Retiring to France
CONTENTS
Retiring to France
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 affect 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.
Hot Topics on life in France
What our Topic Hosts have got in store... Renovation & Decoration
What to think about when doing up your homeEducation
Advice for parents and children going to school in FranceHealthcare in France
Helping you navigate the French health systemLe Gastrozone
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Your guide to buying & preparing good French foodGite Business
Can you make a living from holiday accommodation?Vegetarian France
Help and advice on PCs, telephones, satellite and the internet in France.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 LIFE
French 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
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Editor's pick
Many Britons are thinking of moving to live in France when they retire. We look at the options for those resident in France and living – or intending to live - on a UK pension. more...
Retiring to France? Protect your wealth
There is a lot of planning to do on making the move to France, part of this should be to organise your finances so that your future wealth is protected and you can truly get down to enjoying the French life, free from the worry of money problems...more...
Tax, pensions, healthcare – what you need to know
Fine wine, exquisite cheeses, access to one of the best healthcare systems in the world... and a totally different taxation system await you.
more...
Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes
You will have seen in recent months mention of QROPS and the potential attraction to non-UK residents. QROPS were introduced in April 2006 as a means to allow individuals with UK pension funds to transfer their pension funds abroad.
more...
Paying tax when you retire to France
Retiring to France is a dream for many. But because France is viewed as a high tax jurisdiction, some are put off when it comes to taking the plunge. We look at how spending your golden years in France can actually work to your financial advantage.
more...
Need to make regular international pension transfers?
If so, you may have been faced with some testing issues over the last few months... For those who have retired to France there is a necessity to make the most of their ongoing currency transactions, and maximise the potential of their UK pension. Experts from Moneycorp explain how their RPP can help.more...
Is your French home subject to capital gains tax?
This is one of the most frequent questions asked by British expatriates, since the rules were always complicated and have been subject to some changes in recent years.more...
Help is at hand for expat pensioners in France
As a consequence of the weak pound, some pensioners in France are receiving UK pensions so low that they are now eligible for French government financial aid.
more...
Is French tax all that taxing for retirees in France?
French taxes are renowned for being high, what with income tax and social charges on all forms of income, as well as an annual wealth tax. However, although the headline rates sound high (52.1%!), it is often unlikely that a retiree would have to pay such high taxes.
more...
Expat tax case studies
There are a number of issues you may need to take advice on before you move, and when living in France. Here are a couple of case studies which highlight some of the financial issues that Siddalls have helped expats with.
more...
What can I do with my UK pension fund when retiring to France?
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.
more...
Will your British pension be taxed in France?
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
more...
What happens to UK investments if you move to France?
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
more...
+++++PRACTICAL MATTERS+++++
Everything from the emotional to the practical concerns of retiring and living to France. For guides to utilities and connecting to the internet, see above left'Learning to live in France - and together!'
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...
more...
Retiring to France? What you need to think about
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.more...
Sponsored by
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.
Weekly removals to France
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StaySure Overseas
Provides an extensive range of insurance for over 50s expats living in Europe. Staysure is currently the only company that provides specialist over 50s insurance for expats living in Europe.
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Best Services for Expats
Need French healthcare?
Exclusive Healthcare offer Top Up health insurance to residents and home owners in France. Private health cover is also available. Learn More
Health Insurance - First Month Free
Amariz Limited offers health insurance for expatriates living in France with a choice of 100%, hospitalisation and top-up cover. Visit our website for further detailsFed up of high UK taxation?
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.
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Free International Money Transfers for Life
A great rate and no transfer fee for the life of your account! Make a no obligation enquiry to Moneycorp, FrenchEntrée’s currency partner and see how we can save you money. Mobile Homes For Sale - France
New sited mobile homes from £19,995 and resale sited mobile homes from £5,995. Sites open for 12 months of the year. Aquitaine, Brittany, Dordogne, Languedoc-Roussillon and the Vendee.
Save a Fortune on Currency Exchange
Whether you need advice or an international money transfer quote, FrenchEntree's currency partner - Moneycorp - can help. Visit the France currency exchange zone.
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