27 March 2025
For many UK retirees, France offers the perfect blend of culture, comfort and quality of life. Since Brexit, there have been new rules around visas, residency, taxation, and healthcare that you may need to consider.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know for retiring to France from the UK, from visa options and cost of living to pensions, taxes, and lifestyle and cultural adjustments.
Can UK retirees still retire to France after Brexit?
Before Brexit, as a UK national, you could move freely to France without restrictions. However, since January 1, 2021,1 you would be considered a third-country national, meaning you must apply for a visa and residency permit to retire in France.
Visa and residency requirements for UK retirees
If you’re planning to retire in France, you’ll need a long-term visa that allows extended stays. The most common options include:
Long stay visa – Visa de long séjour (vls-ts)
The Visa de Long Séjour (VLS-TS) is generally the main route for UK retirees. This visa lets you stay in France for over one year and can be renewed to eventually apply for permanent residency.2
Requirements can include:
- Proof of accommodation in France
- Sufficient income to support yourself
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Criminal record check
Permanent residency & French citizenship
After five years of living in France, you can apply for permanent French residence or French citizenship, which grants you the right to work, travel freely and reside in France.3
Financial considerations and cost of living in France
The cost of living in France is typically lower overall than in the UK, especially outside of major cities like Paris. While rent and utilities tend to be more affordable in many French regions, some expenses (such as dining out and transportation) may be comparable to those in the UK or even higher.
Below is a rough comparison of the cost of living in France vs. the UK:
| Expense | France (Average) | UK (Average) |
| Rent (1-bed city centre) | €600–€1,500 | €1,500–€2,000 |
| Rent (1-bed outside city centre) | €500–€1,000 | €1,000–€1,500 |
| Groceries (monthly for 1 person) | €250–€400 | €300–€500 |
| Dining Out (mid-range meal for 1) | €12–€30 | €15–€35 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, gas) | €100–€200 | €150–€250 |
| Internet (high-speed monthly plan) | €30–€50 | €35–€55 |
| Public Transport (monthly pass) | €60–€90 | €80–€150 |
These figures are approximations based on expat reports, cost-of-living surveys and government data. Actual costs will depend on your specific location and lifestyle.
Choosing your ideal French location for retirement
France offers a wide range of retirement destinations, each with its unique appeal for UK retirees:
Provence & Côte d’Azur
Known for its warm Mediterranean climate, charming villages and laid-back way of life.
Paris & Île-de-France:
An option for those who love city life, with a rich cultural scene, good healthcare and well-connected transport.
Dordogne & Nouvelle-Aquitaine
A countryside retreat known for its slower pace, affordability and strong British expat presence.
Brittany & Normandy
Coastal regions with a cooler climate, fresh seafood and convenient travel links back to the UK.
Occitanie
Generally more affordable housing, beautiful landscapes and mild winters.
Alsace
A blend of French and German culture with charming villages and vineyards.
Step-by-step guide to Retiring to France from the UK
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your move to France from the UK:
1. Secure your visa and residency
You will need to apply for a long stay visa (Visa de Long Séjour, VLS-TS) through the French consulate in the UK. As part of the application, you will need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself.4
2. Plan your finances and taxes
Understanding how taxes work between the UK and France can help you avoid paying taxes on the same income. It may be worth checking how your UK pension will be taxed in France and considering whether opening a French bank account would make managing your finances easier.
3. Arrange healthcare coverage
If you receive a UK state pension, you will want to apply for the S1 form to access France’s public healthcare system.5 If not, private health insurance may be required for visa approval. Once in France, you can then register with CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) to get your Carte Vitale for public healthcare.
4. Find your home and move
Many retirees choose to rent before buying property in France to explore different areas. If you are considering purchasing property, you may want to look into the legal requirements, property taxes and notary fees to avoid unexpected costs.
5. Register for residency & tax purposes
You will then need to validate your visa at the local préfecture (administrative office) and apply for a Carte de Séjour (residency permit). If living in France for more than 183 days per year, register as a tax resident.6
Adjusting to life in France: culture and language
Retiring in France comes with many lifestyle benefits, but adapting to a new culture takes time. Here are some ways to integrate smoothly:
- Join social and expat groups: Many retirees connect through clubs, local meetups, and expat organisations.
- Overcome language barriers: While English is spoken in some areas, learning basic French can help with banking, healthcare and daily life.
