For many British expatriates living in France, one of the most important financial considerations is how best to manage UK pensions while living abroad. Whether you’ve retired to the south of France or relocated for work, your pension remains one of your most valuable assets — and how you manage it can have a significant impact on your financial security and quality of life.
A SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) is one of the most flexible and efficient ways to retain control of your UK pension from overseas. For expats in France, SIPPs offer investment choice, transparency, and long-term flexibility — making them a popular solution for those who wish to grow their wealth and secure their financial future under a UK-regulated structure.
What Is a SIPP?
A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) is a UK-registered pension that allows you to choose and manage your own investments. Unlike traditional pension schemes that limit your investment options to a few provider-selected funds, a SIPP offers complete control over where your retirement savings are invested.
Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), SIPPs are ideal for individuals who value flexibility and want a more hands-on approach to pension management — either independently or with guidance from a financial adviser.
Why SIPPs Are Popular with British Expats in France
For British nationals who have relocated to France, maintaining a pension under UK regulation often makes sense. A SIPP enables you to:
- Keep your pension within the UK system, preserving strong consumer protections.
- Benefit from the UK–France Double Taxation Treaty, which prevents income from being taxed twice.
- Access a wide range of investment opportunities suited to your goals and risk tolerance.
In short, a SIPP gives expatriates the freedom to grow their pension in line with their personal financial strategy, while retaining the confidence that comes with UK regulatory oversight.
The Key Benefits of a SIPP for Expats in France
1️⃣ Investment Freedom and Control
SIPPs allow you to invest in a broad range of assets, including:
- Stocks and shares
- Investment funds and ETFs
- Bonds and gilts
- Commercial property
- Cash deposits
This flexibility means your pension can be tailored to your investment preferences, whether you prioritise steady growth, income generation, or capital preservation.
2️⃣ Pension Consolidation
If you’ve accumulated multiple pensions throughout your career, a SIPP allows you to combine them into a single plan, simplifying management and potentially reducing costs. Consolidation also helps ensure your investment strategy remains consistent across your entire retirement portfolio.
3️⃣ Tax Efficiency for French Residents
Thanks to the UK–France Double Taxation Treaty, most UK pension income — including from a SIPP — is taxable only in France, not in the UK.
This means your pension provider will usually pay income gross, allowing you to declare and pay tax in France according to local rules. While French income tax and social charges may apply, professional advice can help you structure withdrawals in the most tax-efficient manner, optimising your net income in retirement.
4️⃣ Flexible Retirement Access
From the age of 55 (rising to 57 in 2028), you can access your SIPP funds using flexible drawdown, giving you full control over how and when you take your pension benefits. You can:
- Withdraw up to 25% of your pension tax-free (UK rules).
- Take income gradually to manage your tax exposure.
- Keep the remainder invested for continued growth.
For expats in France, this flexibility makes SIPPs ideal for coordinating income with other financial assets or investments, such as property or Assurance Vie.
5️⃣ Estate Planning Advantages
Unlike some traditional pensions, SIPPs can be passed on to beneficiaries outside your estate, often free from UK Inheritance Tax (IHT) if death occurs before age 75. This feature allows for smoother intergenerational wealth transfer — an important consideration for expatriates with family both in France and the UK.
SIPPs vs. QROPS: Which Is Right for You?
For UK expatriates abroad, both SIPPs and QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes) offer legitimate options for managing UK pensions.
| Feature | SIPP | QROPS |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | UK-regulated (FCA) | Overseas jurisdiction (HMRC-recognised) |
| Best for | UK expats retaining ties to the UK or planning to return | Long-term expats with no future UK residency plans |
| Currency | Primarily GBP (multi-currency available) | Often EUR, GBP, or USD |
| Inheritance Tax | Generally outside UK IHT | May also offer protection depending on jurisdiction |
| Reporting | Remains under UK rules | Subject to local reporting requirements |
For many expatriates in France — especially those who still have UK assets, family ties, or potential plans to return — SIPPs provide the perfect balance of flexibility, protection, and familiarity.
Why Expert Advice Matters
While SIPPs offer enormous benefits, managing a pension from abroad requires expertise in both UK and French financial systems. Factors such as currency management, tax residency, and estate laws can significantly affect how your pension performs and how much income you retain.
At Blacktower Financial Management, we’ve been helping expatriates across France and Europe protect and grow their pensions since 1986. Our advisers specialise in:
- Cross-border pension advice, including SIPPs and QROPS
- Retirement income planning for expats in France
- Tax-efficient investment and drawdown strategies
- Estate and inheritance planning for globally mobile families
Our goal is to ensure that your pension — wherever it’s held — works seamlessly with your lifestyle, residency, and long-term financial objectives.
Take Control of Your Pension — and Your Future
Living in France should be about enjoying life, not worrying about pension paperwork or tax implications. A professionally managed SIPP gives you the freedom to grow your savings, the flexibility to draw income on your terms, and the reassurance that your wealth is protected for the future.
📞 Book your complimentary consultation today
Speak to one of Blacktower’s expert pension advisers in France to learn how a SIPP can help you take control of your retirement and secure your financial future abroad.