Europe · Money guide
France attracts international movers for its rural property value, world-class healthcare and central European location. Whatever country you move from, the key money tasks are budgeting for the high Notaire fees on property, moving funds for completion through the Notaire, and understanding France's wealth tax on real estate and its broad network of double-taxation treaties.
Written by Matt Woodley · Reviewed against official sources · Last reviewed 15 June 2026. Figures are indicative — confirm visa and tax thresholds with the official source linked below.
Currency
EUR €
Rent (1-bed, city)
€750–€1,300/mo
Living costs (ex-rent)
€700–€950/mo
Transfer time
1-2 days
Outside Paris, France is broadly comparable to or slightly cheaper than other large Western European economies. Rural areas offer excellent property value; Paris is expensive. Healthcare and fresh food are notably good value once you are in the system.
Indicative monthly rent (1-bed, city centre)
€750–€1,300
Indicative monthly living costs (excl. rent)
€700–€950
Long-stay visa: stable income roughly at French minimum wage (~€1,400/month)
The long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS) requires proof of sufficient, stable resources — broadly aligned to the French minimum wage (SMIC), around €1,400/month — plus comprehensive private health insurance and accommodation. Retirees typically evidence pension income; remote workers evidence ongoing income. The exact threshold and documents vary by consulate.
Official source: France-Visas (official government portal)French banks (BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, Société Générale) require proof of address and often an in-person appointment, so many movers open an account after arrival or use a non-resident offering. A French RIB (bank details) is essential for rent, utilities and salary. French IBANs begin with FR.
France uses the euro, so your real exposure is your home currency against the euro. The conversion is where money is saved or lost — once funds are in euros, SEPA payments within France and the Eurozone are fast and cheap. Because French property completions are long (often 3–4 months), the rate can move materially between offer and completion.
France is in SEPA, so the conversion into euros is where cost is saved or lost. Notaire fees run 7–8% on resale property and 2–3% on new builds, and all purchase funds must flow through the Notaire from the named buyer — third-party payments are rejected. French completions can take 3–4 months after the Compromis de Vente, and a 10-day cooling-off period applies, so a forward contract is commonly used to protect the rate. On a €300,000 purchase, the bank-versus-specialist gap can exceed €10,000.
| Route | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| High-street bank | €7,500–€12,000 (2.5–4% margin + fees) |
| Regulated currency specialist | €300–€1,800 (0.1–0.6% margin) |
| Typical saving | €10,000+ |
Indicative: banks typically apply a 2.5–4% exchange-rate margin plus a transfer fee; regulated specialists typically apply 0.1–0.6% with no fee. Your actual cost depends on the provider, amount and timing.
Ready to compare EUR transfer providers?
See regulated specialists, live rates and fees for sending money to France.
You are tax resident if France is your main home or you spend most of the year there. France levies a wealth tax (IFI) on real estate assets above €1.3 million, and non-residents pay 19% capital gains plus 17.2% social charges on property sales. France's double-taxation treaties with most countries prevent pensions and income being taxed twice — check the treaty with your home country.
Budget for Notaire fees
Add 7–8% (resale) or 2–3% (new build) to the purchase price for Notaire and registration costs.
Secure your long-stay visa
Evidence stable income (around SMIC level) and private health insurance for the VLS-TS.
Open a French account
Set up an account for rent, utilities and salary; you will need a RIB for almost everything.
Lock the rate for completion
Use a forward contract to fix your home currency against the euro across the long completion window.
Pay the Notaire correctly
Send funds from the named buyer to the Notaire's account 2–3 days before signing the Acte de Vente.
Notaire fees are 7–8% of the price on resale properties and 2–3% on new builds, covering the Notaire's commission plus registration taxes. Budget these on top of the purchase price. If the property is worth over €1.3 million, France's wealth tax (IFI) may also apply annually.
A regulated currency specialist can send euros directly to the Notaire's client account via SEPA. The funds must come from the named buyer on the Compromis de Vente — the Notaire will reject third-party payments — and should arrive 2–3 days before the Acte de Vente is signed.
You must show stable resources broadly in line with the French minimum wage (around €1,400/month), plus comprehensive private health insurance and proof of accommodation. Retirees usually evidence pension income; remote workers evidence ongoing earnings. Always confirm the current threshold on the official France-Visas portal for your consulate.