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System structure

Finland is considered to have one of the best education systems in the world. Education is state-run and free to all children and adults, from preschool to university and beyond.

Children do not start school until they are age 7 in Finland and education is compulsory up to the age of 16. The system comprises a non-compulsory preschool year from age six followed by a nine year ‘basic education’ between the ages of 7 and 16.

Following compulsory education, school-leavers can choose to join the workforce or continue on to general or vocational upper secondary education.

Both forms usually take three years and allow eligibility for higher education.

Academic year

The academic year runs from mid-August to the end of July and is divided into four semesters or ‘teaching periods.’ In schools, the day starts at around 8am to 9am and ends at around 2pm.

All children are provided with a free healthy lunch until they are 16.

Higher education

Finland has a distinguished higher education system consisting of 14 universities and 24 Universities of Applied Sciences (UAP), with the University of Helsinki being the largest and highest-ranked.

Admission to university is dependent on upper secondary school examinations known as the abitur and highly transparent, merit-based university entrance examinations.

Higher education is regulated by the Ministry of Education and Culture, although Finnish universities enjoy significant autonomy over their finances and are classed as corporations in law.

Higher education in Finland is funded by the state but universities are also expected to raise their own funds from external sources.

Funding

Tuition is currently free to all Finnish and EU/EEA students, although fees for non-EU/EEA students are to be introduced in 2017, along with a range of generous scholarship options.

Courses

Finnish degrees consist of three-year undergraduate courses followed by two-year Master’s degrees. PhDs take around four years to complete and are fully funded – doctoral students are either employed by the institution or receive funding from external sources.

Finnish is the main language of tuition, however many courses are now taught almost entirely in English.

Research

Finns believe investment in research to be vital to the country’s economic success.

The research system is relatively decentralised, with the majority of activities based in universities, UAPs and 18 government research institutes.

Funding is provided via the Finnish Research and Innovation Council and the Strategic Research Council, both branches of the Academy of Finland, a national organisation which provides specific grants and fellowships.

Primary and secondary education

The Finnish state education system is not divided into primary and secondary schools – children receive a nine-year ‘basic education’ which is compulsory from ages 7 to 16. The ‘primary’ part of the basic education lasts to age 12 and the remaining four years consist of ‘secondary’ education.

Basic education is followed by voluntary enrolment in upper secondary school, divided into ‘general’ (academic subjects) and ‘vocational schools’ (technology, health, transport, social services etc.).

The success of Finnish education has been attributed to the fact that children start school later than in other countries (at age 7) combined with a focus on learning, rather than testing throughout education.

Indeed, Finnish children only take one set of exams (matriculation or ylioppilastukinto) in their school life – at the end of upper secondary school – to gain admission to university. Admission to upper secondary school is decided on a student’s grade point average.

Preschool 

Preschool education in Finland is widely known as one of the best and most heavily subsidised systems in the world. Free universal childcare is available to every child under the age of 7, regardless of family income, in state-run preschools or day care centres.

The pre-school or ‘kindergarten’ year (between ages 6 and 7) is not compulsory but over 97% of children are enrolled in the system, which provides four hours of structured play, meals and healthcare five mornings per week.

Geographical variation

Like all other northern European countries, Finland has a high cost of living. However, its reputation for high prices is not entirely deserved, as rents and utilities are lower than Sweden, Denmark, the UK and France.

Groceries, eating out and alcohol are very expensive, which inevitably bumps up living costs. Helsinki is the priciest area but costs are lower in other major cities, such as Tampere and Turku and in rural areas.

Despite high living costs and heavy taxation (income tax contributions are around 35%), Finns enjoy an excellent standard of living comprising free education at all levels and top quality healthcare and public services.

Accommodation

Finland is a nation of homeowners and the rental market is small and competitive, particularly in Helsinki. There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property and the process is straightforward compared to other European countries, although costly property taxes can ramp up prices.

Accommodation varies from apartment living in cities to houses and villas in the suburbs and rural areas. Most buildings are modern and fitted with saunas and state-of-the-art heating systems. For those looking to rent, the choice is limited to apartments (rented houses are rare).

In such a competitive market, it’s definitely worth enlisting the services of a letting agent to help you with your search.

Rental deposit

Almost all Finnish tenancy agreements are fixed term and require the new occupant to pay up to three month’s rent as a security deposit. This is returned after inspection by the landlord or rental agency on leaving the property.

Property tax

A tax of up to 3% is levied on the purchase of homes in Finland, according to the value of the property. Both homeowners and tenants also pay a municipal tax, however, this tends to be minimal, as local authorities meet the funding demands of their areas through income tax.

Municipal taxes are means-tested according to income.

Utilities

Finns use a lot of electricity to heat their homes during the freezing winters (use of gas for heating or cooking is less common) yet utility prices are lower than in some Western nations.

