For all of its charms, Toulouse can be tricky to navigate as a new expat. This article is a guide to expat life in Toulouse, including accommodation, work visas, study opportunities, and much more.
9 min read
Less known than other French cities, Toulouse is nevertheless a destination of choice for expatriates from all over the world. Whether you are attracted by aerospace, cutting-edge technologies or simply the good life, Toulouse has an enriching adventure in store for you! Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean and Spain makes it a city conducive to discoveries and numerous weekend activities. Living in Toulouse also means taking advantage of the quality French health system and the many schools and universities present in the region.
In this article, discover our complete guide to expat life in Toulouse: housing, work, studies, cost of living, culture, it's all there!
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Toulouse is one of the French cities where life is good, and it attracts many students, professionals and expatriates. A favorite city to settle in due to its cultural richness, its geographical location and its economic dynamism, Toulouse attracts professionals from all over the world. Groups and associations facilitate integration by offering events, meetings and resources to share advice and experiences. Whether through cultural events or professional meetings, the expatriate community in Toulouse offers a warm and collaborative atmosphere.
Toulouse is a city particularly popular with expatriates from all over the world for:
Its professional opportunities: Toulouse is a dynamic city, particularly in the fields of aerospace and the aeronautics industry.
Its climate: thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Toulouse seduces those who are cold with its hot summers and mild winters.
Its cultural and social life: the Pink City is renowned for its cultural life, its festivals and its lively nightlife.
Its quality of life: thanks to its parks, its green spaces, its sports infrastructure and its relaxed atmosphere.
Its public transport network: The public transport network is well developed, which facilitates travel in the city and its surroundings.
Finding accommodation in Toulouse
The rental market in Toulouse 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 organised — and patient.
Relocating to Toulouse
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 districts for expats in Toulouse
Each neighborhood has its own charm and benefits. It is therefore essential to consider your housing and lifestyle needs and preferences. Among the neighborhoods popular with expatriates, we find:
Carmes: located in the heart of the city, this district is renowned for its historic charm, picturesque streets, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. It often attracts young professionals and students.
Compans-Caffarelli: close to the city center, this district is known for its park, its body of water and its university life with the presence of numerous schools and universities.
Saint-Cyprien: located on the left bank of the Garonne, it is a lively district with markets, green spaces and a friendly atmosphere.
Minimes: This residential area is popular among families for its quietness and easy access to the city center.
Lardenne: further from the city center, this residential area is quiet and family-friendly. It is appreciated for its green spaces, its schools and its amenities.
Borderouge: in full expansion, this district offers new housing, green spaces and a shopping center, perfect for families and young professionals.
Purpan: close to the airport and the university center of Rangueil, this district is appreciated for its modernity.
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The job market in Toulouse
The job market in Toulouse offers interesting opportunities, particularly in key sectors such as aerospace, the aviation industry, information technology, research and development, as well as higher education. However, competition in the Toulouse job market is strong and you will need to adopt a methodical approach to land a work contract.
Find a job in Rhône-Alpes
To put all the chances on your side to find a job in Toulouse, you can follow the following steps:
Prepare your CV: adapt your CV to French standards and make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience.
Search for online opportunities: explore online job platforms such as LinkedIn, Monster, or international job sites.
Use social media: join online professional groups and attend networking events to connect with industry professionals.
Use recruitment agencies: some specialize in jobs for expats, which can be a valuable resource.
Learn French: even if some companies in Toulouse use English, mastering French will open more doors for you.
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 Toulouse
Good news, compared to Lyon, Marseille or Paris, Toulouse is a much more affordable city! The cost of living in Toulouse varies depending on lifestyle, neighborhood of residence and personal habits. It is therefore recommended to plan your budget according to your lifestyle to adapt to the cost of living in the south of France.
Rents can represent a significant budget, especially in central districts, but less expensive options exist on the outskirts, moving away from the center. Public transport, although well developed, can represent a significant part of the budget. Food spending depends on purchasing habits, but Toulouse restaurants and cafes are relatively affordable.
The healthcare system in Toulouse
France is known for its universal healthcare system. In Toulouse, the healthcare system is well developed and offers access to quality care. As an expatriate in Toulouse, you can benefit from basic health coverage provided by Health Insurance. However, it is recommended to take out additional (mutual) insurance to cover unreimbursed costs. You can choose from a range of additional insurance to suit your specific needs.
The education system in Toulouse
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 Toulouse
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.
Universities in Toulouse
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 Toulouse
Toulouse offers a well-developed and relatively affordable public transport network thanks to a monthly subscription system. In the Pink City, you have the choice between several transport solutions:
The metro: Toulouse has two metro lines, line A (red line) and line B (green line) which allow you to travel quickly and efficiently in the city center and to the main areas of activity.
The bus and the tram: are slower means of transport, but which allow you to admire the city.
The car: if you prefer to drive, Toulouse has a well-developed road network. However, traffic can be heavy during rush hours, and parking in the city center can be difficult.
Cycling: this ecological mode of transport is increasingly popular in Toulouse with cycle paths and self-service bicycle stations (VélôToulouse).
Taxis and VTC (Vehicule de Tourisme, or passenger vehicle) solutions, such as Uber, are also available to get around in Toulouse.
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Frequently asked questions about expats in Toulouse
Toulouse is an attractive destination for expats, particularly those working in the aeronautics, technology, and scientific research sectors. With its pleasant living environment and professional opportunities, the city stands out for its economic dynamism and warm atmosphere.
Toulouse is an attractive destination for expats, particularly those working in the aeronautics, technology, and scientific research sectors. With its pleasant living environment and professional opportunities, the city stands out for its economic dynamism and warm atmosphere.
Although learning French is recommended to better integrate into local life, it is possible to live in Toulouse without speaking the language, especially if you work in international environments or are a student at a major school. However, for everyday life, knowing a minimum of French is an advantage.
France is quite welcoming to expats. Major French cities are very international, with a notable cultural diversity, and there are many initiatives to help new arrivals adapt.
Yes, you can live and work in France without a European passport, but you will need to obtain a work visa or an appropriate residence permit. The procedures vary depending on your country of origin and the type of employment you have.
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