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Start planning your move to France learning about moving costs, requirements to live and work in the country and the french lifestyle.
Here is a breakdown of the typical costs of moving furniture for a 3-bedroom house to the most popular destinations in France:
| Destination City | Average Cost |
| Paris | $8,000 – $10,700 |
| Marseille | $7,200 – $9,800 |
| Lyon | $6,800 – $9,200 |
Depending on the distance – moving from the West or East Coast –, the volume of your belongings, and the season of the year the prices could change.
Estimate My VolumeMoving belongings can be quite pricey, especially for larger items. If you want to save some money on your relocation, read these tips:
If you plan on moving your dog or cat to France, they must meet the requirements for any pet entering the EU:
Read more on USDA’s official page Pet Travel from the United States to France.
The main requirements to move your car to France include:
Look for the following top 3 international moving companies that offer services to France:
If you plan to live or work in France, you will require a visa. The type you’ll need will depend on your situation. However, regardless of the visa you apply for, collect all the required documents, such as your birth certificate, passport, and proof of financial stability.
As a US Citizen, you must be sponsored by a French company to be eligible for this visa. There are different types, based on your skills and contract. Find a list of all Salaried employment options on the government’s visa page.
How the process works:
⚠️ The visa needs to be validated within the 3 months after arriving in France.
You must be enrolled in a course or studies in a higher education institution in France to start the process. Once you receive an admission letter from the institution, your visa application will be presented to the authorities.
⚠️ As an international student you must get health insurance coverage. It is mandatory and free.
Suppose you are joining a family member or spouse who is a French, EU citizen, or permanent resident, after proving your relationship by presenting the corresponding documentation. In that case, you will be issued a long-stay visa that allows you to live and work in France.
There are different ways to obtain French permanent residence. However, there are some generic requirements to apply for citizenship which include presenting your birth certificate, proof of language proficiency, and a residence permit. These are the most typical paths:
You must submit your application to the French American Embassy. After processing, you will need to take tests and interviews. Your application will then be reviewed, and upon approval, a ceremony will be held.
If you’re wondering what you need to know before moving to France, keep reading this small guide.
France has a universal public healthcare system that covers most of the health expenses.
As an American, the primary way to access the French social security system is by working. Your French employee will deduct contributions from your salary.
Public or private, it is mandatory to have health insurance. Consider private insurance for more comprehensive coverage and cover the costs the public may not.
If you’re moving to France to work or live, you can open a bank account. Presenting your passport, proof of address, and visa status. Some banks can also ask for your work contract or financial proof.
Keep in mind that there can be a language barrier, so you may want to make sure they have support in English. Some international companies include HSBC, BNP Paribas and Société Générale.
Online banks like Revolut, N26, or Bunq can be an alternative. Usually, they’re easier to set up.
Taxes in France are arranged based on your residency. This means that, depending on your status, you’ll have different obligations:
The US and France established a tax treaty, so you won’t have to worry about double taxation.
As is the case in most countries, when moving to a larger city, finding a place may be more competitive than in smaller towns.
Depending on your necessities, location, and budget you can decide the type of accommodation you need. You can start researching through online platforms like Rentola, HousingAnywhere, or national ones like SeLoger or leboncoin.
The standard of living in France can be high, especially in major cities such as Paris. As an American living in France, you will mainly experience some cultural differences, learning a new language, and bureaucracy. As long as you stay open, the experience can be enriching.
Living in France can be expensive in bigger cities, however, according to Numbeo, in 2024, consumer prices are 11% higher in the US. The average cost of living in France for a single person can be around 950€ per month.
Here’s a breakdown of some daily costs in France compared to the US:
| Metric | France | US |
| Eggs | 4 $ | 3.73 $ |
| Restaurant Meal | 30 $ | 35 $ |
| Cappuccino | 3.27 $ | 5 $ |
| Single transport ticket | 1.90 $ | 2.50 $ |
| Basic utilities | 190 $ | 205.61 $ |
Source: Numbeo
If you’re still hesitating about moving to France, these pros and cons may help you make a decision:
Before starting, as an American moving to France, there are some things you can keep in mind that may be helpful to integrate easier into the French culture.
As we already mentioned, to be able to work in France, you will need a work permit issued by a French employer. Once you have the offer, you can apply for a visa and obtain your residence permit.
If you’re moving to France as a self-employed, you will need to apply for a self-employed visa, a long-term visa that will allow you to offer your services or work independently in France.
