Moving to France appeals to students and workers around the world. The country offers real opportunities for work and study, and a foundation for building a stable future. But before you start, you need to know what the move actually costs, from the visa through to the residence permit and daily life. If you are planning a move and want to know what to budget, this article is for you.
How much money should you bring to France?
Once you have been through the process of booking a French consulate appointment and obtaining your visa, the next question is what the move will cost. For a comfortable start in France, the general guidance is:
- Bring at least 3,000 to 5,000 EUR to cover your first month and a rental deposit.
- If you are arriving with family, multiply that figure by the number of people.
- For a long-stay visa, you will normally need to show a monthly income of roughly 1,500 to 1,800 EUR per person.
Each element of the cost is broken down below.
What each route into France costs
France is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, for study, for work and for family life. Before you commit to any of them, understanding the legal and financial costs of each route helps you make an informed decision. The main routes and their costs are set out below.
1. French work visa fees
- The long-stay work visa (VLS-TS) application fee is EUR 99.
- After arriving in France you have to validate the visa and pay the residence tax, which is set by the Ministry of the Interior and depends on your status.
- You then apply for a residence card (Carte de Sejour), and the tax due depends on the category of card issued, so check the current amount on service-public.gouv.fr before you budget.
2. French student visa fees
- The long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) application normally costs 99 EUR, although applying through the Campus France system may reduce it to 50 EUR.
- Campus France service fees vary by country between 50 and 180 EUR and are paid separately.
- After arrival, OFII validation for students normally costs 60 to 80 EUR.
- If you apply through an outsourcing partner such as VFS Global or TLScontact, expect a service fee of 27 to 40 EUR and an optional courier charge of around 31 EUR on top.
3. Family reunification visa fees
- A long-stay visa to join family, for example a French spouse or other family members, also costs EUR 99.
- Validating this visa type carries the residence tax set for your category.
- The residence card then carries the tax set for your category, although exemptions or reductions apply in certain cases.
4. The long-stay visa (VLS-TS)
- The standard long-stay visa (VLS-TS) application fee is EUR 99, with reductions and exemptions for some categories, and it covers retirees, freelancers and entrepreneurs.
- Validating the visa after arrival carries the residence tax, and the amount depends on your status.
5. The cost of a French residence card (Carte de Sejour)
- Once your visa is validated, you apply for a residence card.
- A first visiteur residence card costs EUR 350, made up of a EUR 300 tax plus a EUR 50 stamp duty, and EUR 250 on renewal. Other categories pay the tax set for their own card, so check the current amount on service-public.gouv.fr before you budget.
- For refugees and stateless people, the cost is only 19 EUR.
- For students or trainees staying more than 6 months, renewal or validation of the card normally costs around 79 EUR, and in some cases nothing at all.
Points to note:
- Holders of a French student visa who hold a scholarship, such as Eiffel, Fulbright or Chateaubriand, are often exempt from the visa fee.
- Depending on the country you apply from, there may be an additional service or courier fee of 27 to 40 EUR.
- If you do not complete OFII validation within the deadline, the visa lapses, so the payment due at that stage matters a great deal.
6. The self-sufficiency route (long-stay visitor visa)
- Financial resources required:
Main applicant: stable resources at least equal to the French minimum wage (SMIC), currently around 1,400 EUR net a month
Spouse: additional resources on top of the main applicant’s, assessed case by case
Each child: further resources, plus proof of suitable accommodation and private health insurance
- Stable monthly passive income: many applicants budget 2,500 to 4,000 EUR a month for a couple or a family, well above the minimum threshold
This visa does not permit work in France. It is designed for retirees and for people with an income from outside the country.
7. The cost of an Au Pair visa (a cultural placement for young people)
- The visa fee is low, normally under 100 EUR
- In return for helping with childcare, you receive accommodation, meals and a monthly allowance
- You receive a free or discounted city transport card
Legal and administrative costs of moving to France
The legal and administrative costs of the move, including document translation, health insurance, notary services and legal advice, are set out below.
| Cost type | Brief description | Approximate cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Certified translation of documents | Translation of identity, academic and employment documents | EUR 45–120 per document |
| Notarial certification of documents | Official certification of documents at a notary's office | EUR 10–100 per document |
| Certification by a commissioner for oaths | Official signing of documents | About EUR 10 per signature |
| Public health insurance (PUMA) | Compulsory health cover for immigrants | Variable; usually deducted from salary or set according to income |
| Complementary health insurance (Mutuelle) | Optional cover for additional costs | EUR 35 to over 100 per month |
| Notarial services and legal advice | Certification of and advice on immigration documents | EUR 50–100 per document |
The cost of living in France
What life costs in France varies with the city and with your own habits. The main components are housing, utilities and food, each covered below.
