Dreaming of moving to Paris? Our guide has everything you need to know about housing, work, culture, and more. Get a sneak preview of expat life before setting off on your great Parisian adventure!
9 min read
Ah, Paris! Where do we begin? The City of Light has long been a dream destination for expats from all over the world. The French capital offers its citizens a modern, cosmopolitan, and multicultural home, and living there also means you can access the country’s high-quality healthcare and education systems.
For all of its charms, Paris can be tricky to navigate as a new expat. This article is your complete guide to expat life in Paris, including accommodation, work visas and study opportunities, transportation, the cost of living, and much more.
Moving to France?
We’ve put together practical info to help you settle into your new home country.
Paris’ reputation precedes it — even a short visit is often enough to leave you proclaiming, “Paris, je t’aime!” As a cosmopolitan city full of organizations, clubs, and social groups dedicated to expats, it’s a place where newcomers can find friendships, networking, and cultural exchange.Expats from all over the world love Paris. Here are a few of the major reasons why: • Professional opportunities: Paris is a major economic center with a broad range of industries. • Cultural and social life: The City of Lights is renowned for its cultural scene, famous museums, theaters, restaurants, and bustling nightlife. • Quality of life: The city is full of beautiful parks, historic monuments, and a unique variety of neighborhoods (“quartiers” in French). It also has strong public services like education and healthcare. • Public transport network: Paris has a well-established public transport network that serves the city and its suburbs. • Diversity: It’s a multicultural city that plays host to visitors and residents from all over the world, making it a welcoming place for expats.
Finding accommodation in Paris
The rental market in Paris is very competitive, which can be a challenge for expats trying to get a foot in the (literal) door. To increase your chances of finding your dream apartment, be methodical and organized — and patient.
Relocating to Paris
Your first and most important task is to define your apartment search criteria, including your preferred “arrondissements” (districts), budget, and public transport connections. Online platforms like Le Bon Coin, SeLoger, and Pap.fr have a variety of real estate listings, while social media and expat forums are another useful source of advice and insider recommendations. You can also contact real estate agencies, though this tends to be more expensive. Don't be afraid to ask your expat colleagues and other local residents for help, too — they often have invaluable advice or connections.
You’ll also need to carefully prepare all the essential documents, such as proof of income and supporting guarantors. As much as possible, stay calm and patient while you search. It’ll make the process easier in the long run.
Popular Parisian districts for expats
Each Parisian arrondisement has its own charm and attractions. So, it’s essential to figure out your personal needs and preferences when it comes to housing and lifestyle.
Some neighborhoods that are particularly popular with expats include: • Le Marais: This area is very central and known for its historical charm, cafés, and fashionable boutiques. • Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Located on the left bank of the Seine, this district is perfect if you’re looking for an intellectual atmosphere, art galleries, and iconic bookshops. • The 16th arrondissement: It’s known for its chic residential quartiers and public green spaces like the Bois de Boulogne. • Montmartre: This bohemian area is famous for its picturesque cobbled streets and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. • The 17th arrondissement: The Batignolles quartier of this district is especially popular, thanks to its cultural mix and variety of restaurants.
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As an expat looking for work in France, you’ll need a work visa and a bit of hustle. Keep reading to get tips and information to help you along the way.
The job market in Paris
Paris is a major economic center with a diverse mix of industries, including finance, fashion, health, and tourism. Many national and international companies have their headquarters or regional offices in Paris, which can mean more opportunities for experienced professionals — especially if you’re multilingual. If you’re trained in an in-demand field such as IT, engineering, finance, or marketing, you’ll generally have good employment prospects. However, the Parisian job market is also very competitive, and you’ll need to be smart about how you search.
Finding a job in Paris
Job hunting in Paris isn’t impossible, but it’s not always easy. Here are our tips for how to give yourself the best chance. • Optimize your CV: Adapt your CV to match French standards and be sure to highlight all your relevant skills and experience. • Search online opportunities: Explore online platforms such as LinkedIn, Monster, and similar international job sites. • Use social networks: Join professional associations and attend networking events where you can connect with industry professionals. • Use recruitment agencies: You can even look for ones that specialize in jobs for expats. • Learn French: Although many Parisian businesses use English, mastering French will open a lot more doors to you.
