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.
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Photo: Lens by Benji / Unsplash
At a glance
France, in brief.
How France compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. France ranks among the best for visa ease (4th of 81) and healthcare (28th of 78).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Moderate
- Property
- Moderate
- Healthcare
- Strong
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Mild (~12°C)
- English
- Moderate
- Expat community
- Established
Long-stay visitor visa (~€1,800/mo)
Worldwide; high social charges
Life in France
Alexandra shares her experiences of expat family life, multilingual parenting, motherhood and creating a flexible working life abroad.
Health insurance in France
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
France, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about France into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in France.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The France moving guide.
55 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in France
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in France share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All France stories
- Vallée d’Ossau, France
Trish Jasinski
From a corporate career in Boston to château life in the French Pyrenees, Trish shares the challenges, rewards and unexpected joys of…
- Lyon, France
Elena Hebert
Read Elena Hebert's experience of moving to France.
- Charente, France
Kylie Lang
Read an interview with Kylie Lang about her life as an expat in France.
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 questions you need to understand before…
Growing Older In France – How To Stay Independent In Your Golden Years
Planning to retire in France? Learn how to stay independent and make informed choices for later life.
France Or Spain – Which Country Offers Better Healthcare For The Over-60s?
Over 60 and planning to move abroad? Compare healthcare in France and Spain to find the best fit for your needs!
Hear it first hand
The podcast on France.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All France episodes
Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to France, and compare them side by side.
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