For many British expatriates in France, a UK pension represents one of the most important financial assets for retirement. Moving to France does not prevent you from accessing your UK pension, but understanding when you can take it, the different options available and the tax implications in France is essential to planning effectively. It is important to plan ahead to manage tax and pension implications when moving to France, as proactive preparation helps ensure a smooth transition and avoids unexpected issues.

Whether you hold a defined contribution pension, a defined benefit scheme or several workplace pensions accumulated over your career, knowing how to access them from abroad provides clarity and security. Understanding pension access is also essential for securing your financial future as an expat. This guide explains exactly when you can start drawing your UK pension from France, how the process works and what you should consider before making any decisions.

Those with an international career need to be especially aware of the procedures and options available for accessing pensions from abroad.

When can I claim my UK pension while living in France

UK pension access rules remain the same regardless of where you live, and the statutory age for accessing UK pensions applies whether you are in the UK or abroad. British expats in France can generally start taking benefits from age 55, increasing to 57 from 2028 under UK legislation.

Your options depend on the type of pension you have:

For the UK State Pension, you can claim your pension once you reach retirement age, which is the statutory age set by the UK government.

Early retirement options may be available for those who started working from a very young age, subject to specific conditions.

For Defined Contribution pensions

You can usually:

• Take a 25 percent tax free lump sum
• Begin flexible drawdown
• Purchase an annuity
• Leave the pension invested
• Transfer to an International SIPP for enhanced flexibility

For Defined Benefit pensions

These schemes have a scheme-specific retirement age, typically between 60 and 65. The benefits from defined benefit schemes are determined by a formula that includes the pension rate, years of service, and salary. Transfers may be possible, but only if the value is above regulatory thresholds and after receiving specialist UK advice.

Can I access my UK State Pension

Yes. You can claim the UK State Pension from France once you reach the UK State Pension age, currently 66, rising to 67. If you have met the required number of qualifying years, you may be eligible for a full pension. Payments can be made directly into your French bank account.

How do I start claiming my UK pension from France

The process involves submitting a pension application to your provider or through official channels. It is straightforward, but can take longer if you have multiple pensions or incomplete paperwork. You do not need to return to the UK. Everything can be done online or through international forms.

Steps to access your UK pension as an expat

1. Check your pension type and retirement age
Different rules apply for workplace pensions, SIPPs and DB schemes. Note that eligibility for certain pensions depends on the contributions paid and the qualifying period required by the scheme.

2. Locate all your pensions
Many expats have “lost” pensions from previous UK employers. Use the UK Government Pension Tracing Service if needed.

3. Confirm your identity and residency
Providers will require proof of identity and your French address.

4. Decide how you want to take benefits
You can take a lump sum, flexible income or a mix of both. If you plan to live in France long term, an International SIPP often provides more control.

5. Submit your access request
This is done directly with the provider or through your adviser.

6. Prepare for French taxation
Taking a UK pension from France has tax consequences. Private pensions are generally taxed in France, not the UK, under the double tax treaty. Making voluntary contributions can help fill gaps in your contribution record and potentially increase your pension benefits.

Can I transfer my UK pension when living in France

Many expats consider consolidating or transferring their pensions once settled in France. Each pension fund has its own rules regarding transfers and consolidation, so it is important to understand the specific requirements of your pension fund before making any decisions. Pension funds in the UK and France operate under their own rules, which must be considered when planning a transfer. The most popular and efficient solution is an International SIPP, which is specifically designed for expatriates.

Why consider an International SIPP

• Full access to your pension from France
• Consolidation of multiple UK pensions
• Flexible currency options including GBP and EUR
• Access to global investment platforms
• No UK residency requirement
• Clear, transparent fee structures

What about QROPS

Transferring a UK pension into a French pension scheme is not possible. While QROPS exist in some jurisdictions, there are no suitable QROPS options in France for UK expats, mainly due to the lack of international agreements between the UK and France regarding QROPS transfers. This is why the International SIPP remains the recommended route for most people.

