Why French People Are Leaving France: The 2026 Figures

Thinking about leaving France and wondering whether you're alone in this? Far from it. In 2025, more than 2.8 million French citizens were living abroad according to data from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, up 4.2% from 2024. The trend keeps accelerating, and the reasons pushing French people to take the leap are many, well documented and often very rational.

This article takes an in-depth look at the official figures and the real motivations behind this French exodus. You'll find precise statistics, typical expat profiles, the most popular destinations, and above all the concrete reasons that turn a vague dream of elsewhere into a successful move abroad. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an employee, a retiree or a digital nomad, this data will help you see whether your plan is part of a deeper trend and how to approach it with confidence.

01The Numbers Behind French Emigration: A Fast-Growing Trend

How the Number of French Expats Has Changed

According to the register of French nationals living outside France, the number of registered expats rose from 1.8 million in 2015 to 2.8 million in 2025. But be careful: these official figures only capture part of the picture. INSEE (France's national statistics institute) estimates that only 40 to 50% of French people living abroad actually register with their consulate. The real number of French expats could therefore reach 5 to 6 million people, or nearly 9% of the French population.

Average annual growth has been 3.8% since 2020, with notable spikes after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024-2025, the increase even reached 4.2%, the sharpest rise since 2010. This acceleration points to a structural phenomenon, not a passing one.

Demographic Profile of French Expats

Contrary to popular belief, French expats aren't all retirees chasing the sun or senior executives transferred by their company. The 2025 data shows growing diversity:

• 35-50 years old: 38% of expats (the largest age group)
• 25-34 years old: 29% (growing fast, +6% since 2020)
• 50-65 years old: 21%
• Over 65: 8%
• Under 25: 4%

Occupational categories are also shifting in interesting ways. While managers and higher intellectual professions still make up 42% of expats, there's been a significant rise in self-employed people and entrepreneurs (23% in 2025 versus 14% in 2020) and in mid-level professions (18%).

Tip: This diversification means moving abroad is no longer reserved for an elite. With remote work going mainstream and online businesses booming, settling abroad has become accessible to a skilled, mobile middle class.

The Most Popular Destinations

French people don't leave at random. A handful of destinations account for most of the flows:

Although Vietnam has fewer French expats than the traditional destinations, it shows the strongest growth among Southeast Asian countries. This spectacular rise comes down to a very attractive cost of living, a high quality of life and expanding professional opportunities.

02Reason No. 1: Tax Pressure and Purchasing Power

The Weight of Compulsory Levies

France holds the world record for compulsory levies: 48.1% of GDP in 2025 according to the OECD, far above the European average of 40.2%. In concrete terms, for a single person earning €50,000 gross a year in Paris, here's the reality:

• Gross salary: €50,000
• Employee social contributions: €11,000
• Net salary before tax: €39,000
• Income tax: €6,400
• Net salary after tax: €32,600

On top of that come the housing tax (for some), property tax (for owners), and above all indirect taxes (20% VAT, fuel excise duty, etc.). In the end, the real rate of levies often exceeds 55% of gross income.

The International Comparison

Take the same profile as an expat in Vietnam, working as an entrepreneur through an umbrella company (portage salarial) or a local company. For equivalent income (€50,000 in revenue):

• Corporate income tax in Vietnam: 20% (€10,000)
• Net dividends: €40,000
• Dividend tax for non-residents: 0% with an optimized structure
• Net disposable income: ~€38,000 to €40,000

The difference in net purchasing power can reach 20 to 25%, not counting a cost of living that is 2 to 3 times lower in Vietnam. To learn more about legal tax optimization, see our guide to the France-Vietnam tax treaty.

Tip: Tax optimization isn't tax evasion. It simply means choosing a more favorable tax jurisdiction while complying with international treaties. Guidance from an expert is essential to make your move watertight.

The Erosion of Purchasing Power in France

According to INSEE, French households' purchasing power grew by only 0.4% a year on average between 2015 and 2025, while real inflation (including housing and energy) reached 2.8% a year. This silent erosion is pushing many French people to look for alternatives where their savings and income hold more of their value.

03Reason No. 2: The Cost of Housing and Everyday Life

France's Housing Crisis

Housing has become French households' biggest expense, accounting for an average of 32% of the budget (versus 22% in 2000). In the big cities, that figure climbs to 40-45% for renters.

Median prices per m² in 2025:

• Paris: €11,200/m² (rent: €28/m²/month)
• Lyon: €5,800/m² (rent: €16/m²/month)
• Bordeaux: €5,200/m² (rent: €15/m²/month)
• Marseille: €4,100/m² (rent: €14/m²/month)

For a 45 m² one-bedroom apartment in Paris, expect €1,260 a month in rent excluding charges, or €15,120 a year. In Da Nang, a modern 50 m² apartment with a pool, gym and sea view rents for €300 to €450 a month (8 to 12 million VND), 3 times cheaper for better quality.

