How much does a childminder cost in France? Benefits and net cost

1. What you pay every month

• The monthly net salary: hourly rate × hours per week × care weeks ÷ 12, minus employee contributions.
• The maintenance allowance for each day of care (at least the minimum, pro rata to the length of the day).
• Meals if the childminder provides them (amount set in the contract).
• Any extra or increased hours in the month and agreed mileage costs.

2. What the CMG covers

For a registered childminder, the CMG « emploi direct » covers all social contributions, within an hourly ceiling, and adds help with the cost of care. Since 1 September 2025 its amount depends on your monthly income, your number of dependent children, the hourly cost of care and the number of hours — with no hours cap and no minimum share left to the family.

The CMG is calculated and paid by Pajemploi from your monthly declaration. The official Urssaf simulator gives a personalised estimate.

3. The tax credit on the rest

What remains at your charge (salary and contributions, CMG deducted, meal costs excluded) gives the right to the tax credit for childcare outside the home: 50% of expenses within €3,500.00 per child under 6 on 1 January. It is refunded even if you pay no income tax.

Childminder, crèche or nanny?

In a crèche, the family contribution follows a national scale based on income and number of children. A nanny at home costs more per hour but can look after siblings and gives the home-employment tax credit, with higher ceilings. To compare fairly, always reason in yearly net cost after CMG and tax credit.

Frequently asked questions