Living in Saint Pierre and Miquelon: the ultimate expat guide

Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon operates under a distinct visa regime, separate from both metropolitan France and the Schengen Area. This administrative particularity reflects its status as a French overseas territory located in North America. Entry requirements vary based on your nationality and intended length of stay.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: freedom of movement

If you're a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland, you enjoy full freedom of movement in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. You can enter, reside, work, and study on the archipelago without a visa. A valid identity card or passport is all you need to cross the border. This free circulation also applies to your family members, regardless of their nationality, subject to appropriate documentation.

Non-EU nationals: specific visa required

Citizens from outside the EU/EEA must obtain a specific visa for Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. This visa differs from the Schengen visa and must bear the mention DFA (Départements Français D'Amérique). It's important to note that this visa is valid only for Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and does not permit entry to metropolitan France or the Schengen Area. Applications are processed through French embassies and consulates in your country of residence.

However, 109 countries benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays of up to 90 days. This list notably includes Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and numerous Latin American countries.

Special exemptions and particular cases

Several situations grant visa exemption. Holders of a French or Schengen residence permit can stay in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon without a visa for a maximum of 90 days within a 6-month period. Holders of a multiple-entry Schengen visa valid for more than 6 months issued by France also benefit from exemption for certain nationalities, including China, India, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, South Africa, and Ukraine. Note that Belarus and Russia lost this exemption in May 2025.

A notable particularity concerns travelers from Canada: if you possess Canadian identification documents (driver's license, student card) and travel directly from Canada, you can enter Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon without a passport.

Required documents for visa application

To prepare your visa application, you'll need: a completed application form, a recent passport photo (less than 6 months old), a valid passport for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages, round-trip flight reservation, accommodation booking, proof of sufficient financial resources, and a detailed travel itinerary. Processing times vary by consulate; it's recommended to submit your application at least 3 months before departure.

Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon's job market is characterized by a small economy with approximately 2,800 active workers. The public sector dominates employment: nearly 50% of paid workers are employed on public funds and receive salary indexation of 40 to 60% to offset the high cost of living. This particularity creates attractive opportunities for qualified professionals, especially in essential sectors.

Salaries and working conditions

The average net salary ranges between EUR 2,600 and EUR 2,660 per month in 2025. Healthcare sectors offer the most competitive compensation, with salaries ranging from EUR 3,000 for an entry-level nursing assistant to over EUR 8,800 gross per month for an experienced physician. Teachers who transfer to the islands receive particularly generous benefits: indexed treatment at x1.4, a compensatory allowance of 30.67% of net treatment, and a geographic hardship allowance equivalent to 6 months of salary (paid in 3 installments) for a minimum 4-year commitment. Travel and relocation expenses are partially covered.

In-demand sectors

The archipelago regularly recruits professionals in several key areas. The healthcare sector actively seeks doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants, with contracts often offered as renewable fixed-term positions. Construction offers opportunities for masons, carpenters, equipment operators, and truck drivers, particularly for renovation and repair work. The education system seeks teachers for all levels, from kindergarten through high school, with attractive salary indexation benefits. Public administration recruits territorial and state civil servants for various services. The tourism sector, currently developing, creates jobs in hospitality and restaurants, while fishing remains active with 15 trawlers harvesting halibut, crab, and lobster.

To browse current job openings, visit the France Travail website or the dedicated portal Vivre à SPM.

Starting a business in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

Entrepreneurship is encouraged by Sodepar (Development and Promotion Company), which supports project holders. The territory has a local investment code offering tax advantages to new businesses. Priority sectors include tourism, services, and commerce. European funds designated for Overseas Countries and Territories are available to finance structural projects, with a current envelope of approximately EUR 27 million per cycle, potentially doubled to EUR 54 million for the 2028-2034 period.

Employment opportunities by sector

The table below presents the main economic sectors in the archipelago with their professional opportunities and salary ranges to help you target your job search.

Sources: Jooble, CRSI Paris

Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon operates its own tax regime, distinct from metropolitan France. This system features advantageous particularities, notably the absence of CSG and CRDS (French social contributions), but also specificities like a more extensive tax bracket structure. Understanding these mechanisms will help you optimize your tax situation.

Income tax: progressive system with 12 brackets

Personal income tax in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon follows a progressive scale of 12 brackets, with linear progression of 5% increments. The maximum marginal rate reaches 55%. However, the system provides a standard deduction of 28%, which partially offsets this progressivity. The top marginal bracket applies from a monthly net income of EUR 7,820.

A major difference from metropolitan France: there is no withholding at source. Taxes are paid the year following the income year. Additionally, collected taxes are allocated to the Territorial Council and municipalities, not to the national government, directly funding local services.

