France – Visas
France belongs to the Schengen Area, which means citizens of numerous countries may enter without a visa for…
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Your life in France starts here
Make your move to France
The food, the countryside and the sheer variety of regions keep drawing people to France, backed by strong healthcare and a mild climate. A long-stay visitor route welcomes those with steady means.
France at a glance
Cost of living
Moderate
Property
Moderate
Healthcare
Strong
Safety
Safe
Climate
Mild (~12°C)
English
Moderate
Expat community
Established
Where France is strongest: visa ease #4 of 81healthcare #28 of 78
Worth weighing up: tax friendliness #80 of 81property affordability #56 of 75cost of living #55 of 77
TaxWorldwide; high social charges
Visa / residencyLong-stay visitor visa (~€1,800/mo)
General information to compare destinations, not personal financial, tax or immigration advice.
Health insurance in France
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Your first steps to France
France – Residency
For foreign nationals, securing residency in France means navigating a multi-tiered permit system that ranges from initial long-stay…
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Fresh from France
Latest articles
Americans In France: Your Tax, Visa & Financial Questions Answered
Thinking about moving to France as an American? Watch three experts break down the visas, taxes, and money…
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Planning to retire in France? Learn how to stay independent and make informed choices for later life.
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Over 60 and planning to move abroad? Compare healthcare in France and Spain to find the best fit…
Read more →You won’t be the first
Real people who made the move
Alexandra Ritter, Pau, France
Alexandra shares her experiences of expat family life, multilingual parenting, motherhood and creating a flexible working life abroad.
Read more →Trish Jasinski, Vallée d’Ossau, France
From a corporate career in Boston to château life in the French Pyrenees, Trish shares the challenges, rewards…
Read more →Elena Hebert, Lyon, France
Who are you? My name is Elena Hebert; I am passionate about helping adults learn foreign languages even with their busy lives. Where,…
Read more →Kylie Lang, Charente, France
Who are you? I’m Kylie Lang and I was born in the UK. I love to travel and…
Read more →Malaika Neri, Paris
Who are you? Hey! My name is Malaika Neri, and I’m an Indian-born expat in Paris, France. Paris…
Read more →Thérèse Lafleche, France
Who are you? Thérèse Lafleche, a mother of two, wife, and gypsy soul. Born in Canada, I have…
Read more →Hear it first hand
The Expat Focus Podcast on France
The complete picture
France moving guide
France – Air Travel
France boasts a mature and well-structured aviation network, anchored by two major Parisian airports and a solid collection…
Read more →France – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues
France ranks among Europe’s most welcoming nations for pet owners, boasting an extensive and enthusiastic pet-keeping community, robust…
Read more →France – Banking
France boasts a mature and resilient banking sector comprising large national institutions, cooperative lenders, online banks, and international…
Read more →France – Buses and Trams
France boasts one of the most extensive public transport systems on the continent, with buses and trams playing…
Read more →France – Buying or Importing a Car
Whether you are purchasing a car locally or bringing one from abroad, France is fully open to foreign…
Read more →France – Buying Property
France ranks among the world’s most accessible property markets for overseas purchasers: there are no legal restrictions preventing…
Read more →France – Car Rental
Hiring a car in France is a manageable process once you familiarise yourself with the essential requirements. The…
Read more →France – Citizenship
French citizenship is accessible to long-term residents, spouses of French nationals, individuals with French ancestry, and others who…
Read more →France – Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a well-established part of daily life in France, with practices including homeopathy,…
Read more →France – Cost of Living
France occupies a middle position on the Western European affordability scale — considerably less expensive than London or…
Read more →France – Cycling
France stands as a genuinely bicycle-friendly nation, combining a deep sporting tradition with rapidly expanding everyday cycling infrastructure.…
Read more →France – Dentists and Dental Treatment
Dental treatment in France is delivered through a hybrid public-private framework. Every legal resident registered with the national…
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