The market was recently opened up, bringing prices down even further. There is a wide variety of suppliers, the largest being Helsingin, E.ON and Vattenfall.

Water costs are usually included in the monthly rent. Finland is world-leading in digital technology and communications and offers an excellent broadband and mobile network in even the most remote areas at competitive prices.

TV licence

The Finnish TV licence was scrapped in 2013 in favour of a means-tested ‘broadcasting tax’ on income.

This contribution funds the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE).

The tax is capped at €163 (£139.62) per year and those on a low income are exempt. There are a range of digital and Pay TV services which offer programming in English, as do the main Finnish channels.

Healthcare and medical costs

Finland has an excellent universal healthcare system which is publicly funded through a national health insurance scheme (NHI).

Healthcare provision is de-centralised, with each municipality responsible for providing primary, secondary and tertiary services in their area.

Although health services are free there are some point-of-entry costs or ‘patient fees’ that all residents must pay on using the health service.

For example, a visit to a GP can cost up to €21 (£17.98) but this can only be charged three times in one year, any visits thereafter are free.

To be eligible for free healthcare in Finland you must be an EU/EEA national or a permanent resident in the country.

Therefore, non-EU visitors should take out a private health insurance policy until their residence status is secure.

Shopping

There is a large range of shopping options in Finland, from department stores such as Stockmann, Sokos and Clas Ohlson (homewares) in cities to more traditional markets and shops selling fresh produce and unique craft items.

Food is expensive but you can cut costs by shopping at supermarkets, which range from small convenience stores to hypermarkets, the dominating chains being Kesko and S-Group.

Most supermarkets are open until 9pm on weekdays.

Shoppers should be aware that supermarkets only sell alcohol of up to 4.7% strength (so mostly beer) and all other alcoholic drinks are sold by state-monopoly off licence chain Alko (LINK http://www.alko.fi/en/), which can be found all over Finland.

Sales tax

Finnish sales tax, or VAT, is currently set at 24% for most goods and services, with reduced rates on food and educational materials.

Price guide

• Rent a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre – €784.70 (£671.61)
• Rent a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre – €640.85 (£548.45
• Price of an apartment per square metre in the city centre – €5,133.61 (£4393.34)
• Price of apartment per square metre outside city centre – €3,471.42 (£2971.00)
• Loaf of bread – €2.37 (£2.03)
• Milk (1 litre) – €1.06 (£0.91)
• Bottled water (1.5 litre) – €1.59 (£1.36)
• Draught beer (0.5 litre) – €2.82 (£2.41)
• Packet of cigarettes – €10.00 (£8.56)
• Petrol (1 litre) – €2.02 (£1.73)
• Cinema ticket – €15.00 (£12.84)

Source: www.numbeo.com (accessed February 2024)

Budgeting and saving

One way to burn through money while living in Finland is to eat out or drink in pubs and bars. Restaurant meals and alcohol are very expensive, especially in Helsinki.

The best way to save is to entertain at home and shop in discount supermarkets such as Lidl, Sale, Alepa and K Market.

Another food budgeting tip is to shop in supermarkets at night when many items have been reduced in price.

Driving

Driving in Finland is an enjoyable experience for those used to congested roads at home.

Despite being the fifth largest EU country by land area, the well-maintained road network and small population mean that you may find yourself alone on some Finnish roads, with only the stunning landscape and the odd reindeer for company.

Speed limits are 120 km/h (75mph) on motorways, 80km/h (50mph) on major roads and 50km/h (30mph) in built-up areas. Due to freezing conditions and heavy snowfall in winter, it is a legal requirement for vehicles to be fitted with appropriate winter tyres (studded) between October and March when speed limits on all roads are also reduced to 80km/h (50mph).

All EU/EEA licence holders are permitted to drive in Finland. Those from outside the EU must exchange their licence for a Finnish one on becoming a permanent resident.

Taxis

Taxis (Taksi) are highly regulated in Finland, with maximum fares chargeable set by the government.

However, this does not mean they are cheap, like most things in Finland taking a taxi is expensive when compared to using the much cheaper bus and train network.

Taxis are widely available and can be found at designated stands.

Drivers will accept payment in cash, although they prefer payment by credit or debit card.

All passengers are legally required to wear seatbelts in a Finnish taxi.

Buses and coaches

Finland has one of the best bus networks in Europe.

If you are not able to reach your destination by train, a bus will get you there, however remote.

Unlike trains, buses are privately operated, with the two biggest companies being Onnibus and ExpressBus.

Both companies offer reliable long-haul coaches between cities and towns.

Tickets can be booked in advance or you can pay your fare to the driver on boarding (for short journeys).

Trains

The Finnish rail network radiates from Helsinki and connects all towns and cities, even in remote areas.

Trains are operated by VR, the Finnish state railway and are punctual, fast and comfortable.

