UK Pension In France | What You Need To Know
France has long been a favoured destination for British expats, with up to 200,000 Brits estimated to have made it their home as of 2025.
Its charm, rich culture, and high-quality lifestyle make this country particularly appealing to retirees seeking a fresh start abroad.
If you are considering spending your golden years in France, understanding how your pension will function and be taxed is essential - especially if you will rely on it for your living expenses.
Our comprehensive guide covers the key considerations for managing your pension as a British expat in France.
With the right planning and information, you can prepare for your big move and ensure the transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible
How Are UK Pension Schemes Taxed in France?
If you're a UK expat living in France, understanding how your pension is taxed under the double taxation treaty between the UK and France is essential.
Typically, if you are a French resident, your pension payments will be taxed in France, not the UK. These payments must be declared in your French tax return and converted into euros using the annual exchange rates provided by the French tax authorities. However, certain exceptions, such as government service pensions, may apply. In France, pension income is subject to the standard income tax scale rates, with the following brackets for 2024:
0% up to €11,294,
11% from €11,295 to €28,797,
30% from €28,798 to €82,341,
41% from €82,342 to €177,106,
45% for amounts above €177,107.
(For more details about French income tax, click here.)
In France, pension income qualifies for a 10% household tax deduction, capped at €4,321. Additionally, social charges at a rate of 9.1% apply to pension income, unless you hold an S1 form, which exempts you from these charges.
(Learn more about the S1 form here.)
Whilst leaving your pension in the UK and transferring payments to France is an option, it might not be the most efficient choice. Some UK pension providers may not pay into international bank accounts, and maintaining a UK account as a French resident can be difficult and inconvenient.
Furthermore, converting payments from Sterling to Euros exposes you to currency exchange risks, which can erode your retirement funds over time. Fortunately, there are more optimal strategies available to help UK expats in France effectively manage their pensions and protect their wealth.
Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme France
In the past, transferring a pension to a QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) was a popular option for expats moving to France, offering attractive tax advantages.
However, this has changed significantly following the Chancellor’s October 2024 budget. The announcement removed exemptions from the Overseas Transfer Charge for transfers to the European Economic Area (EEA), including Malta and Gibraltar – where most QROPS are typically based.
As a result, a hefty 25% tax is now applied to the total value of any pension transferred outside the UK when the member doesn’t reside in the same country as the new provider.
For most expats, this steep charge makes QROPS transfers unaffordable and impractical, effectively eliminating the benefits this option once offered. For many UK expats in France, transferring a pension to a QROPS is no longer a viable or cost-effective solution.
UK Pension Transfer To France
For UK expats living in France in 2025, the International SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) is undoubtedly now the best option. Designed specifically for UK expats and non-residents, this UK-based solution retains the protection of trusted UK regulators, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), and the Pensions Regulator.
The International SIPP helps mitigate currency exchange risks by giving you the option to hold and invest in multiple currencies, including Euros. It’s also a far more cost-effective choice than a QROPS, often up to five times cheaper.
Offering unparalleled flexibility, the SIPP allows you to access your pension from age 55, with options for regular or ad hoc draw-downs - helping you manage your tax brackets and liabilities effectively.
With a strong investment component, the International SIPP provides access to a wide range of investment options, giving you the opportunity to grow your pension savings and build wealth over time.
The Wealth Genesis - How to Plan for Retirement in France
British Expat Pension Advice In France
Moving to France can be an exciting new adventure for your retirement years, but the financial aspects of relocation - especially when it comes to pension management - can be daunting.
At The Wealth Genesis, we understand the unique needs of British expats. With an office and specialist cross border advisers based in France, we can offer specialised advice tailored to expats living here.
