Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the France Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our France Property Pack
Yes, we do our best to update this article regularly to give you reliable and fresh data about expat life in France in 2026.
Here, we answer all the questions you might have when moving to France, whether it's about visas, cost of living, safety, jobs, or buying property.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in France.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Maxence Toulouse 🇫🇷
General Manager of Iddyl Property
Is France a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in France in 2026?
As of early 2026, the quality of life in France is stable overall, with slight improvements for expats who are well-housed and financially secure, though housing affordability in Paris and coastal cities remains a persistent pressure point.
One specific factor that has improved noticeably in France over the past two to three years is the expansion of high-speed rail connections and regional transport, making it easier and faster for residents to travel between major cities like Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille without relying on cars or domestic flights.
On the other hand, a challenge that has persisted in France recently is the growing difficulty of accessing general practitioners in certain regions, particularly in rural areas and some outer suburbs where "medical deserts" have become more pronounced, leading to longer waits for basic healthcare appointments.
Are hospitals good in France in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospitals in France are clinically strong by Western European standards, with major urban hospitals offering high-quality care, advanced equipment, and well-trained specialists.
Among the hospitals that expats most commonly recommend in France are Pitie-Salpetriere and Hopital Europeen Georges-Pompidou in Paris, as well as Hospices Civils de Lyon for those living in Lyon.
A standard GP consultation in France costs around 26.50 euros (about 28 USD or 25 EUR) under the public system's sector 1 tariff, though sector 2 doctors can charge higher fees with extra billing.
Most expats in France do end up getting supplementary private health insurance (called a mutuelle) because it covers co-pays, dental, optical, and any extra fees from sector 2 doctors, making it essentially a normal part of life rather than a luxury.
Are there any good international schools in France in 2026?
As of early 2026, France has a solid selection of international schools, particularly concentrated in the Paris region, Lyon, and a few other major cities, offering curricula in English, French, and other languages.
Among the most reputable international schools for expat families in France are the International School of Paris, the American School of Paris near Saint-Cloud, and the British School of Paris in the Croissy-sur-Seine area.
Annual tuition fees at private international schools in France typically range from 15,000 to 35,000 euros (about 16,000 to 37,000 USD), with some premium programs exceeding this range depending on grade level and extras.
Waitlists at the most popular international schools in France, especially in Paris, can indeed be long due to limited capacity and high demand, though public "sections internationales" offer a much cheaper alternative if your child qualifies linguistically.
Is France a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, France is generally safe for residents and expats by Western European standards, with most everyday risks being opportunistic crimes like pickpocketing rather than violent incidents.
The most common safety concerns expats should be aware of in France are pickpocketing and petty theft in tourist-heavy areas like central Paris, the Metro, and train stations, as well as occasional car break-ins in certain parking zones.
Neighborhoods in France generally considered safest for expats include Le Marais, Passy, and Batignolles in Paris, as well as the 6th arrondissement in Lyon, Chartrons in Bordeaux, and Vieux-Lille in Lille.
Women can generally live alone safely in France with standard big-city precautions, such as being aware of surroundings on late-night public transport and avoiding poorly lit areas, though harassment patterns are similar to other major European cities.
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How much does everyday life cost in France in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in France in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person in France needs roughly 2,600 to 3,800 euros per month (about 2,750 to 4,000 USD) to live comfortably, with Paris requiring budgets at the higher end of this range due to housing costs.
For a modest but decent lifestyle in France, a single person can get by on around 1,700 to 2,200 euros per month (about 1,800 to 2,300 USD) outside of Paris, covering basic rent, groceries, transport, and occasional outings.
For a more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in France, especially in Paris or on the French Riviera, expect to spend 4,000 to 5,500 euros per month (about 4,200 to 5,800 USD) for a single person, including a nice apartment, dining out, and travel.
In France, housing consistently takes up the largest share of a monthly budget, often consuming 40% to 50% of income in Paris and major cities, which is why location choice has the biggest impact on overall affordability.
