French organizations have been established abroad and can help you expand your network as an expat before, during, or after your departure. These organizations help you maintain ties with France and make it easier to settle in by providing information or offering a network of local contacts.
The latest 2026 survey by Français du monde – ADFE, which gathered 26,000 responses from 162 countries, confirms the size of this community and the importance of these mutual-aid networks.
Here we provide a list of organizations and communities, grouped by area of activity.
- Several federations, including the UFE and Français du Monde – ADFE, have represented French citizens living abroad in dealings with government authorities for nearly a century.
- The reception centers coordinated by FIAFE, run by volunteers, facilitate local integration in more than 220 cities around the world.
- French education abroad relies on a network of organizations dedicated to schools, parents, and teachers.
- Professional organizations support French entrepreneurs and employees working abroad.
- Today, local online communities complement this traditional network of nonprofit organizations.
Why join an association for French people living abroad?
Moving to a new country raises many practical questions: how to register with the consulate, where to find a school for your children, and what steps to take before leaving. Associations of French citizens abroad have been meeting these needs for several generations, each with its own complementary roles.
Some advocate on behalf of French citizens living outside France, representing their rights and interests to government authorities. Others focus on welcoming newcomers and facilitating local integration by organizing gatherings and activities. Still others address more specific needs: children’s education, professional development, or maintaining a cultural connection with France.
Joining one or more of these organizations gives you access to a local network of contacts, practical advice based on the experiences of other expats, and sometimes concrete support when you face difficulties. It’s also an excellent way to break the isolation that moving abroad can cause, especially during the first few months after settling in.
Representation to public authorities
These federations represent the interests of French citizens living outside France before government institutions, while also providing them with advice and mutual support in their daily lives.
- The Union of French Citizens Abroad (UFE) : Founded in 1927 and recognized as a nonprofit organization since 1936, the UFE operates in about 100 countries with more than 170 local chapters. It also offers a network dedicated to young people aged 18 to 35, called UFE Avenir.
- French People Around the World – ADFE (Democratic Association of French Citizens Abroad) : Founded in 1980 and recognized as a nonprofit organization since 1986, it operates in more than 100 countries. It publishes the magazine “Français du monde” and conducts a major biennial survey of the French community abroad.
- The Federation of French Veterans’ and Solidarity Associations (FACS) : Founded in 1927 and recognized as a public-interest organization, it brings together 84 associations of French veterans living outside France, located in 34 countries, and has approximately 12,000 members.
Hosting Programs Abroad
This network helps new arrivals connect with expatriates who are already settled in the area, often within the first few weeks of their arrival.
- International Federation of French and Francophone Community Centers Abroad (FIAFE) : FIAFE brings together more than 220 support centers around the world. This volunteer-run network’s primary goal is to welcome French and French-speaking people so they can make the most of their time living abroad.
International Education
Children’s education is one of the top concerns for expatriate families. These organizations provide support to schools, parents, and teachers alike.
- Alliance Française : a global network of cultural centers dedicated to teaching French and promoting Francophone culture.
- The National Association of French Schools Abroad (ANEFE), which supports the development of French schools outside of France.
- The Federation of Parents’ Associations of French Schools Abroad (FAPEE), which represents families in dealings with schools and authorities.
Professional organizations
For French entrepreneurs, employees, and professionals working abroad, there are several networks that facilitate the development of a business or career overseas.
- The Federation of French Teachers Living Abroad (FPFRE).
- The National Committee of French Foreign Trade Advisors (CNCCEF), which brings together volunteers working to promote France’s international economic development.
- The Union of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abroad (UCCIFE), which brings together French chambers of commerce around the world.
Complementary Digital Communities
In addition to these long-standing community networks, there are now many online communities of French expatriates, often organized by country or city. Support groups on social media, specialized forums, and platforms dedicated to international mobility allow people to exchange practical advice and meet other expatriates even before arriving in their new location.
These communities are evolving rapidly and vary greatly from one country to another. The easiest option is to contact the French embassy or consulate in your destination country: they generally recommend the most active local groups and communities, in addition to the official organizations listed above.