How to Move to France: Full Guide (2025)

Jump to: Quick Facts · Living Essentials · Pros · Cons · Visas Guide · Residency & Citizenship · Business · Resources

Interested in moving to France? Here’s what you need to know:

🇫🇷 France at a Glance

• Biggest EU country: France is the largest country in the European Union, with a population of about 68.6 million.
• Tourism superstar: The #1 tourist destination worldwide, welcoming 80+ million visitors each year.
• Size comparison: Covers around 632,000 sq. km – about the same as Texas in the USA.
• Extra territories: Includes Corsica and five overseas departments: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion.
• Global player: One of the most developed countries, leading both in Europe and on the world stage, especially alongside Germany.
• Strong economy: Highly diversified, with major industries in services, manufacturing, tech, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and telecom. GDP per capita sits around $44,000.
• Longevity: High life expectancy (about 82.7 years), with an aging population.

🏠 Living Essentials

• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Language: French is official; regional dialects are fading.
• Major religions: Roman Catholic (84%), Muslim (9%), Protestant (2%), Jewish (1%).
• Biggest cities: Paris, Lyon, Marseilles, Lille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nice.

🤔 Why Choose France

• Quality of Life: Expect a high standard of living – think relaxing at cafes, savoring food, enjoying every moment.
• Community spirit: The French love to socialize and connect – expect friendly neighbors and vibrant gatherings.
• Rich culture: Art, music, museums, galleries, and festivals (hello Cannes Film Festival and Bastille Day!) are everywhere.
• Work-life balance: 35-hour work weeks and five weeks paid vacation mean more time for YOU.
• Easy travel: Fantastic public transportation in cities and a legendary high-speed rail network.
• Food and wine: The French take food seriously – every region boasts its own fantastic cuisine. Plus, world-class wine and cheese!
• Stunning scenery: From the Alps to the Riviera and the Loire Valley, France delivers diverse and jaw-dropping landscapes.

⚠️ France Challenges

Note: these are common expat complaints, and may not apply to you.

• High taxes: Income tax is steep, especially over EUR 70,000.
• French language required: Speaking French is essential for most careers; other varieties (like Quebecois) aren’t always favored.
• Job competition: While stable, jobs are competitive – networking is a must.
• Bureaucracy: Be ready for red tape – things can move slowly compared to other countries.
• Cost of living: Paris is pricey, so budget accordingly or expect a possible lifestyle adjustment.
• Early closing hours: Shops often close after lunch and nearly everything shuts down on Sunday – plan ahead!

🛂 France Visa Guide

• EEA & Swiss Nationals:
  • No work permit needed for EEA and Switzerland citizens (except Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania—restrictions apply).
  • Register at your local municipality if staying more than 3 months.
• Non-EEA Nationals:
  • Work permit (autorisation de travail) and residence permit are both required.
  • Employer must apply for your work permit, proving no suitable local/EEA hires were found.
  • Apply at least 3 months before job start date.
  • Reviewed by DDTEFP (French labor authority)—they consider your skills, experience, and labor market needs.
• Once Approved:
  • Employer & immigration are notified,
  • Medical exam required,
  • Then you get your temporary residence permit (carte de séjour temporaire, CST) indicating your job type and location.
• Special Permits:
  • Temporary Work Permit (APT): For those working temporarily in France but paid abroad.
  • Talent Residence Permit: Replaces “Skills and Talents” permit—valid up to 3 years (renewable) for those who’ll boost the French economy.
  • EU Blue Card: For highly skilled workers—job contract must be at least 1 year with salary over €53,836/year.
  • Working Holiday Visa: Citizens from countries like Australia, Canada, Japan (aged 18-35) can stay & work in France for up to 1 year.
• Short-Term Work:
  • Up to 90 days in France without a permit for some nationalities (Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Taiwan, Uruguay & more).
• New Policies in 2025:
  • Faster processes for skilled workers.
  • Stricter language rules.
  • Pathways to regularization for undocumented workers.

🛬 Residency and Citizenship

• Permanent Residence:
  • 5 years of uninterrupted residence with a non-temporary permit (not for students/seasonal/short purposes).
  • Demonstrate integration and French language ability.
• French Citizenship:
  • 5 years residency, valid permit, and passing the language requirement (which just got tougher).
  • Married to a French citizen? Apply after 4 years of marriage and 1 year living in France together.

💼 Business in France

• Professional Advice:
  • Always consult professionals (accountants, lawyers, business agencies like APCE) before opening shop.
• Business Registration:
  • Use the Centre de formalités des Entreprises—one-stop shop in every big French city for business setup.
• Entrepreneur Visas:
  • Talent Residence Permit now covers entrepreneurs—business plans must be pre-approved by France’s Ministry of Economy.
• Investors:
  • Investing in France? Contact:
    • Economy & Finance Ministry (for new/startup/company buys),
    • Treasury (for investments over €1.5M),
    • Banque de France (for investments over €15M).
• Pro Tip:
  • France loves startups, but Paris is pricey. Consider Nantes, Grenoble, or Sophia Antipolis to launch your dream for less.

📚 Helpful Resources

• France Visas (official site) – multilingual information.
• Pole Emploi – France’s national employment agency with comprehensive listings and support for both locals and foreigners

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