Retire in France

Your complete guide to financial independence in France for 2026

World-class culture and food, with significant social benefits but high taxes.
💰
78%
Cost of Living
vs NYC baseline
🏠
$1,400
Average Rent
per month
📊
30.0%
Capital Gains Tax
on investments
🛡️
8/10
Safety Score
security rating

How Much Do You Need to Retire in France?

Lean FIRE
€608,400
For €1,560/mo lifestyle
Moderate
€912,600
For €2,340/mo lifestyle
Comfortable
€1,216,800
For €3,120/mo lifestyle
Luxury
€1,521,000
For €3,900/mo lifestyle
Note: These calculations use the 4.0% safe withdrawal rate and include France's 30.0% capital gains tax.

Visa & Residency Options

Available Visas

Long Stay Visitor / Tech Visa

Cost by Location Type

Urban
€2,100
50% more
Suburban
€1,400
baseline
Rural
€980
30% less

Frequently Asked Questions about France

Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.
The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.
A tax on net real estate assets exceeding €1.3 million. Financial assets (stocks/cash) are excluded from this tax.
The 'Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique' is a flat 30% tax on most capital gains, dividends, and interest.
If you spend 183+ days in France, or if your primary 'center of economic interest' is in France, you are a tax resident.
After 3 months of residency (PUMA), expats can join the public healthcare system; supplemental 'mutuelle' insurance is highly recommended.
Yes, there are no restrictions on foreigners buying real estate in France.
Generally safe, but large cities have issues with petty crime (scams/pickpockets); rural France is exceptionally safe.
Yes. While younger people in Paris speak English, all official business and daily life in the provinces require French.
For the IFI wealth tax, you can reduce the taxable value of your primary residence in France by 30%.
Very affordable; a couple can live a high-quality life in regions like Limousin or Auvergne for under €2,500/month.
A Long-Stay Visa that acts as a residence permit; it's the standard route for retirees and remote workers.

Calculate Your Personal Freedom Date

Use our interactive calculator to see exactly when you can retire in France based on your current savings and income.

Try the Freedom Calculator →

© 2026 Freedom Clock. Data updated regularly for accuracy.