For long-distance travel, VR operate ‘Pendolino’ trains with top speeds of up to 220 km/h, which are easily recognisable by their three main lines from Helsinki: Tampere (North), Turku (West) and Lahti (East).

Local trains are assigned a series of letters which can be slightly more confusing for tourists. Tickets and discounted travel cards can be purchased online at VR, in stations or on board (although this will incur an extra fee).

Trams and light rail

Helsinki is home to Finland’s only metro network (Helsinki Metro) which comprises 17 stations and covers around 21km of track.

The capital is also the only place in the country you will find a tram network, however, there are plans to introduce tram/light rail systems in the cities of Tampere and Turku, although work has not yet begun.

Air Travel

There are 27 airports in Finland, the largest and main gateway being Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, which connects the country to destinations around the world.

Finnair is the national carrier, with major airlines such as Norwegian, SAS and Flybe also operating from Helsinki.

There are domestic flights connecting major cities in Finland, however, flying is an expensive and less convenient option compared with the well-connected rail and bus network.

Other ways to get around

Finland is home to miles of stunning coastline and over 187,000 lakes, which has earned the country the title of ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ Therefore, one of the best ways to experience the country’s watery landscape is by ferry, cruise ship, canoe or even rowing boat.

Frequent ferry services connect Finland with neighbouring Sweden and Estonia and Helsinki is a general port of call on a Baltic cruise trip.

The largest operators are Viking Line and Silja, which connect Helsinki with Stockholm. St. Peter Line also operates Helsinki to St. Petersburg services three times a week, as well as Helsinki-Stockholm services.

Working hours

Finnish employees generally follow an eight-hour working day or the equivalent of 40 hours per week. Overtime is paid at time-and-a-half.

Private sector workers can refuse to do overtime but some public sector employees, such as the emergency services, are compelled to work extra if required.

Increased pay is expected for night shift workers (11pm-6am) and Sunday shifts are usually paid at double time.

Finland has one of the highest numbers of women in the workplace in the EU, with 73% in jobs compared to an EU average of 57%.

Holidays

There is a strong emphasis on family life in Finland and as a result, there are many public holidays available for almost all workers.

Employees accrue two days of annual leave for each month of full-time work and most time off is taken at the end of June to coincide with the summer holidays.

The majority of firms also close completely for at least a week over Christmas.

Therefore, arrangements for business meetings should be avoided in mid-summer or at Christmas.

Public holidays

There are 13 public holidays in Finland.

There are also up to eight more seasonal holidays which different regions observe, including the March Equinox and the December Solstice.

Public holiday dates

• New Year’s Day: 1st January
• Epiphany: 6^th January
• Good Friday: 29th March
• Easter Monday: 1st April
• Vappu (May Day): 1^st May
• Ascension Day: 9th May
• Midsummer Eve: 21st June
• Midsummer Day: 22nd June
• All Saints Day: 2nd November
• Independence Day: 6th December
• Christmas Eve: 24th December
• Christmas Day: 25th December
• Second Day of Christmas: 26th December

Visas and eligibility

Expats who are employed by a company will usually need a residence permit which is based on gaining employment in Finland.

Despite Finland being a Schengen country, whereby freedom of movement between borders is eased, workers will require a permit or visa granted by the Finnish government to stay in the country longer than 90 days.

Nationals from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland do not require a residence permit and are classed as ‘equivalent persons’. You may also be entitled to a permit if you have completed a degree or recognised qualification from a university in Finland.

It is worth noting that the employment office in Finland gives priority to EU citizens or ‘equivalent persons.’

For more information, visit the Finnish Immigration Service.

Tax

Finland operates a progressive tax system, meaning that the wealthier pay more. Tax is controlled by the state, municipalities and the country’s two official churches, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and Finnish Orthodox Church.

The Finnish Tax Administration is responsible for tax collection before distribution.

All tax is automatically deducted and is generally around 35% of your pay.

Benefits

Despite cuts to the Finnish welfare budget in recent years, the benefits system is still considered one of the most comprehensive in the world.

Since 2015, the Finnish government has considered a radical overhaul of the system with one proposal being that the welfare state is replaced with an allowance of 800 Euros given to each citizen every month.

Currently, the benefits system in Finland is covered by residence-based and earnings-based social security. Residence-based is funded through taxes and distributed by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela).

To find out if you are eligible, expats must register with their local Kela office.

Pensions

High taxation means Finland has one of the world’s most generous welfare systems.

The Finnish philosophy is that citizens should expect good living conditions and should be provided for in retirement.

The actual age of retirement is flexible in Finland but you must be 65 to qualify for the state pension.

Most private pensions are provided for between the ages of 63-68.

The amount retirees are entitled to depends on the amount of time spent in Finland.

Anything less than 80% of a person’s life spent in Finland will result in a reduction in state pension received. An earnings-related pension is normally 1.5% of an annual salary but this rises with the age of the worker.

