France is an increasingly popular destination for Australians looking to retire abroad. With its high quality of life, world-class healthcare system, and more affordable cost of living outside major cities, many see it as an attractive alternative to retirement in Australia.
But is retiring in France from Australia really worth it? This guide explores the key factors Australians need to consider, from visa and residency rules to healthcare, pensions, taxation, and the practical realities of living in France as a retiree. Whether you’re dreaming of a village in Provence or a quiet life in the Dordogne, we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of making the move.
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Can Australians retire in France?
Retiring in France from Australia is possible, but you’ll need to follow the correct visa and residency procedures. France does not have a dedicated retirement visa, so Australians typically apply as non-working long-stay residents.
Visa requirements for retirees
The Long-Stay Visitor Visa (Visa de Long Séjour – Visiteur) is designed for non-EU nationals who wish to stay in France for more than 90 days without engaging in employment in the French labour market. It’s ideal for retirees, remote workers, and individuals managing income from outside France, such as investments or rental property.
Unlike the Short-Stay Schengen Visa, which restricts visits to 90 days within a 180-day window, the Long-Stay Visitor Visa allows you to live in France for up to one year, with the option to renew.
Who is it for?
The Long-Stay Visitor Visa is suitable for:
- Retirees seeking to live in France full- or part-time
- Non-EU citizens managing income remotely
- Remote workers employed by foreign companies
- Individuals with passive income (e.g. rental income, savings, pensions)
It is not valid for taking up employment in France or enrolling in long-term study programmes.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they:
- Will not engage in paid work in France
- Can financially support themselves
- Have adequate health insurance
- Have secure accommodation in France
Proof of Financial Means
You must show sufficient income or savings to support yourself throughout your stay. Minimum requirement is 1,400 € net per person per month or around 2,800 € net per couple
If you do not have a regular income, you may show substantial savings. A recommended guideline is at least 12 months of the minimum net income, approximately 17,000 € – 20,000 € per person.
Health Insurance Requirements
Applicants must have comprehensive health insurance valid for the full duration of their stay in France. The policy must:
- Cover general care, hospitalisation, emergencies, and repatriation
- Be valid for residents, not just tourists
- Have no significant exclusions or waiting periods
Travel insurance and basic Schengen policies are not accepted. You must purchase private international health insurance or a compliant French policy.
Proof of Accommodation
You must provide documentation proving where you will live in France. This can include:
- A signed rental agreement
- Property ownership documents
- A letter of invitation if staying with a friend or relative
Make sure the document covers the entire length of your stay or shows continuity of accommodation.
➡️ Planning on renting in France before buying? Find out how we can help you find the perfect visa compliant long-term rental here.
Where to retire in France as an Australian
France offers a wide range of regions suited to Australian retirees, depending on your lifestyle preferences, budget, and need for accessibility. While the whole country has appeal, a few key regions consistently stand out for expats, thanks to their quality of life, healthcare access, climate, and community integration.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is often at the top of the list for Australians seeking a warm climate, Mediterranean scenery, and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle. The region combines historic towns, coastal cities, and excellent transport links to the rest of Europe. While the cost of living is higher than in rural areas, many retirees find the sunshine, healthcare access, and walkable towns worth the premium.
Occitanie is one of the most popular and affordable regions for retirees. With both Mediterranean beaches and Pyrenean mountain villages, it offers variety in both scenery and housing. Cities like Montpellier and Toulouse provide modern healthcare, cultural life, and reliable infrastructure, while surrounding towns and villages offer quieter, budget-friendly options. Occitanie also has a growing number of English-speaking expats, making integration smoother.
Dordogne, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is a long-standing favourite among retirees from English-speaking countries. Known for its charming villages, stone farmhouses, and countryside markets, it’s ideal for those seeking rural tranquillity. While more isolated than southern cities, Dordogne has a strong and supportive expat presence, making it easier to settle into village life in France.
Brittany, in northwest France, offers a cooler climate, beautiful coastlines, and a distinctive regional culture. Property prices are generally lower than in southern France, and the region has a growing number of international residents. Its proximity to Paris by high-speed rail and ferry access to the UK adds to its appeal for retirees wanting regular travel options.
Each of these regions offers a different version of retirement in France, whether you prefer warm coasts, peaceful countryside, or accessible towns with strong local services. For Australians used to space, nature, and a relaxed pace of life, these areas provide a natural fit.
Urban vs rural living
- Urban areas (e.g. Toulouse, Montpellier):
- Easier access to healthcare, public transport, and cultural events
- Better for non-French speakers and those needing support services
- Rural villages (e.g. Gers, Lot, Aveyron):
- Peaceful, scenic, and cost-effective
- Strong sense of local community
- Requires car ownership and some French language skills
Healthcare for retired Australian expats in France
One of the key advantages of retiring in France from Australia is access to the country’s high-quality, affordable healthcare system. France consistently ranks among the best in the world for healthcare outcomes, and retired expats can access the public system once they become legal residents.
Access to public healthcare (PUMa)
After three months of legal residence in France, non-working expats can apply to join the public healthcare system via Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa). This provides access to general practitioners, specialists, hospitals, and subsidised prescriptions. Reimbursements typically cover around 70% of medical costs, with the remaining 30% paid out-of-pocket or covered by a supplementary insurance policy.
