Moving to France as an Expat: The Complete Guide for a Successful Arrival

Published on January 12, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to France is no longer a dream reserved for starving artists and billionaires in search of a chateau. More and more “ordinary people”—families, retirees, freelancers, employees on mobility assignments, students—are choosing to settle in the Hexagon. With a renowned healthcare system, a high quality of life, an exceptional cultural heritage, and an impressive diversity of regions, France has solid arguments to offer.

Understanding the Country You’re Moving To

France is the leading agricultural power in the European Union, a country of 67 million inhabitants, bordering eight states, and with the world’s 7th largest economy. Services account for about 70% of its GDP, industry 18.5%, and agriculture 1.7%. The average standard of living is high, with a median income around €24,700 per year and a GDP per capita slightly above the European average.

Financially, France falls into the “expensive developed countries, but not at the top” bracket: it ranks as the 24th most expensive country out of 197. It is generally less expensive than the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, or Ireland, but more expensive than Spain or Portugal. Paris remains particularly pricey: the world’s second most expensive city, although it is still about 32% cheaper than New York.

For an expatriate, this means a comfortable lifestyle is accessible, but one must carefully choose their city, budget, and status (employee, retiree, digital nomad, student…) to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Where to Live? A Tour of French Regions and Cities Popular with Expatriates

One of the first major questions is: “Where to live?”. The capital naturally attracts with its economic and cultural vitality, but France is not just Paris. Statistics show, moreover, that the distribution of English-speaking expatriates (from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada) varies greatly by region.

Mapping of English-Speaking Expatriates

In 2021, INSEE counted immigrants from major English-speaking countries. This reveals distinct “host lands”:

French Region	English-Speaking Immigrants (USA, UK, Canada)	Share of Regional Population
Nouvelle-Aquitaine	41,563	0.68 %
Île-de-France (incl. Paris)	34,539	0.28 %
Occitanie	27,118	0.45 %
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes	18,417	—
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur	14,011	—

Nouvelle-Aquitaine – the large Southwest including Bordeaux, Biarritz, the Dordogne – is the champion, with over 41,000 English-speaking residents, mostly British and often aged over 55. This reflects a profile heavily oriented towards retirement or second homes. Île-de-France, driven by Paris, concentrates the largest number of Americans and Canadians, logically attracted by economic and academic opportunities.

Paris and Île-de-France: The Economic and Cultural Heart

Paris remains the natural gateway for many expatriates. The metropolis is a major air travel hub (six airports in the region), rail hub (high-speed trains to all of Europe), and economic center. It is home to the majority of large French companies and a significant proportion of jobs open to English speakers, notably through large real estate or consulting firms that hire many international profiles.

Academically, the Paris region boasts world-class institutions: PSL University ranks among the top 10 in Europe and the top 25 globally, while Sorbonne University, Paris-Saclay, and Paris-Dauphine regularly appear in the top 100.

However, daily life in Paris comes at a cost: high rents, fierce competition for housing, density, and a fast pace. Expatriate satisfaction surveys often place Paris low in rankings for housing affordability and work-life balance, despite its unparalleled cultural offerings. The expression “metro, work, sleep” sums up this intensity well.

Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Marseille: Major Urban Alternatives

Several large cities offer an attractive compromise between economic dynamism, cost of living, and quality of life.

Lyon is often described as a “mini-Paris” with a more relaxed atmosphere. France’s third-largest city, the gastronomic capital, and an important business center (medical research, industry, logistics, IT), it boasts an excellent local purchasing power index, prestigious universities, and has even been ranked the world’s second city for work-life balance. Salaries are comfortable here, even though Lyon is the second most expensive city in the country after Paris.

Toulouse, the “Pink City,” is the heart of European aeronautics and space. Airbus and numerous high-tech companies recruit engineers and IT specialists there, attracting an international crowd. The cost of living is significantly lower than in Paris or Nice, rents remain affordable, and the climate is mild. The city is also very student-oriented, reinforcing its young and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Marseille, the large Mediterranean port city, offers a very different face: a mix of cultures, a mild climate, the ever-present sea, lower real estate prices than the rest of the French Riviera, and a job market focused on logistics, tourism, construction, pharmaceuticals, or IT. It attracts those looking for a vibrant large city that is more affordable than Nice.