Pensions, which are protected under the Employees Pensions Act, are privately arranged contracts made through a pension insurance fund or pension insurance company.

Disability

Finnish law forbids discrimination against disabled people.

The 300 or so municipalities are responsible for organising services for disabled people which are funded through income tax.

Services include transport and assistance where required and people with residence permits are entitled to use disabled services.

Finland has many organisations which protect the rights of disabled people, the most notable being the National Council on Disability and Hilma, the Support Centre for Immigrant Persons with Disabilities.

Organisational structure

Finland is an industrial and technologically advanced country with one of the highest per capita GDPs in Europe.

The business landscape combines traditional industry (paper, timber) with high tech digital communications companies such as Nokia.

In terms of structure, Finnish companies follow a more hierarchical model than their Scandinavian neighbours, all workers are clear about their responsibilities and role perimeters.

This is not to say that managers are dictatorial – teamwork and collaboration are important and companies work closely with communities and the public sector, particularly universities.

Finnish workers possess a higher level of general education than many other countries, further contributing to business success.

Management style

Finnish managers take a low key approach – tasks are delegated and are completed by subordinates without much intrusion from above.

Decisions tend to be made by a team of senior managers and information is disseminated in a highly organised manner, ensuring everyone is secure about their role in a particular project.

Finns are taciturn people and less is more when it comes to communication.

It would be uncommon for managers to deliver motivational speeches, pep talks and frivolous sales targets and prizes – workers are expected to just get on with the job at hand.

Formality

On initial meetings, Finns can seem quiet and reserved but once the ice is broken business is relatively informal.

Titles are used in certain settings, such as in academia and the legal and medical professions, however, most are dispensed with once colleagues get to know each other.

Relationships

Finland is often considered to be a homogenous culture, with less outside influences than other countries. This, along with a reserved communication style, means that Finns can be hard to read.

However, once you break through this exterior, you will find that your Finnish counterparts are humorous, warm and hospitable to outsiders.

The key to building relationships is to adopt a subtle style yourself.

Over the top sales tactics and showy behaviour would be viewed with suspicion.

A good indicator of being accepted into a Finnish team is if you receive an invite to the sauna, where the general nakedness can be a great leveller in business relationships!

Dress code

Finnish business dress is conservative and formal.

Men wear smart suits in muted colours and women opt for smart trousers, skirts or dresses.

Casual wear, such as jeans and t shirts are often acceptable in more modern industries. Newcomers should be prepared for the freezing Finnish winters, where temperatures can drop to below -30°C.

Hats, gloves, shoes with rubber grips and padded outerwear are essential when venturing outside the office.

Greetings

A firm handshake and brief nod of the head is the usual greeting for both men and women. Finns value their personal space so kissing and hugging are reserved for family and friends and would not be acceptable in a business setting.

Punctuality

Punctuality is very important in Finland, where meetings are highly organised. Being even five minutes late would be considered rude. If you are going to be late – always call ahead to let your colleagues know.

Meetings

For those not used to Finnish culture, meetings may initially seem a little strange.

They are generally quiet, and brief and can be punctuated by long silences.

Finns have a sparse way of speaking, so if you haven’t got anything significant to contribute then it’s best to keep quiet.

This can be awkward for those from cultures where filling silences with small talk is the norm.

Meetings are seen as being primarily for the dissemination of information rather than for debate.

Therefore, speaking over others or engaging in heated discussion would be considered rude. Being a good listener is a highly respected skill, so show that you are listening intently and waiting for your turn to speak.

Cultural sensitivity

Finland is a tolerant country with a commitment to equality in all areas of life. Any aggressive or discriminatory behaviour towards others is unacceptable.

Finns disapprove of hard selling or sales patter so it’s best to get straight to the point in a direct and honest manner if you wish to win them over.

It’s also a good idea to avoid comparing Finns to Swedes and bringing up Finnish-Russian relations, as this may irk your counterparts.

Business language

Finnish is the main language used in business, although most Finns speak English fluently and will switch languages seamlessly in the presence of international visitors.

Indeed, in some companies and institutions, English is now used as the principal working language.

Finns learn languages from an early age and most also speak a good degree of German, Swedish, French and Russian. However, learning even a few Finnish words and greetings will help you to break the ice and gain respect.

System structure

France is considered to have a high standard of public education, which focuses on a traditional school experience of academic study and strict discipline.

School is for learning, not play, in France and pupils are rigorously tested from an early age. All children receive a free education and school is compulsory between the ages of six and 16.

Children attend primary school (ages 6 to 11), and junior/middle school (ages 11 to 15) and are then separated by aptitude into specialist secondary schools (ages 15 to 18).

On completion of a school career, most students sit the Baccalauréat (le bac) examination, which is necessary to gain admission to higher education.

