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Emigrating to France as a Retiree: Your Relaxed Retirement in France
Do you dream of a relaxed retirement in France? The proximity to Germany, the pleasant climate, and the high quality of life make France a popular destination for German retirees. Find out how to optimally plan your move and what aspects you should consider. Need support with planning? Contact us for personal advice.
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Do you dream of a relaxed retirement in France? The proximity to Germany, the pleasant climate, and the high quality of life make France a popular destination for German retirees. Find out how to optimally plan your move and what aspects you should consider. Need support with planning? Contact us for personal advice.
Do you dream of a relaxed retirement in France? The proximity to Germany, the pleasant climate, and the high quality of life make France a popular destination for German retirees. Find out how to optimally plan your move and what aspects you should consider. Need support with planning? Contact us for personal advice.
Do you dream of a relaxed retirement in France? The proximity to Germany, the pleasant climate, and the high quality of life make France a popular destination for German retirees. Find out how to optimally plan your move and what aspects you should consider. Need support with planning? Contact us for personal advice.
Planning your retirement in France? Discover everything about health insurance, taxes, real estate, and the best regions for retirees. Find out more now!
France is immensely popular as a retirement destination. The high standard of living, the pleasant climate, and the relaxed lifestyle, often referred to as the "Art de Vivre," attract many German retirees. Additionally, the culinary diversity and the relative proximity to Germany make visits from family and friends easier. But what should be considered if you wish to retire to France? We at GoMovin help ensure your move goes smoothly.
An important aspect is the French healthcare system. As an EU citizen, you generally have access to the French health insurance. However, an additional insurance, also called _mutuelle_, is often necessary to cover co-payments. Financial aspects are also of great importance. Cost of living can vary significantly depending on the region. Equally important is the tax treatment of your pension and the question of whether you want to buy or rent property. Not to forget are the residency requirements. As an EU citizen, you enjoy freedom of movement, but there are still some formal steps you should be aware of. We at GoMovin support you through all of these steps to make your retirement in France a success. More information can also be found on Sparkasse.de, where Gerda Wittmann-Zimmer shares her experiences of retiring in France.
Register in time: Secure health insurance coverage
Before you can enjoy your retirement in France, there are some legal and bureaucratic preparations to be made. As an EU citizen, you do not need a visa to enter France. However, it is recommended to register within three months of your move to obtain comprehensive health insurance coverage. This registration will automatically lead to the issuance of a residence certificate. According to Wise.com, France is a popular destination for German retirees due to its proximity, climate, cuisine, and European standards.
Access to the French healthcare system is of great importance for you as a retiree. Before emigrating, you should apply to your German health insurance provider. It is advisable to take out a supplementary private health insurance (_mutuelle_) to cover co-payment costs. Your pension entitlement and payment must also be arranged. On moving to the EU, your pension will not be reduced. However, you need to inform the pension service of Deutsche Post AG and submit a life certificate annually, unless there is a data exchange agreement. The payment can be made to either a German or French account. Note that since 2016, your pension is taxed in France. It is advisable to consider the double taxation agreement and consult a tax advisor if necessary. The Deutsche Rentenversicherung provides detailed information on pension payments abroad.
Financial Planning: Consider Regional Differences and Optimise Costs
Sound financial planning is crucial for a relaxed retirement in France. Living costs can vary greatly depending on which region you choose. Paris and the Côte d'Azur are significantly more expensive than Occitanie or Alsace, for example. The decision of whether to buy or rent property also has a major impact on your finances.
Buying property incurs high additional costs, such as notary and land transfer taxes. The "preliminary contract" (_compromis de vente_) has a short withdrawal period of only 10 days. The regional price differences are huge: in Paris, you pay up to 10,000 euros per square metre, while it is much cheaper in Alsace. If you wish to rent, you need proof of income and a French bank account. A guarantor may also be required. Rental prices are similar to those in Germany, but in rural areas, you can live more cheaply. To open a bank account in France, you need identification, proof of residence, and an income/pension certificate. For international money transfers, Wise (formerly TransferWise) can be a cost-effective alternative as it offers multi-currency accounts and reduces exchange rate fees. 50plusabroad.ch provides further useful information on financial planning for retirement in France.
Choosing a Place to Live: Consider Climate, Costs, and Community
Choosing the right place to live is crucial for your well-being in retirement. France offers a variety of regions, each with different advantages. Popular regions for retirees include the Atlantic coast, the southern coast (Côte d'Azur), Provence, Occitanie, and Alsace. The Côte d'Azur is known for its high property prices, while Occitanie presents a more affordable alternative. Alsace is particularly attractive for German-speaking retirees.
When choosing a place to live, you should consider various criteria such as the climate, living costs, infrastructure, proximity to Germany, and the presence of a German-speaking community. Each region has its own charm and pros and cons. It is worth visiting different places to get a personal impression. Proximity to Germany can be important for visits from family and friends, while a German-speaking community can facilitate integration. This article highlights that France offers a pleasant climate, excellent healthcare, and lower living costs compared to Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.
Healthcare: Take out supplementary insurance for lower excess
An important aspect of planning your retirement in France is healthcare. The French healthcare system enjoys a good reputation, but there are also high out-of-pocket expenses. Therefore, supplementary insurance (_mutuelle_) is essential to cover the costs. As an EU citizen, you have access to the French healthcare system. You need to register with the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie).
