Leaving France in 2026: The Complete Guide to Getting It Right

Do you feel a growing urge to turn the page and leave France to build a new life somewhere else? You're not alone. In 2025, more than 2.5 million French citizens were living abroad according to data from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and that number keeps rising. High taxes, a soaring cost of living, a tense social climate, the search for a better work-life balance: the reasons are many.

This complete guide walks you through every step of your move abroad. From the paperwork to the best destinations to the traps to avoid, you'll find everything you need to know to leave France with peace of mind and make your new life abroad a success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an employee, a retiree or a digital nomad, this guide is for you.

01Why Do So Many French People Want to Leave France in 2026?

The reasons for leaving France are as varied as the people who leave. Understanding your own will help you choose the right destination and build a coherent plan.

Economic and Tax Reasons

The French tax burden remains one of the highest in Europe. With an average tax rate of 45% on income above €160,000, many entrepreneurs and executives are looking for alternatives. Income tax, social charges (up to 45% of gross salary), the housing tax replaced by property tax, the CSG-CRDS social levies... it all adds up.

The cost of living is also soaring, especially in the big cities. In Paris, average rent for a one-bedroom apartment now exceeds €1,400 a month, not counting charges. Food, transportation, energy: everything is rising faster than wages. According to INSEE (France's national statistics institute), French purchasing power has stagnated in recent years despite pay raises.

Tip: Before leaving France for tax reasons, consult an international tax expert. Some destinations require at least 183 days of residence before you can benefit from tax advantages. Poor planning can cost you dearly.

The Search for Quality of Life

Beyond the numbers, quality of life is often what drives the decision to leave. Gloomy weather, repeated strikes, urban density, work stress... many people long for a calmer pace of life. French expats regularly cite the climate, the kindness of locals and work-life balance as deciding factors.

Remote work, which has gone mainstream since 2020, has opened up new possibilities. Why stay in France when you can work from a beach in Southeast Asia with a cost of living three times lower? More and more digital nomads are asking themselves that question.

A Desire for Adventure and a Fresh Start

Sometimes it's simply the call of the open road. The desire to discover new cultures, learn a language, step out of your comfort zone. Leaving France is also a chance to reinvent yourself, professionally and personally. Many expats describe a profound transformation after a few years abroad.

02Essential Paperwork for Leaving France

Leaving France isn't something you improvise. Carefully preparing the administrative side will save you a lot of complications once you're settled abroad.

Notifying French Authorities

Your first step is to officially inform the French authorities of your departure. This involves several steps:

Notifying your town hall (mairie): Go to your town hall to report your change of residence. This takes you off the local electoral rolls (you'll be able to vote from abroad through the consulate).

Deregistering from Social Security: Contact your CPAM (local health insurance office) to report your departure. Depending on your destination, you may keep your rights temporarily (3 months in Europe) or need to take out international health insurance. For destinations outside the EU, like Vietnam, private insurance becomes essential.

Notifying the tax office: Tell your tax office about your change of tax residence. You'll have to file an income tax return for the year you leave, even a partial one. Be careful: you remain taxable in France on your French-source income (rentals, pensions, etc.).

Family allowance fund (CAF): If you receive benefits, report your departure. Most benefits stop as soon as you're no longer a French resident.

Managing Your Bank Accounts and Insurance

You can generally keep your French bank accounts after you leave. However, tell your bank to avoid any account freezes. Some online banks, like Boursorama or N26, are particularly well suited to expats.

Tip: Open a Wise account (formerly TransferWise) before you leave. You'll get good exchange rates and be able to receive transfers in several currencies. Essential for managing your finances internationally.