Academic year

The academic year runs from the beginning of September to the end of June and is divided into two semesters (in universities).

French schools have long holidays, with two months in the summer, two to three weeks at both Christmas and Easter and week-long half term breaks.

The school day starts at around 8.30am and finishes at 4.30pm with a long lunch break when many children return home to eat with their families.

Higher education

France has a complex system of higher education, divided into 83 public universities and around 250 mixed public or private Grandes Écoles. These are smaller, elite institutions (similar to Ivy League schools in the States), which sit outside the main university framework.

The highest-ranking universities are the École Normale Supérieure and École Polytechnique ParisTech (both Grandes Écoles). Students gain admission to public universities on successful completion of the Baccalauréat exam at age 18.

Admission to Grandes Écoles is by a highly selective entrance exam following two years of private preparatory study, from ages 18 to 21.

Like most other things in France, higher education is highly centralised and overall management is the responsibility of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, which wields considerable influence over budgets and policy.

Funding

French public universities are state-funded and students (both EU and non-EU) pay a small annual tuition fee of around €181 (£163).

The low fees make France a very popular destination for international students, who account for around 13% of the student body. Students will pay more at the elite schools (Grandes Écoles), some of which are permitted to set their own fees.

Courses

Overall, French higher education offers around 36,000 courses with some partially taught in English, although French remains the dominant language in both teaching and research.

It would be virtually impossible to study at a French university if your French is less than proficient. In universities, courses comprise three-year undergraduate degrees followed by two-year ‘research’ or ‘professional’ Masters programs.

PhDs take around three to four years to complete and many are paid positions.

The system differs in Grandes Écoles, where students undertake two years of preparatory study known as ‘classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles’ (CPGE) prior to commencing their studies.

The overall degree programme, including preparatory study, is the equivalent of a combined undergraduate and postgraduate degree.

Research

A combination of top-level funding, an international approach and the establishment of elite subject-specific institutions has led to France being one of the most respected and competitive research nations in the world.

Research is carried out in universities, Grandes Écoles and public institutes such as the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), the largest science agency in Europe, and other public research institutes such as INRAE and INSERM. State funding for research is allocated by the French National Research Agency.

Primary and secondary education

All schools in France are governed by the Ministère de l’Éducation Nationale and most teachers are classed as civil servants (fonctionnaires). State-funded schools adhere to a strict national curriculum and high educational standards.

French schools are divided into:

• Primary school (École primaire): From ages 6-11.

• Junior/Middle school (collège): From ages 11-15. At junior school, children follow a general curriculum and are frequently tested (sometimes each week) to determine their path to the different secondary schools.

• Secondary school (lycée): From ages 15-18. Lycée is divided by specialism into general, technical (sciences, engineering, health) or professional (for students destined for manual/clerical or vocational employment). At the end of lycée, students take the Baccalauréat exam tailored to their lycée specialism.

Preschool 

France has excellent preschool care provision which enables both parents to work without having the extra burden of finding private childcare. State preschools (école maternelles) are available to children from age two or three (depending on municipality) to age six and are free of charge.

Registration at public preschools can be completed by contacting the local town hall (mairie). Should you not wish to enrol your child in free state preschool, there are numerous private nurseries and kindergartens to choose from.

Geographical Variation

France has a high cost of living, particularly in Paris, Marseille and Lyon. Rents and food are cheaper in rural areas but are still high compared to other western European nations such as the UK and Spain.

The average academic monthly salary is around €2,100 to €4,400 (£1,890 to £3,963) in France, which many feel is not enough to match the high living costs.

However, the draw of living in France is enough for most expats and it is possible to live well – and frugally – outside the major cities while enjoying the country’s excellent public services and high standard of living.

Accommodation

Only around half of French people own their own homes – everyone else rents their property. Therefore, finding a suitable rental property can be a challenge, particularly in Paris, where accommodation is in short supply.

If you are willing to live in the outer suburbs, then finding decent accommodation for a reasonable price is easier. Most people own their own homes in rural areas and although rental properties are thinner on the ground, renting in the French countryside can be very cheap.

France attracts thousands of new expats each year so there is a huge range of property websites geared towards foreigners, such as French Entree.

Otherwise it’s a good idea to enlist the help of an estate agent (agent immobilier), particularly if your French is lacking.  

Rental deposit

A rental deposit (dépôt de garantie) of one month’s rent is usually demanded by French landlords/landladies. The deposit is used to cover any damages when the tenant leaves.

Property tax

There are two types of property tax in France:

• Taxe d’habitation/Residence Tax: This applies to all property owners (with some exemptions) and the amount payable is determined by the local council (commune) per the notional value of the property. The tax is payable by the tenant if the property is rented out. It is levied to cover community services run by the local authority.
• Taxe Fonciere: A buildings and land tax paid by the owner of the property, irrespective of who occupies it.

