The best country to move to in 2026 is not the same for all French people.
To make the right choice, you need to compare the ease of procedures, quality of life, taxes, language, and lifestyle you're looking for. If you're considering Mauritius, Complete expatriation support in Mauritius from A to Z can serve as a basis for transforming the idea into a project.expat-mauritius.com)
How did we establish this 2026 ranking?
We are leaving from InterNations Expat Insider 2025 report, which draws on data from over 10,000 expats of 172 nationalities and compares 46 destinations. From there, we add a “French” perspective: which countries are truly easy to live in, to reach, and to settle in long-term?internations.org)
The result is therefore an editorial ranking, not an absolute truth: we have primarily favored countries that combine a clear infrastructure, a good quality of life/cost ratio, and official solutions for working, investing, or residing.passport.govmu.org)
The criteria that really matter to a Frenchman
- The ease of obtaining a visa or residence permit.
- The quality of daily life, including access to housing, health and services.
- Taxation and the clarity of the rules for residents and entrepreneurs.
- Language, climate, and time zone all play a significant role in integration.
- Compatibility with a teleworking, business or retirement project.
If you are planning a trip to Mauritius, the practical guides dedicated to expatriation These constitute a good starting point for anticipating concrete issues such as budget, procedures, and installation.expat-mauritius.com)
2026 ranking of the best countries for French citizens to live abroad
Globally, InterNations' 2025 top 10 places Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, China, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Spain, and Malaysia at the top of its list. For French citizens, we re-rank these options using a more specific filter: distance, language, visa, and ease of settling in. (internations.org)
The reference table
| Rank | Country | Why he's rising in the rankings | Ideal profile | Point of vigilance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maurice | The best balance for a French person: a strong French presence, a favorable time zone, a stable climate, and clear pathways to work, invest, or retire.expat-mauritius.com) | Families, entrepreneurs, teleworkers and retirees. | Choosing the right license according to your profile. |
| 2 | Portugal | An excellent choice for remote workers thanks to a dedicated residence permit, valid for two years and renewable for three-year periods. (aima.gov.pt) | Freelancers, remote workers and European profiles. | Putting together a solid residency application remains essential. |
| 3 | Spain | The most easily understood European destination for many French people, with an official remote working visa and a 9th place overall ranking in Expat Insider 2025, even if the "Expat Essentials" and "Working Abroad" sections are more average.exteriores.gob.es) | Remote workers who want to stay in Europe. | Teleworking is regulated and local work remains limited. |
| 4 | United Arab Emirates | Very attractive for high-earning professionals: the virtual visa allows you to live in the Emirates while working for a foreign employer, with an official minimum income of USD 3,500; the country is 7th in the 2025 ranking.u.ae) | Executives, premium freelancers and mobile entrepreneurs. | The income threshold is higher than in other destinations. |
| 5 | Thailand | Thailand excels in personal finance and housing, which explains its 4th place overall ranking in 2025. (internations.org) | Controlled budget and search for a real life change. | The distance from France weighs more heavily on daily life. |
| 6 | Malaysia | Malaysia remains in the top 10 for 2025 and maintains a good level in personal finance and housing. (internations.org) | Expats who want to optimize the cost/quality of life ratio. | The country is less appealing if you are looking for a strong link with Europe. |
Countries to put into perspective if your priority is the budget
InterNations ranks Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, South Korea, Turkey, and Kuwait in its 2025 bottom 10; Canada is particularly penalized by housing and daily living costs.internations.org)
Why Mauritius is the top choice for many French people
A living environment that's very easy to envision.
On the Expat Mauritius homepage, the island is presented as a country where French is widely spoken, with a limited time difference with France and a stable tropical climate year-round. For many French people, this combination makes all the difference: less cultural disruption, less logistical strain, and more continuity in daily life.expat-mauritius.com)
Official residency pathways for several profiles
The Mauritian authorities are planning several points of entry: the Mauritian Premium Visa targets long stays, remote work, retirees, or professionals with their families, while the’Occupation Permit It covers investors, professionals, the self-employed, and, from age 50, non-citizen retirees. (passport.govmu.org)
Another good point: the Premium Visa is advertised as free and renewable, which removes a hurdle when testing the country before committing further. (passport.govmu.org)
Taxation needs to be checked, but is often easy to understand.
The website's homepage highlights a VAT rate of around 15% and a tax system deemed easy to understand for both individuals and entrepreneurs. The important thing is not to dream of a "tax haven," but to verify that the structure corresponds to your actual residence, your income, and your status.expat-mauritius.com)
If you want to check the entity that publishes the site before going any further, the website legal notices provide the legal framework for the company.expat-mauritius.com)
Which country should you choose based on your profile?
If you work remotely or are a freelancer
Portugal, Spain, Mauritius, and the United Arab Emirates are the most suitable options if your income already comes from abroad. Portugal offers a two-year remote work residence permit, renewable for three-year periods; Spain has an official remote work visa; the UAE offers a one-year renewable virtual residence permit with a minimum income threshold; and Mauritius has a Premium Visa designed for remote work. (aima.gov.pt)
If you are travelling as a family
The best destination isn't necessarily the cheapest, but rather the one where you can educate and house your family without any issues. Mauritius highlights schools in English or French, and the Spanish teleworking visa also allows, depending on the application, for bringing a spouse, partner, and dependent children.expat-mauritius.com)
If you are planning to retire abroad
Mauritius is particularly appealing to retirees, as the Mauritian Occupation Permit and Residence Permit programs include a dedicated framework for non-citizens over 50. The main advantage here isn't just the sunshine: it's the combination of stability, administrative clarity, and a reasonable distance from Europe.passport.govmu.org)
FAQ about the best country to move to in 2026
What is the best country for a French person to move to?
If you had to choose just one, Mauritius often emerges as the most balanced option for a French person who wants to maintain a simple lifestyle. The language, time zone, climate, and official residency procedures all work in its favor. However, if your work is entirely remote and you're looking for a European base, Portugal or Spain might be preferable. The best choice therefore depends primarily on your status and budget, not just the country's prestige.expat-mauritius.com)
Portugal or Spain: which one to choose for teleworking?
Portugal is a more straightforward option if you're looking for a remote work residency with a highly structured administrative framework and a two-year validity period, renewable thereafter. Spain is often more attractive if you want to maintain a European lifestyle, with an official remote work visa and the ease of bringing family members over. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, your tolerance for bureaucracy, and your long-term plans. (aima.gov.pt)
Is Mauritius suitable for teleworkers?
Yes, absolutely. The Mauritian Premium Visa is specifically designed for long-term stays, remote professionals, and families who want to settle there without completely disconnecting from their current work. Add to that a time zone close to France, a strong French-speaking presence, and a tropical lifestyle, and you have a very credible destination for working while exploring other countries. (passport.govmu.org)
Should you avoid countries outside Europe when moving abroad?
No, not at all. The real question isn't "Europe or not Europe," but "Does this country suit your lifestyle and status?" Thailand and Malaysia remain very competitive in terms of cost of living and work-life balance, while Mauritius offers a rare compromise between cultural familiarity and a change of scenery. The right choice therefore depends on your priorities: budget, climate, taxes, family, or administrative simplicity. (internations.org)
And now ?
If your project takes you to Mauritius, start with the Practical guides to prepare your installation, then also consult the English presentation of the support in Mauritius If you want a more comprehensive overview, you'll save time moving from comparison to a concrete and realistic project.expat-mauritius.com)
