French OAPs head for the sun
Pension agency figures show one in 10 pensioners is living outside France, with majority in Europe and 44% in Africa
ABOUT one in 10 French pensioners have decided to settle outside France once they hit retirement – with the majority heading elsewhere in Europe and 44% for Africa.
In all, the 1.3million retraités have spread to a total of 180 countries round the world but Algeria is the No1 destination as it has pulled 440,000 pensioners.
Figures from the pension office, Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Vieillesse, and the Ministère des Affaires Etrangères show that Spain is the No1 destination in Europe with 191,159, Portugal on 178,000 and Italy on 91,300.
Next come other African countries such as Morocco and Tunisia with Switzerland, Turkey and the US – where 15,000 French OAPs have retired - Serbia and then Israel, with 6,700.
Further away still, a significant number have opted for Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia with many people pointing to a significantly lower cost of living and better climate.
That may be explained by the fact that the average pension for these expat pensioners is just €221 per month – as against €621 for those who remain in France.
The CNAV noted, however, that many would also be receiving pensions from other sources, about a third of their total for ordinary workers and two-thirds for managers.
This month’s Connexion looks at what it costs for a ‘decent' life in France - buy a pdf copy online here - with one commentator saying it would be "almost impossible" to live on the UK state pension if you do not own your own home.
Photo: BrandonOh - CC0