The Overall Cost of Living

Beyond housing, everyday expenses weigh heavily in France:

A single person living comfortably in Paris spends €2,200 to €2,800 a month on average. The same standard of living in Da Nang costs €900 to €1,200 a month. For a detailed monthly budget in Da Nang, see our complete guide with real 2026 prices.

Tip: The savings on the cost of living don't just let you live better day to day; they also let you save or invest more. Many expats in Vietnam save 30 to 50% of their income, versus 10 to 15% in France.

04Reason No. 3: The Search for Quality of Life and Balance

Working Hours and Professional Pressure

Although France officially has a 35-hour workweek, the reality is very different for managers and knowledge workers. According to a DARES study (2024), French managers work an average of 44.2 hours a week, with peaks of 50-55 hours in some sectors (finance, consulting, tech).

Add commuting time: in the Paris region (Île-de-France), the average commute reaches 1 hour 26 minutes a day (round trip), the equivalent of 30 full days a year spent in transit.

Burnout now affects 34% of French workers according to the 2025 Malakoff Humanis barometer, versus 25% in 2019. This decline in well-being at work is pushing many professionals to rethink their work-life balance.

Climate and Environment

Climate plays a significant role in the decision to move abroad. In mainland France, average sunshine is 1,800 hours a year (2,500 hours in the South). In Vietnam, Da Nang gets 2,800 hours of sunshine a year, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C.

Vitamin D, which the body produces from sunlight, directly affects mood, the immune system and bone health. Many expats report a noticeable improvement in their physical and mental well-being after a few months in the tropics.

Safety and Peace of Mind

Contrary to popular belief, Vietnam has a very low crime rate. According to official Vietnamese statistics (2024), the homicide rate is 0.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, versus 1.2 in France. Violent crime is rare, and expats generally feel safe, including at night.

Vietnamese culture values respect, politeness and social harmony. Community tensions and violent protests are virtually nonexistent. To learn more about safety, see our guide to the risks in Vietnam.

05Reason No. 4: Professional and Entrepreneurial Opportunities

A Tight French Job Market

Despite an officially falling unemployment rate (7.1% in 2025), the French job market remains rigid and sluggish for some profiles. Young graduates take an average of 8.4 months to land their first permanent contract (CDI), and 42% of under-30s are in insecure jobs (fixed-term contracts, temp work, involuntary self-employment).

Older workers (50 and over) face widespread hiring discrimination: their long-term unemployment rate reaches 57%, versus 42% for all job seekers. This reality is pushing many experienced professionals to look for opportunities abroad.

The Rise of Entrepreneurship Abroad

France had 4.3 million micro-entrepreneurs in 2025, but the system remains complex and tax-heavy as soon as the business takes off. Social charges (at least 22%) and taxes (up to 45% income tax) make growth difficult.

Abroad, and particularly in Vietnam, starting and growing a business is simpler and cheaper. Vietnam offers:

• Corporate income tax of 20% (vs 25% in France)
• No crushing employer social charges
• Simplified incorporation procedures (7-10 days)
• A market growing 6.5% a year
• A skilled, English-speaking workforce

Many expats launch businesses in e-commerce, consulting, online training, or local businesses (restaurants, agencies, services for expats). To explore business opportunities in Vietnam, see our dedicated guide.

Remote Work and Geographic Freedom

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work. In 2025, 38% of French managers work remotely at least 2 days a week. This flexibility has opened up a new path: keeping your French job while living abroad.

Many employees now negotiate "full remote" status and move to countries with a lower cost of living. With a Parisian salary and a Vietnamese cost of living, purchasing power is multiplied by 2 to 3. Be careful about the tax and social security implications, though: expert guidance is recommended to set this up safely.

Tip: If you're thinking of working remotely from Vietnam for a French employer, be sure to consult a tax lawyer. The rules on tax residency and posted-worker status are complex, and getting them wrong can lead to double taxation.

06Reason No. 5: The Healthcare System and Access to Care

Difficulties Accessing Care in France

The French healthcare system, long considered one of the best in the world, is facing growing difficulties. In 2025, 8.3 million French people lived in a "medical desert" according to the French Medical Association (Ordre des médecins). The average wait for a specialist appointment reaches:

• Ophthalmologist: 6 to 8 months
• Dermatologist: 4 to 6 months
• Gynecologist: 3 to 5 months
• Cardiologist: 2 to 4 months

Hospital emergency rooms are overwhelmed, with waits regularly exceeding 4 to 6 hours for non-life-threatening cases. Recurring strikes and staff shortages make things worse.

The Healthcare System in Vietnam

In Vietnam, access to care is fast and good quality in the big cities. In Da Nang, you can get a specialist appointment within 24 to 48 hours, and walk-in visits are the norm at private international clinics.

