Leaving France is often a strategic decision, not an escape. When taxes, daily expenses, climate, or the desire for a different pace of life take precedence, the real question becomes: where to live better without complicating your life If you are starting to explore an installation project, a team specializing in expatriation to Mauritius can already help you to outline the major steps.
France remains strong in several dimensions of well-being: the OECD ranks it above average in work-life balance, security, and social connections. Leaving is therefore not a total rejection; it is often a trade-off between income, freedom, climate, education, and administrative simplicity.oecdbetterlifeindex.org)
Why are more and more French people considering leaving?
Two reasons come up very often. First, the tax burden: according to the OECD Taxing Wages 2026 study on France, The tax wedge reaches 47.2 per 13 years for an average single worker in 2025, compared to 35.1 per 13 years on average in the OECD, while the mandatory levies/GDP ratio stood at 43.5 per 13 years in 2024. Next, the budget: INSEE's report on material and social deprivation in 2024 noted that 13.0% of the population was affected at the beginning of the year. (oecd.org)
- Reduce the share of taxes and charges becomes a priority for the self-employed, business leaders, and high-income households. (oecd.org)
- Regain purchasing power It weighs heavily when housing and current expenses eat into the available budget. (insee.fr)
- Change your pace of life This also matters, especially for people who want more sun, less stress or a simpler environment for their family.
- Seizing international opportunities This explains part of the departures: the OECD recorded 110,000 emigrations of French citizens to OECD countries in 2022.oecd.org)
In other words, leaving France isn't simply a matter of dissatisfaction. It's often a search for a better balance between income, expenses, family plans, and quality of life. The more specific your objective, the more obvious the choice of country becomes.
Which destinations are best for a life change?
OECD figures show that French departures are primarily concentrated in countries close to or closely connected to the European market. In 2022, 16% of departures to OECD countries went to Switzerland, 15% to Spain, and 13% to Canada. (oecd.org)
Quick comparison of the most relevant destinations
| Destination | Why consider it? | Check before you leave |
|---|---|---|
| Maurice | A mild tropical climate year-round, two distinct seasons, and clear taxation for resident individuals, with a rate of 0.% on the first Rs 500,000 of taxable income. (metservice.mu) | Visa, accommodation, school, insurance and arrival arrangements. |
| Spain | A logical destination for remote workers thanks to a visa specifically for digital nomads and an official residency procedure for remote workers. (one.gob.es) | Visa application, stable income, health insurance and proof of remote work. |
| Canada | French is one of the two official languages there, with Francophone communities outside Quebec offering jobs, services, and support in French.canada.ca) | Climate, immigration journey and adaptation to the local way of life. |
| United Arab Emirates | Economic authorities indicate that there is no personal income tax, which attracts business-oriented individuals. (moec.gov.ae) | Cost of accommodation, insurance, visa and a more intense pace of life. |
| Swiss | Switzerland remains a classic destination for French expatriation projects, accounting for 16% of departures to the OECD in 2022. (oecd.org) | Budget, standard of living and the balance between salary and expenses. |
Maurice, if your priority is climate and a more legible installation framework
Mauritius stands out if you're looking to combine a change of scenery with a concrete project. The Mauritian Meteorological Service describes a mild tropical maritime climate, with two seasons and average temperatures of 24.7°C in summer and 20.4°C in winter. Mauritius Revenue Authority tax page It also specifies that a rate of 0.% applies to the first Rs 500,000 of taxable income for resident individuals. If your project targets the island, comprehensive support for living in Mauritius assistance in linking the steps between visa, budget and settlement. (metservice.mu)
Spain, if you work remotely
THE Spanish digital nomad visa This allows for a one-year residence permit, while the residency procedure for teleworkers can last up to three years. It's an attractive option for remote workers who want to stay close to France while embracing a Mediterranean lifestyle and often a more flexible daily routine. (one.gob.es)
Canada, if you are looking for a solid French-speaking environment
Canada is well-suited to Francophone profiles because French is one of its two official languages and communities outside Quebec offer opportunities in both French and English, as well as helpful services for settling in. It's a strong option for families and working professionals seeking a more structured path, even though immigration requires a methodical approach. (canada.ca)
United Arab Emirates, if your priority is the internet and entrepreneurship
The United Arab Emirates is particularly attractive to entrepreneurs and high-income earners. The Ministry of Economy points out that there is no personal income tax, which greatly simplifies financial planning. However, careful budgeting is necessary for housing, insurance, and the overall cost of living. (moec.gov.ae)
The right country, therefore, isn't necessarily the one that looks idyllic on a postcard, but rather the one that offers the right balance of visa, budget, tax rates, language, and life prospects. This filter prevents disappointment upon arrival.
How to prepare for a departure without any unpleasant surprises?
- Start with a complete annual budget, and not just the rent or the plane ticket.
- Check the residence status that is appropriate for your activity, especially if you are working remotely or starting a business.
- Compare health, insurance, school and banking procedures before signing a lease or contract.
- Test the country for a few weeks if possible, in order to validate the real pace of life and not the perceived image.
- Choose transparent and verifiable support, including by consulting the legal notices of the site with which you are exchanging information.
To compare key positions, our practical guides to help you prepare for your departure They help you structure your thinking before taking action.
FAQs about departing from France and the best destinations
Why leave France to move abroad and which destinations should be favored in 2025-2026?
The two most frequent drivers are tax pressure and the search for a simpler lifestyle. The OECD reports a high tax wedge in France and that French departures are primarily directed towards other OECD countries, with Switzerland, Spain, and Canada leading the way in 2022. In practice, the best destinations depend on your profile: Mauritius for the climate and tax transparency, Spain for remote work, Canada for French speakers, and the UAE for entrepreneurship. (oecd.org)
What are the best destinations for a life change after leaving France?
There is no single “best” country for everyone. If you want sunshine and a more relaxed lifestyle, Mauritius is a very good option. If you work remotely, Spain is convenient thanks to the digital nomad visa. If you need services in French and a robust job market, Canada is a solid choice. Finally, the United Arab Emirates appeals to business-oriented professionals, while Switzerland remains a popular option for those wanting to stay close to France. (metservice.mu)
How to prepare for leaving France for a better life abroad?
Start by calculating your annual budget, then check visa costs, health insurance, school fees if you're traveling with family, and the actual tax situation in your chosen country. A good test is to spend a few weeks there before committing. The most surprising expenses are often housing, insurance, bank fees, and administrative procedures. If you're aiming for Mauritius, structured preparation saves time and avoids costly mistakes. (oecd.org)
What are the main reasons motivating French people to leave France and where do they go to settle first?
The most frequently cited reasons are the burden of taxes and social security contributions, daily expenses, the desire to free up time, and sometimes the pursuit of an international career. According to the OECD, 110,000 French citizens emigrated to OECD countries in 2022, with 16 going to Switzerland, 15 to Spain, and 13 to Canada. In other words, departures are primarily concentrated in nearby countries that are easily understood and compatible with a family or professional project. (oecd.org)
And now ?
If you want to turn your desire to leave into a concrete plan, start by our practical guides to prepare your installation, then discover our comprehensive support for living in Mauritius. To work with a transparent framework, you can also consult the website's legal information.