Social contributions: reduced rates

One of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon's major tax advantages lies in the complete absence of CSG and CRDS. This local specificity represents substantial savings. Employee contributions are set at 7% for income below EUR 43,891, and at 8% for income between EUR 43,891 and EUR 188,400. Employer contributions vary by sector. The supplementary retirement system Agirc-Arrco applies as in metropolitan France.

Local taxes and various levies

Unlike metropolitan France, there is no residence tax in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Property owners are subject to a local equipment tax, with rates set by each municipality. A water tax or fee also applies in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon-Langlade. Property owners who rent their property must declare a lease duty before January 31 each year to the Tax Services Directorate.

Corporate tax and business incentives

Corporate tax follows rules similar to those in metropolitan France, with standard rates applied. However, companies can benefit from tax advantages through the local investment code, particularly for new activities in priority sectors like tourism and services.

Tax treaty between France and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

A tax convention signed on May 30, 1988, between metropolitan France and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon prevents double taxation for residents of both territories. This convention notably provides exemption from flat-rate taxation for Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon residents owning property in metropolitan France.

For any tax matters, contact the Tax Services Directorate of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, located at 27 boulevard Constant Colmay, BP 4236, 97500 Saint-Pierre (tel: 05 08 41 48 00). Online filing is available until May 15 for non-residents.

Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon operates a public healthcare system modeled on the French system, adapted to the specificities of an isolated island territory. Medical care is provided locally for routine treatments, with medical evacuations to Canada or metropolitan France for specialized interventions.

Caisse de Prévoyance Sociale: your local social security

The archipelago's social protection organization is called Caisse de Prévoyance Sociale (CPS), the local equivalent of social security. Enrollment is mandatory for all residents, and the local scheme aligns with the general French system. Reimbursement rates are similar to metropolitan France, with some local specificities related to insularity costs.

Healthcare facilities on the archipelago

The main healthcare facility is Centre Hospitalier François Dunan, located at 3 rue Georges Poulet in Saint-Pierre (tel: 05.08.41.14.00, emergencies: 15). This hospital obtained HAS certification in November 2024, guaranteeing quality care. It offers numerous services: analysis laboratory, anesthesia-resuscitation, outpatient consultations, maternal and child protection, 2 dialysis units, dental office, and pharmacy. The facility also manages the EHPAD Maison Eglantine nursing home, a long-term care unit, and home care services.

In Miquelon, the Medical Center (tel: 05.08.41.04.00) provides general medicine consultations, while a nursing station in Langlade handles primary care.

Specialized care and medical evacuations

For medical procedures unavailable locally, patients are evacuated to Canada (predominantly) or to metropolitan France. These medical evacuations are covered by CPS according to established protocols. Wait times can be lengthy for certain specialists, highlighting the importance of anticipating your medical needs if you have a chronic condition.

Supplementary health insurance: highly recommended

Supplementary insurance is strongly advised to cover expenses not reimbursed by CPS, particularly hospital daily charges and co-payments. Several organizations offer adapted contracts: MGEN (Extra Metropolitan Section) has a branch office at 3 rue Jean Daguerre in Saint-Pierre, and MGET (Mutual General Education of the Territory) specifically serves teaching staff. International health insurance plans popular among expatriates can also be suitable options for maintaining comprehensive coverage while residing in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.

The local healthcare system regularly recruits doctors, often on fixed-term contracts, reflecting a constant need for qualified medical professionals in the archipelago.

Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon offers a complete education system from kindergarten through high school, directly attached to the Caen Rectorate (Normandy Academy). School curricula are identical to those in metropolitan France, with some local adaptations. The archipelago hosts 920 students for the 2025-2026 school year, supervised by 147 teachers.

School system organization

Education follows the Zone B calendar for school holidays. The territory has 8 educational institutions distributed between Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, offering quality public and private education. Enrollment is slightly declining, reflecting the archipelago's decreasing demographics. Despite this decrease, the education system maintains excellent standards, as evidenced by the 100% pass rate for the general baccalaureate.

Educational institutions in Saint-Pierre

Saint-Pierre concentrates most of the archipelago's schools. For early childhood, L'Île aux enfants kindergarten welcomes the youngest children. At primary level, Feu Rouge primary school and other public elementary schools provide fundamental education. For secondary education, Collège-Lycée Émile Letournel combines middle school, general high school, and vocational high school. Since September 2024, the institution has had a boarding facility hosting 11 students, facilitating schooling for youth from Miquelon. A 2025 innovation: opening of a mathematics/science enriched curriculum class.

Private education is also present with Collège privé Saint-Christophe, Sainte-Odile private elementary school (14 rue Boursaint), Sainte-Croisine Sainte-Odile school, and Sœur Hilarion private kindergarten. These institutions offer alternatives for families seeking denominational education.

