🇫🇷 France
Continental culture and infrastructure with flexible talent and visitor visas
Visa Options
- Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) (4 years (renewable)) — Salary ≥ €39,582/yr (qualified) or ≥ €59,373/yr (highly qualified), or business/investment project
- Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur) (1 year (renewable)) — Income ≥ net SMIC (~€17,735/yr); consulates prefer 1.5–2x for lower refusal risk
- EU Blue Card (4 years (renewable)) — Job offer, salary above threshold, recognized degree/experience
Tax Overview
- Income Tax: 0% – 45% (progressive, 5 brackets, applied per household share/quotient familial)
- Corporate Tax: 25% (reduced 15% rate on first €42,500 of profit for qualifying small companies)
- VAT: 20% standard (10%/5.5% reduced rates)
Cost of Living
- Comfortable living (single, typical): €1,700 – €2,600/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Paris): €1,100 – €1,600/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Lyon/Marseille): €700 – €1,000/mo
- Groceries: €250 – €350/mo
- Utilities: €130 – €200/mo
- Dining out: €15 – €30/meal
- Public transport: €75/mo pass (Paris Navigo)
Relocation Checklist
- Apply for a visa at the French consulate
- Validate the VLS-TS visa online within 3 months of arrival
- Open a French bank account (RIB)
- Register with CPAM for Sécurité Sociale / healthcare
- Secure long-term housing and utility contracts
- Complete the OFII medical visit and administrative interview
- Apply for a carte de séjour if staying beyond 1 year
- File your first French income tax return