Preparing Your Family to Move Abroad: The Complete 2026 Guide

You may be wondering how to break the news to your children. How will your partner handle the career transition? Which school should you choose to keep your children's education on track? These are legitimate questions that deserve concrete answers, based on the experience of families who have already made the move.

This guide takes you step by step through preparing your family for a move to Vietnam, with practical advice and proven solutions to turn this challenge into a shared success.

01Involve Every Family Member From the Start

The number one mistake expats make? Deciding alone and announcing it as a done deal. A successful family move starts with a collective decision in which everyone finds their place in the project.

Hold a dedicated family meeting

Set aside a formal moment to present the plan. Prepare a visual presentation with photos of Vietnam, Da Nang, potential schools and available activities. Explain the reasons behind the choice: a career opportunity, quality of life, cultural discovery. Be transparent about the expected length of the move (2 years, 5 years, open-ended) and about the possibility of coming back.

Create a family vision board

Use a big poster or a shared digital board where each member pins up their expectations, fears and personal goals. Your 12-year-old daughter dreams of learning to scuba dive? Write it down. Your partner is worried about their professional network? Add that concern so you can find concrete solutions.

Appoint "family ambassadors"

Give each member a research mission: one looks into available sports activities, another into family-friendly restaurants, a third into parks and recreation spaces. This approach turns anxiety into active engagement.

Tip: Create a family WhatsApp or Telegram group dedicated to the move, where you share a photo, a video or a fact about Vietnam every day. It keeps the excitement going and gradually normalizes the upcoming change.

02Preparing Children According to Their Age

Each age group reacts differently to news of a move abroad. Adapting how you communicate and prepare is essential to minimize stress and maximize excitement.

Children 0 to 5: emotional continuity

Toddlers generally adapt easily to a new environment, as long as their emotional anchors stay stable. Keep bedtime rituals, comfort toys and favorite stories. Gradually introduce Vietnamese elements: nursery rhymes, cartoons, picture books about Asia.

Prepare a "transition box" with their favorite things to travel in your carry-on. In Da Nang, you'll easily find Western baby products at Lotte Mart supermarkets (prices: 20-30% higher than in France), and French- or English-speaking pediatricians at international clinics.

Children 6 to 12: adventure and friendships

This age group feels the separation from friends intensely. Throw a memorable goodbye party and create an "international address book" with contact details for all their friends. Set up Zoom or WhatsApp to stay in touch.

Turn the move into an adventure: give them a travel journal to document their experience, a world map to cover in stickers, and a disposable camera to capture their first impressions. Read age-appropriate books about Vietnam together.

In Da Nang, children this age generally love Vietnamese cooking classes for kids (300,000 VND / €11 per session), bike rides along the Han River, and afternoons at Asia Park (an amusement park, entry: 200,000 VND / €7.40).

Teenagers 13 to 18: identity and personal goals

Adolescence is the most delicate age for a move abroad. Your teen builds their identity through their friends, their activities and their familiar surroundings. Being uprooted can feel like an act of violence.

Be completely honest: acknowledge that it will be hard, but present the concrete opportunities. A teen who loves surfing? Da Nang has excellent spots (My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach). A future language student? Language immersion (English + Vietnamese) is a major asset for Parcoursup, France's university admissions platform.

Negotiate some "trade-offs": a trip back to France during vacations, a budget to invite a French friend over the summer, or a piece of equipment they want (an electric scooter at 18, camera gear, etc.).

Involve them in choosing your home: show them several options on real estate websites and ask for their opinion. In Da Nang, French teenagers particularly like the An Thuong neighborhood (beach, young vibe, cafes) and My An (residential, safe, close to international schools).

Tip: Ask the international school you've chosen for the contact details of a "buddy" the same age who will welcome your teen on arrival. Most schools offer this system, which makes integration much easier.

03Choosing a School: Options and Steps

Schooling is often the top criterion for expat families. In Vietnam, and particularly in Da Nang, you have several good options, each with its own advantages and constraints.

