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17th May 2008
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Retiring to France France is one of the most popular destinations for retirees. However, moving to a new country means taking account of certain issues - from the emotional to the more practical.For people retiring to France one of the biggest concerns is finance; in this zone we have a number of stories on how to handle your pension, savings and investments and the impact of France's wealth tax. France's legal system can also effect your new life - check out out information on whether you will be affected by France's succession laws, and in particular their impact on your will. We also have information on opening a French bank account, affliating to the French health system, setting up a home and finding an artisan to do it up plus everyday language phrases and tips on finding a removal firm. If you're still on the hunt for a property, FrenchEntrée also has plenty of advice and properties for you to take a look at. Check out our complete Property Buying Guide. Useful Guides to...Being in France means having to understand different systems and procedures - and of course France's fabled red tape. To help, we've compiled guides on the most common issues. DRIVING
* Rules and regulations * Driving FAQs * Getting a French licence * Registering a car in France * Contrôle Technique  UTILITIES
*Telephone *Electricity *Getting a water supply *Gas - mains or bottle? *Oil & wood  COMPUTERS & TV
*Connecting to the internet *Getting UK TV  SWIMMING POOLS
* Pool security - it's law  THE POST OFFICE
*How La Poste works *Postal charges Still looking for your dream retirement home...?.....then consult our huge property data base, which has many different styles and types of property from all over France. Not sure where to look? Check out our guide to the different French regions and what they have to offer.FRENCH PHRASES FOR EVERY DAY LIFEFrench vocabulary for when you need help...In an Emergency At the doctor At the dentist At the hairdresser Seasonal greetings Buying a property Shopping for clothes & shoes Grocery & other shopping At the post office At a hotel Asking directions Travelling on public transport At the bank In a restaurant Car rental and road signs Writing letters The Weather |
Retiring to France
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New inheritance laws passed
 Under French law you cannot necessarily leave your assets to who you choose. But new laws are more flexible. Find out more
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French Taxes - Confused?
 Retiring to France but unsure what to do about tax? Duncan Campbell of Siddalls has some handy hints for before and after your move. Read more.
Avoid unnecessary taxation in France
 Tax planning is essential if you are to avoid paying on to Caesar more than is due to him. Blevins Franks mini-site Explains more |
If you are approaching retirement, and looking to draw an income from your UK personal pensions, there are several options. Robert Brealey, a pensions specialist at financial experts Siddalls, takes a look – including ways to avoid being hit by currency fluctuations
The good news is that tax-free lump sums from the UK are not currently taxed in France; the bad news is that this might be about to change. David Franks of Blevins Franks explains.
Many Britons are thinking of moving to live in France when they retire. Here Robert Brealey of tax experts Siddalls looks at the options for people who are resident in France but are living – or intending to live - on a UK personal or state pension
As David Anderson, solicitor and chartered tax adviser at Sykes Anderson LLP explains, the tax status of your UK pension in France can be a more complicated issue than it first appears
The decision to move to France to retire is a big one. Understanding exactly what this means for your pension, tax and health care will make the transition much easier, says Georgina Field of tax experts Siddalls
Many people who move to France have investments in the UK. David Franks of Blevins Franks looks at what the tax implications are for such investments and explains what happens with Premium Bonds winnings if you are tax resident in France
It is usually assumed that all people living in France pay more taxes than those in the UK. But do they? Professor Robert Anthony argues that retiring to France may not just be a dream come true – but it may even be tax efficient too
Lawyer Sarah Bright Thomas warns that French wealth tax can affect a surprisingly large number of people – though new rules in 2007 may help Britons to reduce the burden for a limited period
UK-based French lawyer Marie Slavov looks at the inheritance laws that came into force in January 2007 and considers the impact they could have on Britons owning property in France, whether they have a British or French will - or no will at all
One thing that anyone buying property in France needs to be aware of is French succession law...it is very different from the way things happen in Britain
While you will be familiar with home and car insurance, in France you also have to know about civil liability and other policies that may be new 
Proper healthcare cover is a must-have when retiring to France. While some retirees will be able to affiliate into the French healthcare system, others will be legally obliged to take out private health insurance
The French health system, while expensive to run, is one of the best in the world. Here's what you need to do to access is whether you're retired in France or own a holiday home here
Frances and David Wilkinson retired to France in 2006 and love their new life which is full of new things as well as more time, less stress and good friends - French and British. Read their inspiring stories...
Moving to France is a big step whatever age you are. But there are some issues that are more like to affect those retiring or planning to retire. Psychologist Elaine Douglas gives advice on what to expect and how to deal with it.
Resident and non-resident account? Current or Deposit? These questions answered, plus information on everything else you need to know about opening a bank account in France. 
The physical act of moving to France can seem daunting, even if you’ve moved home several times before. Here James Tennant, director of Movecorp.co.uk, gives some practical advice 
Moving your possessions to France was once the preserve of a few specialist international removals firms. Not any more. There are more than 50 firms listed in the FrenchEntrée.com Directory alone...
Unfortunately today in France there are a number of unscrupulous artisans, a number of them British. To help you find the artisan who will help you realise your dream of living in France - rather than wreck it - Topic Host Karen Johnson gives some advice on choosing an artisan, as well as what to do if it does go wrong. 
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