The French pension system explained

The French state pension requires 42 years of work to receive a full pension (maximum 50% of annual average earnings), with earliest retirement age at 62. The pension system has three pillars: state pension, compulsory supplementary pension, and voluntary private pensions, offering retirees comprehensive retirement income options.

State Pension Basics

Your social security contributions pay into a state pension (retraite de base). Workers must work at least 42 years to claim a full French state pension (40 years if born before 1952). By 2035, this requirement rises to 43 years for those born from 1973 onwards.

The state pension scheme entitles retirees to draw a maximum of 50% of their annual average earnings. Those born after 1953 must receive a minimum of 37.5% of their earnings.

Pension Eligibility

The earliest retirement age in France is 62 (60 if born before 1 July 1951). People born after 1 January 1955 cannot claim a full state pension until age 67. Early retirement is possible for people who worked from a very young age, those with disabilities, or those who worked in unhealthy environments.

If you worked in France for at least 10 years, you can claim a French state pension. You may also transfer some pensions from your own country.

Pension Calculations

Your French pension amount depends on three factors: your average annual earnings (salaire annuel moyen), your pension rate (maximum 50%, minimum 37.5% for those born after 1953), and your total period of insurance including parental leave and unemployment periods.

Pension for Expats

If you worked in other European countries, you may combine total employment years to qualify for a French pension or get higher rates. France has social security agreements with EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and many non-EU countries.

UK expats may transfer pensions into a Qualified Recognized Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) to consolidate pensions into one plan, manage funds more easily, and avoid currency fluctuations.

Supplementary Pensions

Workers in France pay into supplementary pensions administered by industry bodies. AGIRC (for executives) and ARRCO (for non-executives) merged in 2003. Pension funds calculate rates based on points accrued during your career.

Voluntary private pensions and company savings plans are encouraged by the government. Workers can take out five-year or 10-year policies with contributions as low as €50 monthly. Private voluntary pension contributions are tax-deductible up to 10% of previous year's earnings.

Survivor Pensions

Under certain conditions, a surviving spouse or ex-spouse can receive more than half (54%) of a deceased spouse's pension benefits. To qualify, surviving spouses must be at least 55 with income not exceeding €21,985.60 for single persons.

Applying for Your Pension

Once you reach statutory retirement age, contact the National Old-Age Insurance Fund (Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Vieillesse, CNAV). If you live abroad, the French pension authority provides guides for claiming international French pensions.

Next Steps

Calculate your expected pension using online tools. Consult with financial advisors to understand how the rules apply to your situation. Start planning early to maximize your retirement income.

Planning retirement in France? Visit Expatslist for more retirement guides. Share your pension experiences on our blogs page, or add your financial services to help other expats plan their retirement.