International schools in Da Nang

ISD is the best known and offers a full path from kindergarten to high school (the IB Diploma is recognized by French universities through equivalence). Fees generally include tuition, textbooks and basic extracurricular activities. Budget extra for: uniforms (€100-150), school bus (€800-1,200/year), cafeteria (€600-900/year), and premium extracurriculars (sports, music: €200-500/term).

CNED and distance learning

If your budget is tight or you want to stay in the French system, CNED (France's national distance learning center) remains a viable option. Cost: €800-1,200/year depending on the grade. Advantages: you keep the French curriculum, and reintegrating into French schools is easy. Disadvantages: it requires strong family discipline, and the child can end up socially isolated.

Many families in Da Nang combine CNED in the morning with social activities in the afternoon (sports, language classes, workshops). You can also join teaching "co-ops" where several CNED families share certain classes and educational outings.

A local Vietnamese school (rare but possible)

A few families choose to enroll their children in good private Vietnamese schools. Cost: €2,000-4,000/year. This option mostly suits young children (preschool, elementary), who pick up Vietnamese quickly. The cultural immersion is total, but returning to the French system can be complicated without support.

Enrollment steps

1. 6-9 months before departure: Email the schools, request application packets and any entrance tests
2. 4-6 months before: Virtual or in-person visit (if possible), interview with the principal
3. 3-4 months before: Submit the complete application (translated report cards, vaccination certificate, passport copy)
4. 2-3 months before: Receive the acceptance and pay the reservation fee (usually 20-30% of annual fees)
5. 1 month before: Finalize the paperwork, buy uniforms, sign up for activities

04Supporting Your Partner Through a Career Transition

A family move often creates an imbalance: one partner has a clear career opportunity, while the other has to "follow" and rebuild their professional identity. If you don't plan for it, this situation breeds frustration and imbalance.

Trailing spouse syndrome

The accompanying partner (often, but not always, the woman) can feel a loss of professional identity, especially if they had a fulfilling career in France.

The key? Plan ahead and build a professional or personal project for the accompanying partner together, BEFORE you leave.

Career options in Vietnam

Remote work for a French employer: If your partner can negotiate partial or full remote work, it's the simplest solution. Watch out for the tax and social security implications (see our guide to the France-Vietnam tax treaty). Time difference between France and Vietnam: +5 hours in summer, +6 hours in winter (manageable for most jobs).

International freelancing: Da Nang is a digital nomad hub. Your partner can build a freelance business (writing, design, web development, consulting, online training). The digital nomad community is very active and offers networking and opportunities.

Starting a local business: For entrepreneurial profiles, Vietnam offers opportunities in many sectors (see our guide to doing business in Vietnam). Be aware that starting a business in Vietnam as a foreigner requires minimum capital and specific procedures.

Local employment: Sectors hiring French speakers in Da Nang: tourism, hospitality, teaching French as a foreign language, international schools, language centers. Salaries: €1,000-2,500/month depending on experience and sector.

Volunteering and nonprofits: Several French and international organizations in Da Nang are looking for skilled volunteers (helping disadvantaged children, teaching, the environment). This option helps build social ties while giving a sense of purpose.

Career change or training: A move abroad can be the chance for a career change. Online courses, certifications, a new profession: Vietnam's affordable cost of living lets you take time to train without excessive financial pressure.

Action plan for the accompanying partner

• 3 months before departure: Skills assessment, identifying opportunities, updating your resume and LinkedIn/Malt profiles
• 2 months before: Reaching out to the French community in Vietnam, expat Facebook groups, virtual networking
• 1 month before: Attending professional webinars, first applications if you're aiming for a salaried job
• On arrival: Signing up for networking events (French Friday in Da Nang, Chamber of Commerce events), meeting local entrepreneurs

Tip: Set up an "independence budget" for the accompanying partner for the first 6 months (training, coworking, networking, equipment). This budget signals that their professional/personal project matters just as much as the one driving the move.

05Planning for Health and Safety

Your family's health is an absolute priority. Good medical preparation and an understanding of local risks will spare you stress and complications.