Utilities

The two main suppliers of gas and electricity are the partially privatised Gaz de France (GDF) and Electricité de France (EDF), both of which offer a range of tariffs.

Utility bills are comparable with other Western European countries. However, internet and phone costs can be high in France as most of the telecommunications network is operated by the mobile and digital giant Orange (formerly France Télécom).

Water is supplied by private companies and prices are calculated by meter.

Tap water is safe to drink in France, although most people prefer the taste of bottled water. For all utilities, it is common to receive a bill every two months.

The basic cost of utilities (gas, water, electricity, refuse) for an 85m² city centre apartment is around €173.51 (£148.53) per month.

Broadband, phone and TV packages start at around €29.62 (£25.36) per month.

TV licence

Even if you don’t own a television, all households in France are required to pay an annual licence fee (contribution à l’audiovisuel public) which funds the five public channels: France 2, France 3, France 4, France 5, and Arte.

Healthcare and medical costs

France’s healthcare system has been ranked the best and most accessible in the world by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

All healthcare services are funded by a national insurance scheme and contributions are automatically deducted from your pay packet on becoming a resident employee (after 180 days).

How much you contribute is calculated according to your income.

Most French health services are state-run but patients pay the doctor upfront and are then reimbursed in part or in full.

All residents are issued with a smartcard called a Carte Vitale to pay for services and then the cost is paid back into the patient’s bank account within five working days.

The poorest people and the long-term sick are reimbursed in full.

Shopping

France has an infinite range of shopping options. From the upmarket Parisian boutiques of the Avenue des Champs Elysées to the thousands of outdoor markets selling fresh produce and crafts: for shopping addicts, France has it all.

Food shopping in France is a cultural experience in itself and you could find yourself whiling away many hours in the local patisserie or cheese shop. For everyday grocery shopping, there are numerous supermarkets and hypermarché to choose from, the biggest chains being Carrefour, Leclerc, Casino and Auchan.

There is also a wide choice of budget chains such as Leader Price, Ed, Aldi, Lidl and Netto which can help cut costs in expensive areas.

Supermarkets are generally open from 8.30am until 8pm, Monday to Saturday and are closed on Sundays. Smaller shops such as bakeries and butchers tend to close during lunchtime each day.

Sales tax

A sales tax (taxe sur la valeur ajoutée – TVA) of 20% is applied to most goods and services in France.

A reduced rate of 10% applies to restaurants, transport, renovation/improvement works and certain medicines.

A further reduction of 5.5% is applied to food, water and non alcoholic beverages, books, special equipment for the disabled and school canteens

Price guide

• Rent a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre – €784.41 (£671.45)
• Rent a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre – €577.88 (£494.72)
• Price of apartment per square metre in the city centre – €6,723.46 (£5,755.79)
• Price of apartment per square metre outside the city centre – €4,596.87 (£3,934.80)
• Loaf of bread – €1.79 (£1.53)
• Milk (1 litre) – €1.12 (£0.96)
• Bottled water (1.5 litre) – €0.71 (£0.61)
• Draught beer (0.5 litre) – €2.18 (£1.87)
• Packet of cigarettes – €11.00 (£9.42)
• Petrol (1 litre) – €1.86 (£1.59)
• Cinema ticket – €12.00 (£10.27)

Source: www.numbeo.com (accessed February 2024)

Budgeting and saving

Although France has a high cost of living, it is possible to cut costs by shopping locally or in budget supermarkets.

Additionally, using public transport is considerably cheaper and more efficient than running a car in France, where motorway tolls, car insurance and fuel can be very expensive.

To plan your budget, you can also use a comparison site such as Tous les Prix (in French).

Driving

Taking a road trip is one of the best ways to see France’s beautiful countryside. However, care should be taken in Paris and other large cities, where driving can be a hair-raising experience for newcomers.

Multi-lane traffic, complex one way systems and the notoriously aggressive French driving style can frustrate even the most experienced city drivers.

France has very good road network made up of Autoroutes (motorways), which are mainly toll roads, toll-free Route Nationale (dual carriageways) and minor and urban roads.

Autoroutes can be costly if you are driving long distances but are fast and generally congestion-free.

Speed limits are 130km/h (80mph) on Autoroutes, 110km/h (70mph) on dual carriageways and 50km/h (30mph) in residential areas.

Be aware that radar speed traps are very common in France and the on-the-spot fines can be steep.

If you have a driver’s licence issued by an EU/EEA country, you can drive in France indefinitely.

All other non-EU licence holders must exchange their licence for a French one after one year.

Applications to exchange your driver’s licence can be made at your local town hall (mairie).

Taxis

Taxis in France can only collect passengers from designated tax ranks (station de taxi), apart from in some areas of large cities where hailing a cab on the street is permitted.

