In recent years, the number of French people considering leaving their home country to settle abroad has increased. According to statistics, around 2.5 million French people will already be living abroad in 2023, an increase of almost 50% on 2010. This trend is often fuelled by a French economic and political context deemed unsatisfactory. Over 30% of young people aged 18 to 24 consider expatriation as an option to improve their quality of life.
For some, the motivation is tax-related, with more attractive regimes abroad for retirees or entrepreneurs. Expatriation is therefore an increasingly attractive option. However, choosing the right destination is an important decision that calls for introspection and preparation.
Why leave France?
Many French people today are thinking of leaving their homeland, motivated by a combination of economic, social and personal reasons. One of the main economic motivations is the cost of living. Some are looking for environments offering higher purchasing power and more abundant career opportunities. Indeed, despite a fall in unemployment, many find that the jobs available are often precarious and low-paying, limiting prospects for professional advancement.
On a personal level, many are looking for a better work-life balance and a warmer climate. The desire to discover new cultures and live enriching experiences abroad further reinforces this temptation to expatriate. For these French people, going abroad is not just a question of economics or security, but also a quest for meaning and renewal.
| Motivation category | Explanation |
| Economical | Looking for greater purchasing power, more career opportunities, or more competitive salaries. Many find that the jobs available in France are often precarious and low-paying. |
| Tax | Attractive tax regimes for entrepreneurs, investors or retirees (e.g. non-dom tax status, low capital taxes). |
| Quality of Life | Quest for a better work-life balance, as well as a milder climate and greater security. |
| Personal/Cultural | Want to discover new cultures, open up to the world or find new meaning in life. |
A word of warning: Expatriation requires a great deal of energy and solid psychological preparation. It’s crucial to leave to build a new life, not to run away from unresolved problems in France. The latter could resurface once abroad.
Criteria for choosing the right country
When considering leaving France to settle abroad, choosing the right country is an important step. The cost of living is often the first factor taken into account: some countries offer a standard of living similar to or higher than that of France, but with much lower costs, particularly when it comes to housing, basic services and food.
Quality of life, an equally important criterion, encompasses several aspects such as access to quality healthcare, a high-performance education system, a safe environment and modern infrastructures. It is also important to consider the growth sectors in the destination country, the ease of access to the job market for foreigners, and the recognition of French diplomas. Some countries have dynamic job markets that can offer interesting career prospects for expatriates, while others may impose restrictions or complex visa requirements.
Culture and language are elements that should not be overlooked. Language barriers can be a major obstacle to integration, as can cultural differences. Opting for a country where there is already a well-established French community can ease the transition and enable you to benefit from a support network from the moment you arrive.
The most attractive countries in which to leave France
The most attractive countries from which to leave France are attracting increasing numbers of expatriates. Leading the way are Portugal, Spain and Canada. Portugal, for example, is home to some 50,000 French expatriates, attracted by its advantageous tax regimes, while Spain, with its community of over 200,000 French nationals, is attractive for its climate and geographical proximity. Canada, with around 100,000 French expatriates, is also prized for its professional opportunities and high quality of life. These countries offer not only advantageous living conditions, but also attractive tax regimes, pleasant climates and well-established expatriate communities, making them top choices for those considering leaving France.
Portugal
Portugal is a destination of choice for many French people, not least because of its significant tax advantages, particularly for retirees. Thanks to attractive tax regimes such as the non-habitual resident (RNH) scheme, new residents can benefit from tax exemptions on their pensions for up to ten years. What’s more, the cost of living is generally lower than in France, while offering a high quality of life, with a pleasant climate, modern infrastructure and a high-quality healthcare system.
Spain
Spain’s sunny climate and geographical proximity to France make it easy for people who want to stay close to their families to travel frequently. The cost of living is also more affordable, particularly in terms of housing and food.Spain also offers great cultural diversity and a Mediterranean lifestyle that attracts expatriates in search of well-being and simplicity.
Canada
Canada is a preferred destinationfor those seeking professional opportunities and a high quality of life. The country is renowned for its warm welcome to expatriates, with a dynamic job market, particularly in the technology, healthcare and renewable energy sectors. What’s more, Canada offers an exceptional natural environment, cosmopolitan cities and a universal healthcare system, making it an attractive choice for families and young professionals.