The average net salaries in several of these metropolitan areas give an idea of the possible income level:

City	Approx. Average Monthly Net Salary
Nice	€3,440
Bordeaux	€3,320
Toulouse	€3,240
Marseille	€3,080
Rennes	€3,030
Angers	€2,910
Montpellier	€2,830

These figures must be considered alongside housing costs and daily living expenses.

Coast, Mountains, Countryside: France’s Lifestyle Diversity

The country’s strength lies in offering very different environments: four main climates (oceanic, continental, Mediterranean, mountainous), mountain ranges (Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central), thousands of kilometers of coastline, and a mosaic of rural regions.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur attracts those dreaming of sun and sea. Nice, Cannes, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the perched villages of the Luberon… The climate is exceptional (Nice claims over 300 sunny days a year), the culture abundant, but the cost of living is significantly higher: Provence can cost 20 to 30% more than Lyon or Toulouse. It is also one of the areas where English proficiency is relatively good in some cities (Aix-en-Provence scores well in the EF index).

Nouvelle-Aquitaine stands out for its low population density (outside the coast) and its huge British community, especially in the Dordogne and the countryside near Bordeaux. The Dordogne is emblematic: some of France’s most beautiful villages, lush nature, a peaceful life. It is one of the few places where one can sometimes manage without speaking much French, given how long-established and structured the English-speaking community is. In Biarritz, surfing, golf, and a temperate climate year-round attract affluent retirees, remote workers, and lovers of coastal living.

Brittany and Normandy offer another form of “douceur de vivre”: wild coasts, historic small towns (Quimper, Dinan, Dinard), markets, crêperies, still affordable real estate prices. Rennes, the Breton capital, was voted the “happiest city to live in” by the French themselves, and an expatriate newspaper ranked it the best city for foreigners thanks to its moderate cost of living, large student population, and boom in digital jobs.

Finally, the Alps (Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Isère) appeal to mountain lovers: Grenoble, a university and scientific city, is the only city in France to reach a “very high” level of English in the EF ranking – on par with Berlin or Amsterdam. Ideal for those wanting to combine an international career, winter sports, and hiking.

Cost of Living: What to Really Expect?

Before signing a lease or submitting a visa application, it is crucial to build a realistic budget.

French authorities estimate that a single person needs about €1,800 per month to live comfortably, and a couple needs €3,600. These amounts include housing, food, transportation, and regular expenses, but not a luxurious lifestyle.

Housing: The Number One Expense

Rent is by far the biggest expense. On average, a one-bedroom apartment rents for around €900 per month in the country, but the gaps between cities are very large.

Approximate price ranges for city rentals (rough averages):

City	Private Room	Studio	Apartment (1+ Bedrooms)
Paris	€700	€1,326	€1,802 (and often more)
Lyon	€550	€1,000	€1,626
Nice	€595	€750	€1,061
Bordeaux	€550	€609	€1,020
Marseille	€460	€600	€733
Strasbourg	€550	€659	€890
Montpellier	€495	€650	€800

In central Paris, a studio in the heart of the city can easily exceed €2,000 per month. Moving to the suburbs or satellite towns 30-45 minutes away by train (Versailles, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, etc.) often allows you to cut the bill in half.

The Mediterranean South is very diverse: in Montpellier, a student city, you can still find unfurnished apartments for around €600–900 for a two-room, while in highly sought-after Provence (Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Tropez, Antibes), rents can be two to three times higher than in Languedoc.

Utilities, Energy, Internet

Housing-related charges (electricity, gas, water, internet, waste collection) average around €180–200 per month for a medium-sized apartment. A simple rule is to budget an additional 17 to 20% of the rent for utilities.

The good news: French electricity remains among the cheapest in Europe, about 26% below the European average. A typical annual bill ranges from €870 to €1,300, or €70–100 per month, depending on consumption.

Water costs an average of €30–45 monthly per household, gas around €70–80. High-speed internet costs €20–40 per month, often with bundled TV + phone offers.