To qualify, you must be:
- Legally resident in France for at least three continuous months
- Not employed in France
- Able to show proof of stable residence and income
Registration is done through your local CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) office. The process can take several months, so private cover is essential in the interim.
Private top-up insurance (mutuelle)
While PUMa covers most core services, many residents also purchase a mutuelle, a private health insurance policy that covers the remaining costs not reimbursed by the state. This includes co-payments, dental care, and specialist treatments.
Mutuelle plans vary in price and coverage, but most retired expats find that a basic policy offers excellent value compared to private insurance costs in Australia.
How to register as a non-working resident
To access French healthcare as a non-working resident, you’ll need to:
- Live in France legally for at least 3 months
- Submit your application to CPAM with proof of address, visa/residence permit, income, and ID
- Wait for your Carte Vitale (health card), which gives access to direct reimbursements
It’s highly recommended to maintain private health insurance until your PUMa registration is approved. You can then choose to keep both systems for full coverage.
➡️ Go further and read our guide to the carte vitale here to understand the French healthcare system better.
Pensions and taxes
Understanding how your Australian pension and superannuation work while living in France is essential for planning a financially sustainable retirement. France and Australia have a bilateral tax agreement that helps avoid double taxation, but it’s important to understand the rules that apply to retired expats in France.
Accessing Australian superannuation from abroad
Australians can access their superannuation while living overseas, provided they meet the usual conditions for release (such as reaching preservation age and retiring). There are no restrictions on receiving super payments into an overseas bank account, although:
- Currency conversion fees may apply
- Some funds may require proof of residence or identity from abroad
Pension income, including superannuation drawdowns, may still be taxable in Australia depending on your residency status for tax purposes. This is why clear planning is essential before withdrawing large amounts or restructuring your super.
Australia-France tax treaty and pension income
France and Australia have a double taxation agreement that prevents you from being taxed on the same income twice. Under this treaty:
- Australian government pensions (e.g. Age Pension) are usually taxable only in Australia
- Private pensions and superannuation may be taxable in France depending on the structure of the payments
- Lump-sum super withdrawals may be treated differently than regular pension income
Always declare your pension income in France to remain compliant, even if it is taxed only in Australia.
Tax residency rules and obligations
Once you reside in France for more than 183 days per year, you may be considered a French tax resident. This means:
- You must declare worldwide income to the French tax authorities
- Income may be taxed at French rates depending on source and structure
- Social charges (contributions sociales) may apply to certain types of passive income
Note that tax residency is separate from immigration status, and applies based on your physical presence, financial ties, and where your main household is located.
Working with a bilingual tax adviser
Given the complexity of tax rules between Australia and France, it’s highly recommended to consult a bilingual tax adviser who understands both systems. They can help with:
- Cross-border tax declarations
- Structuring pension income efficiently
- Avoiding double taxation and penalties
- Planning wealth transfers, inheritance, or property ownership
Proper advice ensures you remain compliant in both countries and optimise your retirement income under the relevant tax treaties.
Pros and cons of retiring in France from Australia
Retiring in France offers many lifestyle and financial advantages for Australians, but it’s not without its challenges. Understanding both the benefits and drawbacks can help you make an informed decision and plan for a smooth transition.
✅ Pros
- High quality of life: A relaxed pace, excellent food, rich culture, and beautiful surroundings make France a rewarding place to spend your retirement years.
- Affordable healthcare: The French public healthcare system (PUMa) is accessible, high quality, and far less expensive than private healthcare in Australia.
- Lower cost of living (outside major cities): Rural France, especially in regions like Occitanie or Dordogne, offers affordable housing, food, and property taxes.
- Proximity to other European countries: Once you’re settled, it’s easy to travel across Europe for leisure, family visits, or seasonal living.
- Strong expat networks: Many regions have active English-speaking communities that help new residents integrate more easily.
⚠️ Cons
- Bureaucracy and paperwork: French administration can be slow, inconsistent, and heavily reliant on in-person or written processes.
- Distance from family: Travel between France and Australia is long and costly, making frequent visits challenging.
- Language barrier: While English is spoken in some areas, many everyday interactions, especially medical or legal, require a functional level of French.
- Tax complexity: Navigating dual tax obligations and understanding pension treatment can be overwhelming without expert advice.
- Weather and rural isolation: Some may find winters in rural areas cold and isolating, especially if public transport is limited.
Final notes
So, is retiring in France from Australia worth it? For many, the answer is yes.
If you’re looking for a slower pace of life, excellent public healthcare, more affordable living (especially outside the major cities), and the chance to enjoy Europe’s cultural richness, France offers a compelling retirement destination. Regions like Occitanie, Dordogne, Provence, and Brittany each provide a distinct blend of lifestyle, affordability, and community.
That said, retiring in France isn’t for everyone. It’s best suited to Australians who:
- Are comfortable with (or willing to learn) basic French
- Prefer a more relaxed, local lifestyle over fast-paced urban living
- Have stable financial resources or pension income
- Are prepared for some administrative complexity
- Don’t need frequent travel back to Australia
If that sounds like you, France could be the ideal place to enjoy your retirement years, with excellent food, healthcare, and scenery as part of daily life.
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