Thinking of taking the plunge in 2026? Retiring abroad is a daring life project that is attracting more and more French people. By December 31, 2024, over one million of them (or 7.1% of retirees) had already chosen expatriation to savor their new-found freedom. Whether you’re looking for low taxes, a sunny climate or a low cost of living, a successful move requires careful preparation.
Where do French retirees settle abroad?
Choosing your destination is the first step in your adventure. While Europe remains a safe bet for its proximity, Africa and North America also attract many profiles.
Top 10 current destinations :
According to the latest statistics, the French retired population breaks down as follows:
| Country | Number of pensioners | Main asset |
| Algeria | 334 669 | Reversionary pensions / Returning home |
| Portugal | 159 680 | Taxation and living environment |
| Spain | 147 966 | Infrastructure and proximity |
- Italy & Morocco: Between 61,000 and 62,000 residents, appreciated for their culture and cost of living.
- Belgium & Germany: Chosen for economic stability and geographical proximity.
- Switzerland & Canada: Premium destinations offering excellent quality of life and medicine.
An interesting fact is that, overall, retired expatriates are older than those who remain in France. 37% of them are between 80 and 89 years old, proving that expatriation is a very long-term, sustainable project.
Administrative procedures: looking ahead to 2026
1. Residence formalities (Visas)
Each country imposes its own rules. For EU citizens, Portugal offers great freedom (simple CRUE registration after 3 months). Outside Europe, the procedures are more complicated:
- EU (Portugal, Spain, Italy): freedom of residence up to 3 months, registration with CRUE or local register beyond that.
- Senegal: Obtaining a foreigner’s identity card is compulsory.
- Brazil : A special visa is available for retirees over 60.
- Malaysia: The “Malaysia My Second Home” (MM2H) program is ideal for affluent senior citizens.
- Australia: Retirement Visa available, conditions depend on age and income.
2. Taxation: avoiding double taxation
Don’t leave without checking the existence of a tax treaty between France and your host country.
- In Morocco or Senegal: Significant reductions (up to 80%) may apply to your pension if you become a tax resident.
- In Canada: All income is taxable locally, but tax credits avoid paying twice for the same income.
| Country | Taxation of French pensions | Special features |
| Morocco | Deductions up to 80 | Tax advantages for retirees |
| Senegal | Possible allowance for pensions | Tax residents only |
| Canada | All taxable income | Tax credit to avoid double taxation |
| Switzerland | Local taxation on pensions | Mandatory declaration for principal residence |
| Portugal | Partial taxation possible | Depending on tax treaty and length of stay |
| United States | State taxation | Check bilateral tax treaties |
Budget and cost of living: assessing your needs
Purchasing power is often the driving force behind departure, but the differences from one country to another are abysmal:
| Destination | Estimated average budget (Couple) | Comparison vs. France |
| Algeria | ~ 800 € – 1 000 € | -57 % |
| Portugal (Lisbon) | 1 500 € – 2 000 € | Equivalent to the province |
| South Africa | ~ 1 300 € | -40 % |
| Switzerland | 3 680 € – 4 600 € | Very expensive |
| United States | > 4 000 € | Varies by state |
Santexpat tip: Always plan for an emergency fund and take local inflation into account to keep your retirement comfortable over 20 years.
Receiving your retirement pension abroad
The good news is that you can draw your French pension anywhere in the world. However, there are two strict requirements:
- Report your change of residence to your pension fund (CNAV, Agirc-Arrco).
- Provide an annual life certificate: This is proof that you are still a beneficiary.
Innovation 2026: Since the end of 2024, the “Mon certificat de vie” application has enabled you to validate this process via your smartphone. Note that from January 1, 2028, biometric recognition will become the norm to further simplify this process.
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Healthcare abroad: the cornerstone of your project
This is where your project can succeed or fail. Health cover is the most complex element to manage.
Bilateral agreements
France has signed agreements with many countries (USA, Canada, etc.) to coordinate entitlements. This ensures that you don’t lose any contribution quarters, and facilitates access to care.
Quality of care and local structures
- Switzerland & South Korea: Medical excellence, but very high prices. Private international insurance is essential.
- Colombia & Ecuador: High-performance, affordable systems in major cities, but medical deserts in rural areas.
- Retirement homes: If you’re anticipating a loss of autonomy, remember that models vary. In the Netherlands, the Hogeweyk village is a world leader in Alzheimer’s care. In Austria, some residences focus on conviviality (beer-brewing workshops!).
CFE: your international health cover
The Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE) is an essential ally when it comes to retiring abroad with peace of mind. This organization enables expatriates to continue to benefit from “French-style” health cover, whatever their country of residence. By subscribing to CFE, you are covered for medical care, hospitalization, and even repatriation if necessary. It forms the basis on which you can supplement private international health insurance, tailored to your specific needs and country of residence. CFE also facilitates remote access to healthcare reimbursements, simplifies administrative procedures and ensures continuity of your rights, while keeping you in line with French legislation.
Santexpat tip: combine CFE with a comprehensive international insurance policy for optimum coverage, especially if you live in a country with a limited or expensive local healthcare system.
4 expert tips for a successful expatriation
- The “life-size” test: Rent a property for 3 months in the target country (outside the tourist season) before selling your main residence in France.
- Local networks: Join expatriate groups (UFE, ADFE) to benefit from concrete feedback on local administration.
- Learning the language: Even a rudimentary knowledge of the local language will radically change your welcome and your social integration.
- Medical records: Take your complete medical records with you, scanned and translated if necessary.
Retirement abroad
Retiring abroad in 2026 is a unique opportunity to reinvent your daily life. While the living environment is a dream, the long-term viability of your project depends on solid financial organization and tailor-made health cover. Need a quote for your future international health cover? Compare the best offers with Santexpat.frand leave with peace of mind.