Groceries, Restaurants, and Leisure

France is famous for its gastronomy, but groceries are not particularly cheap compared to the rest of Europe. Food prices are about 11% higher than the European average for everyday products, and up to 20% higher for fruits and vegetables.

Regarding dining out:

– simple meal at a restaurant: €15–17

– dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: €40–90 depending on the city

– fast-food meal: ~€11–12

– coffee/cappuccino at a café terrace: €2.80–4

A “leisure / dining out” budget of €250 to €300 per month is common for someone who regularly goes to the movies, eats out, or does some sports (gym membership around €30–35).

Transportation: Car or Public Transit?

France has a dense public transportation network in large cities: metro, tram, bus, regional trains, high-speed trains. A monthly pass ranges from €40 to €80, with possible assistance (many employers reimburse at least 50% of the pass cost).

In Île-de-France, the Navigo pass costs about €80–90 per month for unlimited travel in a large zone. A single ticket is around €2.50.

Owning a car remains costly: gasoline around €1.80–2.00 per liter, mandatory insurance (average €150–500 per year depending on the policy), annual maintenance around €350, not including tolls. Individual car use is less essential in large metropolitan areas but may be necessary in rural areas.

Healthcare System: How to Benefit as an Expatriate

The French healthcare system is one of the country’s major assets. It combines mandatory public insurance (Social Security via PUMa – Universal Health Coverage) and private complementary insurance (mutuelle).

Access to the Public System (PUMa)

Public health insurance covers all stable residents – including foreigners – living in France in a “stable and regular manner,” meaning at least six months per year. Concretely:

– employees contribute via deductions from their salary and are enrolled quickly;

– self-employed individuals must register their activity and pay specific contributions;

– international students enrolled in a recognized institution can register for health insurance;

– retirees and inactive individuals can apply for enrollment after three months of legal residence, under certain conditions.

Processing times are long: it’s not unusual to wait several months to obtain a definitive social security number and the famous Vitale card, the green chip card that enables direct billing and quick reimbursements. In the meantime, you pay upfront and are reimbursed via claim forms.

Reimbursement Rates and Out-of-Pocket Costs

The French principle is as follows: the state sets a base rate for each medical procedure and reimburses a percentage of that rate.

– general practitioner: 70% of the base rate (€25), meaning €16.50 reimbursed;

– specialist: 70% of the base rate (starting at €50);

– hospital: 80% of costs for the first 30 days of hospitalization, 100% thereafter, with a daily fee (about €20 per day) paid by the patient;

– medications: between 15% and 100% depending on their medical importance;

– dental care: around 70% for routine care, less for prosthetics;

– optical care: partial coverage, improved in recent years for certain equipment.

However, a portion of the cost remains the patient’s responsibility: this is the “ticket modérateur” (co-payment). To compensate for it, the vast majority of residents take out private complementary health insurance, the “mutuelle”.

Mutuelle and International Private Insurance

A mutuelle reimburses all or part of the out-of-pocket costs (excess fees, dental, optical, private hospital room, alternative medicines, etc.). Its average cost is around €40 per month for one person, with mandatory employer contribution of at least 50% for private sector employees.

For non-EU expatriates arriving with a long-stay visa, international private health insurance is generally mandatory at the time of the visa application and necessary for the first months of residence – until switching to PUMa. International insurers (Cigna Global, Allianz, AXA, APRIL International…) offer dedicated policies, sometimes with services in English (teleconsultation, second medical opinion, emergency assistance).

Children’s Education: French and International Schools

For families, the school question is central. The French public system offers free education until age 18, with very low fees in higher education (a few hundred euros per year for public universities). But the language barrier and the desire to follow an international curriculum lead many expatriates to choose international schools, especially in large metropolitan areas.

Cost of International Schooling

International schools in Paris and its surroundings offer various curricula: International Baccalaureate (IB), American programs (High School Diploma, AP), British (IGCSE, A-Levels), German, Swedish, etc. Fees are generally significantly higher than in other European capitals.

