Retiring to France from the UK

Overview

France has long been one of the most popular retirement destinations for British nationals, particularly for those seeking rural property at a fraction of UK prices, proximity to family back home, and a high quality of life. From the lavender fields of Provence to the Brittany coast just a short ferry crossing from England, France offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes and lifestyles. The French healthcare system is widely regarded as one of the best in the world, and the country's food, wine, and cultural heritage are major draws. Since Brexit, the process for moving to France has become more involved, but the destination remains very much open to UK retirees who plan ahead.

Visas and Residency

As a UK national post-Brexit, you can visit France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. To live in France beyond this, you need to apply for a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour, or VLS-TS) from the French consulate in the UK before you travel.

Healthcare

The French healthcare system (Sécurité sociale) is consistently rated among the best in the world. The system works on a reimbursement basis — you pay upfront (or your card is swiped) and are reimbursed a percentage of the cost.

• CPAM registration: Once resident, you register with CPAM (Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie) to access the public system. You will receive a carte vitale (health insurance card).
• S1 form: UK State Pension recipients can apply for an S1 certificate, which entitles you to French public healthcare funded by the UK. This is the simplest route for retirees.
• Reimbursement rates: The French system typically reimburses around 70% of standard medical costs. The remainder (the ticket modérateur) is usually covered by a top-up insurance policy called a mutuelle, which most French residents carry.
• Prescriptions: Medicines in France are well subsidised and categorised by reimbursement rate (typically 65%, 30%, or 15% depending on the medication). Essential medicines are reimbursed at the highest rate.

UK Pensions in France

Your UK pension rights continue when you move to France. The key considerations are how your pension is paid, how it is taxed, and how currency fluctuations affect your income.

• State Pension uprating: France is covered by uprating agreements, so your UK State Pension increases each year in the same way as it would if you remained in the UK.
• Private pension payments: Private and workplace pensions can be paid into a French bank account. You may also keep a UK bank account and transfer funds as needed.
• Currency risk: As with any move to a eurozone country, your GBP pension income is subject to exchange rate fluctuations. A significant drop in the pound can materially reduce your purchasing power.
• French tax treatment: Under the UK–France double taxation treaty, UK Government service pensions remain taxable only in the UK. Other UK pension income (State Pension, private pensions) is generally taxable in France as your country of residence.

Tax

If you are resident in France (broadly, spending more than 183 days per year there or having your main home or centre of economic interests in France), you are liable to French tax on your worldwide income.

• Social charges: Investment and rental income is subject to social charges — CSG at 9.2% and CRDS at 0.5%, totalling 17.2% with other levies. However, S1 holders (receiving a UK State Pension) are exempt from the main social charges on pension income, paying only a solidarity levy of 7.5%.
• Prélèvement à la source: France operates a pay-as-you-earn tax system where tax is deducted at source from pensions and salaries. For foreign pension income not subject to French withholding, you pay via quarterly instalments (acomptes).
• Annual declaration: Even with the PAYE system, all French tax residents must file an annual tax declaration (déclaration de revenus), typically in May or June for the previous year's income.

Buying Property in France

The French property purchase process is well regulated and offers strong buyer protection, but it differs from the UK system in several important ways.

• Notaire system: All property transactions must go through a notaire (public notary). The notaire handles the legal transfer, collects taxes, and registers the sale. Notaire fees (frais de notaire) are 7–8% of the purchase price for older properties and 2–3% for new builds.
• Compromis de vente: The preliminary contract (compromis de vente) is legally binding in France. Once both parties sign, the buyer has a 10-day cooling-off period. After that, pulling out typically means forfeiting the deposit (usually 10% of the price).
• Diagnostics: The seller must provide a comprehensive set of diagnostic reports (diagnostics techniques) covering energy efficiency, asbestos, lead, termites, natural risks, and more. These are legally required before the sale can complete.
• Coprópriété: If buying an apartment, you will become part of a copropriété (co-ownership). Check the charges de copropriété (service charges) and minutes of recent AGMs for planned works or disputes.

Cost of Living: UK vs France

The cost of living in France varies enormously by region. Paris is one of Europe's most expensive cities, while rural France can offer a remarkably affordable lifestyle.

Inheritance and Wills

French inheritance law includes forced heirship rules (réserve héréditaire) that reserve a protected share of the estate for the deceased's children. With one child, the reserved portion is one half. With two children, it is two thirds. With three or more, it is three quarters. You cannot disinherit your children under French law.

EU Succession Regulation 650/2012 allows you to elect that the law of your nationality (English law, for example) should apply to your entire estate. However, there is legal uncertainty about whether French courts will honour this choice for French real estate in all circumstances. A French will (testament) for French assets, alongside a UK will for UK assets, simplifies the probate process. French inheritance tax (droits de succession) applies, with rates depending on the relationship between the deceased and the beneficiary — spouses are exempt, while children benefit from a €100,000 allowance each.

Practical Considerations

• Language: French is essential for daily life, especially outside Paris and tourist areas. English is far less widely spoken than many UK retirees expect. Learning French before and after your move significantly improves your experience.
• Driving licence: You must exchange your UK driving licence for a French one. The UK–France exchange agreement allows this without retaking a driving test, and the application is typically made shortly after becoming resident.
• Transport: France has excellent public transport, particularly the TGV high-speed rail network. Eurostar connects London to Paris in around 2 hours 15 minutes, and onward connections reach much of France. Many retirees find they travel back to the UK more easily than expected.
• Healthcare quality: The French healthcare system is frequently rated among the world's best by the WHO. Access to specialists is generally faster than the NHS, and the quality of care is consistently high across the country.

For more on planning your retirement finances, see our retirement planning guide. If you are considering moving your pension, our pension transfers guide covers the key issues.