6 Reasons to Think Twice Before Retiring in France

For many, retiring in France is a dream. It’s a country rich in culture and art that contains a certain sophistication you can’t find in many other places. There are some great reasons to retire in France — their delectable wines and cheeses certainly sit at the top of my list. But before you decide to call France home for the rest of your life, there are some things you may want to consider.

1. Think Twice About Retiring in France If You Don’t Speak French

While it may not matter as much in larger cities like Paris, if you move to France, you’ll eventually want to learn the language. You can get by using English in some situations, but you’ll definitely have an advantage if you know French. 

If you are uncomfortable trying to communicate with people without knowing their language, you may want to reconsider retiring to France. As with many countries, some of the citizens aren’t the kindest to those who don’t speak the local language. 

2. Think Twice If You Don’t Want To Be Taxed

When you receive money from your retirement while living in France, you’ll be taxed by the French government. This means that you may end up getting taxed twice — once by your own country and also by France. Consider the amount of money you’ll have to pay in taxes and how it will impact your monthly income. 

Another thing that’s worth noting is that you will need to prove your financial independence before moving to France. If you can’t show their government that you have the savings and the means to care for yourself, your residency card likely won’t be approved.

3. Think Twice If You Love Mexican Food

While it might sound like a joke, foreign foods are tough to find in France. Mexican, Indian, and some American foods can be difficult to find and pricey if you do find them. If you eat tacos on the regular and have some special spices you enjoy, keep in mind that you may not be able to get them in France. You could always have them shipped from another country, but that can get expensive. 

4. Think Twice If You Don’t Have Health Insurance

To get your permanent residence in France, you’ll have to prove that you carry private international insurance. Though the French healthcare system is great, it takes time to get approved to receive the same care as French citizens. After filing your S1 form, expect to wait up to six months before you’ll have the same coverage as citizens. In the meantime, you can use your private insurance to cover any healthcare needs you have. It is a legal requirement to have health insurance in France. 

Another important thing to note is that the French healthcare system is different than healthcare in other countries. It’s less rigid and more flexible, sometimes covering up to 100% of medical costs for those with chronic illnesses. However, not every visit you have will be fully covered, and the reimbursement rate will depend on your conditions. Something else that’s important to note is that all visits will need to be paid out of pocket. You will then submit for reimbursement to the French government to cover the costs of the visit or medication.

5. Think Twice If You’re Used To 24-Hour Groceries

Grocery stores and other shops don’t operate like those in the U.S. Most supermarkets are only open from 8 until 5 or so on the weekdays, and for just a few hours on Saturdays. Many businesses also close for a few hours midday to have lunch. If you like being able to get groceries any time you’d like, you might want to reconsider retiring in France.

6. Think Twice If You Have Very Close Family In Your Country

If you have children or grandchildren that you can’t imagine not seeing regularly, moving to France may not be right for you. While it’s easy to think you could just hop on a plane anytime, flights to other countries like the Americas are long and expensive. However, if you’re considering moving from somewhere closer, like another country in Europe, this may not apply quite as much to you. 

Either way, it’s unrealistic for family members to jump on a plane and visit you anytime. Take time to consider if you’re ready to leave your close friends, family, and loved ones, and move to a place where you don’t know anyone.