Paris is one of the most popular cities for expats, attracting people from all over the world with its rich culture, career opportunities, and high quality of life. Whether you're moving for work, study or looking for a fresh start, the process of moving to Paris requires careful planning.
This guide provides a detailed overview of everything you need to know before moving to Paris. You'll learn about visa requirements, the best neighbourhoods to live in, and key aspects of working, studying, and living in the French capital.
Reasons for moving to Paris
No matter what your reason for moving to Paris, the city will enchant you with its artistic energy. The French capital is often associated with beauty, culture and romance, but for those who choose to live here, it offers so much more. It's a place where tradition and modernity coexist, where work-life balance is taken seriously, and where simple pleasures like a morning coffee shape the quality of everyday life in a cosy café, an afternoon stroll along the Seine, or the routine pick-up of fresh bread from a local bakery.
At the same time, Paris is responsible for a significant share of France's economic power. Leading sectors such as fashion, finance, technology and media are growing in the city. There are excellent conditions for the development of both large multinationals and innovative start-ups. Thus, the capital is proving to be a creative, intellectual, and business hub that offers professional development in many fields.
Education is another factor that attracts people here. Paris has a high reputation in academic circles. Beyond formal education, the city itself is a place of learning: every neighbourhood, museum and historic building tells a story and even something as simple as adapting to the local way of life can feel like an enriching experience.
Among Paris' more significant challenges are the cost of living, which can be characterised as high; the bureaucracy and some of the cultural differences.
However, one of the most important aspects of relocation remains the legal and administrative requirements. Above all else, you will need to get to grips with what documents you need.
Visa and Residency Requirements
Moving to Paris requires careful planning and one of the key steps is to make sure you have the right visa and residency status. France offers different visa options depending on your reason for moving: work, study, business or family. Understanding the requirements in advance will help avoid complications once you arrive.
For non-EU nationals, a visa is required for stays longer than 90 days. The type of visa you apply for depends on your circumstances. If you are moving for work, your employer may sponsor a work visa, which often requires a job offer before arrival. Freelancers and entrepreneurs can explore the Talent Passport program, which is designed for professionals with specialized skills, or those starting a business in France. On the other hand, students enrolled in French universities usually need a student visa that allows them to work part-time during their studies.
Once in France, most long-stay visa holders must apply for a residence permit (Carte de Séjour), which is essential for staying beyond the initial visa period. This process includes:
- Registration with the local prefecture
- Providing documents such as proof of address, financial stability, and health insurance
For EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, the process is considerably easier as they do not need a visa to live and work in France. However, registration for health care, tax purposes, and housing is still recommended for a smoother transition.
Finding a Place to Live in Paris
Securing a place to live is one of the more difficult tasks you will face. The city's housing market is highly competitive, and demand often outstrips supply, especially in popular areas. Whether you're a buyer or a renter, it's important to understand the market.
Renting is the most common choice for foreigners as property prices in Paris are among the highest in Europe. The rental market moves quickly and apartments can be snapped up within hours of being advertised. Most landlords require extensive documentation before signing a rental contract, including proof of income, a valid visa or residence permit and a guarantor, preferably a resident of France.
Paris is divided into 20 districts, each with its own character. Central districts such as Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the Latin Quarter offer a classic Parisian feel, but rents are also higher there. The 16th and 17th arrondissements are quieter and more residential, while Montmartre and Belleville attract artists and a younger crowd. If you prefer a more suburban lifestyle with easier access to green spaces, areas like Boulogne-Biancourt and Vincennes offer a great balance between city life and tranquillity.
Searching for an apartment in Paris is best done through reputable websites such as SeLoger, PAP, or LeBonCoin, as well as working with a real estate agent. However, agency fees can be high. Expats also often use Facebook groups and networking communities to find rental opportunities.
It is typical for apartments to be smaller than in other countries and often unfurnished.
Cost of Living in Paris
The advantages of living in Paris come with a corresponding price. Although salaries in the city are typically higher than in other parts of France, costs are also high.
Expect housing to be your most significant expense. Many apartments require a security deposit of at least one- or two-month rent, and agency fees can add significantly to the initial outlay.