For your insurance:

• Home insurance: Cancel it if you sell or rent out your home
• Car insurance: Cancel or suspend it depending on your situation
• Supplementary health insurance (mutuelle): Take out international insurance (CFE + top-up, or comprehensive private insurance)
• Personal liability insurance: Check that it covers you internationally, or take out a new policy

Registering on the Register of French Nationals Abroad

Once you're settled in your host country, register with the French consulate on the register of French nationals living outside France. This free, optional registration has several advantages:

• It makes administrative procedures easier (passport, ID card, civil records)
• It lets you vote in elections from abroad
• You receive security alerts in a crisis
• It simplifies enrolling your children in French schools

Registration is done online on the website of the consulate in your country of residence. Have these documents ready: ID, local proof of address, and possibly your visa or residence permit.

03The Best Destinations for Leaving France in 2026

Your choice of destination will largely determine whether your move succeeds. Here's a comparison of the destinations most popular with French people in 2026.

Portugal: Close to Home in Europe

Portugal remains French expats' top destination. Lisbon and Porto attract entrepreneurs, retirees and digital nomads thanks to their quality of life (the former NHR tax regime, for Non-Habitual Residents, has been closed to new applicants since 2024), a cost of living 30% lower than Paris, and a pleasant climate.

Pros: Cultural proximity, easy to settle (EU), decent healthcare system, large French community

Cons: Low local wages, an overheated property market in the big cities, mass tourism

Average monthly budget: €1,500-2,500 for a couple

Vietnam: Accessible Southeast Asia

Vietnam, and Da Nang in particular, is winning over more and more French people looking for something exotic and more purchasing power. With a cost of living three times lower than in France, attractive taxes for entrepreneurs and an exceptional quality of life, it's a top-choice destination.

Pros: Very low cost of living, tropical climate, modern infrastructure, delicious food, a lively expat community

Cons: Language barrier, distance from France, visas to renew regularly (except with a property investment)

Average monthly budget: €1,000-1,800 for a couple (comfortable living)

Read our complete guide to Da Nang to understand why this city is ideal for French expats.

Dubai: The Tax Haven

Dubai attracts entrepreneurs and senior executives with its zero-tax system (no income tax, no VAT on most services). Ultramodern infrastructure, top-notch safety and its role as an international hub make it the business destination par excellence.

Pros: 0% tax, high salaries, world-class infrastructure, safety

Cons: Very high cost of living, extreme summer heat, a conservative society, a lack of cultural authenticity

Average monthly budget: €3,500-6,000 for a couple

Destination Comparison Table

To explore other budget-friendly options, see our guide to the cheapest countries to move abroad to.

04Preparing to Leave: The Financial and Professional Side

Leaving France requires solid financial and professional preparation to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Building Emergency Savings

Before you leave, build up emergency savings covering 6 to 12 months of expenses. This reserve will help you cope with the unexpected: time needed to find a job, setup costs higher than expected, a health problem, and so on.

Calculate your monthly needs in your destination country precisely, including:

• Housing (rent + charges + deposit)
• Food and daily life
• Transportation
• Insurance (health, home, liability)
• Visa and paperwork
• Leisure and unexpected costs

For Vietnam, for example, expect €1,200-1,500 a month for a single person with a good level of comfort, or €7,200-9,000 for 6 months of security.

Securing Your Income

Before you leave France, make sure you have a stable source of income. You have several options:

Remote work for your current employer: More and more companies accept international remote work. Negotiate this before you leave. Watch out for the tax and social security implications.

Freelancing and consulting: If you have in-demand skills (web development, digital marketing, design, writing), freelancing gives you a lot of flexibility. See our guide to being a digital nomad in Vietnam for more details.

Starting a business: Setting up your business abroad can offer considerable tax advantages. Our article on starting a business abroad will guide you through the process.

Passive income: Rental property in France, investment income, royalties... diversify your income sources.

Tip: Don't resign right away. Negotiate a mutually agreed termination (rupture conventionnelle) if possible: you'll receive severance and may be able to claim unemployment benefits for a few months (subject to conditions).

Optimizing Your Taxes

Taxes are often a major driver for leaving France. But be careful: tax optimization must be legal and well prepared.

