Over one million French retirees now live abroad—a figure that has doubled in the past decade. Many opt for European destinations like Portugal, while others choose farther afield spots such as Morocco, French overseas territories, or Mauritius. Retiring overseas demands thorough preparation. Select your destination based on personal preferences, needs, and connections. To ensure seamless pension payments and access to French social benefits, particularly healthcare, follow these key administrative steps.
French retirees can live abroad and continue receiving basic and supplementary pensions with the right procedures. Notify your pension funds of your new non-French address, providing full contact and banking details. Payments can go to a French bank account or one opened in your host country.
Retired civil servants may request pension payments through the treasury or accounting office at their host country's French embassy or consulate.
Note: Pensions continue abroad, but the Solidarity Allowance for the Elderly (ASPA, or minimum old-age pension) requires French residency and is unavailable overseas.
To maintain Social Security and French basic/complementary pension payments, provide an annual life certificate confirming you are alive. Retirement Insurance centralizes this process, notifying you electronically via your personal online account.
Have the certificate authenticated by local authorities in your host country, such as a town hall or police station. Submit it within three months via your online space or by mail using the CNAV form. Failure to do so suspends payments for at least one month.
Pensions for French retirees abroad follow specialized tax and social rules tied to the host country. Income tax may apply in France only, the host country only, or both, depending on bilateral agreements that prevent double taxation. Rules vary by pension type (basic, supplementary, agricultural, or private like life insurance).
Pensions are subject to social contributions (health, disability, death) at rates depending on the pension type, but exempt from CSG and CRDS. Certain conditions may grant full exemptions—always verify local requirements.
In EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, your healthcare follows local regulations and covers temporary stays in France. Request coverage from your pension fund using the appropriate application form.
No automatic health coverage applies. However, agreements with some countries enable reimbursements—check with your French health fund or the CLEISS website. Without an agreement, secure private insurance or assistance, such as from the Caisse des Français de l'Étranger (CFE), to avoid high medical costs.