What is the average income tax rate in France in 2026?
As of early 2026, the effective income tax rate for a typical middle-income earner in France is often in the single digits to low teens (around 8% to 14%), thanks to progressive brackets and household-based calculations that reduce the burden for many families.
France's income tax brackets in 2026 range from 0% on income up to about 11,000 euros, then climb through 11%, 30%, 41%, and up to 45% for income above 177,000 euros, but the all-in labor tax wedge (including social contributions) is materially higher.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in France versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in France in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in France in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top countries of origin for expats and immigrants in France include Portugal, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Tunisia, Spain, and increasingly the United Kingdom, United States, and various Sub-Saharan African nations.
Foreign residents in France make up roughly 8% to 10% of the total population, with the immigrant share having grown steadily over the past decades according to official census data.
The main reasons expats from these top origin countries are drawn to France include historical and linguistic ties (especially for North African and former colonial countries), employment opportunities in multinational companies, and lifestyle factors like culture, food, and healthcare.
The expat population in France is quite mixed, including working professionals in major cities, students in university towns, retirees in the south and southwest, and a growing number of digital nomads and remote workers in cities like Lyon, Bordeaux, and Montpellier.
Where do most expats live in France in 2026?
As of early 2026, the most popular neighborhoods for expats in France include Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Batignolles, and Passy in Paris, along with Brotteaux and Presqu'ile in Lyon, Chartrons in Bordeaux, Carre d'Or in Nice, and Les Carmes in Toulouse.
These neighborhoods attract expats primarily because they offer a combination of walkability, good public transport, proximity to international schools, cafes and restaurants, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere where English is more commonly spoken.
Emerging neighborhoods in France that are starting to attract more expats include the 10th and 11th arrondissements in Paris (around Canal Saint-Martin), Croix-Rousse in Lyon, and Saint-Cyprien in Toulouse, all offering a more local vibe at slightly lower rents.
Are expats moving in or leaving France in 2026?
As of early 2026, France continues to see a net inflow of foreign residents, with substantial ongoing immigration for work, study, and family reunification, though the administrative process can feel more restrictive than in previous years.
The main factor currently driving expats to move to France is the combination of quality of life, work-life balance, excellent public healthcare, and the appeal of French culture, food, and geographic diversity.
The main factor causing some expats to leave France recently is frustration with bureaucracy, particularly the paperwork-heavy visa renewal process at prefectures, combined with high taxes and the cost of housing in major cities.
Compared to similar destinations in the region, France remains one of the top choices for expats in Western Europe, though countries like Portugal and Spain are increasingly competitive due to lower costs and more expat-friendly visa programs.
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What paperwork do I need to move to France in 2026?
What visa options are popular in France in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to France are the Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) for work, study, or family reasons, the Passeport Talent for highly skilled workers and entrepreneurs, and the Student Visa for those enrolled in French universities.
The most commonly used expat visa in France, the Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS), requires proof of purpose (job contract, enrollment letter, or family ties), sufficient financial resources, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record, with applications submitted through your local French consulate.
France does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa, but remote workers often use the Long-Stay Visitor Visa or the Profession Liberale (freelancer) visa, though working remotely on a visitor visa is officially prohibited as of June 2025.
Most popular expat visas in France are initially valid for one year and can be renewed by applying for a residence permit (titre de sejour) at your local prefecture, typically two months before expiration, with renewals extending for one to four years depending on the visa type.
How long does it take to get residency in France in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time to obtain a long-stay visa is several weeks to a few months when applying from abroad, while getting your residence permit (titre de sejour) at a French prefecture can take an additional two to six months depending on the region.
Common factors that can delay residency applications in France include incomplete documentation, high demand at certain prefectures (especially Paris), appointment backlogs, and the need for additional paperwork requested mid-process.