Taxis can be recognised by their roof signs and fares are calculated by distance travelled.

Private minicabs do not exist in France and all taxi drivers charge the tariffs determined by their municipality.

Buses and coaches

France has a comprehensive urban bus network which offers a cheap way to get around. Most areas have their own regional bus service, with some services running all night in large cities. Single tickets can be bought on board – multi-trip passes are usually for locals and require a photocard.

In Paris, it is possible to buy travel cards which are valid for all public transport (metro, train and bus).

Long distance coach travel is relatively new to France, most people use the high speed TGV trains to travel between towns and cities. However, rail company SNCF operates the Ouibus coach service which covers 1,000 routes across France and into the rest of Europe.

Trains

France has one of the world’s best rail networks with the jewel in the crown being the high speed TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) routes radiating out of Paris and whisking passengers around the country in a matter of hours.

The French rail infrastructure is operated by state-owned SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français). Local services are fast and efficient and the Paris Métro is one of the most comprehensive metro systems worldwide.

The cities of Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Rennes and Toulouse also have metro networks. Rail travel is generally cheap and discounted tickets can be purchased online at SNCF.

France’s rail network also extends to other European countries and the UK and Belgium can be reached by Eurostar in a few hours from Paris, Lille and Calais.

Trams and light rail

There are several tramways and light rail systems in France and the country has committed significant investment to developing eco-friendly modes of transport in the future.

You will find ultramodern light-rail lines in Bordeaux, Grenoble, Lille, Lyon, Nancy, Nantes, Nice, Reims, Rouen and Strasbourg, as well as parts of greater Paris.

You can buy single tickets on board or purchase a carnet (book of tickets) for multi-trip journeys.

Air travel

France has 185 airports operating domestic and international flights. The national carrier is Air France which flies to 189 destinations in 82 countries.

For travellers who need to get somewhere fast and don’t want to take the TGV, France has a comprehensive network of domestic flights between major cities.

Most domestic flights are operated by Air France and take around one hour.

Other ways to get around

French people are keen cyclists and being home to the world’s most famous cycle race means the country is well set up for bikes.

There are around 21,000 km of national cycle routes in France, for more information about routes and cycle hire visit France Velo Tourisme.

Working hours

France has a 35-hour working week, which is enshrined in law. Employers wanting more hours from their employees must pay between 10% and 50% extra per hour.

The French working week is shorter than many other European nations and reflects a hardwired cultural commitment to a decent work/life balance.

Maternity pay in France is considered generous compared to other European countries. All women are entitled to six week’s maternity leave before and 10 weeks after the births of their first two children.

New fathers are entitled to 11 days of leave, which must be taken in one chunk within the first four months of the birth.

Holidays

All employees are entitled to an average of five weeks of paid holiday each year. This is calculated as two-and-a-half days per month, worked between 1st June and 31st May.

There are certain rules on how the holiday is used, for example, the maximum days taken at once must not be more than 24.

Most holidays are taken in August so it can be very difficult to get in contact with your French counterparts during this month.

Public holidays

There are 10 public holidays in France, as well as at least two unofficial holidays, including the March equinox and St Stephen’s Day on 26th December.

Most employers recognise and give workers time off to celebrate holidays, even if they are only observed locally.

Public holidays:

• New Year’s Day: 1st January
• Easter Monday: 1st April
• Labour Day: 1st May
• Ascension Day: 9th May
• Whit Monday: 20th June
• Bastille Day: 14th July
• Assumption of Mary: 15th August
• All Saints’ Day: 1st November
• Armistice Day: 11th November
• Christmas Day: 25th December

Visas and eligibility

All citizens from EU and EEA countries can travel freely to France using a national ID card or passport.

France is part of the Schengen Agreement which allows citizens to remain in the country for 90 days without a visa.

For longer-term stays in the country, EU/EEA citizens may need to register for residency at the local mairie (town hall). This is not mandatory but acquiring a French residency permit can help you access public services.

Non-EU/EEA citizens will require a visa to enter France which must be applied for in your home nation. You will also need to apply for a residence permit (carte de sejour) from the préfecture de Police within three months of arrival. The application process can take several months to complete. For more information visit the Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration.

Tax

Taxation in France is among the highest in Europe. The three types of tax, which all residents and expats living and working (for more than 183 days a year) in France must pay are: income tax (impôt sur le revenu); social security contributions (charges sociales); and tax on goods and services (taxe sur la valeur ajoutée TVA).

Expats usually pay an average of 20% of their income in tax on top of a residence tax (taxe d’habitation). Unlike other countries, which deduct income tax automatically from wages, in France workers must complete an annual tax return (déclaration de revenus).

Tax is calculated for the calendar year and returns must be completed by 31st May for the previous year. If you are late you can be hit with a penalty equivalent to 10% of your tax bill.

