Moving to France

France is the seventh-largest economy in the world (according to the IMF’s 2025 data) and the most visited country on the planet. It has good public services, good healthcare, and a good ratio of cost to quality of life, especially outside of Paris. Many expats do well once they figure out how things work, even though securing rent can be tricky in bigger cities and bureaucracy can be cumbersome.

French is the official language, and learning some basics helps with day-to-day tasks. That said, in cities like Paris, Lyon, or Marseille, it’s easier than ever to get around with English, particularly when working with international companies.

France offers a wide range of visas for different purposes, including short visits, long-term stays, work, study, and family reunification. For non-EU nationals, the process can feel a bit complicated, as each visa type comes with its own conditions. French paperwork and language requirements can also add some extra steps along the way. But once you understand the basics, the process becomes easier to manage. We're here to help guide you through it.

In France, taxes help fund public services such as healthcare, pensions, education, and family benefits. While income tax rates go up to 45%, many workers end up paying less due to deductions and employer contributions. Employees also contribute around 22% of their salary to social security, while employers pay significantly more. Despite France’s reputation for high taxes, average take-home pay is often higher than in countries like Germany or Belgium, thanks in part to employer-paid contributions.

The cost of living in France depends a lot on the city or region you choose. Paris and a few other large cities come with high rent and daily expenses, but in places like Limoges or Nîmes, monthly costs can be 20-30% lower. Outside of Paris, many expats say they live comfortably on modest incomes, thanks to lower rent, cheaper groceries, and accessible healthcare.

On average, a single person in France spends between €1,700 and €2,500 per month, including rent. Families usually need between €2,800 and €4,500, depending on housing and lifestyle. Although France is not the cheapest country in Europe, it has a strong cost-to-quality-of-life ratio. Public services, healthcare, and education are of high quality and relatively affordable, especially outside Paris.

France, which produces the 7th highest GDP on Earth, has an exceptionally diversified economy. If you travel through the country, you’ll spot vineyards, barns, wind turbines, and nuclear plants alike along the road. Retailers like Decathlon and Carrefour are also based out from France. Near Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, the tech and financial companies are lined up in La Défense business district. Add in tourism to this cocktail, and you’ll easily see why that GDP keeps building up. So, in terms of business corporations and the associated jobs that those companies demand, France is a powerhouse, and an excellent, albeit overlooked, destination for expats.

France has a varied job market supported by a strong economy, with particular growth in tech, finance, and legal sectors. Around Paris, especially near La Défense, you’ll find many international companies and startups offering roles for developers and IT specialists. The tech scene is expanding, with hubs growing in cities like Lyon and Marseille as well. While French language skills help, many tech companies offer positions where English is enough to get started.

Full-time private sector employees earn around €2,574 net per month, but the pay rates in France vary widely depending on the sector, experience and region. While income tax and social contributions can reduce take-home pay by 22-25%, the country has a predictable monthly withholding system. A net income of €3,000-€3,500 per month is considered comfortable for a single person living in Paris. Some companies also provide a 13th-month bonus as part of their package. France has a statutory minimum wage that applies to all adult employees.

Relocating to France can be challenging at first, as it involves quite a bit of paperwork and coordination. Dealing with the French prefecture, opening a bank account, or signing a lease often takes longer if you're not fluent in French.

Relocation companies help with many of these tasks. Some focus on visa applications and housing searches. Others also support with registering for social security, enrolling in public healthcare, and finding schools. Some even cover practical logistics like organising shipments or helping you get set up with a French mobile plan or bank account.

Some of these companies work with both individuals and employers. If you’ve landed a job with a French company, there’s a chance they already partner with one of them to support international hires.

Top relocation companies in France:

• EasyStart Relocation
• Lexidy
• Oiko
• Relocate.world
• AGS Worldwide Movers

France has one of the most complete and high-performing healthcare systems in Europe. It offers universal coverage and a large range of services at relatively low out-of-pocket cost. In 2023, France spent 8.9% of its GDP on healthcare, one of the highest ratios in the EU.

All legal residents—including expats—are covered under the public system once registered and contributing. Most services are partly reimbursed by the state (typically 70–80%), with the remaining costs often covered by a mutuelle (complementary insurance). Primary care is mostly delivered by self-employed GPs, and hospitals include public, private nonprofit, and for-profit clinics.

Many healthcare professionals speak some English, especially in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Nice. Booking platforms such as Doctolib allow you to filter by language.

When choosing a city to relocate to in France, you should balance job opportunities in your field, the cost of living, and everyday life, which can vary a lot from place to place. Paris, Lyon, and Marseille are big cities with more jobs and public transport options, but they’re also more expensive—especially when it comes to rent. Mid-sized cities like Toulouse, Nantes, or Montpellier are often more relaxed and a bit cheaper.