A full medical checkup before departure

Arrange for each family member:

• A visit to the general practitioner: overall health check, prescriptions renewed for 3-6 months
• Dentist: preventive care, cleaning (dental care in Vietnam is excellent and inexpensive, but it's better to leave with healthy teeth)
• Ophthalmologist: eye exam, new glasses/contact lenses, international prescription
• Pediatrician (for the children): review of the health record, specific advice
• Gynecologist (for women): suitable contraception, up-to-date Pap smear
• Specialists if needed: cardiologist, allergist, etc.

Do this checkup 2-3 months before departure so you have time to treat any problems it turns up.

Required and recommended vaccinations

For Vietnam, no vaccine is strictly required (except yellow fever if you're coming from an at-risk country). Recommendations from the Institut Pasteur (2026):

Universal: Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio (DTP), up to date Strongly recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid Depending on length of stay/activities: Japanese encephalitis (for extended rural stays), Rabies (if in contact with animals)

Cost in France: €200-400 per person for all the recommended vaccines. Some are reimbursed by French Social Security (Sécurité sociale); others require good supplementary health insurance.

Schedule vaccinations 6-8 weeks before departure (some require several doses spaced apart).

International health insurance: essential

NEVER leave without comprehensive international health insurance. French Social Security doesn't cover care abroad (or covers it very poorly). Da Nang's international clinics (Family Medical Practice, Hoan My Hospital) are excellent but expensive without insurance.

Recommended options:

• April International Expat: €150-300/month/family depending on coverage
• Allianz Care: €180-350/month/family
• Cigna Global: €200-400/month/family
• AXA Partners: €160-320/month/family

See our detailed guide to expat health insurance in Vietnam to compare offers and choose the right plan for your family.

Family medicine kit

Put together a complete kit to bring:

• Prescription medications: a 3-6 month supply with prescriptions translated into English
• Painkillers/fever reducers: Acetaminophen (paracetamol), Ibuprofen (available in Vietnam, but you may as well have your usual brands)
• Digestive issues: Smecta, activated charcoal, oral rehydration salts
• Allergies: Antihistamines
• Minor cuts: Disinfectant, bandages, gauze
• Sun: High-SPF sunscreen (the Vietnamese sun is intense)
• Mosquitoes: Tropical-strength repellent (50% DEET)
• Digital thermometer

Safety: understanding the real risks

Vietnam, and Da Nang in particular, is a very safe country. The rate of violent crime is extremely low. The main risks for families:

1. Road accidents: Traffic is chaotic. Don't rent a scooter without experience, use Grab (the local Uber equivalent) at first, and ALWAYS wear a helmet
2. Tourist scams: Rare in Da Nang but they exist. Be wary of taxis without meters, and agree on prices before any service
3. Sun and heat: Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, avoid the sun from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
4. Food hygiene: Favor busy restaurants, and drink bottled water for the first few months
5. Pollution: Less of a problem in Da Nang than in Hanoi or Saigon, but check the AQI (Air Quality Index) daily

See our detailed article on the risks in Vietnam for a complete, nuanced picture.

06Handling the Logistics of a Family Move

Moving an entire family internationally is a major logistical project. Organization and planning ahead are your best allies.

What should you bring? The essential sort

The golden rule: the less you bring, the better. Vietnam's cost of living lets you buy most things again locally for less.

Must bring:

• Official documents (originals + copies): birth certificates, family record book (livret de famille), diplomas, health records, international driving permit
• Medications and medical records
• Irreplaceable sentimental items: family photos, children's comfort toys, jewelry
• Clothes suited to the season when you arrive (the rest can be bought locally)
• Personal electronics: computers, phones, hard drives
• Children's favorite books (in French, hard to find in Vietnam)
• Specific beauty/hygiene products if you're attached to particular brands

Buy locally:

• Furniture (local stores)
• Appliances (different voltage: 220V in Vietnam)
• Dishes, household linens
• Toys, sports equipment
• Bikes, scooters

Moving options

For a family, the best solution is often: maximize checked baggage (clothes, essentials) + mail boxes (books, keepsakes, non-urgent items) + buy the rest locally.