To stop being considered a French tax resident, you must meet AT LEAST one of these criteria:

• No longer have your household (family) in France
• No longer have your main residence in France (more than 183 days a year)
• No longer carry out your main professional activity in France
• No longer have the center of your economic interests in France

In practice, it's recommended to meet several criteria to avoid any dispute with the French tax authorities. See our detailed guide to taxes for expats in Vietnam to understand what's at stake.

Important: Declare your change of tax residence to the tax office BEFORE you leave. Once abroad, you'll have to declare your worldwide income in your country of residence, and only your French-source income in France.

05Traps to Avoid When You Want to Leave France

Many would-be expats make mistakes that jeopardize their plans. Here are the main traps to avoid.

Leaving on a Whim

The number one mistake is leaving France without enough preparation. Moving abroad isn't an extended vacation. You'll have to handle complex paperwork, potentially in a foreign language, adapt to a new culture, and rebuild a social and professional network.

Take the time to:

• Visit your destination several times, in different seasons
• Meet expats on the ground
• Test local life for 1-3 months before committing for good
• Carefully prepare every administrative, financial and professional aspect

Neglecting the Legal and Administrative Side

Visas, work permits, international taxes, health coverage... these are complex subjects that require expertise. Don't rely only on forums and Facebook groups.

For Vietnam, for example, visa rules change regularly. Our guide to the Vietnam visa for French citizens is updated regularly to give you the latest information.

Tip: Get help from experts. Administrative mistakes can be very expensive (fines, deportation, tax reassessments). Professional support quickly pays for itself.

Underestimating Culture Shock

Even in the most welcoming destinations, culture shock is inevitable. The honeymoon of the first few months often gives way to a period of frustration and self-doubt. That's normal and temporary.

Prepare yourself mentally for:

• The language barrier (even if you speak English)
• Different social codes
• An administration that's sometimes opaque
• Distance from family
• Possible loneliness in the first few months

Joining an expat community will help you enormously.

Idealizing the Destination

No country is perfect. Vietnam offers an unbeatable cost of living and an exceptional quality of life, but you'll have to deal with heat, humidity, pollution in some cities, and sometimes frustrating bureaucracy.

Be honest with yourself about what you're prepared to accept. List your non-negotiable criteria and the points where you can be flexible. This exercise will spare you disappointment.

Burning Your Bridges With France

A classic mistake: selling everything, cutting all ties, and leaving with no way back. Always keep an exit door open:

• Keep a French bank account
• Maintain your French professional network (LinkedIn, contacts)
• Keep an administrative address in France (family, a mail-domiciliation company)
• Don't sell your main residence too quickly (rent it out first)

About 30% of expats return to France within the first 2 years. It isn't a failure; it's an experience. Make a possible return easy on yourself.

06Living in Vietnam: What to Expect in Practice

For those thinking of leaving France for Vietnam, here's a realistic overview of daily life.

The Everyday Cost of Living

Vietnam offers exceptional purchasing power. Here are some example prices in Da Nang in 2026:

Housing:

• Modern studio downtown: €300-450/month
• 2-bedroom apartment with a pool: €500-800/month
• 3-bedroom villa with a garden: €800-1,500/month

Food:

• Meal at a local restaurant: €1.50-3
• Meal at a Western restaurant: €8-15
• Monthly groceries for 2 people: €200-300
• Coffee: €1-2
• Local beer: €0.50-1

Transportation:

• Monthly scooter rental: €40-60
• Gas: €1/liter
• Average taxi/Grab ride: €2-5
• New scooter: €1,000-2,000

Services:

• Housekeeper (3 hours): €6-10
• Men's haircut: €3-8
• 1-hour massage: €8-15
• Monthly gym membership: €20-40

For a detailed analysis, see our article on the cost of living in Vietnam.

Climate and Environment

Da Nang has a tropical climate with two main seasons:

Dry season (February-August): Temperatures of 28-35°C, maximum sunshine, the ideal period. Be aware that June-August can be very hot.

Rainy season (September-January): Temperatures of 22-28°C, frequent but short rains, a few possible typhoons (October-November).

Air quality in Da Nang is generally good (unlike Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City). The city is clean, modern and well maintained.

