Wealth planning and investing as a foreign resident of France
Your life in France may be financed by income and investments held in several countries. We help you review those arrangements, plan for retirement and organise the financial protection of your family. Your nationality and any future move are part of that review.
We start with what you already own and what you need it to provide. That may include income for daily spending, a property purchase or savings for retirement. We then examine the French treatment of your accounts and any continuing obligations in other countries.
Investments for your life in France
An account that has tax advantages in your home country may be treated differently in France. Before changing it, compare the tax position, charges, access to your money and any benefits you would lose.
French assurance-vie is one option to examine. It is a life-insurance contract commonly used to hold investments and organise beneficiary arrangements. Its suitability depends on your circumstances, the investments selected and the costs of the contract. US persons need a specific review of the US consequences before considering French investment products.
Income and reporting
French tax residence generally brings worldwide income within the scope of French taxation, subject to tax treaties. You may also need to report foreign accounts and policies even when no income has been paid. We identify the information needed for the professionals handling your returns.
For pensions paid from abroad, the treaty and the type of pension matter. Establish which country may tax each payment and how double taxation is addressed before choosing the timing or form of a withdrawal.
Your family and succession plans
Existing wills and marriage arrangements need to be reviewed when more than one country is involved. The applicable succession law and the rules governing ownership between spouses are separate questions. Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 allows a choice of the law of nationality in specified circumstances; the consequences and limits should be discussed with the professionals advising your family.
If you expect to move again
Tell us if a return home or another move is part of your plans. We can examine how each proposed investment might be treated in the next country and what the provider permits. A French or Luxembourg contract should not be assumed to remain suitable in every destination.
If you keep property in France after leaving, French tax and reporting obligations may continue. The pages on leaving France explain the questions to review before that move.
If you would like to explain your situation in writing before arranging a meeting: Contact an English-speaking wealth adviser.
References cited
Règlement (UE) n° 650/2012
Frequently asked questions
Is assurance-vie suitable for a foreign resident of France?
It can be, but residence in France does not make it the right choice for everyone. Compare the contract’s tax treatment, charges, investments and withdrawal conditions with your existing arrangements. Any continuing obligations in another country, particularly for US persons, need to be examined.
How does France tax my foreign pension?
The answer depends on the country paying it, the type of pension and the applicable treaty. Some payments remain taxable in the paying country; others are taxable in France, with rules addressing double taxation where relevant. Review each pension separately.
Can moving to France affect my will?
Yes. Ask which law will govern the succession and how your existing will works under it. Article 22 of Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 provides for a choice of the law of nationality, subject to its conditions. That choice does not by itself settle the tax treatment or every issue affecting your family.
Where should I start?
Gather your account and pension statements, property details and family documents. Identify urgent decisions and upcoming reporting deadlines. We use that information to establish the order of work; there is no single sequence that fits every household.
Should I close my home-country investment accounts?
Not automatically. Review each account’s French treatment, any obligations elsewhere, provider restrictions and closure costs. You may be able to retain some arrangements while changing others.
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Also worth reading: the White paper — Private Equity 2026 published by Private Equity Valley — Unlisted assets: selection, risks, access.
Written by Stéphane Molère, President of Éthique et Patrimoine — page last reviewed on 2026-09-15 — reference date for the rules: 2026-09-07.