Benefits

France has one of the best-funded social security systems in the world which covers healthcare, sickness, unemployment, state pension, family and maternity and paternity benefits.

While the social security system is notoriously complex and subject to changes, generally EU/EEA citizens are covered in France by their home county’s own systems. For those from outside the EU, a residency permit is required to be eligible for state benefits.

All residents in France are eligible to use the health care system. Your employer should register you with the URSSAF (Union de Recouvrement des Cotisations de Sécurité Sociale et d’Allocations Familiales) to ensure you are eligible for benefits.

Pensions

Contributory pensions are generally allocated to people with at least 37.5 years of work behind them. The amount is calculated depending on a person’s age and salary levels and their social security contributions over their lifetime.

Non-contributory pensions are means-tested and are granted to people aged between 50 and 65. To qualify, you must be a resident of France and on a relatively low income.

These pensions were introduced in 1956 and were intended for those who have not been in paid work either because of ill health or because of caring duties.

Disability

The rights of disabled workers in France are protected by the 2005 Disability Act. Employers are given cash bonuses for hiring disabled employees for over 12 consecutive months.

The law also requires employers to provide access and adjust working hours and shifts to accommodate disabled workers.

Disabled workers are also allowed to retire early (from age 55) if they have more than 30 working years behind them. In France, it is illegal to discriminate on the grounds of someone’s disability and a worker cannot be made redundant because of their disability.

The HALDE (High Authority against Discrimination) handles all discrimination complaints.

Organisational structure

France has the fifth largest economy in the world, with Paris being the Eurozone’s leading financial centre.

The French economy is built on world class industrial sectors and France is home to major corporations such as Airbus Group, Danone, Total, EDF, Orange, Renault and Peugeot.

French businesses are strictly hierarchical. Positions are clearly defined – showing respect for superiors and adhering to strict etiquette rules are entrenched in French professional life.

Management style

Most senior managers take an authoritarian role in France.

Decisions are taken at the top of the company and passed down for implementation.

Teamwork is valued but French workers have assigned responsibilities and look to managers for guidance.

Motivating staff through incentives and team-building is not as apparent in French companies as in the UK and across Scandinavia.

Formality

French people are rather formal so being aware of the correct etiquette from the outset is vital in making the right impression.

You should always address your superiors and those you meet for the first time using ‘Monsieur’ or ‘Madame/Mademoiselle,’ until you are invited to do otherwise (which may be never).

If your French is good enough, always remember to use the polite ‘vous’ form when meeting new colleagues and superiors.

Relationships

The French have a strong sense of privacy and business and personal lives rarely overlap.

It’s therefore important not to encroach too much on your colleagues’ personal time. That said, although the French can be reserved, don’t be surprised if you are asked some probing questions about your intellectual credentials at initial meetings.

French people place great importance on qualifications, so being able to show your experience in a good light will help you to earn your colleagues’ trust.

Dress code

Appearance is everything in France and casual dress would be highly unusual in a business setting.

Elegance is key to French outfits – men wear conservative and expensively cut suits with white or striped shirts and ties.

Women opt for smart skirts or trouser suits and heels.

Suit jackets generally stay on in the office and in restaurants, for both men and women.

Greetings

French greetings can be complex. A handshake is the accepted greeting between colleagues who have just met. However, if you happen to see the same colleagues in a restaurant later, exchanging ‘la bise’ (the kiss) would be acceptable.

La bise is an air kiss on both cheeks and should not be undertaken with an accompanying hug. Hugging is reserved for couples or parents and their children.

Lastly, even if your French is terrible, always say ‘bonjour’ not ‘hello’ on the first meeting.

Punctuality

Although famous for being ‘fashionably late,’ the French take punctuality very seriously. However, being ten minutes late is not considered late in France, but being an hour late would be considered extremely rude.

Making an appointment is crucial if you wish to do business in France.

Dropping in on someone unannounced, no matter how well you know them, would make your French counterpart feel uneasy and ill prepared.

Meetings

Meetings follow a clearly set out structure and agenda in France. Always ensure you arrange a meeting a few weeks before the proposed date – French people are meticulous forward planners and ad hoc meetings are unheard of.

French business people appreciate spirited debate and attention to detail so meetings can be lengthy. In most circumstances, meetings will be carried out in French so being proficient in the language will help when doing business.

Cultural sensitivity

French people have a strong sense of pride about their country and insulting France or all things French, even in humour, would not be taken kindly.

You should also avoid talking politics with people you don’t know, although French people love a lengthy political discussion, it would be rude to ask a stranger about their political leanings.

Language can also be a sticking point – always try to start a conversation in French rather than English.

Business language

French is the main language used in business settings.

Although many French people speak a good level of English, you should never assume that meetings will be conducted in the language. If you don’t speak French, it would be difficult to do business in France so it’s advisable to brush up on your language skills before re-locating there.