Recommended international movers:

• AGS Déménagement: France-Asia specialist, turnkey service
• Crown Relocations: High-end, premium support
• Allied Pickfords: Good value for money

Get at least 3 quotes, check what insurance is included, and read customer reviews.

Customs formalities

For a household moving container to Vietnam:

• Detailed customs declaration (an exhaustive list of contents)
• Proof of residence in Vietnam (lease, employment contract)
• Passport and visa
• Customs duties: generally waived for personal effects if you can prove resident status

Get help from your mover or a local customs agent to avoid holdups.

Tip: Put together a "survival kit" to keep in your carry-on: 3-4 days of clothes for each person, essential medications, chargers, important documents, and the children's favorite toys/books. If your luggage is lost or delayed, you'll have the essentials.

07Preparing for Cultural and Language Adjustment

Cultural adjustment is often underestimated when preparing a family move. Yet it largely determines how well you thrive once you're there.

Learn basic Vietnamese as a family

Even though English is increasingly spoken in Da Nang, learning a few words of Vietnamese makes daily life much easier and shows respect for the local culture.

Essential words/phrases to learn before you leave:

• Xin chào (sin chow): Hello
• Cảm ơn (gahm uhn): Thank you
• Xin lỗi (sin loy): Excuse me / Sorry
• Bao nhiêu tiền? (bow nyew tee-en): How much is it?
• Không hiểu (khom hyew): I don't understand
• Tôi là người Pháp (toy lah ngoo-ee fahp): I'm French

Resources for learning as a family:

• Duolingo: Free app, 10-15 min/day, gamified (kids love it)
• Drops: Visual vocabulary, perfect for children
• iTalki: Private online lessons with Vietnamese teachers (€8-15/hour)
• YouTube channel "Learn Vietnamese with TVO": Free, progressive

Realistic goal: 100-150 words of vocabulary and a few phrases before departure. Once you're there, immersion will speed up learning, especially for the children.

Understanding Vietnamese cultural codes

A few cultural specifics to take on board:

The concept of "face" (mặt mũi): Never make someone lose face in public (criticizing, raising your voice). Favor diplomacy and indirectness.

Respect for elders: Deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. Teach your children to greet older people politely.

The notion of time: More flexible than in France. "Tomorrow" can mean "in a few days." Patience and adaptability are essential.

Gestures to avoid: Touching a child's head (considered sacred), pointing with your finger, crossing your legs so the sole of your foot shows.

Food: Central to Vietnamese culture. Accepting to share a meal is a sign of respect and friendship.

See our complete guide to Vietnamese culture to dig deeper into these topics.

Pre-departure cultural activities

Turn the preparation into an enriching family experience:

1. Vietnamese cooking nights: Make pho, spring rolls (nem) and banh mi together. Recipes on YouTube, ingredients at Asian grocery stores
2. Movie nights: "The Scent of Green Papaya" (Tran Anh Hung), "Cyclo", documentaries about Vietnam
3. Reading: Children's books about Vietnam, novels for teens, Lonely Planet guides for the whole family
4. Music: Spotify playlists "Vietnamese Traditional Music" and "Modern Vietnamese Pop"
5. A visit to the Musée Guimet (Paris): An exceptional Asian art collection, with a Vietnam section
6. Meeting expats: Contact French families already in Da Nang through Facebook groups and set up a video call

Handling culture shock

Culture shock is inevitable and generally unfolds in 4 phases:

1. Honeymoon (1-3 months): Everything is new, exciting, exotic
2. Frustration (3-6 months): Language difficulties, cultural misunderstandings, homesickness
3. Adjustment (6-12 months): Developing strategies, building routines
4. Acceptance (12+ months): A sense of belonging, a balance between two cultures

To soften phase 2:

• Keep up French rituals (Sunday crêpes, galette des rois on Epiphany, etc.)
• Build a social network locally as quickly as possible
• Allow yourself moments of homesickness without guilt
• Celebrate small wins (first order in Vietnamese, first local friend, etc.)