The supplementary insurance (_mutuelle_) covers the out-of-pocket costs, for example, 30% for doctor's visits. Without this insurance, you would have to bear a significant portion of the costs yourself. There are various providers of supplementary insurance with different services and prices. It is advisable to seek information in advance and compare the different offers. The Europe-Mobile page emphasises that registration within three months is required to avoid limitations on health insurance coverage.
Promote integration: Acquire language skills and make connections
Successful integration is crucial for your well-being in retirement. Language skills play an important role in this. It is recommended to learn French as English is not widely spoken. Social contacts are also important to feel comfortable in your new environment. The AVF (Accueil des Villes Françaises) offers support for integration. You can also participate in local activities and host events yourself.
Learning the French language not only makes everyday life easier but also allows you to make contacts and participate in social life. The AVF is an organisation that helps newcomers find their way around the city and make contacts. By participating in local activities, you can meet new people and integrate into the community. If you host events yourself, you can meet other people and expand your social network. According to Capital.de, many German retirees in France are looking for the "good life".
Arrange estate: Observe French inheritance law and consult a notary
The estate regulation should not be neglected. French inheritance law applies to assets located in France. It is advisable to consult a French notary, especially for cross-border inheritance matters. By drafting a will, you can clearly arrange the order of succession.
In the event of inheritance, various documents are required, such as the death certificate, family record book, and the will. A French notary can help you undertake all the necessary steps and ensure that your estate is settled in accordance with your wishes. It is important to note that French inheritance law may differ from German inheritance law. Therefore, professional advice is essential. Europa-Mobil emphasizes the importance of consulting a French notary for cross-border inheritance issues.
Conclusion: Enjoying retirement in France with careful planning
Emigrating to France as a retiree can be a rewarding decision. France offers a high standard of living, a pleasant climate, and good healthcare. However, there are also challenges and preparations that you should consider, such as financial planning, language skills, and bureaucratic hurdles. With careful planning and preparation, you can enjoy a successful retirement in France.
We at GoMovin are happy to assist you with every step of your move to France. From planning to execution, we provide our expertise. Contact us today for a non-binding consultation. We help you realize your dream of retiring in France. Careful planning and preparation are the keys to a successful retirement in France. Consider all essential aspects, such as financial situation, healthcare, choice of residence, and integration. This way, you can fully enjoy your retirement. Plan your move with our relocation assistance now and make administrative tasks easier. We are also happy to help you choose the right insurance.
GoMovin: Your partner for a stress-free move to France
The decision to retire and move to France is a significant step that requires careful consideration. However, with the right preparation and support, you can successfully manage this step and enjoy a fulfilling retirement in France. At GoMovin, we understand that moving abroad can be challenging. That's why we offer comprehensive moving assistance tailored to your individual needs.
Whether it's organizing transport, dealing with administrative formalities, or finding suitable accommodation – we are here to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to make your move as straightforward and stress-free as possible, so you can feel at home in your new surroundings from the start. Would you like to learn more about how we can assist with your move to France? Contact us today for a personal consultation. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to retirement in France. Get in touch now!
Further useful links
Sparkasse.de reports on the experiences of Gerda Wittmann-Zimmer with retirement in France.
Die Deutsche Rentenversicherung provides detailed information on pension payments abroad.
FAQ
Which regions in France are particularly suitable for German retirees?
Popular regions include the Atlantic coast, the Côte d'Azur, Provence, Occitanie, and Alsace. The choice depends on your preferences regarding climate, cost of living, and proximity to Germany. The Côte d'Azur is more expensive, while Occitanie and Alsace are more affordable alternatives.
How does health insurance work in France for German retirees?
As an EU citizen, you generally have access to the French health insurance (CPAM). However, it is strongly recommended to take out additional insurance (_mutuelle_) to cover the deductibles. Before emigrating, you should file an application with your German health insurance provider.
Do I have to pay tax on my pension in France?
Since 2016, German pensions are taxed in France. It is important to consider the double taxation agreement between Germany and France and, if necessary, consult a tax advisor.
What financial aspects do I need to consider when emigrating to France?
Solid financial planning is crucial. Consider the regional differences in the cost of living, the costs of buying or renting property, and the tax treatment of your pension. Wise (formerly TransferWise) can be a cost-effective option for international money transfers.
Do I need a visa to emigrate to France as a retiree?
As an EU citizen, you do not need a visa to enter France. However, it is recommended to register within three months of your relocation to gain comprehensive health insurance coverage.
How can I integrate into life in France?
Language skills are important. It is recommended to learn French. The AVF (Accueil des Villes Françaises) offers support with integration. Participate in local activities and make connections.
What should I consider regarding inheritance arrangements?
The French inheritance law applies to assets located in France. It is advisable to consult a French notary, especially in cross-border inheritance matters. Creating a will can help to clearly arrange the succession.
How does GoMovin assist with relocating to France?
GoMovin offers comprehensive relocation assistance, tailored to your individual needs. We support you with the organisation of transport, handling administrative tasks, and finding suitable accommodation.