By 2025, utilities including electricity, heating, water and internet typically cost between €100 and €200 per month depending on the size of the apartment and usage. France has regulated energy prices, but bills can vary depending on seasonal changes, especially in winter.
Grocery shopping in Paris can be affordable or expensive depending on your habits. Shopping at large supermarkets such as Carrefour, Monoprix, or Franprix offers average prices, while Lidl and Aldi offer more budget options. For fresh produce, many locals prefer outdoor markets, which often have better quality at competitive prices.
Eating out is an important part of the cultural life of Paris. However, if you visit restaurants frequently, you will feel the burden on the spending side of your budget.
Transport in Paris is relatively affordable compared to other major world cities. A monthly metro card (Navigo) as of 2025 costs less than €100 and gives access to the metro, buses, trams and suburban trains.
Healthcare When Moving to Paris
France offers access to quality medicine. The country has a universal healthcare system that provides affordable medical services to residents, including foreigners, who meet certain requirements. France's public health care system, known as Sécurité Sociale, covers a significant portion of medical costs for those legally residing and working in the country. Expats who are employed in France or have a long-term residence permit can apply for a Carte Vitale, which allows them to benefit from reduced medical costs and reimbursement for doctor's visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions.
For those who are not immediately eligible for state health care, such as new arrivals or freelancers, private health insurance is recommended. Many residents opt for a supplemental insurance plan to cover the portion of medical expenses that the state does not reimburse.
To register for public healthcare, expats must apply through CPAM (Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie), which requires proof of residency, proof of identity and income. The process can take several months, so in the meantime, it is advisable to secure private health coverage.
Working and Business in Paris
Paris offers opportunities for economic activity in various industries. Among the most sought-after jobs for expats are in IT, engineering, education, and hospitality. On the other hand, the city also has a growing ecosystem of startups, with government initiatives and co-working spaces that support entrepreneurs.
For those seeking employment, fluency in French is a major advantage. Although international companies can hire English-speaking professionals, many positions require at least a basic knowledge of French. Websites such as Pôle Emploi (the French national employment agency), LinkedIn, and APEC are useful resources for job searching.
Starting a business in Paris is an option for those with entrepreneurial ambitions. France has a structured but sometimes bureaucratic process for starting a company. Entrepreneurs must register their businesses, choose a legal structure, and comply with tax regulations. Despite the administrative challenges, France offers grants, funding opportunities, and incubators for start-ups that support innovation and new ventures.
Education in Paris
For families moving to Paris, education is often among the main considerations. The city offers a range of public, private and international schools to suit different academic needs and language preferences. Public schools in France are free and offer a high standard of education. However, teaching is entirely in French, which can be challenging for children who are not fluent. Some public schools offer French as a Second Language (FLE) programmes to help non-French speaking students integrate. Enrolment is usually based on your residential address, so where you live in Paris determines which public school your child will attend.
Private schools, including bilingual and semi-private institutions, provide more flexibility in curriculum and language instruction. These schools may follow the French national curriculum but offer additional language support, making them a good option for expat families who want their children to transition smoothly into the French education system.
For students pursuing higher education, Paris is home to some of the best universities in the world. Many universities offer programs in English, especially at the master's level, making them accessible to international students.
Cultural Integration
Moving to Paris isn't just about finding a place to live or securing a job; it's about adapting to a new culture and lifestyle. Although Paris is an international city with a large expat community, successfully integrating into daily life requires an understanding of French customs, social norms, and most importantly, language.
Social etiquette is a key aspect of integration. The French place great importance on politeness, so greetings are essential. Handshakes are common in professional circles, while close acquaintances may exchange kisses on the cheeks. Dining etiquette is also distinct. Meals are often peaceful, and it is customary to keep both hands (but not elbows) on the table while eating.
The Movega Removals team understands that moving to a new city, especially one as dynamic as Paris, comes with excitement and challenges. With our years of experience in international relocations throughout Europe, we are dedicated to making your transition as seamless as possible. Whether you need help packing, transporting, or settling into your new home, our team is here to help. Contact us today through our contact form or our convenient website chatbot to get a personalised quote for your move.
