France
Cost of living, salaries, tax rates & quality of life
Quick Facts
Key stats and figures for France
Capital
Paris
Languages
French
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Cost of Living
4% below US
Avg. Salary
€ 31k/yr
Timezone
UTC+1/+2
Population
68 million
Expats
7.7 million
Quality of Life
Based on Numbeo Quality of Life Index
Cost of Living & Salary Benchmarks
Compare expenses and earning potential across major cities
| City | Rent | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | €1,600 | €2,314 |
| Lyon | €900 | €1,515 |
| Marseille | €800 | €1,375 |
Rent based on 1-bedroom apartment in city center. All values in EUR/month.
Tax Rates
Key tax information for France
Personal Income Tax
0%-45% + 9.7% social contributions
Corporate Tax
25%
Capital Gains Tax
31.4% flat rate (PFU)
VAT / Sales Tax
20%
Good to Know
Income split by household quotient (parts); non-residents taxed at minimum 20%
Language & Culture
What to expect when living in France
Official Languages
English Proficiency
MediumLanguage Requirements
B1 French typically required for long-term residence
Good to Know
French Talent Passport does not require French language proficiency
Popular Visa Pathways to France
FranceTalent Passport
The French Talent Passport is a multi-year residence permit for skilled professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors whose presence benefits France's economy or culture. It covers qualified employees, EU Blue Card holders, startup founders, and artists, granting up to 4 years without a separate work permit. The permit costs €99 (visa) + €350 (residence card: €300 tax + €50 stamp); processing takes 4–8 weeks. Spouses receive a family permit with full work rights. After 5 years, holders can convert to permanent residency—dual intent is permitted throughout. This visa is ideal for non-EU professionals with a French job offer, business project, or investment meeting the €39,582 income threshold who want a multi-year pathway to permanent residence.
FranceEU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card (Passeport Talent Carte Bleue UE) is France's permit for highly qualified non-EU workers with a recognized degree of at least three years — or five years of comparable professional experience — and a job contract of six months or more paying at least EUR 59,373 per year. The permit lasts up to four years (matching contract length), is renewable, and leads to long-term EU residence. Spouses receive a residence permit and may work without restriction. After 12 months in France, holders may transfer to another EU state under simplified rules. Dual intent is permitted. This visa is ideal for non-EU professionals with a recognized degree and a high-skilled French job offer who want a renewable work pathway with EU mobility and a route to permanent residence.
FranceVLS-TS — Salaried Employment Visa
The French Salaried Employment Visa (VLS-TS salarié) is a long-stay work visa for foreign nationals hired under a CDI or CDD contract with a French employer. The employer must obtain labor authorization from DREETS/ANEF, and the offered salary must meet at least the SMIC threshold (EUR 21,876/year). The visa covers stays up to one year tied to the contract, and is renewable as a multi-year residence permit. Holders can convert to permanent residency. Spouses accompanying on family reunification (after 18 months) receive work-authorized permits. Fees are EUR 99 for the visa plus EUR 350 for the residence permit. This visa is ideal for qualified professionals with a confirmed French job offer whose employer is willing to navigate the labor authorization process.
Before You Go
What You Should Know About France
Essential reading for anyone considering the move
What Is the EU Blue Card? 25 Countries, Salary Thresholds and Permanent Residency, Explained (2026)
The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for skilled non-EU workers, issued by 25 EU countries under a shared EU directive.
What Is a Transit Visa? Rules by Country
A transit visa lets you pass through a country on your way to another one — it is not a tourist visa and does not let you stay. Here is what it actually covers, when you need one, and how the rules differ across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, the Schengen Area, Japan and Singapore.
The Global Race for AI Talent: Inside the New Wave of Specialist Tech Visas
The UK, France, Singapore, and the US have each rolled out or expanded visa tracks specifically aimed at AI researchers and engineers, as governments compete directly for a narrow pool of specialist talent.
Policy details may be out of date
Data Sources
Last updated: July 2026
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Cost of living, salary, and quality of life data are estimates based on third-party sources and may vary. Always verify current information with official government sources before making immigration decisions.