Is Spain or France better for a long-term move?

Key rules

• Cost and tax: France taxes work and income more heavily than Spain, so compare your take-home pay in both before choosing.
• Language: Spain asks for no language test for most permits, while France requires French at A2, B1 or B2 depending on the permit.
• Healthcare: In France, workers are covered from starting work, while non-workers normally wait at least 3 months of stable residence.
• Benefits: French benefits often depend on how long you have lived there legally, for example 5 years for the RSA for non-EU citizens.

The short answer

France offers stronger protection, but it costs more, taxes more and expects more French. Spain is lighter on tax and language, with fewer demands on newcomers. Neither is better for everyone. The differences are in tax, benefits, residency and healthcare.

Tax and take-home pay

France has among the highest combined burdens in Europe. Employees pay substantial social contributions on salary, and employers pay more on top. Income tax uses progressive bands and a family-share system (quotient familial), which can lower the tax for families with children.

In Spain, employee social security is a modest share of pay, up to a yearly cap. Employers pay roughly a quarter to a third of gross pay. IRPF, Spain's income tax, uses progressive bands set partly by the state and partly by the region.

Rates and band limits are reset every year in both countries. Compare your own take-home pay using this year's figures from both tax offices.

France has a newcomer tax break, the régime des impatriés. It is for people recruited from abroad, or moved by their employer, who were not French tax residents in the previous 5 years. It exempts part of the pay linked to the move, and part of some foreign passive income, for up to 8 years. You must take up work in France and become tax resident there. It was reformed in 2025, so check the current percentages and caps before relying on it.

Residency routes

In France, the main routes for non-EU citizens are:

• a long-stay visitor visa (no work, with enough means and health insurance);
• employee or temporary worker permits, which need a work contract and authorisation;
• the Passeport Talent, for skilled workers, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs and high earners;
• student permits;
• family permits.

After generally 5 years of residence you can move to the 10-year carte de résident. Each route has its own conditions, such as salary, qualifications or means.

Healthcare

In France, anyone working there, or living there stably and regularly, is entitled to public cover. If you work, you are covered from the day you start. If you do not work, you must show stable residence, normally at least 3 months, before your local CPAM affiliates you. Contributions mostly come through payroll. Non-working residents on low income may pay nothing, but those with significant capital income may owe a contribution. A separate top-up policy (mutuelle) is common.

Benefits

Foreigners with a regular residence permit can claim family allowances and housing aid, but many benefits require a set period of residence. The minimum income (RSA) generally needs 5 years of legal residence for non-EU citizens. The old-age minimum needs a long residence permit. Unemployment benefit depends on contributions from work. Rules have tightened recently, so ask your local CAF office what you can claim and when.

Language

France is stricter. French is required at three levels: A2 for a multi-year permit, B1 for the 10-year card and B2 for naturalisation. You prove it with an approved test. Some groups are exempt.

Spain asks for no language test for most residence permits. Only nationality by residence requires tests: the CCSE, and the DELE A2 unless you come from a Spanish-speaking country. Some groups are exempt.

Who each country suits

• Families: France's family-share tax system and family benefits help, but benefits can take years to open up and the tax burden is heavier.
• Retirees: Spain's lighter tax and language demands are easier to meet. In France, check healthcare contributions on capital income and the residence period behind old-age benefits.

Use the checklist below to work through your own comparison.

Timeline and deadlines

• Start work in France to be covered by public health insurance: from the day you start work

• If you do not work, show stable residence in France, then apply to your local CPAM: after normally at least 3 months of residence

Documents you need

• French language certificate at level A2 from an approved test such as the TCF or TEF, needed for a multi-year residence permit. Some groups are exempt.

• French language certificate at level B1 from an approved test such as the TCF or TEF, needed for the 10-year residence card. Some groups are exempt.

• French language certificate at level B2 from an approved test such as the TCF or TEF, needed for naturalisation by decree. Some groups are exempt.

Checklist

• Compare your take-home pay in both countries using the current yearly income tax bands and social contribution rates.

• Ask the French tax office whether the family-share system (quotient familial) lowers your income tax if you move with children.

• Work out how you will be covered by public health insurance in France: through work, or after about 3 months of stable residence.

• Ask your local CAF office, the French family benefits office, which benefits you can claim and after how long.

• Check which French level you need for the permit or card you want: A2, B1 or B2.

• Book an approved French test such as the TCF or TEF if you plan to stay long term in France.

• Plan the CCSE and DELE A2 exams if you want Spanish nationality, unless you come from a Spanish-speaking country.

Frequently asked questions

What French level do I need to settle in France long term?

You need French at level A2 for a multi-year residence permit, B1 for the 10-year residence card and B2 for naturalisation. You prove it with an approved certificate such as the TCF or TEF. Some groups are exempt, and the new levels are phased in from 2026.

Do I need to pass a language test to live in Spain?

No, Spain does not require a language test for most residence permits. Only nationality by residence needs the CCSE, a test on Spanish law and culture, plus the DELE A2 Spanish exam unless you come from a Spanish-speaking country. Some groups, such as people who studied in Spain, are exempt.

Can I claim benefits in France as soon as I arrive?

No, many French benefits need a period of regular residence once you hold a residence permit. Family allowances need regular status, the RSA minimum income generally needs 5 years of legal residence for non-EU nationals, and the old-age minimum needs a long residence permit. Ask your local CAF office what applies to you.

Does France have a tax break for newcomers like Spain's?

Yes, France has a regime for people recruited from abroad who were not French tax residents in the previous 5 years. It exempts 30% of the pay linked to the move for up to 8 years.