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Expats head to France for retirement, improved quality of life

Within the Expat Experiences league tables, France ranked 13th, ahead of its European neighbours, Belgium (17th) and Italy (21st). Compared with those who move abroad for employment reasons (33%), France's appeal seems to be the quality of life it offers with more than two thirds (69%) moving there for this reason. Since relocating, more than half (52%) of expats in France experienced better weather and nearly half (48%) reported more time to do the things they like.

The high quality of life is partly explained by France's sunnier climate with four in five expats (80%) in France praising its pleasant weather. Over three quarters (78%) perceived the country as culturally rich, while nearly two thirds (58%) stated that they had received better healthcare. The country also performs well for integration, ranking 4th out of 30 countries. Half (50%) of expats in France found it easy to make friends and over four fifths (84%) were willing to learn and speak the language as much as possible to immerse themselves into the French way of life.

France is also popular as a retirement destination. Almost half of all expats (48%) interviewed in France are aged over 55, as opposed to a 22% global average. In addition, 41% of expats in France class themselves as retirees. This is further compounded by 61% of expats having been there for three years or more, indicating that it is a place to settle rather than pass through quickly. Those living in France are much more likely to retire there – 56% of expats there say it would be their destination of choice, while only 4% of those interviewed worldwide would choose to retire in France.

"Do your best to speak the local language. People will love you for it, and do their best to help you" – Expat in France

Profile of France based expats surveyed in 2012:

Sample size: 64
Country of origin: UK (47%);
USA (25%)
Occupation: IT (18%);
Banking (35%)
Age: 18-34 (20%); 35-54 (31%); 55+ (48%)
Gender: Male (53%); Female (47%)

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