Whether you’re dreaming of café terraces in Paris or a quiet life in the French countryside, France offers Kiwis a compelling mix of culture, quality of life, and professional opportunities.
This guide breaks down the essentials for New Zealanders planning an international relocation to France – from lifestyle and costs to logistics and visas.
Why France Appeals to New Zealanders
France stands out as a relocation destination thanks to its high standard of living, world-class education, robust healthcare, and globally admired culture. New Zealand citizens also benefit from strong bilateral ties, including visa-free entry for short visits and clear pathways for longer stays through programmes like the Working Holiday visa, Talent Passport, and long-term work or study permits.
For Kiwis seeking a lifestyle change, France’s emphasis on leisure, food, and family life offers a refreshing contrast to the fast-paced urban routine. With expert help from trusted specialists in overseas moving, settling into life in France can be a smooth and stress-free experience.
French Lifestyle: Culture, Community & Daily Life
Life in France is about more than just good wine and beautiful architecture. Work-life balance is embedded in the culture – standard working weeks, generous holidays, and extended mealtimes are the norm. Social life revolves around shared meals, local markets, and neighbourhood cafés.
Urban centres like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse host international communities and offer expat-friendly services, while smaller towns provide a slower pace and stronger local connections. Adapting to French culture is easier with some language knowledge, as everyday life is largely conducted in French.
For families, the strong sense of community, public amenities, and cultural richness make integration rewarding especially for those who make the effort to get involved in local events and groups.
Cost of Living in France: Cities vs Regional Towns
The cost of living in France varies significantly between major cities and regional areas. Here’s a quick breakdown to help with budgeting:
City life (e.g., Paris, Lyon)
- Rent: €1,500-2,900/month for a one- to two-bedroom flat (approx. NZD 2,775-5,355)
- Monthly costs (excl. rent): €1,000-1,300 (approx. NZD 1,850-2,400)
- Transport: Monthly pass €60-90 (NZD 110-165)
- Groceries/dining: €350-600 (NZD 650-1,100)
Regional towns
- Rent: €600-1,100/month (NZD 1,110-2,035)
- Monthly costs (excl. rent): €900-1,100 (NZD 1,665-2,035)
- Transport: More reliance on cars, so fuel/insurance should be factored in
Living outside the big cities can reduce your total monthly expenses by 30-50%, especially on housing.
Top Places for NZ Expats to Live
France offers something for every lifestyle. Here are the top choices for family relocation to Europe from New Zealand:
- Paris: Ideal for those wanting access to global businesses, cultural events, and international schools. High cost, but high convenience.
- Lyon: Great for food lovers and professionals in tech or health sectors. More affordable than Paris.
- Bordeaux: A balanced choice for urban living and nature, with growing Kiwi expat communities.
- Nice/French Riviera: Excellent for lifestyle, leisure, and tourism-driven work, though housing is premium.
- Toulouse: Known for aviation and tech jobs, plus a strong student and family-friendly environment.
Education & Healthcare in France
France has one of Europe’s most accessible and high-quality education systems. Public schools are free and well-regarded, with compulsory schooling from age 3. Bilingual and international schools are available in larger cities.
Higher education is also attractive; public universities typically charge lower fees than New Zealand institutions, with some Master’s programmes starting from €3,000/year (approx. NZD 5,500). English-taught courses are increasingly common at the postgraduate level.
Healthcare is universal, with a public system reimbursing up to 70% of medical costs. Most residents opt for supplementary insurance (Mutuelle), which can cost €30-100/month depending on age and coverage (approx. NZD 55-185).
Working and Doing Business in France
International relocation for work or business requires proper visa planning. New Zealanders must secure a long-term visa if staying more than 90 days. Options include:
- Work visa: Typically requires a confirmed job offer
- Talent Passport: For skilled professionals or entrepreneurs
- Working Holiday: Available for ages 18-30, valid for 12 months
France’s work culture prioritises structure, respect for hours, and strong employee protections. Key industries include tech, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing. Proficiency in French boosts your job prospects, though international firms may offer English-speaking roles.
Setting up a business involves legal registration, tax ID acquisition, and social security setup – tasks best approached with local support or legal advice.
Relocating Your Household Goods from NZ to France
Shipping household goods overseas can be managed through different options:
- Full container (FCL): Best for larger households
- Shared container (LCL): Cost-effective for smaller loads
- Air freight: Fast but expensive, ideal for essential items only
A door-to-door moving support package simplifies logistics, with services covering packing, customs paperwork, and final delivery in France. Transit times vary; sea freight typically takes several weeks, while air freight arrives in days.
Expect to provide documents such as passports, detailed inventories, and proof of residence. Customs exemptions are available for used personal effects under long-term relocation status.
How Crown Relocations Supports Your Move to Europe
We at Crown Relocations New Zealand provide expert help for your move to Europe, offering:
- Door-to-door moving service
- Packing and transport services
- French customs clearance assistance
- Storage and insurance options
- A dedicated move manager to guide your journey
Whether you’re moving to Lyon for work or retiring in Bordeaux, Crown ensures your belongings arrive safely, and your relocation runs smoothly. Their global network and experience with NZ–France moves give you peace of mind at every step.
To take the next step toward your French adventure, contact Crown Relocations NZ today.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from NZ to France
Beyond career and education, Kiwis are drawn by France’s cultural richness, lifestyle balance, and easy access to other parts of Europe.
It depends on where you live. Paris is pricier than most NZ cities, but many French towns offer better value for housing and daily costs.
Yes, particularly for long-term stays. It enhances integration, job prospects, and makes daily life much easier outside tourist zones.
Visa type depends on your purpose: study, work, retirement, or long-term stay. Crown can assist you with navigating official resources and visa routes.
Sea freight can take several weeks. Air freight is quicker but more expensive. Crown helps tailor your shipping plan to your budget and timeline.
