Living in Miquelon-Langlade as an expatriate

Visa requirements

French citizens, as well as nationals from the EU, Schengen member states, and Switzerland, require no specific permit, as they enjoy visa-free entry due to existing reciprocal agreements. However, expats from other countries must obtain a French long-stay visa before arriving in the Maggies, which involves presenting their application at the Embassy in their country, followed by obtaining a temporary residence permit within six months of residing in the area.

Language resources

While French is the official and primary language spoken in Miquelon-Langlade, the region's traditional dialect, Maggie's, is also utilized casually by locals. Immersing yourself in the language culture can be challenging at first, and it's recommended to practice the dialect's vital linguistic features by attending local events, joining language classes, and conversing with native speakers regularly.

Housing

The cost of housing in Miquelon-Langlade is considerably higher than the French mainland as demand surpasses availability significantly. Sharing accommodation is prevalent, with a room in a shared house ranging from €250 to €550 (208USD to 456USD) per month, a one-bedroom apartment starting at €600 (495USD) per month, a two-bedroom apartment costing roughly €800 (646USD) per month, and a three-bedroom house with a price tag of up to €1,500 (1,213USD) per month, depending on convenience, size, and location.

Groceries

The overall grocery expenses in Miquelon-Langlade, for a standard family with two adults and two children, range from €800 to €1,500 (646USD to 1,213USD) per month, depending on the family's dietary habits and requirements. It's worthwhile to note that goods are imported from the mainland, which increases the prices substantially.

Transportation

Given the lack of automobiles, the majority of commuters use public transportation, primarily bicycles. However, hiring a bike typically costs €15 (12USD) weekly or €60 (48USD) per month, while using ferries to commute costs about €7 (5.60USD) per trip.

Miquelon-Langlade enjoys a damp and mild oceanic climate, moderated by the Gulf Stream. Due to its position between the cold Labrador Current and the warmer Atlantic Current, winters are bracing with frequent snowfall, while summers are cool with occasional foggy periods. The annual mean temperature ranges from 4.1°C (39.4°F) in winter to 11.3°C (52.3°F) in summer. While it receives modest rainfall throughout the year, winters are typically drier than summers. Prepare accordingly!

With a growing economy and thriving industries, Miquelon-Langlade offers a diverse range of employment opportunities across various sectors, including telecommunications, fisheries, tourism, trade, services, administrative support, healthcare, and education. It's worth mentioning that the majority of the workforce commute from Saint Pierre as Miquelon-Langlade is significantly smaller regarding population and employment. Expatriates with solid experience and qualifications in any of these sectors might find a suitable job opening, while professionals in these specific industries are highly sought-after.

The healthcare system in Miquelon-Langlade is centralized around the Centre de Santé et de Soins de Petite-Miquelon (CSSPM), which includes a hospital, health center, nursing homes, and an Emergency department. This health complex provides a range of standard medical and specialist care, as well as continuous care for patients with chronic illnesses. No specific health insurance is required, and the system is entirely funded by French Social Security. As with the rest of France, individuals have the right to access the same level of medical care, regardless of their nationality. However, emergencies may necessitate evacuation to Saint Pierre or Canada.

There are no cars or private vehicles permitted in Miquelon-Langlade. Therefore, the primary mode of transportation is walking, and bicycles are readily available for hire, including through bike-sharing programs. Commuting between the two major islands and the smaller ones is carried out by the Ro-ro (Roll-on/roll-off) ferry service that connects Petite Miquelon to Grande Miquelon multiple times a day. The only transport hub operating in Miquelon-Langlade is the Outreau terminal, providing daily ferry connections to St. Pierre, approximately thirty minutes away.

Generally speaking, Miquelon-Langlade promotes a safe and secure environment for expatriates. Petty crime is almost unheard of, and police presence is prominent in the town. However, there were some reports of robberies and burglaries, particularly in the Village area of Grande Miquelon. It's recommended to bear in mind basic safety measures, avoid walking alone after dark, conceal valuables, and secure doors and windows. Additionally, be wary of unpredictable weather patterns, particularly during wintertime, as the district is prone to icy conditions that impact pedestrian and vehicle mobility.