gjp23 Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 I'm getting close to my chosen retirement date, and a move across to France, where we already have a mortgage free home. If I was to remain in the UK, I would expect to draw tax free income from my ISA, which would keep me going until my company and state pensions kick in. Given that the tax free status of ISAs are not recognised in France, are there French options I should be considering? I believe that an Assurance Vie is some kind of tax efficient wrapper but I'm struggling to find detailed information.Regrettably, enquiries to certain 'professionals' in this area, who regularly advertise in Living France and France magazines, have not solicited any response.All help, pointers etc. gratefully received. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinabee Posted May 22, 2008 Share Posted May 22, 2008 there is quite a good explanation herehttp://www.francethisway.com/assurance-vie-france.php(I have no connection with this firm and have never used their services)There is another article herehttp://www.frenchentree.com/fe-legal/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=29309There are also other tax-free savings accounts in France - http://www.frenchentree.com/fe-finance/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=32419For inheritance tax purposes it is better to set up an Assurance Vie BEFORE moving to France. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjp23 Posted May 23, 2008 Author Share Posted May 23, 2008 Thanks TB. I'll go do some reading [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinabee Posted May 23, 2008 Share Posted May 23, 2008 If your French is up to it, here's a few more websiteshttp://www.pratique.fr/vieprat/dem/assur/daf3609.htmhttp://www.meilleures-offres-finance.com/a/s/vie.htmlhttp://www.cbanque.com/placement/assurance-vie-2.phpThere is normally a fee for opening the contract, then an annual management fee - these vary between different providers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjp23 Posted June 4, 2008 Author Share Posted June 4, 2008 Thanks again TB. With the occasional use of a dictionary, I can manage these quite nicely, although I need a bit more time to follow up some of the links. At that stage, the French language skills may start to creak a little!!G> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chessfou Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 If you are talking about MAXI ISAs as opposed to cash ISAs, then the French "equivalent" is the PEA - Plan d'Epargne en Actions.Big differences cf ISAs:- you can put in up to €130,000 (actually 132 or 134; in one lump or over time);- gains only become fully tax free (even then subject to 11%) after (memory) 8 years (5 years is also significant).If you Google Plan d'Epargne en Actions, you'll find loads of stuff. The main French on-line brokers (Boursorama and Fortuneo) are good sources of information as well as the obvious candidates if you choose to go down this route (I chose Fortuneo a couple of years ago - mainly because they seemed to be better and cheaper for LSE stocks), especially if you are going "self-select." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjp23 Posted June 11, 2008 Author Share Posted June 11, 2008 More French reading for me! But it really does look as if there are some valid alternatives out there. I had not heard of this one before.Thanks chesspou, it's much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now