The 9 Best Countries To Live In And Work Abroad In 2023 | William Russell

9/ France

Average expat salary: US$49,619

The home of rolling vineyards, flawless beaches and snowy mountain tops. It’s easy to see why France scores consistently high for quality of life – and that’s without mentioning the cheese and wine. Here’s why France makes our list of best countries to live and work in 2023.

Quality of life in France

Get ready for long lunch breaks and leisurely evenings with France’s legally mandated 35-hour working week – that’s 13 hours less than in the UK. And if you do work overtime, you’ll be eligible for up to 22 extra days holiday in compensation. It’s a win-win.

There are a few loopholes to get through though. To work in France you’ll first need to obtain both a work visa and a residence permit. Getting a work visa can take up to two months, so make sure you can live comfortably until you get that through. It’s also highly advised to have at least a basic business-level proficiency of the French language before you apply for a job in the country. Average household income for expats in France is US$68,440.

It’s not all work and no fun, France is also great for families, with 64% of expats saying their children’s health and wellbeing was better after moving to France. Cost of living for a four person family (minus rent) is estimated at around US$3,000 per month, with rent prices averaging just under 15% lower than in the UK.

Healthcare in France

The French healthcare system is free for all citizens, with the exception of medication and prescriptions. The French government spends about 11% of GDP on healthcare every year.

To register for healthcare in France you’ll need to have lived in the country for three months and be able to provide proof of long-term residence and income. International health insurance is a popular choice among British expats in France who would prefer to be treated by an English-speaking professional.

Education in France

France is one of the best countries in the world for education, with four universities placing in the global top 100, including: Université PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Sorbonne University and Université Paris-Saclay.

And the French higher education system is incredibly international, offering more than 1,200 English-taught courses across its 72 universities, 271 doctoral schools and 227 engineering colleges.