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Housing costs: deposit and monthly rent
| City / region | Apartment type | Monthly rent (EUR) | Deposit (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| National average | 1-bedroom, mid-range | EUR 525-665 per month | 1 month's rent (EUR 525-665) |
| Large cities (e.g. Lyon, Marseille, Nantes) | 1-bedroom in the city centre | EUR 700-930 per month | 1 month's rent |
| Bordeaux / Toulouse | 1-bedroom | From EUR 939 (Lyon) to EUR 710-875 (Bordeaux/Toulouse) | 1 month's rent |
| Paris (inside the Peripherique) | 1-bedroom | EUR 1,360 per month | 1 month (unfurnished) or 2 months (furnished) |
| Paris - 2-bedroom apartment | 2-bedroom | EUR 1,750-2,600 per month | 1-2 months' rent depending on whether furnished |
| Paris - small studio | Studio | EUR 1,150 per month | 1 month's rent |
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Utilities and internet in France
| Cost type | Monthly average | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity and gas | EUR 100 to 160 | Depends on usage and home size; higher in winter. |
| Water and sewerage | EUR 40 to 50 | Usually calculated by number of occupants. |
| High-speed internet | EUR 30 to 40 | Fibre or ADSL; initial installation around EUR 50. |
| Mobile (line and data) | EUR 10 to 15 | Budget plans with unlimited calls and data. |
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Public transport costs in France
| Ticket type | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Single metro/bus ticket | See the current Ile-de-France Mobilites fare guide; fares are revised each January |
| Navigo weekly pass | EUR 32.40 (all zones) |
| Navigo monthly pass | EUR 90.80 (all zones; employers may cover half) |
| Unlimited day ticket | About EUR 12 |
Recommended by Aval Visa: read our full guide to the French driving licence.
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The cost of opening a French bank account
To open an account in France, bring the documents the bank asks for: your passport, your residence permit or visa, and proof of a French address such as a tenancy agreement or a utility bill.
| Type of bank | Opening fee | Monthly fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional banks (e.g. BNP, Crédit Agricole) | Free | EUR 3-7 | Bank card usually EUR 30-40 per year |
| Online banks (e.g. N26, Revolut) | Free | EUR 0-5 | Fast to open, suits newcomers |
| Nickel (at tabac shops) | EUR 20 (per year) | ~EUR 1.5 per month | Easiest option for newcomers without a permanent address |
For new arrivals, banks such as Nickel and N26 are the quickest and simplest options.
Some of the larger banks charge people without permanent residence an additional fee, up to 200 EUR a year.
Always bring identification and up-to-date proof of address.
The official French government portal is the place to check current information and lodge a visa application, and it is the reliable source for the fees and additional charges attached to your application.
The cost of applying for French citizenship
Immigration rules change regularly, so anyone planning a move should know what the citizenship stage costs as well.
1. Citizenship through marriage: 55 EUR
2. Citizenship through residence: 55 EUR
3. Citizenship through investment
France has no golden visa scheme, but the Talent Passport programme leads to residence, and after 5 years you can apply for citizenship.
- Minimum investment: 300,000 EUR
- Citizenship application fee after the residence period: 55 EUR
Common budgeting mistakes when moving to France
Keep the following in mind so that the cost of the move does not get away from you:
- Overlooking hidden costs such as document translation, opening a bank account or buying basic household items can create unexpected financial pressure.
- Having no emergency savings for the first few months leaves you exposed to the unforeseen, such as illness or a delayed start date.
- Small everyday expenses, left unchecked, take up a significant share of the monthly budget.
- Not using budgeting tools makes it hard to record and track spending accurately.
- Budgeting on gross income gives a misleading picture, because tax and social contributions come off the top.
- Forgetting irregular or seasonal costs such as permit renewals or winter clothing leaves you short at particular points in the year.
- Setting a budget that is too tight and inflexible wears you down financially and mentally over the long run.
Frequently asked questions
- Is moving to France difficult?
It can be demanding, but how difficult it is depends entirely on your circumstances. - Do new arrivals in France pay tax?
Yes. Once you are resident in France your income is taxable and you have to file an annual tax return. - Can a tourist visa be converted into permanent residence?
No. A tourist visa cannot be converted, and you have to apply for a different visa type from your country of residence.