To become eligible for permanent residency in France, an expat must typically live in the country for five continuous years, demonstrate French language proficiency, and show integration into French society, with citizenship requiring the same timeline plus additional requirements.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of France. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in France in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in France in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top industries hiring the most in France are healthcare and social care, engineering and industrial manufacturing, construction and skilled trades, hospitality and tourism, and technology and IT services, with many of these appearing on the official shortage occupation list.
Getting hired in France without speaking French is realistic mainly in Paris and within multinational companies, particularly in tech, finance, and research roles, but your job options expand dramatically once you reach conversational French, especially outside the capital.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in France include IT and software development, data science, engineering, hospitality management, English teaching, and positions in international organizations or startups with English as the working language.
What salary ranges are common for expats in France in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical salary ranges for expats working in France span from about 2,200 to 5,500 euros net per month (roughly 2,300 to 5,800 USD), depending heavily on industry, experience level, and whether you're in Paris or a regional city.
Entry-level or mid-level expat positions in France typically pay between 2,200 and 3,500 euros net per month (about 2,300 to 3,700 USD), with higher ranges in tech, finance, and engineering roles.
Senior or specialized expat roles in France, particularly in Paris-based multinationals or niche technical fields, can command 5,500 euros net per month and above (roughly 5,800 USD or more), sometimes with additional benefits like housing allowances or international packages.
Employers in France do sponsor work visas, but it is most common when you fit a clear skills shortage profile, have specialized experience, or qualify for the Passeport Talent, as companies must justify hiring a non-EU candidate over local applicants.
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What's daily life really like for expats in France right now?
What do expats love most about living in France right now?
The top things expats love most about living in France are the exceptional work-life balance (generous vacation time and respect for personal time), the food and cafe culture, and the accessibility of world-class healthcare and public services.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in France is the emphasis on enjoying life, including long lunches, outdoor markets, and a cultural expectation that weekends and holidays are genuinely for rest and leisure.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in France is the excellent public transport infrastructure, particularly the TGV high-speed trains and urban metro systems, which make getting around cities and traveling across the country fast and affordable.
The social and cultural aspect that makes France particularly enjoyable for expats is the richness of history, art, and regional diversity, from Parisian museums to Provencal villages, offering endless opportunities for exploration and cultural immersion.
What do expats dislike most about life in France right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in France are the heavy bureaucracy and paperwork for everything from visas to bank accounts, the difficulty of finding housing in competitive markets like Paris, and the challenge of integrating socially without strong French language skills.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in France is the limited shopping hours, especially on Sundays and during lunch breaks in smaller towns, which can catch newcomers off guard when they need to buy groceries or run errands.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in France is the prefecture system for residence permits, where appointments are hard to get, processing times are unpredictable, and requests for additional documents can extend the process by months.
Most expats find these frustrations manageable rather than deal-breakers, as the quality of life, healthcare, and cultural benefits tend to outweigh the administrative hassles once you learn how to navigate the system.
What are the biggest culture shocks in France right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to France are the directness of communication (which can feel blunt), the importance of formal greetings like saying "bonjour" before any interaction, and the slower pace of service compared to Anglo-Saxon countries.
The social norm that surprises newcomers the most in France is the expectation of arriving 15 to 20 minutes late to dinner parties (being precisely on time is considered rude), combined with the formal "vous" versus informal "tu" distinction that governs social interactions.
The aspect of daily routines that takes expats the longest to adjust to in France is the two-hour lunch break culture outside of Paris, where shops and offices close midday, and the general expectation that meals are events to be savored rather than rushed.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in France compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in France in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in France in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own property in France with very few restrictions, as France places no nationality-based limits on purchasing residential real estate, making it one of the more open markets in Europe.
The main condition that applies to foreigners buying property in France is the requirement to use a notaire (civil-law notary) for all transactions, pay standard transfer taxes and fees (typically 7% to 8% for existing properties), and comply with anti-money laundering checks.