How is a UK pension taxed when living in France

This is the area that concerns most British expats. The UK and France have a double taxation agreement, which means that UK pensions are generally subject to French taxes when you are resident in France. The double taxation agreement is designed to help you avoid double taxation on your pension income, so you are not taxed twice on the same income.

Working with a tax adviser can help you find the most tax efficient way to receive your pension income in France.

UK private pensions

Taxed only in France, not in the UK.

In France, some private pension contributions may be tax deductible, depending on the scheme and your personal circumstances. This means you could reduce your taxable income by contributing to certain pension plans, subject to specific limits.

UK State Pension

Also taxed only in France. The French social security system coordinates with foreign pension schemes, such as the UK State Pension, to ensure proper taxation and integration of benefits under bilateral agreements.

Lump sums

In France, lump sums from UK pensions can be taxed:

• Under the standard income tax scale
• Or under the special “7.5 percent fixed rate” (if eligible)

The application of certain tax rates, such as the 7.5 percent fixed rate, may depend on whether your pension income exceeds the social security ceiling, which acts as a threshold for different tax and contribution brackets.

A tax adviser can confirm which approach applies to your situation.

France may apply social charges, depending on your residency and health cover. This makes professional advice essential before drawing benefits.

How do I check my UK pension from France

You can monitor your pension payments and account status online through each provider, but several UK-wide tools can help:

1. The UK Government Pension Service

Check your UK State Pension scheme record, forecast and contributions.

2. Provider online portals

Most personal pensions and private pension schemes allow full online access to valuations and documents.

3. International SIPP dashboards

If you consolidate your pensions into an International SIPP, you get real-time information about your pension amount and investment performance, along with valuations and investment reporting in one place.

What happens if I have worked in multiple countries

Many expats in France have a mix of pension entitlements:

• UK workplace pensions
• UK State Pension
• French pension rights
• Pensions from other countries

If you have worked in multiple EU countries or in the European Economic Area (EEA), European regulations and social security agreements help coordinate your pension rights. France, as an EU country, participates in these agreements, which facilitate the recognition of periods validated in other countries, including military service, towards your French social security pension. Each pension is calculated and paid separately (pension separately), and you may be entitled to other pensions from different countries. The pension amount you receive in France may depend on your entire career, including periods worked abroad, and the person concerned must meet specific eligibility criteria.

Each pension pays separately. You cannot merge them into a French pension, but you can coordinate them for retirement income. This involves ensuring timing, tax and currency work in your favour.

FAQs – When (and How) to Access Your Pension as an Expat in France

Can I claim my UK pension if I live abroad
Yes. You can access UK pensions from anywhere in the world. UK pensioners living in France can receive their state pensions and private pensions, and the withdrawal agreement ensures that pension rights earned before Brexit are protected. The agreement also covers how pensions are paid and taxed for UK citizens residing in France.

Does living in France affect my UK pension age
No. Access ages remain exactly the same.

Do I pay tax in the UK or in France
Under the treaty, private pensions are taxed in France.

Can I take my 25 percent tax free lump sum from France
Yes. It remains tax free in the UK, but France has its own tax rules that may apply.

Can my pension be paid into a French bank account
Yes. Most UK providers can pay directly into your French account.

Can I still pay into my UK pension if I live in France
Sometimes, but limits apply. Expats should seek advice before making additional contributions.

Are there tax efficient options for receiving a pension in France, and what about health insurance?
There are tax efficient options for receiving a pension in France, such as Assurance Vie and private pension plans, which offer tax advantages. It is also important to have appropriate health insurance, as this integrates with the French social security and pension systems, especially for expatriates.

Speak to Harrison Brook

Accessing a UK pension as an expat in France involves navigating tax rules, transfer options and provider requirements. Whether you want to consolidate pensions, explore an International SIPP or understand how to minimise taxation, our advisers specialise in cross border retirement planning for British nationals living in France.

Contact Harrison Brook today to ensure your UK pension works for your life in France.