Retiring to France
Pick up a pension
Investigate your options carefully to find the one that will make the most of your UK pension. The Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme, or QROPS, could be a solution; it allows you to invest your money in euro-denominated funds safeguarding it from currency fluctuations.
To receive your UK pension in France, you will need to contact the International Pension Centre in Newcastle (0191 218 7777) before you leave; you can also calculate your state pension forecast online at www.direct.gov.uk
If you are a permanent resident in France and your pension falls below a certain rate, you can top it up via ASPA, allocation de solidarité aux personnes âgées.
Money matters
Book in a consultation with a qualified financial adviser to get your finances in order before you move. Make sure you find one who specialises in expats moving to France as they will know the ins and outs of both the French and the UK systems and will be best placed to advise you. You will need to think about the tax implications of your move to France; some careful restructuring of your assets could pay dividends in the long run.
Speaking in tongues
If your French is a little dusty and has had limited exposure since its O-level heyday, it is a good idea to get back into the swing of things before you make the move.
You will reap the rewards of having a good grasp of the language so make sure you find a learning method that suits you. Whether it’s reading a French translation of an old favourite, watching French television or one-on-one conversation classes, vary your programme so it doesn’t become a chore.
Social engagements
Establishing a network of friends and acquaintances is key to enjoying life in France. Your first port of call should be the mairie where you will be able to get hold of a list of the local associations, or clubs, in the area. If you can’t find anything to indulge your particular hobby, you can always look at starting up your own asso.
There are branches of the Université du Troisième Âge in France that offer courses specifically for older people or alternatively, get involved in the local community by helping out with local festivals, schools or the village hall.
Hale and hearty
If you are of retirement age and in receipt of a UK state pension, you will be given a form E121, which entitles you to basic health-care cover in France known as couverture maladie universelle de base or CMU. It is then a good idea to take out a top-up insurance policy known as a mutuelle.
If you’re taking early retirement and you’re not planning on working in France, you will need to take out private health-care insurance as you will not be entitled to any state health-care cover. The exceptions to this are if you are in receipt of forms E106 or E121. An E106 is issued if you have worked and paid National Insurance contributions 2 years prior to leaving the UK; an E106 would entitle you to health care in France for a maximum of 2 years. If you are below retirement age, you may be entitled to hold form E121 if you have been in receipt of long-term incapacity benefit.