And last but not least, stay patient but persistent — job hunting can take time!
Work visas for France
If you aren’t a European Union citizen, you’ll need a visa to live and work in France as an expat. The precise work visa you need depends on your nationality, your particular type of employment, and how long you plan to stay. Typically, though, you’ll fall into the broad category of “long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit” (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour in French, or VLS-TS).Here are a few of the common visas available for working in France: • Employee visa: Intended for foreign workers who aren’t European Union nationals, this visa is generally issued for a fixed period and is linked to your employment contract. This visa has a longer validity period (one year or more). • Temporary worker visa: There are different short-term visas designed to allow certain workers to live in France for up to 12 months. • Talent passport: There’s a wide range of professional categories that fall under this 12-month visa, including business investors, performing artists, and highly skilled workers.Note that there are also specific visa options for students and academic researchers. Before starting any application procedure, visit the official website for the French consulate in your home country first. They’ll have the most accurate information about the kinds of visas that are currently available and the right application process.
The cost of living in Paris
All the glamor comes with a price tag — Paris is considered one of the most expensive cities on the planet. That said, the cost of living in Paris will also vary according to your lifestyle. To avoid any sticky financial situations, it’s important to carefully plan your budget and match it to your needs. You can also open a French bank account to help manage your money while you’re abroad.
Your main expenses will include housing, transport, food, and leisure. Rent will probably consume a significant part of your budget, especially if you live in one of the central quartiers. However, there are less expensive housing options in the suburbs if you’re willing to live outside the city center. And though public transport is very efficient, you should also calculate your travel costs into your budget. Your food costs depend on your habits and tastes, but do note that Parisian cafés and restaurants can be relatively expensive. The good news? Paris has many cultural, entertainment, and leisure options that are either free or very affordable.
The Parisian healthcare system
France is known for its universal healthcare system and high-quality care. Expats in Paris qualify for the basic health cover provided by France’s public health insurance. For most people, however, it’s wise to take out supplemental (“mutuelle”) insurance to cover any costs that aren’t reimbursed under the basic scheme. You can choose from a range of additional insurance options to suit your specific personal needs. And if your French isn’t fluent yet, rest assured that many Parisian healthcare professionals do speak English.
The Parisian education system
The French education system has several options open to expats with school-age children, all the way up to university level.
Sending your kids to school in Paris
If you have kids, there are international schools offering educational programs in English or other languages. These schools generally follow an international curriculum model such as the IB (International Baccalaureate) or the UK curriculum, which might make life a little easier for children as they integrate into a new educational environment.
The French education system also offers public and private school education from kindergarten to university. French public schools are free, but they teach in French, which can be a challenge for kids from non-French-speaking families. Alternatively, you could explore bilingual private schools that offer teaching in several languages while still following the French educational program.
Parisian universities
At the university level, France is home to renowned academic institutions with a whole range of post-secondary programs. As long as foreign students meet the admission requirements — including French-language proficiency, in some cases — they can access these programs.
Getting around in Paris
The metro in Paris is one of the oldest and well-established in Europe. But beyond the picturesque old-world metro stations, Paris boasts a whole network of relatively affordable public transport.You can choose between several transport options for getting around in the French capital: • Metro: Fast and cheap, the Paris metro has 14 lines to help you move freely around the city. • Bus and tram networks: These are often slower, but they connect you to other parts of the city not serviced by the metro. • RER (Réseau Express Régional): The fast train network links Paris to the suburbs. • Cycling: Thanks to cycle paths and self-service bike-share stations called Vélib, biking is becoming very popular in Paris.
Taxis and VTC (Vehicule de Tourisme, or passenger vehicle) solutions, such as Uber, are also available to get around in Paris.
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