The South of France has always been a dream retirement spot for Britons – while the UK has many wonderful things, France offers a way of life a way of life that is simply hard to beat.

But since Brexit, one question comes up again and again:

“Is it just too difficult now?”

The honest answer? It’s only hard if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s where we come in.

Retiring in France After Brexit: What’s Changed – and Why It’s Not a Deal-Breaker

Residency and Visas for British Expats

British expats can no longer simply move to France and stay indefinitely. A long-term visa or residency permit is now required, along with proof of income or savings.

But the process isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Thousands of Brits have already secured French residency successfully.

We are helping British expats prepare visa applications

Healthcare for British Expats in France

The old EHIC no longer covers full healthcare for retirees. You’ll need private health insurance or, if you’re receiving a UK pension, an S1 form.

Read our guide to healthcare options for UK retirees in France

Financial Planning and Tax for Retirees in France

Retiring to France isn’t just a lifestyle choice – it can be a smart financial move. With the right planning, you could reduce your Wealth Tax (IFI) on your French residence (read our Wealth Tax guide) and unlock other valuable tax efficiencies that simply aren’t available in the UK.

Yet many retirees miss these opportunities. Brexit has complicated banking rules, UK investment platforms are no longer always accessible to EU residents, ISAs, NS&I and pensions can be unexpectedly exposed to French tax.

At MiraClair Wealth, we help you turn these complexities into an advantage:

Seamless EU-compliant banking and investment solutions – ensuring your wealth is managed with precision and efficiency.

Bespoke pension and income structuring – designed to minimise French tax and preserve more of your wealth for the life you want (discover how to manage UK pensions in France).

Proactive Wealth Tax and inheritance planning – protecting your legacy so your family receives more of what you’ve built (use our French Wealth Tax Calculator).

A move to France should feel effortless – financially as well as personally. With the right strategy, it can.

‘With the right planning, retiring to France can mean lower taxes and the chance to pass on more to the people you care about than you could by staying in the UK.’

And if you decide years later that life in France isn’t for you, we can also help you move back to the UK – and with careful tax planning, you can often save even more tax when you do.

The Good News – Life in France Is Still Worth It

Yes, Brexit added more red tape, but the rewards are unchanged. The South of France is still as beautiful as ever – and thousands of British expats are making the move successfully.

At MiraClair Wealth, we specialise in helping British retirees move to France with confidence. We handle the heavy lifting – visas, and tax-efficient financial planning – so you can focus on what matters most: living your dream.

Your Dream Is Still Possible – Let’s Make It Happen

If you’ve been putting off your retirement plans or finding it hard to stay within the 90-day limit after Brexit but dream of staying longer, we can help you make it happen. The sooner you start planning, the easier it will be.

Important Information

The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute personal financial, tax, or investment advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in the future. Cross-border planning should always be reviewed with a qualified professional who understands both UK and French regulations.

If you are considering making any changes to your pension or investments, we strongly recommend seeking personalised advice.

📞 Book a consultation with us today – and let’s turn your dream of retiring in France into reality.