France continues to be one of the most popular destinations for UK nationals looking for a new life abroad. Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, or lifestyle, the appeal of French living is undeniable — world-class cuisine, culture, countryside, and climate. However, relocating successfully requires more than packing your bags. To enjoy your new life stress-free, it’s essential to plan your financial move as carefully as your physical one.
Tax and Residency
Once you become resident in France (typically after living there for 183 days in a year or establishing your main home there), you’ll be taxed on your worldwide income. This includes pensions, savings, and investments. Fortunately, the UK–France Double Taxation Treaty helps prevent you from paying tax twice on the same income, but it’s vital to understand which country has taxing rights over your income sources.
Planning your residency timing carefully — and taking advice on how to declare and structure your income — can make a major difference to your net wealth.
Pensions and Retirement Income
Many UK expats in France rely on their UK pensions for income. These can usually remain in the UK, but withdrawals will be taxed in France, not the UK. Some individuals may consider transferring to a QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) for greater flexibility, though suitability depends on your circumstances. Professional advice ensures your pension remains compliant and efficient under French law.
Investment and Wealth Management
UK tax wrappers such as ISAs lose their tax-free status when you become French resident. Instead, most expats choose a French-compliant investment structure such as an Assurance Vie, a life assurance-based portfolio offering tax-deferred growth, favourable rates on withdrawals, and estate-planning benefits. An international financial adviser can help you restructure your portfolio to remain both compliant and tax-efficient.
Inheritance Planning
France’s inheritance laws differ from the UK’s, with forced heirship rules and inheritance tax applied by relationship. However, under EU regulations, UK citizens can elect for UK succession law to apply to their estate — giving greater freedom in passing assets to chosen beneficiaries.
How Blacktower Can Help
At Blacktower Financial Management, we’ve supported UK nationals relocating to France for nearly 40 years. Our local advisers specialise in cross-border tax, pension, and investment planning, ensuring you can enjoy your new lifestyle with complete financial peace of mind.