The number of French expatriates in the world

An expatriate is like a French apple that leaves its Norman apple tree to live in a fridge abroad. He swaps the wind of the orchards and the sun of his homeland for the freshness of a well-organized drawer. Of course, he adapts, but between two exotic vegetables, we can guess that he still dreams of the scent of the fields and the charm of France.

The motivations of the French to expatriate

The French leave their country for various reasons, mainly professional, looking for better opportunities, more attractive salaries or international experience. Some leave to pursue prestigious studies or discover new cultures. Others are motivated by tax considerations or the cost of living, sometimes considered heavy in France. The desire for a better balance in life, family reasons, or the quest for a more stable and promising environment also play a role. Finally, some express disillusionment with a perception of stagnation or a tense social and political climate, leading them to seek renewal elsewhere.

Distribution of French expatriates and repatriation operations in percentage

In 2023, nearly 47.6% of French expatriates resided in the European Union, followed by the Americas and the Caribbean (20.5%), North Africa and the Middle East (15.6%), and Asia-Oceania and Africa-Indian Ocean (7.5% each). Europe outside the EU hosted 0.88% of expatriates. The concentration in the EU reflects the advantages of proximity and free movement. Furthermore, in the face of crises, 31 evacuation flights have repatriated nearly 5,000 people, illustrating France’s commitment to its citizens abroad. This distribution reveals strong economic and cultural ties with these regions.

French people abroad: status report in 2023

Number of French people living abroad

As of January 1, 2023, nearly 1.7 million French people were registered in the register of French people living outside France, according to official data. However, since this registration is optional, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates that the total number of French citizens living abroad is around 2.5 million. This difference highlights the fact that many expatriates do not consider it necessary to register, which complicates an accurate assessment.

Main host countries for the French community

The top five countries that host the most French people in the world are: Switzerland, the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Canada. Each of these countries has more than 100,000 registered French nationals, demonstrating their economic, cultural, or linguistic attractiveness.

In addition, other countries host a significant French community, with more than 50,000 registered: Germany and Spain, two geographical neighbors and major economic partners. Morocco, which shares close historical, cultural and linguistic ties with France.

Thus, the expatriate, like a French apple detached from its apple tree, strives to flourish in a new environment. However, far from his native land, a question remains: is this detachment a fulfillment or a simple compromise with his roots?