How to transfer a UK pension to France and what you need to know
France is a popular destination for UK citizens who want to retire abroad while remaining close to family and friends. Easy travel links, a familiar culture and a high quality of life make France an appealing option for those living in France or planning a move to France and looking to transfer UK pension to France.
If you are planning to retire in France, it’s essential to understand how you can manage and access your UK pension funds. A UK pension transfer to France is possible in some circumstances, but it requires careful planning and a clear understanding of UK and French pension rules.
UK pension schemes: what can and cannot be transferred to France
First it is important to clarify that you cannot transfer a UK state pension to France. The UK state pension cannot be transferred to any overseas pension scheme. However you can still receive your UK state pension while living in France, paid into either a UK or French bank account.1
If you want to find out more about claiming your state pension abroad, you can contact the UK Government’s International Pension Centre.
So what about private and workplace pensions held in UK registered pension schemes?
What is a QROPS and why is it relevant when transferring a UK pension?
When moving abroad many people look to transfer their pension into a qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme, commonly known as a QROPS. A QROPS is an overseas pension scheme that is recognised by HMRC and approved to receive transfers from a UK pension scheme.2
The great thing about QROPS is that, because the schemes on the list have been approved by HMRC, your UK pension scheme provider will usually be happy to transfer to one. If a scheme is not recognised by HMRC, the transfer may be blocked or subject to significant UK tax charges, including a potential 40% unauthorised payment charge.3
Why you cannot transfer a UK pension directly to France?
At present there are no overseas pension scheme QROPS based in France. This is due to incompatibilities between UK and French pension regulations and HMRC removed French schemes from the QROPS list a few years ago.
So what can you do? This means you cannot transfer your UK pension directly into a French pension arrangement. Your first port of call should be an EU pensions expert or financial advisor, who will be able to help you choose the best option for your circumstances.
One potential solution is to transfer your pension funds into a QROPS in another country in the European Economic Area (EEA) and have your pension paid into a French bank account.
Most UK schemes – whether work or private pensions – can be transferred to a QROPS in the EEA. This includes defined contribution pension schemes, which combine your savings with contributions from your employer and tax relief from the government.
Fees and charges when you transfer a UK pension to France
Before you do anything, check the small print in your UK pension scheme. When it comes to transferring a UK pension to France, some pension providers may have more restrictions than others.
One of the most significant considerations is the 25% overseas transfer charge. While substantial it does not apply in every situation. In general the overseas transfer charge does not apply if you transfer to a QROPS within the EEA and remain an EU resident for at least five full tax years.
You should also be aware of the overseas transfer allowance, currently £1,073,100. If the value of your pension funds exceeds this threshold the 25% overseas transfer charge may apply to the excess amount.4
French income tax and pension income
For UK citizens who become French residents pension income is taxable in France. Under the UK France Double Taxation Treaty private and workplace pensions are taxed only in France and not in the UK.5
To get specialist advice on income tax in France, we strongly advise you to contact a tax expert. They will be better able to explain your tax liability in France, based on your personal circumstances.
It is also important to note that while the UK allows a 25% tax free lump sum, France does not apply the same treatment. Unless taken before becoming a French tax resident the lump sum is generally taxed as income in France.6
There is more information on French taxes on the government website.
Practical considerations when transferring a pension from the UK to France
Some things to consider before you transfer a pension to France:
- Do you need a French bank account?
You don’t have to, but it may be a good idea to set up a French bank account for both private and state pension payments. A local account can make it easier for you to send money to France, withdraw cash in euros and manage your finances. It also means your income isn’t at the mercy of exchange rates volatility.
- How will you transfer your pension pot to France?
Using a currency specialist such as Lumon can be more cost effective for transferring large sums.
- How much pension income will you need?
If you’re still living and working in the UK, think about how much you’ll need to retire comfortably in France, taking taxes and lifestyle into account. The earlier you do this, the more time you have to adjust your pension contributions and make sure you have the retirement income you need.
Transfer your UK pension to France with long term planning in mind
Starting pension planning early gives you more flexibility and fewer constraints. Review your private and workplace pensions to confirm whether they can be transferred and under what conditions.
If transferring to a QROPS is not suitable a financial advisor experienced in cross border pensions can outline alternative options. Ensure all required paperwork is completed to continue receiving your UK state pension while living in France.
Effective pension planning allows you to focus on building a secure and sustainable retirement in France
Moving money to France: how Lumon can help
When transferring large sums such as pension funds currency exchange costs can significantly affect the value of your retirement savings. Using an experienced currency specialist such as Lumon allows you to manage these costs more effectively. With bank-beating exchange rates and no hidden fees we help ensure more of your pension savings are converted efficiently and available to support your lifestyle in euros.
For those retiring in France, fluctuations in exchange rates can have a direct impact on day to day living costs and long term retirement income. Because currency markets react to international economic and political developments, planning the timing of transfers is an important consideration. Lumon’s currency specialists monitor market movements and provide access to market information and tools to support your international transfers. Where retirees have ongoing obligations such as pension income transfers or regular property expenses in France, Lumon’s Regular Payment Plan allows scheduled transfers to be set up in advance. This helps ensure payments are made on time while reducing the uncertainty and administrative effort associated with managing each transfer manually.
*Please note that terms and conditions apply. Speak to a member of our team to enquire about your eligibility to set up an RPP.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Lumon or its subsidiaries, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from the relevant professional services. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Sources used:
- Gov.uk – State pension abroad
- Gov.uk – QROPS list
- Gov.uk – Transferring to an overseas pension
- Gov.uk – Transferring to an overseas pension
- Gov.uk – Double taxation agreement
- Gov.uk – Tax free lump sum
Sources last checked on 23/12/2025
