It should come as no surprise that many older international citizens think about retiring in France.
There are several advantages to living in this charming European country. Spending your golden years there can be extremely rewarding, but you should still prepare yourself — and know what to expect — before you plan a permanent retirement in France.
The Benefits of Retiring in France
Expats retire in France for a number of reasons. Some of those reasons, such as the country’s rich history and breathtaking European countryside, may be more obvious than others.
Retirees who love to travel will appreciate France’s proximity to other nations. From France, it’s easy to explore many countries in the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom.
Even better for retirees is the fact that France’s healthcare system is one of the world’s most revered. Aging expats, who are more likely to have complex medical needs, will benefit from high-quality medical care and professional expertise.
However, international citizens cannot access France’s universal healthcare system until they have lived in the country for at least three months. That’s why many expats choose to purchase international private health insurance. A private health plan ensures you’ll have continuous medical coverage while waiting to secure a permanent residency card. It can also improve access to critical and elective health services, while offsetting the cost of treatment.
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The cost of living in France is another reason why it’s a top choice for some retirees. By global standards, the cost of living in France is higher than in most other countries, but it is more affordable than many other popular retirement destinations, such as Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Does France Offer Retirement Visas?
France does not offer an official “retirement visa,” but expats who want to retire there have other options for obtaining a French visa.
The Long-Stay Visa
The long-stay visa, also known as the visa de long séjour, is for people who intend to live in France but not work. Most retirees fall into this category. Those who do want to work in their retirement will need to apply for a work visa.
The visa de long séjour serves as a residency permit that allows you to live in France for a period of three to twelve months. Once you have that, you can apply for the carte de séjour — a residence permit that allows you to stay in the country an additional five years.
The application process for a long-stay visa requires you to visit a Visa Facilitation Services Center. You’ll have to schedule your appointment ahead of time and provide the following documentation when you arrive:
- Photo identification
- Valid passport
- Proof that you have enough funds in your bank accounts to sustain living in the country
- Proof that you have already booked housing accommodations to live in
- Proof that you have travel medical insurance or international private medical insurance
Retired expats from the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) nations are exempt from obtaining a visa to retire or reside in France.
Work Visas
If you have any intention of working in your retirement, you’ll need a work visa. There are several types, such as the Talent Passport, the French Tech Visa for Founders, and the French Tech Visa for Investors.
Citizens from the EU, EEA states, and Switzerland do not need a work permit to work in France.
Read About: Immigrating to France as an Expat
What Healthcare Options Are Available to Expats Who Retire in France?
The French healthcare system is one of the best in the world.
Non-residents can access the healthcare system after three continuous months of residency in France. The cost of prescription medication is very low compared to prices in America. Medications for long-term medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease, are provided for free in France.
Yet as strong as the French healthcare system may be, it is not completely free. France has a statutory health insurance system (SHI) that covers 83% of medical costs. The remaining 17% of costs are paid either by the patient or the patient’s private health insurance, if they’ve purchased a plan.
That’s why expats who want to become French residents are encouraged to purchase an international health insurance plan before moving abroad. France also requires expats to carry a minimum amount of private health insurance, in order to cover any health expenses they may incur during their first three months in the country.
Approximately 95% of the French population carries private insurance to pay out of pocket expenses that the country’s public health coverage won’t cover, due to limitations of the SHI or patient eligibility. They also use it to cover the costs of dental and optical care, which are not included in SHI.
How Much Does It Cost to Retire in France?
We use the cost of living index, which is a theoretical price index that measures how expensive or inexpensive a particular location is in comparison to other regions. The higher the number, the more expensive it is to pay for goods and services in that location. Figures above the cost of living baseline of 100 are considered more expensive, while figures below 100 are typically considered less expensive.
The cost of living index in France is 66.9. Depending on your home country, it can be a very affordable or somewhat more expensive place to live. For example, if you’re retiring from Switzerland, France might feel like a bargain. If you’re moving from the UK, it may cost a little more than you’re used to.