To give an idea of the scale:

Level / Type of Institution	Approximate Cost
Full-time private nursery school	~€700/month
French private primary / middle school	from €5,000/year
International school (primary)	often > €10,000/year
International school (secondary, IB, US, UK)	frequently €15–25,000/year

It is therefore essential to include this aspect in your budget, especially if you have several children.

Examples of Schools in the Paris Region

Greater Paris concentrates many prestigious institutions:

In other regions, the availability of international schools is more limited but slowly growing in major cities (Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nice, Strasbourg, Montpellier, Rennes…).

Language and Integration: Why French is Not Optional

Many expatriates start by wondering, “Can you live in France without speaking French?”. Depending on the region and city, the practical answer ranges from “difficult” to “possible but limited.” In Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, or Grenoble, you will easily find English speakers, doctors, and services that speak English. In the Dordogne or certain Provençal villages, surviving in English largely relies on the expat community and greatly limits interaction with locals.

Beyond daily comfort, the French language is gradually becoming a legal requirement for long-term settlement in France.

Levels Required for Residence Permits and Citizenship

Starting in 2026, rules are gradually tightening for non-European nationals:

Accepted tests notably include the TCF IRN (valid for two years for residence procedures) and DELF/DALF diplomas (valid for life, but authorities limit the validity period of certificates for residence applications).

Concretely, an expatriate planning to stay long-term has every interest in investing early, and seriously, in learning French.

Integrating Through Language and Daily Life

Beyond administrative obligations, mastering French is the key to:

Effective advice is pragmatic:

– enroll in a language course (Alliance Française, schools specialized for expats like Absolutely French, universities, private organizations);

– practice daily in common situations (bakery, market, post office) while accepting you’ll make mistakes;

– attend “conversation cafés,” language tandems, Meetup groups;

– widely consume French content: films, series, radio, music, press.

Furthermore, French social etiquette is based on a few simple but essential codes: always greet with a “Bonjour” when entering a shop, use “vous” until “tu” is offered, respect punctuality, say thank you and goodbye. These small gestures condition the welcome you will receive.

Visa, Residence Permits, and the Path to Residency

For nationals of countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, the gateway to France is generally via a long-stay visa. The typology is diverse, depending on your profile.

Main Types of Long-Stay Visas

Without going into exhaustive legal detail, here are the main categories useful to most expatriates:

For many of these visas, income requirements are calibrated to the minimum wage (SMIC): for example, a long-stay “visitor” visa requires proof of income close to €1,400–1,500 net per month for a single person, sometimes more depending on the prefecture, or significant savings (on the order of several tens of thousands of euros) in an accessible account.

Typical Installation Process

The most common process for a non-European expatriate is as follows:

All of this is combined with signing a Republican Integration Contract (CIR) for many new arrivals, which provides access to civic training and sometimes language training.

Finding Housing: Deciphering the French Rental Market

Finding housing in France is often the most concrete obstacle for expatriates. The market is protective for tenants… which makes landlords very demanding at entry.

Types of Leases and Housing

Two main rental categories exist:

– unfurnished (vide): standard three-year lease, automatically renewable. The accommodation may lack appliances, even fixed lighting;

– furnished: one-year lease renewable (or 9 months for students), accommodation equipped with a minimum defined by law (bed, storage, cooking hob, refrigerator, etc.).

Alongside these, there are:

– the mobility lease (1 to 10 months, non-renewable), very useful for temporary stays (training, assignment, etc.);

– seasonal rentals (like gîtes, Airbnb), interesting for an exploration phase but rarely accepted as proof of permanent address.

The Rental Application: The Crux of the Matter

To compensate for the frequent lack of history in France, your rental application must be impeccable. A landlord has the right to ask for, for example:

– ID and residence permit;

– proof of current address;

– proof of income (employment contracts, last three pay slips, tax notice, pension statements);

– French bank account details (RIB);

– possibly a reference from a previous landlord;

– if you are a student, proof of enrollment and proof of financial support;

– contact details and proof of a guarantor.

A guarantor is often required: typically a person fiscally resident in France, earning at least three times the rent amount. For newly arrived expatriates, this is the main obstacle.

Where to Look?

The main channels are:

– listing websites: SeLoger, LeBonCoin, PAP, Bien’ici, ParuVendu;

– real estate agencies;

– Facebook groups for expatriates, often rich in sublets and good deals;

– professional circles and local networks.