Foreigners in France can generally own all property types, including apartments, houses, and land, with no significant restrictions on residential purchases, though agricultural land may have specific pre-emption rules favoring local farmers.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in France.
What is the average price per m² in France in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter in France varies widely by location, ranging from roughly 9,000 to 11,000 euros (about 9,500 to 11,600 USD) in central Paris, to 3,500 to 6,000 euros in major regional cities like Lyon and Bordeaux, and significantly less in smaller towns and rural areas.
Property prices in France have shown modest year-on-year growth by late 2025, recovering from a slight dip in previous years, with apartments in major cities stabilizing and houses in suburban and rural areas seeing renewed interest.
Want to know more? We give you all the details you need about the housing prices in France here.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about France here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in France in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages are available to foreigners in France, though approval depends on your residency status, income documentation, and relationship with the bank, with residents who have French income generally finding it easier than non-residents.
Banks in France known to offer mortgages to foreigners include BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole, and Societe Generale, though international mortgage brokers can also help connect foreign buyers with suitable lenders.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in France include a down payment of 20% to 30% (sometimes higher for non-residents), interest rates in the low-3% range as of early 2026, and maximum loan terms of 20 to 25 years.
To qualify for a mortgage in France, foreigners typically need to provide proof of income (tax returns, employment contracts, or business accounts), bank statements, identification documents, and proof of the property purchase, with non-residents often needing to demonstrate stronger financial profiles.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in France.
Buying real estate in France can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about France, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| INSEE - Salary Statistics | France's official national statistics office for pay and employment data. | We used it to anchor what normal net pay looks like in France. We then scaled comfortable expat budgets above this baseline to reflect big-city housing costs. |
| INSEE - Unemployment Rate | Official unemployment measure using the international ILO definition. | We used it to size the job market tightness in early 2026. We cross-checked it with job offer volumes from France Travail. |
| France Travail | National public employment service with administrative job market data. | We used it to quantify how many new job ads flow through the main public channel. We paired it with the skills shortage list to identify hiring sectors. |
| Ministry of Labour - Shortage Occupations | Official legal list of recruitment difficulty by region and occupation. | We used it to pinpoint which industries are structurally hiring across France. We used it as a reality check against expat anecdotes and job boards. |
| Interior Ministry - Immigration Figures | Published by the ministry that administers residence permits and immigration policy. | We used it to discuss immigration flows rather than just population stock. We used it to frame whether expats are moving in or leaving in early 2026. |
| SSMSI - Crime Statistics | Official statistical service for internal security with documented methods. | We used it to ground the safety section in police-recorded crime data. We then translated it into practical guidance for expat neighborhood choices. |
| ameli.fr - Doctor Fee Schedule | Official portal of France's public health insurance system. | We used it to state what a normal GP or specialist appointment costs. We then explained when you pay more and how reimbursements work. |
| WHO European Observatory | Peer-reviewed institutional summary from WHO's Europe health policy unit. | We used it to describe system quality and access issues beyond simple rankings. We cross-checked it with France's provider counts and spending data. |
| Paris Notaires - Price Map | Notaries publish transaction-based price references from signed deeds. | We used it to state credible price-per-square-meter levels in Paris based on recorded sales. We then used national indices to avoid Paris-centric bias. |
| Banque de France - Mortgage Statistics | Central bank that publishes reference series on lending volumes and rates. | We used it to anchor typical mortgage rates and credit availability. We then framed foreigner mortgages as bank policy plus documentation requirements. |
| France-Visas | Official French government portal for visa applications and rules. | We used it to describe the real application flow and timing constraints. We then added practical buffers based on prefecture and permit reality in France. |
| OECD Better Life Index | OECD aggregates comparable international indicators on well-being and quality of life. | We used it to benchmark France's strengths like work-life balance and safety. We then translated those into what it feels like for expats day to day. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in France. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.