Schooling in Miquelon and early childhood

In Miquelon, École du Socle (public institution) provides schooling from kindergarten through middle school diploma. Students must then join Saint-Pierre to continue high school, highlighting the importance of the Collège-Lycée Émile Letournel boarding facility.

For early childhood, Saint-Pierre has 1 daycare center, 1 childminder facility, and several licensed childminders. These structures help working parents balance professional and family life.

Pursuing higher education

The archipelago has no university. Young people wishing to pursue higher education must either head to Canada (geographic proximity to Newfoundland) or return to metropolitan France. This student migration contributes to the territory's demographic decline.

Finding housing in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon represents one of the major challenges of relocating to the archipelago. The real estate market is extremely tight, with limited supply and high prices. Patience and local networking are your best allies in securing accommodation.

Rentals: high costs and limited availability

The median rent in Saint-Pierre stands at EUR 17/m². For an apartment of 80 to 100 m² with 1 to 2 bedrooms, expect between EUR 800 and EUR 1,000 per month, with heating sometimes included in the rent. The rental market is very restricted: listings are rare and properties move quickly. Social housing is virtually non-existent, leaving few alternatives for tenants with modest incomes.

Word-of-mouth remains the most effective means of finding accommodation. Don't hesitate to contact your future employer, who may help identify opportunities or offer temporary housing during your installation period. For initial days, plan for tourist accommodation: guesthouses and B&Bs charge between EUR 65 and EUR 180 per night, while hotels display rates of EUR 80 to EUR 200 per night.

Property purchase: substantial investment

The average property price for purchase reaches EUR 3,200/m² in 2025. The supply of properties for sale is as limited as for rentals. Households with low or insufficient income can seek assistance from CISPM (Housing Cooperative of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon), which supports homeownership projects.

Where to settle: Saint-Pierre or Miquelon-Langlade?

Saint-Pierre, with its 5,400 inhabitants, concentrates over 90% of the archipelago's population. The town center offers immediate proximity to shops, services, schools, and the hospital. Residential neighborhoods feature colorful houses typical of local architecture. It's the territory's economic and administrative hub.

Miquelon-Langlade, with only 600 inhabitants, offers a calmer, more authentic lifestyle with omnipresent nature. Rents are slightly more accessible, starting from EUR 50 to EUR 65 per night for tourist accommodation. However, services are limited, and you'll depend on maritime and air shuttles to reach Saint-Pierre regularly, particularly for high school if you have teenagers.

Additional costs to anticipate

Heating represents a significant expense in this cold oceanic climate. If heating isn't included in your rent, budget substantially for winter. Electricity costs approximately EUR 30 per month if heating is included in your rent, but this amount can increase significantly if you use electric heating. A water tax or fee applies depending on your municipality of residence.

Relocating to Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon requires rigorous planning due to geographic isolation and maritime shipping delays. Anticipate each step to facilitate your installation in this unique island territory.

Shipping your personal belongings

Your personal belongings must be transported by maritime container from metropolitan France or Canada. Delays are lengthy—expect several weeks to a few months depending on origin and season. Costs are high due to the archipelago's isolation and transshipment requirements. Obtain multiple quotes from companies specializing in overseas relocations and inquire about applicable customs allowances.

Essential relocation checklist

1. 3 to 6 months before departure: Organize your maritime shipping, request multiple quotes, book your container.
2. Administrative documents: Gather originals (passport or ID card, employment verification, diplomas and professional certifications, family documents).
3. Health coverage: Subscribe to supplementary insurance before departure, inquire about Caisse de Prévoyance Sociale enrollment.
4. Adaptation budget: Set aside financial reserves to handle the high cost of living during initial months.
5. Appropriate wardrobe: Invest in quality winter clothing (below-freezing temperatures, snow from December through May).
6. Currency: Order euros before departure if coming from outside the eurozone.
7. Vehicle: Assess the utility of importing a car (archipelago is 242 km², few roads).
8. Temporary accommodation: Contact your employer for provisional housing while finding permanent accommodation.
9. Consular registration: Optional but recommended for facilitating certain administrative procedures.

Customs formalities

Customs allowances apply for personal effects and furniture. There are no major restrictions, but verify regulations concerning food products and plants, which may be subject to strict phytosanitary controls due to insularity.

Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon offers rich cultural heritage and exceptional outdoor activities. Island life follows seasonal rhythms, with tourist activity from May through September and a more intimate atmosphere the rest of the year.

