France has long been one of Europe’s most desirable destinations for expatriates. From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the French Riviera’s sunlit coast, and from cosmopolitan Paris to the peaceful Dordogne, it’s easy to understand the enduring appeal.
However, while France offers a rich lifestyle, living there as a UK or US expatriate brings unique financial challenges. Managing wealth, pensions, investments, and taxes across jurisdictions requires a strategic, well-informed approach.
At Blacktower Financial Management, we’ve been advising expatriates for nearly 40 years. Our wealth management specialists in France provide independent, cross-border financial advice to help UK and US nationals protect, grow, and structure their wealth while making the most of life in France.
Understanding Expat Wealth Management in France
Moving to France means adjusting not just to a new language and lifestyle — but also to a completely different tax and financial system.
As a tax resident, you’ll likely be subject to French income tax, social contributions, and inheritance laws that differ significantly from those in the UK or US. Without careful planning, these differences can lead to unnecessary taxation or complications in managing your assets.
Wealth management for expatriates is about aligning your finances with your residency status, ensuring that your money is working for you in the most efficient, compliant way possible.
1️⃣ French Taxation and Residency
If you live in France for more than 183 days a year, or your main home and economic interests are based there, you’ll typically be considered tax resident in France.
This means you’ll be taxed on your worldwide income, including salaries, pensions, rental income, and investment returns. However, France has double taxation treaties with both the UK and the US, ensuring that you won’t pay tax twice on the same income.
Key taxes that affect expatriates include:
- Income tax (Impôt sur le revenu): Charged on progressive rates depending on your income bracket.
- Social charges (Prélèvements sociaux): Additional levies that may apply to pensions and investments.
- Wealth tax (Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière – IFI): Applies to French property worth more than €1.3 million.
- Inheritance tax: Can vary depending on your relationship to the beneficiary and their residency status.
Blacktower’s advisers work closely with local tax professionals to structure your wealth efficiently, ensuring full compliance with French regulations while minimising your overall tax exposure.
2️⃣ Pension and Retirement Planning for Expats
For many expatriates, managing their UK or US pension is one of the most important aspects of long-term financial planning.
For UK Nationals
Our advisers specialise in cross-border pension planning, offering expert guidance on:
- SIPPs (Self-Invested Personal Pensions): Retain flexibility and control while living abroad.
- QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes): Offer potential tax advantages, investment freedom, and multi-currency options.
Whether you plan to retire in France or move again in the future, we help you evaluate your options — ensuring that your pension remains accessible, tax-efficient, and aligned with your residency.
For US Nationals
American expatriates must navigate the complexities of US tax law, including FATCA and IRS reporting requirements. Our team, in collaboration with trusted US tax professionals, ensures your IRA or 401(k) accounts and other investment structures remain compliant while optimising income and withdrawals under French tax law.
3️⃣ Investment Management and Currency Strategy
Investing as an expatriate in France requires an approach that balances performance, stability, and compliance.
At Blacktower, we provide independent investment advice, building diversified portfolios that reflect your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.
Our advisers help you:
- Build global portfolios across equities, bonds, and funds.
- Use multi-currency investment solutions (EUR, GBP, USD) to reduce foreign exchange risk.
- Adopt tax-efficient vehicles, such as Assurance Vie, which offers flexible investment options and preferential tax treatment on withdrawals.
An Assurance Vie is particularly popular among expatriates in France as it provides long-term growth potential, estate planning flexibility, and deferred taxation — all while remaining fully compliant under French law.
4️⃣ Estate and Inheritance Planning
France’s inheritance laws are based on the forced heirship system, which dictates that a portion of your estate must go to specific heirs, such as children. This can pose challenges for expatriates who have family or property in multiple countries.
Our estate planning specialists can help you:
- Understand how French inheritance rules interact with UK or US law.
- Reduce potential inheritance tax (IHT) exposure.
- Structure your estate through wills, trusts, or life insurance to ensure your wishes are respected.
We also help you make use of Assurance Vie policies or other planning tools to transfer wealth efficiently and protect your loved ones.
5️⃣ Why Choose Blacktower
Since 1986, Blacktower Financial Management has helped expatriates across Europe achieve financial clarity and security.
What sets us apart:
- Independent, impartial advice — we are not tied to any provider or product.
- Specialist cross-border expertise — decades of experience advising UK and US expats in France.
- Regulated and transparent — operating under EU and international financial regulations.
- Personalised service — every client receives tailored, one-to-one advice.
Our advisers are based locally, offering in-person or virtual consultations across France — including Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, and the French Riviera.
Secure Your Financial Future in France
Relocating to France offers the opportunity to enjoy one of the world’s most rewarding lifestyles — and with the right financial strategy, you can make the most of it.
At Blacktower Financial Management, we provide bespoke wealth management advice designed to help you protect your assets, optimise your tax position, and achieve long-term financial security.
📞 Book your complimentary consultation today
Speak to one of Blacktower’s expert financial advisers in France and discover how we can help you manage your pensions, investments, and wealth with confidence.