- Embrace the local lifestyle: Enjoying outdoor markets, local events and French cuisine can help you feel at home and build connections with the community.
- Understand cultural differences: France has a slower pace of life, with longer lunch breaks and varying shop hours, particularly in smaller towns. Adjusting expectations may make the transition easier.
Pensions and taxes for UK retirees in France
Managing your pension and tax obligations is another important part of retiring abroad. You may want to consider the following:
- Receiving a UK pension in France: You can continue receiving your UK state pension, with payments made to a UK or French bank account.
- UK-France Double Taxation agreement: Under the UK-France Double Taxation Agreement, UK pensions are generally taxed in France rather than the UK, which means that you won’t pay tax twice on the same income.
- Additional tax considerations: Depending on your financial situation, you may be subject to capital gains tax, income tax or wealth tax in France.
- Estate planning and inheritance tax: French inheritance laws differ from the UK, so you may want to seek professional advice.
Navigating healthcare as a UK retiree in France
France is known for its high-quality healthcare system. UK retirees using the S1 form can access public healthcare, but private insurance may be required for visa applications. Many retirees also choose private insurance for faster treatment and English-speaking doctors.
Legal and administrative considerations
Buying vs. renting property in France
Many retirees choose to rent first to explore different regions before committing to a property purchase. Buying property in France involves notary fees, property taxes and legal paperwork, so hiring a local expert may help navigate the process.
Legal and financial aspects of property ownership
Property ownership in France comes with annual taxes (Taxe Foncière), maintenance costs and potential inheritance laws that differ from the UK. Understanding these before purchasing will help avoid unexpected expenses.
Key mistakes to avoid when retiring to France
Common pitfalls when retiring to France can include underestimating bureaucracy, overlooking tax obligations, and not budgeting for healthcare costs. Proper planning and seeking professional advice can help ensure a smooth transition.
Lumon: Overseas retirement made simple
Retiring abroad is a big step, and managing your finances effectively is essential. At Lumon, we simplify the currency side of your retirement, helping you transfer funds overseas with confidence and ensuring your payments align with your financial plans.
Our service is built around your currency needs, providing market insights and bank beating exchange rates so you get great value when sending money to France.
When it comes to making transfers, the choice is yours:
- Fully automate your recurring payments: With just one call, you can set up a fully automated Regular Payment Plan, ensuring your pension and other recurring payments reach their destination on time, every time – without you lifting a finger.
- Take control of your overseas transfers: Want to take control of your international payments? Our self-serve online account puts you in charge. Sign up in minutes and make your overseas payments whenever it suits you.
- One-to-one personal service: Your dedicated currency specialist is just a call away, ready to discuss your currency needs and help you get great value with market insights and the right payment options for your transfers.
FAQs
How much money is needed to retire in France?
The financial requirement for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) can be around €15,000 per year for a single applicant, but actual costs depend on lifestyle and location. Typically, you will want to have at least six months’ worth of savings for unexpected expenses.
Can Brits still retire to France?
Yes, UK citizens can still retire to France, but they must apply for a long stay visa and meet financial and healthcare requirements. After five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency or French citizenship, provided you meet the criteria.5
Do I have to declare my UK pension in France?
Yes. Under the UK-France Double Taxation Agreement, UK pensions are taxable in France if you are a French tax resident. This applies to state pensions, private pensions and occupational pensions. The French tax system determines how your pension income is assessed, so it is important to understand your obligations and seek financial advice if needed.
What are the pros and cons of living in France?
Retiring in France has its benefits and challenges. Pros may include: high quality of life, lower cost of living in many areas compared to the UK, mild climate, diverse landscape, good public transport and easy UK travel links.
Cons for retiring in France may include: complex bureaucracy (especially for visas and taxes), language barriers in smaller towns, higher property prices in cities and coastal regions, and taxation on worldwide income if you become a French tax resident.
Is retiring to France right for you?
France offers an excellent quality of life, but post-Brexit rules require careful planning. With the right financial and legal preparation, you can enjoy a smooth transition to your retirement.
Sources used:
- French Government – Visas Brexit
- French Government – Long Stay Visas
- French Government – EU long-term resident card (foreigner in France for 5 years)
- UK Government – Healthcare for UK nationals living in France
- French Government – Long Stay Visa
- UK Government – Healthcare in France
Sources last checked on: 27/03/2025
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.
