Tell us your situation
A short questionnaire captures the essentials - your location, priorities, and what you need. No financial advice is given at this stage.
Expat Financial Planning
France is one of the most popular destinations for British expats — but its tax system is among the most complex in Europe. Social charges, the IFI wealth tax, and the UK-France double tax treaty all require specialist attention to navigate correctly.
Why it matters
France operates a residence-based tax system, taxing French tax residents on their worldwide income at progressive rates reaching 45%. On top of income tax, social charges (prélèvements sociaux) of 17.2% apply to investment income and rental income for most French tax residents — a layer of taxation that many expats underestimate when first arriving.
The Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique (PFU), known as the Flat Tax, allows investment income to be taxed at a combined rate of 30% (12.8% income tax plus 17.2% social charges). For some expats, this provides a simpler and more predictable alternative to the progressive rate system — but the right choice depends on your overall income profile and individual arrangements.
The Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière (IFI) applies to French tax residents who hold real estate assets worldwide above €1.3 million net. For expats who own property in both France and the UK, understanding whether the IFI applies to your situation — and how treaty provisions interact with it — is an important element of forward planning.
The UK-France double tax treaty is one of the UK's most comprehensive, providing important reliefs on pension income, employment income, dividends, and capital gains. The application of the treaty to different types of UK pension — government service versus private, State Pension versus drawdown — requires specialist review. Post-Brexit, British nationals living in France must hold a titre de séjour (residency permit), and those who moved after 31 December 2020 are subject to standard EU immigration rules rather than the simplified Withdrawal Agreement process.
Healthcare coverage for British expats in France has become more complex since Brexit. Those covered under the Withdrawal Agreement retain S1 entitlements, but later arrivals must navigate PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie) contributions and private health insurance requirements.
Getting specialist guidance from day one can help you avoid costly mistakes.
The process
The UK-France double tax treaty is detailed, but its application to individual situations — particularly UK pension income and capital gains — requires specialist review. We match you with advisers who have direct experience supporting British expats living in France.
We match you with the right specialist
Every submission is reviewed by a human. We identify a specialist with the right expertise for your specific country and circumstances.
Your introduction, your timeline
You are connected directly. No auto-forwarding, no pressure, and no obligation. The specialist conversation happens on your terms.
“I retired to the Dordogne and had assumed my UK pension would be straightforward to manage from France. The specialist explained the treaty provisions in plain language and helped me structure my income to avoid unnecessary double taxation.”
Questions
Common Questions About Financial Planning in France
Will my UK pension be taxed in France?
The treatment of your UK pension in France depends on the type of pension. Government service pensions — including certain NHS, teaching, and civil service pensions — are generally taxable only in the UK under the UK-France double tax treaty. Private pensions and the UK State Pension are typically taxable in France as the country of residence, with credit for any UK tax withheld. The distinction between pension types matters significantly, and a specialist can review your specific arrangements under the treaty.
What are social charges and do they apply to me?
Social charges (prélèvements sociaux) in France total 17.2% and apply to investment income, rental income, and capital gains for French tax residents. British expats who are covered by a social security scheme in another EEA country — or under the UK Withdrawal Agreement — may be exempt from some components. This has been the subject of ongoing legal and administrative developments since Brexit. A specialist can assess your current position under the applicable rules.
Do I need a titre de séjour to live in France?
British nationals who moved to France before 31 December 2020 are protected under the Withdrawal Agreement and typically applied for a Withdrawal Agreement residency card. Those who moved after that date need to apply for a titre de séjour under standard French immigration rules, which requires meeting specific conditions for income, healthcare, and accommodation depending on the visa category. A specialist familiar with the practical requirements for British expats in France can help you understand the administrative steps alongside your financial planning.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax laws and regulations change frequently. Always seek advice from a qualified specialist who understands your personal circumstances.
From UK pension treaty treatment to IFI and social charges, we can introduce you to a specialist who understands what British expats in France actually need.