Why is speaking French important as an expat in France?

Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its share of challenges.

One of the biggest obstacles expats face when they arrive in France is undoubtedly the language barrier.

Although many people in the big cities speak a little English, it's not enough to lead a fluid and independent daily life. Learning French therefore becomes a priority, not only for practical reasons, but also to promote social and professional integration.

Language is an essential tool for everyday life

As soon as you arrive in France, you'll be confronted with a multitude of situations where fluency in French is essential. Whether it's greeting your neighbors, buying fresh produce at the market, asking for information on public transport, or calling a plumber in an emergency, French is everywhere. Even administrative procedures, such as registering for social security, filing tax returns or making an appointment at the prefecture, require a good understanding of French administrative vocabulary.

Without a solid grounding in the French language, these daily exchanges can quickly become stressful, frustrating and even discouraging. Many expats find themselves isolated simply because they can't interact fully with their surroundings. This limits opportunities for encounters, activities and even personal development.

A good level of French is essential to find a job

For those who come to France to work, French is even more crucial. The French job market is highly competitive, and even in large international companies, the working language is often French. It's rare to find jobs that are accessible only in English, except in very specific sectors or in certain start-ups. And even then, you'll still need to communicate with your French-speaking colleagues, customers or partners.

To find a stable, well-paid job, a B2 level is generally the minimum requirement, but a C1 level is strongly recommended. This level will enable you not only to understand and produce complex discourse, but also to feel at ease in demanding professional environments.

Deeper integration into French society

Beyond the practical and professional aspects, speaking French is an essential key to fully integrating into French society. Language is a vector of culture. Understanding and speaking French will give you a better grasp of customs, cultural references and humor, and enable you to participate in conversations with your neighbors, colleagues or parents at school. This opens the door to richer, more sincere and lasting relationships.

Many expats who choose not to learn French end up living in a vacuum, surrounded only by other expats or an English-speaking community. This may be comforting at first, but it considerably limits the experience of living in France.

Language requirements

It’s not only important to speak French for all the reasons above, it is also a requirement by the French governement in order to legally reside in France !

If you are not from an EU country, you need to prove (2026 update) :

An A2 level for multi year permits

A B1 level for the 10 year residency card

A B2 level to become a French citizen (naturalization)

Speaking French becomes a necessity to be able to live in France, not just a way to better integrate in the society.

How can I progress effectively?

If you recognize yourself in these difficulties, it's never too late to start! There are many resources available to help you learn French: online courses, apps, language tandems, face-to-face classes, or even intensive courses tailored to expats. The most important thing is to practice regularly, in a variety of contexts, to acquire fluency and confidence.

Not sure where to start?

The first step is to find out your current level. Contact me to plan a discovery call and I will help you find out your starting point.

https://frenchwithmarionlim.com/contact.html

From there, you can set yourself clear objectives, such as reaching C1 level within six to twelve months, depending on your needs.

And if you are an absolute beginner in French, don’t delay too much the time to start learning !

Speaking French as an expat in France is not a luxury, it's a necessity. Whether it's for shopping, finding a job, integrating into your neighborhood, or simply making the most of your French experience, language is the key to your success. Investing time and energy in learning French will open doors you never imagined, and make your life in France more enriching, more fluid, and above all, happier.

So start building your language skills today. You won't regret it!

For more information about my courses : https://frenchwithmarionlim.com/