Healthcare and Education

The Vietnamese healthcare system is improving quickly. In Da Nang, several private hospitals offer international-quality care with English-speaking staff. A specialist visit costs €20-50, a hospital stay €100-300 a day.

International health insurance is essential. Expect €80-150 a month for comprehensive coverage.

For education, Da Nang has international schools (American, British) with tuition of €8,000-15,000 a year. There are also less expensive bilingual Vietnamese schools.

Safety and Peace of Mind

Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Asia. Crime is very low, and you can walk around at night without any problem. Vietnamese people are welcoming and kind to foreigners.

The main risks are:

• Traffic (chaotic driving, lots of scooters)
• Tourist scams (easy to avoid with a little experience)
• Typhoons in the rainy season (rare and well anticipated)

07FAQ: Your Questions About Leaving France

How much should you budget to leave France and settle abroad?

The budget depends on your destination and your situation. To settle in Vietnam, expect:

• €2,000-3,000 in departure costs (plane tickets, visa, moving)
• €2,000-4,000 in setup costs (housing deposit, furniture, paperwork)
• 6-12 months of cash reserves (€7,000-18,000 for Vietnam)

That's a total budget of €11,000-25,000 to leave with peace of mind. This amount can be lower if you already have a job or guaranteed income. For more expensive destinations like Dubai, double these amounts.

Can you leave France and keep French Social Security?

No. If you leave France permanently, you lose your rights to French Social Security. You have several options:

• Join the Caisse des Français de l'Étranger (CFE), which maintains basic coverage (€200-400/month)
• Take out private international health insurance (€80-200/month depending on coverage)
• Use the local healthcare system if you work there (the case in Vietnam)

Most expats choose private international insurance, which offers better value for money and worldwide coverage.

What are the best destinations for paying less tax?

The most tax-advantageous destinations in 2026:

• Dubai (UAE): 0% income tax
• Thailand: No tax on foreign income that isn't brought into the country
• Vietnam: Progressive tax of 5-35%, but plenty of optimization possible for entrepreneurs
• Malta: A special 15% regime for retirees and qualified professionals

Be careful: tax optimization must comply with international tax treaties. Consult an expert before deciding. Our article on taxes for expats covers these points in detail.

Do you need to speak the local language to move abroad?

No, it's not required, especially in tourist destinations and big cities. In Da Nang, you can live comfortably speaking English. However, learning the basics of the local language has many advantages:

• It makes paperwork easier
• It helps you negotiate better (housing, services)
• It enriches your cultural experience
• It helps you integrate into local society
• It opens up professional opportunities

We recommend learning at least the polite phrases and everyday expressions. For Vietnamese, expect 6-12 months of regular lessons to reach a basic conversational level.

How do you cope with being far from family when you leave France?

Distance is one of the hardest aspects of living abroad. Here's our advice:

• Communicate regularly: Weekly video calls, daily messages, share your daily life on social media
• Plan reunions: Budget for 1-2 trips back to France a year, and invite your family to visit you
• Build a new family where you are: Join an expat community and make local friends
• Stay connected to family events: Join birthdays and celebrations by video
• Accept the distance: Over time, you'll find a new balance

Modern technology (WhatsApp, Zoom, social media) makes distance much easier to bear than it was 20 years ago. And from Vietnam, a plane ticket to France costs €500-800 and takes 12-14 hours.

08Conclusion: Dare to Leave France and Make Your New Life a Success

Leaving France in 2026 isn't running away; it's a courageous life choice that can transform your existence. Whether you're looking for a better quality of life, lower taxes, a pleasant climate or simply adventure, moving abroad offers extraordinary opportunities.

Vietnam, and Da Nang in particular, is an ideal destination for French people: an unbeatable cost of living, an exceptional quality of life, advantageous taxes, modern infrastructure and a welcoming French-speaking community. Thousands of French people have already chosen to live in Vietnam and don't regret their decision.

But a successful move abroad takes preparation. Paperwork, taxes, finding housing, social integration... all challenges that can become obstacles without the right support.