Living in Lyon as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Expats working in Lyon are required to apply for a work visa - validity three months - at the French embassy in their home country. For a smooth transition, expats must secure their work visa and social security registration within a month of their arrival in Lyon. Should you overstay your visa, the French government will penalize you between €750-€1,500.

Language resources

French is the official language of Lyon and France. The Institut Français de Lyon offers language courses in a communal setting or via online learning platforms. Similarly, private tutoring remains popular among expats.

Housing

Expats will find Lyon a reasonably affordable city to live in, with rental prices beating 3 out of 4 French cities. The cost of accommodation in Lyon differs by neighborhood (concerning proximity to amenities and personal preference). A one-bedroom apartment in a central location would cost around €600 monthly, and an equivalent in a residential area fetches approximately €400. For families requiring more space, a two-bedroom apartment in the city center would cost upwards of €900, while a two-bedroom apartment in a residential area starts from around €600. Renting a house with two or more bedrooms is affordable, with two-bedroom houses starting from approximately €800 in central Lyon and €600 in a residential area. Expats could save up to 30% in annual housing expenses compared to living in Paris.

Groceries

In Lyon, major supermarkets including Carrefour, Auchan, and Leclerc are dotted across the city's map. A weekly shopping list containing an average of fresh, frozen, and packaged foods would cost approximately €35-€45.

Transportation

A monthly travel card (Fichier Origine) administered through the Lyon's public transport system offers expats unlimited access to the operating lines at a flat fee. The travelling cost within zones 1 to 3 (Coq) starts from approximately €35, while zones 1 to 5 (Bron) are priced at €48. Cycling remains an alternative in Lyon's urban mazes. Depending on the geographical preference, renting a bicycle ranges between €30 and €50 monthly.

Lyon's climate is mild and distanced from its continental inland location by the Rhône River's moderating influence. Warm summers, cold winters, and an average annual precipitation of 840mm make for a pleasant lifestyle. The most popular seasons in Lyon are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are mild, and most importantly, the locals indulge in gastronomic adventures during these seasons.

Lyon's economy is diverse, with a thriving healthcare sector that enables expats with healthcare backgrounds to seamlessly integrate into the system. The health industry’s expansion is facilitated by the presence of Lyon's notable teaching hospitals like Hôpital Edouard Herriot and Hôtel-Dieu, second-largest in France. The technology sector, also known as Lyon Digital - an offshoot of FrenchTech, the largest platform for startups in France, is another employment hub for tech-savvy expats. Engineering and construction firms offer a career path and distributed job opportunities owing to the city's continued investment in infrastructure development. However, expats intending to join the job market should apply for work permits as finalized by the French visa authorities.

Lyon's public healthcare system is admirable, ranking seventh globally by the Bloomberg Healthcare Efficiency Index 2021. The system's universal coverage includes mental healthcare, chronic disease management, and emergency services. However, private healthcare remains an appealing choice for many expats and locals alike. The private healthcare sector arranges a blend of home care, telemedicine, and outpatient services. Healthcare providers offer affordable options in relation to the region's standard. Expats are obligated to apply for a Securité Sociale (social security) number within the first three months of residing in Lyon. Alternatively, enrolled international health insurance plans substitute mandatory coverage during stays under 90 days.

Lyon is reputed for its modern and comprehensive public transportation system, popularly known as the Métro (subway) and Tramway. Métro line A crosses the city's medieval quarter - Vieux Lyon, with tramways, busses, and Lugano (cable-car) serving as alternatives. Expats find the city's public transportation affordable, with Fichier Origine - a travel card priced between €3.10 and €4.30 depending on the number of zones covered. The navigation is smooth using Google Maps as a guide. A soothing journey on two wheels remains a popular choice, with an increasing cycling infrastructure in place.

Lyon ranks second in France's Safest Cities 2021 ranking, an improvement from its position in 2020. However, an increasing robbery rate presents a red flag due to renovations and construction sites which disrupt life quality in the area. Areas bucolic to social events like Place Bellecour, Parc de la Tête d'Or, and Vieux Lyon maintain public safety, but like any predominantly urban city, safeguarding oneself from theft and pickpocketing remains an alert prompt.