Montpellier: very safe, properly hot summers — on the water

US Social Security

Under the US-France treaty, Social Security is taxable only in the residence state. If you live in France, French taxes apply to your US Social Security — not US taxes. This is different from most other treaty countries.

US pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs

Under the US-France treaty, private pensions and retirement-account withdrawals are generally taxable in the residence state (France). French progressive rates apply; the foreign tax credit prevents double-tax on the US side.

Medicare reality

US Medicare does not cover care in France. Tricare For Life (military retirees 65+) has limited overseas coverage. France's own system (CPAM) covers you after residency — but you need private insurance for the gap period.

Private cover at retiree age

For a 62-year-old, plan on $215-$305/mo for private cover during the pre-CPAM period. After CPAM enrollment (typically 3 months), a mutuelle top-up runs €50-90/mo and fills the 30% copay gap.

NHS → Local healthcare

France's Assurance Maladie (Sécurité Sociale) reimburses ~70% of healthcare costs; a top-up mutuelle covers the rest (€30–€80/month). Quality is world-class — France regularly ranks #1 or #2 globally. Register via CPAM after 3 months of stable residence. Specialist access is faster than NHS. GHIC covers emergency tourist care only. S1 form gives UK pensioners full Assurance Maladie access. PUMA (universal healthcare) covers all legal residents after 3 months — no employment required.

Buying property post-Brexit

French banks are relatively generous to non-residents: 70–80% LTV is achievable for UK buyers with stable income. Post-Brexit, UK buyers are third-country nationals but France has no specific foreign-buyer restrictions. Droits de mutation (transfer tax) is 7–8% for existing properties, ~2–3% for new-builds. Notary fees are included in this. French mortgage rates are competitive (3–4% fixed for 20–25 years). Banks assess affordability strictly — max 35% debt-to-income ratio.

UK pension portability

France accepts QROPS transfers to qualifying French pension products (PER — Plan d'Épargne Retraite). The 25% OTC position is complex post-Brexit — take specialist advice. UK state pension is paid in France with full annual uprating (Withdrawal Agreement covers pre-2021 movers; post-2021 arrivals rely on the UK-France bilateral agreement). France's pension system provides benefits after 1 quarter of contributions. The UK-France totalization agreement combines NI and French contribution periods.

CGT on your UK home

The 5-year non-residence rule applies for UK property. France taxes residents on worldwide capital gains — property gains are taxed at a flat 19% + 17.2% social charges (total 36.2%), but with taper relief after 6 years of ownership (full exemption after 22 years for income tax, 30 years for social charges). Credit for UK CGT paid. French primary residence is fully exempt.

Double taxation treaty

The UK-France Double Taxation Convention (2009) covers income, pensions, and gains. UK government pensions: taxed only in the UK. Private pensions: taxed only in France once resident. Employment income: taxed where performed. French tax rates are progressive (0–45%) plus social charges. The convention has specific articles for directors' fees, students, and artists.

Getting EU mobility back

After 5 years of continuous legal residence, apply for EU Long-Term Resident status or a carte de résident (10-year card). French citizenship requires 5 years of residence, B1 French, and integration evidence. France allows dual nationality — you keep your British passport. French citizenship fully restores EU freedom of movement.