Engineering – Aerospace, Automobile, Mechanical, MetallurgyFrance is an industrial nation and world leader in Aerospace (read Airbus), Automotive and Metallurgy. The recovering economy saw a spurt of jobs in the above-mentioned sector with a strong demand for professionals.
Those wanting just a taste of France won't need a visa if the trip is for less than 90 days (unless you're a diplomat or a journalist). All you need is a passport that's valid for at least three months. But for any stays longer than three months it gets complicated.
The Most In-Demand Jobs in FranceThe industries currently dominating the employment market are health and social care, wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing. The most in-demand jobs are expected to be in construction, followed by the accommodation and food sector, and professional services.
France is about 1.5 times bigger than Germany but with a population 20% smaller. In effect, it has a larger rural area with less people to populate it. And as more and more people relocate to cities, more houses are being added to the market—often at bargain prices.
Pros and cons of moving to France
- + PRO: Plenty of choice. Expats should find plenty of accommodation options no matter where in France they are.
- - CON: Older housing.
- - CON: Housing tax.
- + PRO: Slower pace of life.
- - CON: Bureaucracy.
- + PRO: Vacation.
- + PRO: Accessible and convenient urban transportation.
- + PRO: Fresh food and great wine.
Finding a job in France, like in any foreign country, is not particularly easy. Thankfully, though, it's not impossible, despite what some would have you believe. Patience may just be the key to landing that dream job.
It can be hard to move here, especially if you do not speak French and want to settle in the countryside. However, a straightforward immigration system and extensive transportation infrastructure means that the practical elements of moving here alone or with family can be achieved with the correct planning.
According to the French Embassy, Americans can stay in France (without working) for up to three months on a tourist visa. If you want to stay longer than that you need to apply for a work visa. The problem is, you must have secured a job before you can apply for a work visa.
10 French property pitfalls to avoid
- 2) Don't ignore inheritance planning.
- 3) Be canny with your cash.
- 4) Use a qualified agent.
- 5) Avoid dodgy deals.
- 6) Be survey savvy.
- 7) Be realistic about renovation.
- 8) Choose a reputable developer.
- 9) Budget for additional costs.
Yes-- there are currently no restrictions on foreigners buying property in France, however you may find the process a bit more difficult as a foreigner. If you're working with a real estate agent the process is likely to be relatively straightforward regardless.
Crime in the French MediterraneanThe Mediterranean area has long been considered one of the most corrupt, crime-ridden areas of Europe – therefore you should be cautious while visiting. Most crimes are not going to affect travelers, as this involves drugs, prostitution, money laundering and robbery in the area.
Paris is safe at night. Like any large city, it has the usual nighttime attractions, such as restaurants, movies, theaters, concerts, and clubs, plus more unique attractions such as river boat excursions or the Eiffel Tower. It is safe on the Metro at night too. It's a big city so keep an eye out for pickpockets.
Especially when traveling alone, avoid areas around metro Les Halles, Pigalle, Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, and Jaures late at night or when the streets appear empty. While generally safe, these areas have at times been known to harbor gang activity or to be the site of hate crimes.
11 things to do before you move to France
- Brush up on your French.
- Research the social security system.
- Sort out your health care provisions.
- Photocopy key documents.
- Collect your bank statements.
- Tie up loose ends in the UK.
- Work out how you will earn a living in France.
- Find somewhere to live in France.
The 7 Best Places to Live in France
- Living in Paris. Let's begin with the most obvious option when it comes to living in France, the capital – Paris.
- Living in Montpellier. The city of Montpellier offers a cheaper but as interesting living experience as in Paris.
- Living in Nice.
- Living in the Dordogne.
- Living in Bordeaux.
- Living in Marseille.
- Living in Lyon.
The pros of living in France
- Proven property market.
- Business friendly.
- Excellent access.
- Wonderful weather.
- Beautiful locations.
- Divine food and wine.
- Excellent education.
- Fantastic healthcare.
Here are 10 of the cheapest countries to live and work this year, according to meaningful travelers like YOU.
- Vietnam. For those wanting to live and work in an exotic place, but not pay a fortune, Vietnam is any budget travelers dream.
- Costa Rica.
- Bulgaria.
- Mexico.
- South Africa.
- China.
- South Korea.
- Thailand.
There are no restrictions for foreign investors buying a house in France, even non-residents. All investors need is a French bank account and a valid ID. Besides your deposit, you can also expect to pay notaire's fees.
On average, the rent prices in France are €659 (~ $728) for a one-bedroom apartment in the City Centre. Meanwhile, the costs come down to €514 (~ $568) outside the City Centre.
The average house price in France as a whole is currently around €160,000. In the UK the average is €231,000.
This statistic shows the opinion of employees working in Paris area on what level of salary per month allows a good living in the French capital in 2019. It appears that a majority of respondents, 33 percent of them, declared that a monthly salary between 3,000 and 4,999 was a salary allowing a good living in Paris.
Cost of Living in France: Sample Monthly Budget
| Expenses | U.S. $ |
|---|
| Rent | $800 to $1,200 |
| Electricity | $48 |
| Groceries (incl. wine) | $600 |
| Landline rental fee (excluding call costs) | $21 |
To remain in the country for longer, you'll need a one-year visa, which you have to renew each year. It can take anywhere from three to ten years for you to receive an indefinite leave to remain. One year into your stay, you're obliged to start paying taxes on any income.
In a direct comparison of key spending between France and the UK, the website suggests that the overall cost of living in France is around 5% cheaper than it is in the UK, which is good news for British expats. For example, food is actually 26% more expensive in France, which includes basic groceries.
How much do you need to retire in France? This depends on your own lifestyle and where you take up residence but living well is very affordable in all parts of France. Two people can run an apartment while living well in France for between $2,100 to $2,500 per month.
Many people who move to France do so without being able to speak any French. The French are usually open-minded and welcoming. Also most locals will have had some exposure to English at school - only they won't let it show until you make an effort to speak French.
Let's take a closer look at a few of the best places in France that are popular with expats.
- Annecy.
- Juan-les-Pins.
- Dordogne.
- Lake Geneva.
- The Luberon.
- Montpellier and Narbonne.
- Mougins and Valbonne.
- Nice.
Unless you are a citizen of an EU member state, the first step for a move to France will generally be to request a tourist visa. This type of visa will allow you to stay in France for up to a year. When the tourist visa expires, you will be allowed to apply for a one-year permit and renew that on a yearly basis.
It is a universal health care system. While private medical care exists in France, the 75% of doctors who are in the national program provide care free to the patient, with costs being reimbursed from government funds.
Top 10 places to buy property in France
- Best for high peaks: Mont Blanc valley.
- Best for families: Île de Ré
- Best for collectors: L'Isle sur la Sorgue.
- Best for accessibility: the Dordogne.
- Best for now or never: Paris.
- Best for sports: Annecy.
- Best for oenophiles: Bordeaux.
- Best for views: the Lubéron.
In general, if you look only at the numbers and stats, life in France (if you speak French) is indeed better than life in England, UK. Everything from the weather to salaries, geography , location, infrastructure and social benefits is indeed better on the main land.
