UK Pension Advice for Expats in France
Advice on UK pensions and retirement income for expats living in France.
France works well for British retirees, but the interaction between UK pension rules and French taxation is one of the least intuitive in Europe — particularly around lump sums and social charges.
We look at the whole picture before anything is drawn, because the order and timing of withdrawals can change the outcome significantly.
Where your pension income is taxed
The UK–France double taxation agreement determines which country taxes each type of pension. Private and workplace pensions are generally treated differently from government service pensions, and the treatment of lump sums is not the same as it is in the UK.
Social charges are a separate matter from income tax and are frequently overlooked when people model their retirement income. Your healthcare arrangement can affect how they apply.
Timing lump sums and drawdown
Taking tax-free cash under UK rules does not guarantee the same treatment where you are resident. For French residents, whether a lump sum is taken before or after establishing residency, and how it is structured, can materially change the tax due.
This is a decision to make with advice in advance — it is very difficult to unwind afterwards.
Transfer or keep?
As elsewhere in the EEA, the removal of the transfer charge exemption in 2024 means a QROPS transfer can now cost 25% of the value. For most French residents, staying within the UK system and consolidating into an arrangement that accepts non-residents is the more sensible route.
How we work
A free 30-minute meeting, then a written review of your pensions and options — costs, guarantees and trade-offs stated plainly, and coordination with your French tax adviser where needed.
Common questions
Is my UK tax-free lump sum also tax-free in France?
Not automatically. UK and French rules treat lump sums differently, so the timing and structure of any withdrawal should be planned with advice before you take it.
Do social charges apply to my UK pension income in France?
It depends on your healthcare position and the type of pension income. Social charges are assessed separately from income tax, so they need to be modelled specifically rather than assumed away.
Can I keep contributing to a UK pension from France?
Contributions with UK tax relief are generally very limited once you have been non-resident for a while. We will confirm what remains possible in your case and what alternatives make sense locally.
Start with the free guide
Our UK Pension Transfer Guide covers the options, the charges and the traps — written by a Chartered Member of the CISI, in plain English.
Get the Free Pension GuideRelated reading
Retirement Planning for Expats: How to Avoid Double Taxation Across Borders
How double-taxation treaties protect your retirement income — and the order you need to use them in to keep more of what you've earned.
What Happens to Your UK Pension When You Move to Switzerland (or Europe)?
How your UK pension works once you've moved abroad — access, tax, the UK–Switzerland treaty and your real options.