In the South, sites like LeBonCoin or SeLoger remain the reference for long-term rentals, even in highly sought-after cities like Montpellier, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, or Toulouse.

Stay vigilant: scams exist, particularly on private listings. Never send money before signing a real and verified lease, be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, refuse requests for transfers via Western Union, etc.

Banks and Money: Opening an Account in France

Without a French bank account, your daily life can quickly become complicated: most employers, landlords, phone or utility companies require a local RIB.

Opening an Account: The Realities

The French banking system operates under strict regulation (KYC, anti-money laundering), which translates into high documentary requirements for new clients, particularly non-residents.

Traditional banks (BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, CIC, Caisse d’Épargne, La Banque Postale…) will typically ask for:

American citizens may face additional hurdles due to FATCA regulation, which requires banks to report accounts held by US persons to the IRS.

Alternatives and Temporary Solutions

While waiting to open a traditional account, many expatriates combine: online banking services and use of accounts abroad.

In the medium term, a French bank account remains essential for:

– automatic debit of rent, electricity/gas bills, subscriptions;

– receiving healthcare reimbursements (Social Security and mutuelle);

– receiving salary from a French employer.

French neobanks and “expat-friendly” offerings (like certain Crédit Agricole subsidiaries specialized in English-speaking clients) can serve as a bridge, with advisors who speak English.

Working in France: Job Market, Corporate Culture, Taxation

France offers a diverse job market, with strong sectors by region: aerospace in Toulouse, finance and tech in Paris, biotech in Lyon, digital in Rennes, etc. Average net salaries are around €2,400–2,600 per month, of course with significant variations by sector.

Finding a Job as an English-Speaking Expatriate

Proficiency in English can be an asset in certain environments: international startups, large corporations, consulting firms, export-oriented companies, R&D centers, tourism. Structures like Faruse specialize in connecting English-speaking or multilingual talent with French startups and offer AI tools for CVs, cover letters, and interview preparation.

The French work culture places a high value on hierarchy, formality (at least initially: “Monsieur,” “Madame,” using “vous”), and work-life balance (35-hour week, many public holidays, at least five weeks of paid vacation).

“Afterworks,” team lunches, and conversations around the coffee machine are key places for informal socialization and information.

Income Taxation

The tax system is progressive, with several brackets (0%, 11%, 30%, 41%, 45%) above certain income thresholds. Tax residents (generally those residing more than 183 days per year in France or whose tax household is in France) are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on their French-source income.

For complex situations (stock options, combined income from several countries, posted worker status), support from a specialized firm is highly recommended.

Social Integration: Building a Network and Adapting to the Culture

Beyond the administrative aspect, successful settlement involves creating a social circle and gradually understanding the cultural codes.

Expatriate Communities and Local Life

English-speaking expat communities are well-organized, especially in major urban centers and popular regions (Paris, Dordogne, Provence, Biarritz, Rennes, Montpellier). Find them via:

– platforms like Expat.com, Internations, Meetup;

– Facebook groups (“Expats in…”, “Americans in…”, etc.);

– neighborhood associations, sports clubs, choirs, book clubs, etc.

But to avoid staying in an English-speaking bubble, it is just as important to build connections with French people: join an association, volunteer, participate in local festivals (July 14th, Christmas, carnival, regional fairs), accept dinner invitations and extend your own.

Minor Cultural Shocks to Anticipate

A few frequent adjustments:

Accepting that a phase of “culture shock” – made up of enthusiasm, frustration, nostalgia, then adjustment – is normal helps not to dramatize every daily difficulty.

In Summary: Prepare, Choose, Commit for the Long Term

Moving to France as an expatriate means embracing a multi-dimensional life project: administrative, linguistic, professional, family, cultural.

Key points to remember and integrate into your preparation:

France offers a virtually infinite palette of lifestyles, from the hyper-connected metropolis to the small university town, from the Breton fishing village to the medieval Dordogne hamlet. With clear expectations, serious preparation, and a good dose of curiosity, settling there can become one of the most beautiful adventures of your expatriate journey.