Living in France: The Executive Relocation Guide
France consistently ranks among the world's top destinations for quality of life — #1 in healthcare (WHO), a 35-hour work week with 5 weeks paid vacation, world-class public education through university, and infrastructure that connects Paris to London in 2h15 by Eurostar, to Geneva in 3h20 by TGV. For executives and founders relocating as part of France 2030's innovation ecosystem, the proposition is compelling: world-class lifestyle at a fraction of London or Zurich prices.
Cost of Living Comparison
| City | Rent (2BR central) | vs London | vs Zurich | vs NYC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | €2,000–3,500/mo | -30% | -45% | -40% |
| Lyon | €1,000–1,800/mo | -55% | -65% | -60% |
| Toulouse | €800–1,500/mo | -60% | -70% | -65% |
| Nice / Sophia Antipolis | €1,200–2,200/mo | -40% | -55% | -50% |
| Bordeaux | €900–1,600/mo | -55% | -65% | -60% |
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan averages, Q4 2025. Dining out is 30–50% cheaper than London. Groceries are 20–30% cheaper. Public transport (Navigo pass) is €86.40/month for unlimited Paris metro/bus/RER.
Healthcare: Universal and World-Class
France's Assurance Maladie (Sécurité Sociale) provides universal coverage funded through payroll contributions. All legal residents — including visa holders — are covered from day one. The system reimburses 70% of consultations (GP visit: €26.50), 80% of hospital costs, and 65% of prescribed medications. Most residents add a mutuelle (complementary insurance, €50–150/month for individuals) for full 100% coverage. Employers typically provide this. Wait times for specialists average 1–4 weeks (vs 6–18 weeks on the NHS). Your Carte Vitale (green health card) arrives within 2–4 months of registration with CPAM. Full details in our healthcare system guide.
Education: Free Through University
Public education is free from maternelle (age 3) through university. University tuition for EU students: €170–380/year; for non-EU: €2,770–3,770/year — a fraction of US/UK costs. France hosts world-class grandes écoles: Polytechnique (#9 global engineering), HEC Paris (#1 European MBA multiple years), Sciences Po (political science/IR). For international families in Paris: 30+ international schools including the American School of Paris, British School of Paris, and Lycée International de Saint-Germain. Fees: €15,000–35,000/year. Many public lycées offer free bilingual "sections internationales."
Tax Residency: The Impatriation Advantage
France's impatriation regime offers 30% income tax exemption for 8 years and wealth tax exemption on non-French assets for 5 years. Combined with the 30% CIR R&D tax credit and JEI status, the effective cost of doing business in France is competitive with Ireland, Netherlands, and Singapore for innovation-intensive companies. France has 120+ double tax treaties — see our bilateral agreements guide.
Visa Pathways
French Tech Visa — 4-year, fast-track for founders, employees, investors. Talent Passport — 10 categories for skilled workers, researchers, executives. Visa Long Séjour — standard long-stay visa. EU Blue Card — high-skilled workers. All pathways include family reunification and social security access. Apply via France-Visas.gouv.fr.
Practical Setup Checklist
Banking: Open a French account at BNP Paribas, Société Générale, or digital: Qonto (business), Shine (freelance). Phone: Free Mobile (€19.99/mo unlimited data, calls, texts including roaming in 110 countries). Transport: Navigo pass (€86.40/mo, all-zone Paris metro/RER/bus/tram). Housing: Use SeLoger or PAP for listings; expect 1–3 months deposit + guarantor (use Garantme or Visale for guarantee). Utilities: EDF (electricity), Engie (gas) — switch to cheaper providers like TotalEnergies or Eni once settled.
For city-specific relocation intelligence, see our Paris guide, Lyon-Grenoble corridor, and Toulouse aerospace hub.