Moving to France from Malawi

moving to

What to Expect

Considering a move from Malawi to France? Here's how the two compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from Malawi to France, and you’d need to navigate life in French. You’ll also switch from driving on the left to the right. Expect a noticeable climate shift — Paris averages 60°F vs 75°F in Lilongwe, making it significantly cooler.

Planning this move? Get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from vetted international movers. Get free quotes ↓

Get free moving quotes to France

We've teamed up with a vetted network of international movers to help MyLifeElsewhere readers plan their move with confidence. Tell us about your move and get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes in under 2 minutes.

  • ✅ Up to 5 quotes from screened movers
  • ✅ Licensed and insured providers only
  • ✅ 100% free — you choose who contacts you

Who Else Is Making This Move?

What the data shows about people moving from Malawi to France.

Moved in 2023
17 ↑ 325% vs 2022

people moved from Malawi to France · OECD (latest data available)

Who's moving to France?

Top countries of origin for France's foreign-born residents.

Foreign-born population · UN DESA (2020)

Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in France compared to Malawi.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2023

per 100,000 people per year

MW
1.8
FR
1.6
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

MW
20.2
FR
4.7

France performs significantly better than Malawi across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2024

annual government + private spending per person

MW
$125
FR
$6,868
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

affects wait times and access to care

MW
0.5
FR
33.4

Malawi generally does better on health & wellbeing, though France leads in doctors per 10,000 people.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

MW
43.0
FR
10.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

MW
0.2t
FR
4.0t

Malawi generally does better on environment, though France leads in air pollution deaths.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

MW
0.1
FR
49.4
Water stress level United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

higher means greater strain on freshwater supply

MW
17.5%
FR
21.6%

France generally does better on infrastructure, though Malawi leads in water stress level.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

MW
5.0%
FR
7.3%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

MW
$1,700
FR
$55,200

Malawi generally does better on employment & economy, though France leads in gdp per capita.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

MW
72.4 yrs
FR
82.6 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

MW
33.4
FR
3.1

France performs significantly better than Malawi across all family life metrics.

Data: Malawi Revenue Authority, The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

What's the Climate Like?

Monthly averages — select a city to compare.

Lilongwe Rain: 50.7 in/yr (1289 mm)
75° / 54°F

Avg. annual high / low

Paris Rain: 25.6 in/yr (650 mm)
60° / 47°F

Avg. annual high / low

Months Lilongwe Paris
Jan–Mar 78°/61°F (25°/16°C) 48°/38°F (9°/3°C)
Apr–Jun 72°/53°F (22°/11°C) 65°/50°F (18°/10°C)
Jul–Sep 72°/45°F (22°/7°C) 74°/58°F (23°/14°C)
Oct–Dec 80°/57°F (27°/14°C) 52°/43°F (11°/6°C)
View all months
Month Lilongwe Paris
Jan 78°/61°F (25.5°/16.1°C) 44°/36°F (6.9°/2.5°C)
Feb 78°/62°F (25.6°/16.5°C) 47°/37°F (8.2°/2.8°C)
Mar 77°/61°F (24.8°/16.0°C) 53°/41°F (11.8°/5.1°C)
Apr 74°/59°F (23.5°/14.9°C) 58°/44°F (14.7°/6.8°C)
May 72°/53°F (22.1°/11.6°C) 66°/51°F (19.0°/10.5°C)
Jun 69°/46°F (20.4°/7.9°C) 71°/56°F (21.8°/13.3°C)
Jul 69°/44°F (20.3°/6.5°C) 76°/60°F (24.4°/15.5°C)
Aug 71°/44°F (21.9°/6.6°C) 76°/60°F (24.6°/15.4°C)
Sep 77°/48°F (25.1°/8.7°C) 69°/54°F (20.8°/12.5°C)
Oct 81°/53°F (27.2°/11.7°C) 60°/49°F (15.8°/9.2°C)
Nov 81°/58°F (27.2°/14.2°C) 51°/42°F (10.4°/5.3°C)
Dec 79°/61°F (26.1°/15.9°C) 46°/38°F (7.8°/3.6°C)

Data: Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, Météo-France Météo-France

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Malawi and France. To live, work, or study long-term in France, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check France's immigration authority.

Malawi passport

Malawi passport holder visiting France

Visa Required
Malawi passport holders need a visa to enter France.
France passport

France passport holder visiting Malawi

Visa Online (e-Visa)
France passport holders need to apply for an e-Visa before travelling to Malawi.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from France?

Connectivity is usually fine (France: 49.4 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does France offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is France safe for expats?

France performs significantly better than Malawi across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in France is 1.6 per 100,000 people, compared to 1.8 in Malawi.

How is healthcare in France compared to Malawi?

Malawi generally does better on health & wellbeing, though France leads in doctors per 10,000 people. There are 33.4 doctors per 10,000 people in France, compared to 0.5 in Malawi. France scores 85 on the WHO universal health coverage index (Malawi: 48).

What's the weather like in France compared to Malawi?

The average high temperature in Paris is 60°F, compared to 75°F in Lilongwe. Paris receives around 25.6 in of rainfall per year, while Lilongwe gets 50.7 in.

What language do they speak in France?

The official language in France is French. In Malawi, the official languages are Chewa and English.

Share this

At a Glance

MW FR
Population 20,794,353 68,305,148
Currency Malawian Kwacha (MWK) Euro (€)
Languages Chewa, English French
Driving side Left Right
Calling code +265 +33
Time zones 1 14
Emergency number 112