08Organizing Your Family Finances

Managing an expat family's finances requires careful planning and an understanding of the tax and banking specifics.

A realistic family budget in Da Nang

For a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 school-age children):

This budget is 30-40% lower than an equivalent budget in France, often for a better quality of life.

See our detailed guide to the monthly budget in Da Nang for concrete examples and tips to optimize it.

Startup budget

Beyond the monthly budget, plan for startup capital:

• Plane tickets: €3,000-5,000 (family of 4)
• Rental security deposit: €1,600-3,000 (2 months' rent)
• Real estate agency fees: €400-750 (half a month's rent)
• Furniture and equipment: €2,000-4,000
• School fees (enrollment): €2,000-4,000
• Insurance (first payment): €500-800
• Working capital: €3,000-5,000 (first few months)
• TOTAL: €12,500-22,550

See our complete guide to the startup budget for moving abroad for detailed planning.

International banking

The best strategy for a family:

1. Keep a French account (Boursorama, Fortuneo, Hello Bank) for the French direct debits that remain (taxes, subscriptions)
2. Open a Vietnamese account (Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank) for local expenses and to avoid currency conversion fees
3. Use an international neobank (Wise, Revolut) for France-Vietnam transfers at the real exchange rate

Complete guide: Opening a bank account in Vietnam

Family tax planning

Points to watch for families:

• Family quotient (quotient familial): You lose it when you become a French non-resident for tax purposes
• Family allowances: Stop as soon as you leave (unless you contribute to the CFE, the fund for French nationals abroad)
• Vietnamese taxes: Generally more favorable than in France (top marginal rate: 35% vs 45%)
• Tax treaty: Prevents double taxation (see the France-Vietnam tax treaty)

Consulting an accountant who specializes in expats is strongly recommended before you leave.

09Staying Connected to France

Moving abroad doesn't mean cutting ties with France. Staying connected is essential for family balance, especially for the children.

How often to go back to France

Most expat families in Da Nang go back to France:

• Once a year (summer): The recommended minimum, to keep family ties alive
• Twice a year (summer + Christmas/Easter): Ideal for the children, but expensive

Cost of a Da Nang-Paris round-trip ticket: €600-1,200 depending on the season and how far ahead you book. For a family of 4: €2,400-4,800 per trip. Build this into your budget from the start.

See our tips for finding cheap flights from France to Vietnam.

Technology and communication

Staying in daily touch with family back in France:

• Regular video calls: WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom (free with a good internet connection)
• Family groups: Share photos and news daily
• Letters and packages: Grandparents love receiving their grandchildren's drawings. Mail from Vietnam to France: €15-30 for a 2 kg package, 2-3 weeks' delivery

Schooling and the French language

To help your children keep excellent French:

• Daily reading: Subscriptions to French magazines (Bayard Presse ships internationally), e-readers with a French library
• French lessons: If they're at an English-speaking international school, plan private French lessons (€20-30/hour with a local French-speaking teacher)
• French media: Cartoons, movies and series on Netflix/Disney+ in French
• Pen pals: Set up a letter exchange with cousins/friends in France

Celebrating French holidays

Keep French traditions alive in Vietnam:

• Galette des rois: French bakeries in Da Nang (La Maison 1888, Boulangerie Française), or make it yourself
• Bastille Day (July 14): Events organized by the Alliance Française or the French consulate
• Christmas: Decorations available in malls, imported turkey at Metro
• Birthdays: Throw parties with the French community

The French community in Vietnam is very active and organizes many family events.

Tip: Create a "France memory box" that you open once a month as a family: photos, postcards, symbolic objects. This ritual helps children keep an emotional connection to their home country without excessive homesickness.

10FAQ: Preparing Your Family to Move Abroad

How Long Does It Take to Prepare a Family Move Abroad?

Ideally, allow 6 to 12 months of preparation for a successful family move. That gives you time to research and visit schools (or get the application packets), complete medical checkups and vaccinations, sort and organize the move, prepare each family member psychologically, and get the administrative and tax side in order. If you have less time (an urgent career opportunity), 3 months is the minimum, but with a higher level of stress. Planning ahead is your best ally for a smooth transition.