Cultural outings and heritage

The Musée de l'Arche traces local history and fishing heritage, the activity that shaped the archipelago's identity. Île aux Marins, a former fishing community deserted in the 1950s, constitutes a fascinating historical site accessible from Saint-Pierre. Franco Forum serves as a linguistic studies institute and cultural center, regularly hosting conferences and events. The Territorial Archives allow history enthusiasts to delve into the islands' past. In summer, several local festivals and celebrations honor the preserved traditions of this island community.

Sports and outdoor activities

Ice sports occupy a central place in local sports life, with skating and ice hockey very popular during the long winter months. Water sports (kayaking, sailing) are practiced during the warm season. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails of Miquelon-Langlade, offering preserved and wild landscapes. Wildlife observation constitutes a flagship activity: whales, seals, seabirds, and boreal mammals populate these cold waters. Recreational fishing also attracts many enthusiasts.

Must-see tourist discoveries

The Langlade isthmus, with its 12 km of dunes and historic shipwrecks, offers a unique natural spectacle. Whale and seal watching excursions rank among the most memorable experiences. The architectural heritage unfolds while strolling through Saint-Pierre's streets, lined with typical colorful houses. Wild nature and preserved landscapes make this archipelago a preferred destination for lovers of wide-open spaces. The tourist season extends from May through September, the ideal period to fully enjoy outdoor activities.

Daily life in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon features a peaceful island pace, close-knit community, and necessary adaptation to the cold oceanic climate. Geographic isolation shapes the lifestyle, with particularities in transportation, food, and service access.

Local transportation and travel

There is no structured public transportation in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. The archipelago's limited area (242 km²) makes cars unnecessary for Saint-Pierre residents, where everything is accessible by foot or bicycle. Maritime and air shuttles provide inter-island connections between Saint-Pierre and Miquelon-Langlade. For travel to Canada, a ferry connects the archipelago to Fortune (Newfoundland) since 2021, with regular service particularly active from May through September.

International connections

Saint-Pierre Pointe-Blanche Airport handles external air connections. Paris is accessible via direct flight of approximately 6.5 hours, with 1 weekly flight between late June and early September. Montreal is 3.25 hours away, with 1-2 weekly flights depending on season. Halifax (Nova Scotia) is 1.5 hours away, with 3 weekly flights. St. John's, Newfoundland has regular flights. These limited connections require rigorous planning for international travel.

Food and shopping

The archipelago has supermarkets and local shops, but prices are significantly higher than in metropolitan France due to import costs. Local products are limited: some fishing products (halibut, crab, lobster) and greenhouse produce. Local cuisine reflects unique Franco-Canadian culinary influences. You must accept less diverse retail offerings than in larger centers and budget substantially for food.

Climate and seasons

Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon experiences a cold oceanic climate. Winters are long and snowy, extending from October/November through May. The first snow typically falls in December. Summers are cool and pleasant, without heat waves. Temperatures remain invigorating year-round. Plan an appropriate wardrobe with good winter clothing, as cold and Atlantic humidity can be penetrating.

Banking services and internet

The archipelago has 6 bank branches distributed among Caisse d'Épargne CEPAC (ex-BDSPM, founded 1889), Caisse d'Épargne Île-de-France (present since 1874), and La Banque Postale. Online banking services are available. For internet, connections exist but may be less performant than in larger centers, with costs estimated around EUR 55 per month.

Island lifestyle

The pace of life is peaceful and friendly. The community is particularly close-knit, with a strong spirit of mutual aid typical of small islands. Nature is omnipresent in daily life. Activities vary by season: ice sports in winter, hiking and water sports in summer. Local traditions and culture are preserved and celebrated during festivals and community celebrations. This authentic island lifestyle appeals to those seeking tranquility and contact with nature.

The cost of living in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon is significantly higher than in metropolitan France or many other locations. This reality stems from geographic isolation and the necessity to import nearly all consumer goods. However, salaries indexed 40 to 60% higher for public sector workers, the 28% tax deduction, and absence of CSG/CRDS largely offset this premium for working residents.

Monthly budget for a single person

For a single person, the monthly budget ranges between EUR 1,500 and EUR 2,200 depending on lifestyle and accommodation. This amount allows comfortable living while accounting for elevated food and consumer goods prices.

Sources: Laou, 2025 data

Monthly budget for a family of four

A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) should budget between EUR 2,500 and EUR 3,800 monthly. Public school tuition is free, which lightens the family financial burden.

Sources: Laou, 2025 data

Specific price examples

To concretely illustrate the cost of living, a 12-pack of yogurt costs approximately EUR 17.99 in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. A restaurant meal runs about EUR 20. A hotel or guesthouse night ranges between EUR 65 and EUR 200 depending on quality.

These elevated prices are largely offset by salary benefits (40-60% indexation for public sector), the 28% tax deduction, absence of CSG/CRDS, and especially the exceptional quality of life and security the archipelago offers.