Retiring in France

It depends on what country you’re from. I’m an American and there’s an agreement between France and the US that I pay US taxes not french taxes. Income taxes, that is.

Hi I'm from the UK sorry didn't say.

Hi Wendy,
We live in Charente Maritime and I love it here. We moved here pre Brexit.
You know there are strict rules and regulations for UK citizens moving to the EU now. Also look at your access to health care.
I am just looking into the tax/pension implications now.
The one thing I would say about France is it is very difficult to get to know French people. I am learning the language and doing quite well and my husband is French but they are a very closed society. Nice people but have certain etiquette rules that make it difficult to easily make friends. I would suggest you do your research before you decide on where to live. Choose a place with plenty of expats. At least that way you have options. Where I live I am the only English person in town.
Be careful you are not buying in a place that only has 2nd home owners. You don't want a place that is empty for most of the year.
Also look into local transport. The transport in the countryside and small towns is not good. Where I live there are only 4 buses a day and the last one coming from the main nearby town leaves and 18.30pm in the evening so useless if you want to go there for dinner. Lots to think about.
Margaret

Welcome Wendy,

I hope all goes smoothly for you.
Very good and helpful advice from Margaret.
Myself and my husband are planning to relocate next Spring from Ireland, we're in our 50's and hoping to semi retire!

Best wishes

Anne

Hi,

Sadly I don't live close to you and not 'nerdy' although very business orientated. I too love gardening and cooking. I moved to France just before Brexit so I am learning French as fast as I can so I can fully integrate. My husband is French but I haven't been able to get him to speak slowly enough for me to keep up!
I wish you luck making friends as it is not easy.
Why did all your friends go back to the UK. Brexit? I thought as long as you arrived pre Brexit you could stay here and keep all your rights.

Thank you Margaret all very valid and important factors you have sent me.
Lots to consider,i wasn't aware how hard it can be to integrate with the local French community.
I will be on my own so choosing the right place is imperitive to future happiness.
Thanks Wendy

Yes the planning is important and not exactly knowing how or what will happen? , in life if you don't take steps forward and take the steps, you will stay static.
Thanks Wendy

Hi Wendy,

Do you speak French?

Margaret.

Learning French

Hi sounds like a plan, we did all that but I think a chat would be useful for you. Email us with your uk land line number and we can call you free. My email is ***

Hi Di Green,

So you already live in France?
Can I ask you whereabouts approx?

Margaret.

Hi, Wendy - Welcome!

Are you an American?  Will you be getting Social Security?  I believe that there is an agreement between France and the USA that essentially allows those receiving payments to be taxed on those in their OWN country.  I'm not a specialist in this area, so if I were you I'd also check with the IRS.  Here is some more information:

3. Taxation of Social Security Benefits
U.S. Social Security Benefits

U.S. Social Security benefits received by US citizens and green card holders residing in France are taxable in the United States. France also has the right to impose tax on that income if the recipient is French permanent resident.

French Social Security Benefits

French Social Security and other payments made under the social security legislation of France to a resident of France who is a citizen of the United States shall be taxable only in France and exempt from taxation in the U.S..

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/country_ … ml#faq-122