My Child Flatly Refuses to Move. What Should I Do?

A child's refusal, especially a teenager's, is common and legitimate. First step: really listen to their fears without minimizing them ("you'll make new friends" isn't enough). Identify the specific fears: losing friends, giving up a passion (sports, music), fear of the unknown, a feeling of powerlessness. Then build solutions together: staying in touch with French friends (a budget for video calls, inviting a friend over during vacations), finding the equivalent of their favorite activity in Da Nang (show them videos of local clubs), involving them in decisions (choosing the neighborhood, decorating their room). If the refusal persists despite everything, consider temporary solutions: a first year boarding in France with relatives (a radical solution, but sometimes necessary for a teen in their final year of high school), or a 6-month "trial" move with the option of coming back. Support from a psychologist who specializes in expatriation can also be very helpful.

Should We Sell or Rent Out Our House in France?

It's a strategic decision that depends on several factors. Lean toward renting it out if: your move is for a fixed period (2-3 years), you want to keep a base in France, the rental market in your area is favorable (4-6% yield), or you want to keep a possible return open. Consider selling if: your move is long-term or open-ended, you need the capital to settle in Vietnam, managing the property remotely seems too much of a burden, or the real estate market favors sellers. Be careful: if you sell your main residence more than 2 years after leaving, you lose the capital gains tax exemption. Consult a wealth management advisor who specializes in expatriation before deciding. In any case, don't rush: you can leave the property empty for the first few months while you confirm that you're settled in Vietnam.

How Do You Handle the Language Barrier for Children Who Don't Speak English?

If your children don't speak English and you're aiming for an English-speaking international school, rest assured: children learn very quickly. In full immersion, an elementary school child reaches a conversational level in 3-6 months and an academic level in 12-18 months. Da Nang's international schools are used to welcoming non-English speakers and generally offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, a "buddy system" (pairing with a bilingual student), and individual follow-up for the first few months. To ease the transition: start intensive English lessons 3-6 months before departure (apps like Duolingo Kids, private lessons, language trips), favor English-language content at home (cartoons, movies, video games), and consider placing them one grade lower in the first year if the school recommends it (it's not a failure, just a gradual adjustment). Children under 10 generally adapt without major difficulty. For teenagers, the effort is greater, but the payoff (full bilingualism) is huge for their future.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes in Preparing a Family Move?

The classic mistakes to avoid: 1) Not involving every member in the decision and preparation (the partner or children go along with it instead of taking part). 2) Underestimating the startup budget (many families arrive with too little in reserve and are stressed from day one). 3) Idealizing the move ("everything will be better there") without preparing for the real difficulties (culture shock, homesickness, language barrier). 4) Neglecting schooling (late enrollment, choosing a school by default, not anticipating fees). 5) Leaving without suitable health insurance (a potentially catastrophic financial mistake). 6) Cutting ties with France abruptly (selling everything, closing every account) with no transition period. 7) Not building a social network before arriving (isolation in the first weeks). 8) Overloading your schedule on arrival (give yourself time to adjust; don't try to see all of Vietnam in the first month). The key: planning ahead, family communication and realism.

11Conclusion: Your Family Move Abroad Is a Shared Project

Preparing your family for a move abroad is much more than an administrative checklist. It's a life project that involves every member, transforms family relationships and opens up unexpected horizons for your children.

Families who succeed in their move to Vietnam have things in common: they involved every member from the start, anticipated difficulties without dramatizing them, kept a balance between openness to the new culture and their French roots, quickly built a social network locally, and above all, gave themselves the right to make mistakes and time to adjust.

Your move to Da Nang can become one of the most enriching experiences of your family life: your children will grow up bilingual and open to the world, with unique memories. Your relationship will grow stronger through shared challenges. You'll discover an exceptional quality of life, between the sea and the mountains, in a modern and welcoming city.

But this kind of success isn't improvised. It takes preparation, building and support.