Switzerland
Switzerland is prized for its proximity to France and its high salaries, which are among the most competitive in Europe. The country offers outstanding public services, with first-rate infrastructure and a high-quality healthcare system. Switzerland is also known for its economic and political stability, making it a safe destination for expatriates seeking security and prosperity.
Thailand
For those seeking a paradise-like lifestyle at a very low cost, Thailand is the destination of choice. The country offers magnificent beaches, a tropical climate, and one of the lowest costs of living in the world, particularly for accommodation and food. Thailand is also a preferred location for digital nomads and retirees, thanks to a well-established expatriate community and relaxed lifestyle.
Other emerging destinations
Eastern European countries such as Hungary and Bulgaria, as well as parts of Southeast Asia such as Vietnam and Cambodia, are emerging as attractive destinations for expatriates. These countries offer a very low cost of living, advantageous tax regimes, and an ever-improving quality of life, attracting more and more French people in search of adventure and opportunity in developing regions.
Focus: Tax-advantaged destinations
For those whose main motivation is tax, certain countries offer specific and attractive tax regimes:
- Malta: 15% tax on repatriated income.
- Cyprus: Non-dom resident status (no tax on dividends, interest, foreign rents for 17 years).
- Andorra: Maximum tax rate of 10%, making it one of the countries with the lowest rates in Europe.
- Mauritius: Single $15% tax rate (on salaries and company profits).
Portugal update: The non-habitual resident(RNH) scheme offering exemption from pension tax has been abolished at the end of 2023 for new arrivals. Those already registered, however, retain their benefits for the remaining duration of their program (10 years).
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Steps to take to live abroad
Leaving France to settle abroad requires a number of administrative and practical steps to ensure a smooth transition. Here are the key steps to consider.
Administrative formalities
Before you leave, it’s essential to cancel all current contracts in France, such as subscriptions (electricity, gas, internet, telephone), insurance policies and rental contracts. Don’t forget to notify the Mairie of your departure, so that you can be removed from the electoral roll, and the Social Security office, so that your rights can be terminated. Don’t forget to forward your mail or entrust it to someone you trust.
Visa and residency
The procedures for obtaining a visa and residence permit vary considerably depending on the destination country. Some countries, like Canada or Australia, have strict procedures and selection criteria based on professional skills or financial investment. Others, like the countries of the European Union, offer greater ease of mobility for French citizens. It is vital to find out about the types of visa available (tourist, work, permanent residence) and the conditions to be met before leaving France.
International health insurance
When considering expatriation, it’s important to think about your health cover. For long-term stays, especially outside the EU, international health insurance is highly recommended. This insurance offers comprehensive coverage, including routine care, hospitalization and sometimes repatriation, which is important in countries like the U.S., where medical care is expensive. In addition, an international health insurance plan can cover unpaid expenses, such as extra fees. Make sure you also comply with local regulations, as some destinations require you to take out local health insurance, even if you have international coverage. The experts at santexpat.fr can help you choose your international health insurance.
Mistakes to avoid when going abroad
When considering expatriation, there are some common mistakes to be avoided to ensure a successful transition. Underestimating the local cost of living can quickly deplete your resources, especially if you haven’t properly assessed current expenses in your host country. Similarly, failing to check the recognition of your professional qualifications could limit your employment opportunities, leaving you without a job or with an under-qualified position. Ignoring cultural differences can lead to integration and communication difficulties, making the experience less pleasant. Finally, ignoring your tax obligations in France, such as declaring your income tax or regularizing your tax situation, can lead to legal and financial complications, both in France and abroad. These precautions are essential to guarantee a worry-free expatriation, with no unpleasant surprises.
The final word: Finding your ideal compromise
There’s no universal best country to leave France. The ideal destination is the one that best matches your personal and professional priorities, and your profile (retiree, entrepreneur, family, recent graduate).
Expatriation is an adventure that requires meticulous preparation and a good dose of adaptability. By clearly identifying your motivations and following these practical steps, you’ll set yourself up for a successful transition.