Prices are very competitive:

• General practitioner visit: 200,000 to 400,000 VND (€8-15)
• Specialist visit: 400,000 to 800,000 VND (€15-30)
• MRI: 3 to 5 million VND (€110-185)
• Dental care: 50 to 70% cheaper than in France

International hospitals (Vinmec, Family Medical Practice, FV Hospital) offer Western standards with English-speaking staff. Most expats take out international health insurance that covers all care, including repatriation if necessary.

Tip: Comprehensive health insurance in Vietnam costs between €80 and €150 a month depending on age and coverage, 2 to 3 times less than a top-tier supplementary health plan (mutuelle) in France, often for better coverage.

07Reason No. 6: Education and Children's Futures

The French Education System Under Scrutiny

The French education system, although free and accessible, faces growing criticism. The 2024 PISA results show France slipping in math (25th in the world) and science (27th). The system is often seen as too academic, poorly suited to 21st-century skills, and stressful for students.

The cost of higher education is also soaring: a year at business school costs between €12,000 and €20,000, and private engineering schools between €8,000 and €15,000. Student debt is becoming a reality for many families.

Education Options Abroad

Many expats choose international schools for their children, offering English-language programs (British, American, IB) that open the doors to universities worldwide. In Da Nang, international schools cost between €8,000 and €15,000 a year, comparable to or cheaper than French private schools, with the bonus of full bilingualism and unique cultural exposure.

The Vietnamese education system, while demanding, also performs well: Vietnam ranks 12th in the world in math according to PISA, ahead of France. Expat children who attend local schools often become fluent in Vietnamese and develop valuable cultural adaptability.

08Reason No. 7: Bureaucracy and Administrative Complexity

France's Layers of Red Tape

France holds the record for the number of standards and regulations: more than 400,000 standards in force in 2025 according to the Conseil d'État. Starting a business means navigating URSSAF (the social contributions agency), the tax office, the chamber of commerce, the commercial court registry and a host of other bodies with often opaque procedures.

The 2024 administrative complexity barometer shows that French entrepreneurs spend an average of 23 days a year on paperwork, versus an OECD average of 8 days. This bureaucratic burden discourages initiative and slows business growth.

Relative Simplicity Abroad

Vietnam is not free of bureaucracy, but procedures are often more direct and faster, especially with local support. Common formalities (visa, work permit, opening a bank account) are generally sorted out in a few days or weeks, versus several months in France for equivalent procedures.

Vietnam's administration is digitizing quickly, and many procedures can now be done online.

09How to Take the Leap: Concrete Steps

Preparing Your Move Abroad

Leaving France isn't something you improvise. Careful preparation over 6 to 12 months is recommended:

1. Define your goals: Why leave? What does success look like for you?
2. Choose your destination: Climate, cost of living, opportunities, language, culture
3. Analyze your tax situation: Tax residency, center of vital interests, treaties
4. Assess your budget: Startup costs, monthly budget, emergency savings
5. Plan the practical side: Visa, housing, health, schooling, banking

For a complete checklist of the 47 essential steps, see our Vietnam relocation checklist.

Your Startup Budget

Settling in Vietnam requires an initial budget of €3,000 to €8,000 depending on your situation:

• Plane ticket: €600-1,200
• Visa and work permit: €300-800
• Deposit + first month's rent: €600-1,200
• Furniture and equipment: €500-1,500
• Administrative fees: €200-500
• Working capital (3 months): €2,700-3,600

For a full breakdown of real costs, see our guide to the startup budget for moving to Vietnam.

Why Getting Help Matters

Moving abroad alone, without knowing the ground, multiplies the risk of costly mistakes: the wrong neighborhood, scams, tax errors, a refused visa, and so on. Getting help from local professionals (licensed agent, accountant, translator) lets you:

• Save time settling in
• Avoid costly mistakes
• Tap into a trusted local network
• Secure the legal and tax side
• Integrate into the French community faster

10Alternatives to Moving Abroad for Good

Digital Nomad Status

For those hesitant to make the move permanent, digital nomad status offers a middle ground. You keep your business and your tax residency in France while living abroad several months a year (up to 183 days to avoid becoming a tax resident).

Vietnam is particularly well suited to digital nomads thanks to:

• A 90-day tourist visa (renewable)
• Excellent internet (100-300 Mbps fiber)
• Plenty of coworking spaces
• A lively digital nomad community

Dual Residence

Another option is to split your time between France (4-6 months) and abroad (6-8 months). This arrangement lets you:

• Keep your family and social ties in France
• Optimize your taxes based on how long you're present
• Enjoy the best of both worlds
• Test life abroad before committing for good

Be careful: dual residence requires a sharp tax analysis to determine your main tax residency and avoid double taxation.

