Detailed comparison
| Side-by-side comparison of taxation, cost of living and scores between the two countries. |  France | |
|---|---|---|
| Taxation | ||
| Dividend tax | 31.4%, Edge to this country | 40%Scale15-40% |
| Capital gains tax | 31.4%, Edge to this country | 40%Scale15-40% |
| Corporate tax | 25%, Tie | 25%, Tie |
| Wealth tax | Yes, IFI (real estate only) | None |
| Direct inheritance | 45%Scale5-45% | 10%, Edge to this countryScale1-10% |
| Cost and real estate | ||
| Monthly FIRE budget | €2,700 | €1,500, Edge to this country |
| Cost-of-living score | 38.5 | 85.6, Edge to this country |
| Reference city | Paris | Antalya |
| City-center 2-bed rent | €2,450 | €1,000, Edge to this country |
| Safety and FIRE score | ||
| Insecurity | 2.0, Edge to this country | 2.9 |
| FIRE Ultimate V3 score | 64.6 | 77.4, Edge to this country |
Verdict
- Turkey wins on cost of living (an index of around 37, Antalya on the Mediterranean), the absence of a wealth tax and gentle direct-line inheritance (1% to 10%), and above all the potential 20-year regime at 0% on foreign income, if it is enacted.
- France keeps the edge on stability: a readable 31.4% flat tax, a stable currency, a secure legal framework, and far higher safety (Turkey ranks 146th out of 163 on the Global Peace Index).
- Verdict: until the 20-year exemption is enacted, Turkey taxes foreign income at 15% to 40%, potentially more than the French flat tax. Its appeal lies mainly in its cost of living, provided one accepts a highly volatile lira. The tax bet pays off only on enactment.
Frequently asked questions about this duel
Is Turkey less taxed than France in 2026?
Not under common law. Until the 20-year regime voted on 21 May 2026 is enacted, Turkey taxes foreign dividends and capital gains on the progressive scale of 15% to 40%, which can exceed the French 31.4% flat tax for a large portfolio. The tax advantage therefore remains conditional and future. Source: PwC 2026.
When will the Turkish 20-year exemption regime take effect?
It was voted by the Turkish parliament on 21 May 2026, but has not yet been enacted as of today. Until it is, it has no effect: only common law applies. Its enactment should be tracked before building any strategy on the 0% it promises. Source: Turkish parliament law, 21 May 2026.
Does Turkey's cost of living offset the currency risk?
The cost of living is among the lowest in the Mediterranean basin, with an index of around 37 and a three-room flat at around €1,014 a month in Antalya. But the lira loses around 40% a year and inflation runs at around 32%, which can quickly erode a euro budget. The trade-off depends on the ability to hedge that risk and keep savings out of lira. Source: cost-of-living indices, 2026.