Here’s a glimpse at how the French cost of living index compares to several global destinations, including other popular retirement destinations in Europe:
- Switzerland 114.3
- Singapore 82.5
- United States 75.5
- Australia 72.8
- Canada 68.4
- New Zealand 68.2
- France 66.9
- UK 64.5
- Sweden 62.5
- Italy 59.6
- Greece 54.9
- Spain 48.6
Keep in mind that where you choose to live will have a big impact on how much it will cost. It’s generally less expensive to live in a small village than in a large city like Paris.
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Do Expats Pay Taxes in France?
Expats do pay French taxes, but if your source of income comes from outside France, you only pay income taxes to the government where the income was issued. For example, U.S. expats who collect retirement income through a pension or through social security will pay income taxes to the U.S. Treasury, not the French government.
There is a tax treaty in place between the two governments to ensure that you are not taxed on your income twice. Similar treaties to avoid double taxation exist between France, the UK, other EU nations, Switzerland, and EEA countries.
It’s always best to speak with an experienced international accountant who can guide your financial planning before retiring abroad.
Read About: The French Healthcare System
What Are the Best Places to Retire in France?
There are incredible cities, villages, and geographic regions scattered throughout France. Some of the best destinations for retirees to move or purchase real estate include:
Paris
Paris is ideal for retirees who love city living. This multicultural, international city welcomes expats from around the globe.
The Paris public transit system is affordable and makes it easy for the city’s retirees and aging population to get around the city.
Lyon
Home to the famed Notre Dame cathedral, Lyon is a picturesque city that draws both tourists and retirees alike.
Lyon has a thriving expat community. Not only that, but it’s cheaper than Paris while offering equally strong public transit and quality of life.
Alsace
Located on the German border, the Alsace region is home to many lovely villages, including the one that inspired the backdrop for Beauty and the Beast.
Retirees who seek a slower pace of life will appreciate Alsace’s picturesque countryside. It’s also a major wine-production region — making it a great choice for retirees who appreciate a cool glass of Riesling.
Juan les Pins
If a resort-style retirement is what you seek, Juan les Pins is the answer. This coastal town on the French Riviera is known for its beaches, colorful seaside promenade, and laid-back atmosphere.
Juan les Pins is also less than an hour’s drive from both Nice and Cannes. Jetsetting retirees will have easy access to the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is only 13 kilometers (8 miles) away.
Toulouse
Located in the beautiful South of France, Toulouse has a Mediterranean climate and a diverse culture that welcomes people from various nationalities.
The cost of rent in Toulouse tends to be more affordable than it is in many other French cities. Crime is low, and retirees will only be a couple of hours away from mountain and seaside villages.
Brittany
Home to picturesque villages along the coast, Brittany is France’s largest peninsula and offers a relaxed, peaceful lifestyle.
The region is recommended for retirees who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of city life. If farms, fishing villages, and hiking trails appeal to you, you’ll find all that and more — as well as less expensive options for housing than in the rest of France.
Provence
The Provence region borders Italy and the Mediterranean Sea, with the French Riviera to its south. It’s beloved for its beautiful landscapes, vineyards, and olive groves.
Sun and warm weather are the norm in Provence, even in the winter season. Crime is low, and the expat community is large. Plentiful airports and seaports also mean that the cost of importing goods is faster and cheaper.
France provides a high quality of life for expats of retirement age. Its proximity to other European nations, as well as its competitive healthcare system, make it a popular retirement destination for people from all around the world.
Keep in mind that while the universal healthcare system in France is excellent, it’s not completely free or without downsides. It’s best to protect your health by purchasing an international health insurance plan that will cover any health expenses the French government will not. A private health insurance plan can also give you access to more doctors and treatment options while reducing wait times.
Find the Best International Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes and coverage options
- Work with an insurance expert at no additional cost
- Find the best plan for your needs and budget
In Conclusion
France provides a high quality of life for expats of retirement age. Its proximity to other European nations, as well as its competitive healthcare system, make it a popular retirement destination for people from all around the world.
Keep in mind that while the universal healthcare system in France is excellent, it’s not completely free or without downsides. It’s best to protect your health by purchasing an international health insurance plan that will cover any health expenses the French government will not. A private health insurance plan can also give you access to more doctors and treatment options while reducing wait times.
Related:
- Hospitals in France for Expatriates
- Fun Facts You Should Know About Life in France
- Moving to France From the U.S.
- The Best Cities in France for Expats
