family Profile — Stats Panel
| Stat label | Value |
|---|---|
| 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
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.
T
Thomas & Marie L.
Lyon, 2 children
Recommended for you
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