11Vietnam: A Top Destination for French Expats

Why Vietnam Is Attracting More and More People

Vietnam combines many advantages that make it a top destination:

• Cost of living: 50 to 70% cheaper than France
• Quality of life: Climate, safety, food, nature
• Economic momentum: 6-7% annual growth, business opportunities
• Attractive taxes: 20% corporate income tax, optimization possible
• Modern infrastructure: Fast internet, international hospitals, transportation
• A warm welcome: A respectful culture, some remaining French speakers

For a detailed look at the pros and cons of living in Vietnam, see our complete guide.

Da Nang: The Ideal City to Move To

Da Nang, Vietnam's 4th-largest city, has become Western expats' favorite destination in just a few years. Its strengths:

• Stunning beaches (My Khe, ranked among the most beautiful in the world)
• Human scale (1.2 million inhabitants)
• Less touristy than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
• Cost of living 20-30% lower than Saigon
• International airport with direct flights across Asia
• A welcoming but not overwhelming expat community

To learn everything about this exceptional city, see our complete Da Nang guide.

12FAQ: Your Questions About French People Moving Abroad

How Many French People Actually Leave France Each Year?

According to official data from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, about 110,000 to 130,000 French people register each year on the register of French nationals living outside France. However, that figure represents only 40 to 50% of actual departures, because registration is optional. The real number of French people leaving each year is estimated at 220,000 to 260,000, or about 0.35% of the population. Subtracting returns (about 80,000 a year), net emigration comes to 140,000 to 180,000 permanent departures a year. The trend has been accelerating since 2020, with departures up 15% between 2020 and 2025.

What Is the Main Reason French People Leave?

There isn't a single reason but a cluster of motivations that vary by profile. For 25- to 40-year-olds, professional and entrepreneurial opportunities come first (38%), followed by the cost of living (32%) and quality of life (22%). For 40- to 55-year-olds, tax pressure is the main driver (42%), ahead of the search for work-life balance (28%). For retirees, the cost of living (51%) and climate (33%) dominate. In every case, the decision rarely comes down to one factor; it's an accumulation of frustrations and aspirations that makes the status quo unbearable and moving abroad appealing.

Can You Really Escape French Taxes by Moving Abroad?

Yes, but under strict conditions. To stop being a French tax resident, you must meet at least one of these criteria: not having your household (family) in France, not having your habitual residence in France (fewer than 183 days a year), not carrying out your main professional activity in France, and not having the center of your economic interests in France. If these conditions are met, you become a tax resident of your host country and are no longer taxable in France on your worldwide income. Be careful: some French-source income remains taxable in France (rental income, real estate capital gains). The France-Vietnam tax treaty prevents double taxation. Guidance from a tax specialist is essential to secure your change of residence and avoid tax reassessments.

How Much Do You Need to Earn to Live Comfortably in Vietnam?

It all depends on your definition of comfort and the city you live in. In Da Nang, a single person lives very comfortably on €1,000-1,200 a month (modern housing, regular restaurant meals, leisure, savings). A couple without children does well on €1,500-1,800 a month. A family with 2 children (international school) will need €2,500-3,500 a month. For a "premium" lifestyle (villa, car, top-tier school, frequent travel), expect €4,000-5,000 a month for a family. These amounts include everything: housing, food, transportation, leisure, health and schooling. By comparison, the same standard of living in France would cost 2 to 3 times as much. For a full breakdown, see our guide to the cost of living in Vietnam.

Is It Hard to Fit In in Vietnam If You Don't Speak Vietnamese?

No, especially in big cities like Da Nang, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. English is widely spoken in tourist and business areas, and the expat community is large enough to make daily life easier. Instant translation apps (Google Translate with camera mode) let you get around without difficulty. That said, learning a few Vietnamese basics (hello, thank you, goodbye, numbers) is highly recommended to show respect for the local culture and ease interactions. Many expats take Vietnamese classes once settled and reach a conversational level in 6-12 months. Vietnamese culture values effort and humility: even rough Vietnamese is appreciated and opens doors.

13Conclusion: What About You, Are You Ready to Take the Leap?

The numbers speak for themselves: French people are leaving France in large numbers, pushed out by crushing taxes, a prohibitive cost of living, a declining quality of life and limited opportunities. This isn't a passing trend; it's part of a deep shift that is accelerating year after year.

You're not alone in feeling this frustration, the sense of working just to pay taxes and charges without ever really enjoying the fruits of your labor. Thousands of French people have already taken the leap and describe a radical transformation of their lives: more purchasing power, less stress, more free time, better balance.

Vietnam, and Da Nang in particular, offers a credible, accessible and safe alternative for those who want something different. But moving abroad isn't something you improvise: careful preparation, a sharp tax analysis and advice from competent professionals are essential to make your transition a success.