The French Retirement Savings Plan ( PER ) in 2025

The French Retirement Savings Plan Might Just Be the Secret Weapon You Didn’t Know You Had

They moved to France with ambition, style, and a new life in sight. But now? They’re lost in a tax jungle. They’re paying too much. They feel exposed. And they don’t know it yet, but they need us.

How to Save on Taxes in France with the PER : Retirement Planning Through Capitalization

If you’re an expat, entrepreneur, or high-income professional living in France, you may be unknowingly bleeding cash every April. The good news ? The French retirement system has a legal loophole, and it’s called the PER.

The Plan d’Épargne Retraite (PER) isn’t just another savings account. It’s your fiscal shield, your long-term weapon, and the smartest way to reclaim control over your financial future — before France claims it for you.

What’s the Retirement Savings Plan (PER), Really ?

Created in 2019 under the PACTE Law, the PER replaced older, inefficient schemes like the PERP and Madelin contracts. It’s streamlined, flexible, and engineered to reward smart financial strategy.

You can open a PER through:

• PERIN – for individuals (freelancers, consultants, or salaried employees)
• PERCOL – offered via your employer, as an employee benefit
• PERO – for mandatory company contributions

Why the PER Matters : The Tax Angle

This isn’t just about saving for retirement. This is about beating the system at its own game. Every euro you place into your PER can:

• Lower your taxable income
• Reduce your tax bracket
• Compound with zero tax drag
• Return at retirement with favorable taxation

Here’s the deal for 2024 :
You can deduct up to 10% of your net income, capped at €35,194, or choose a flat-rate deduction of €4,114 — whichever is more favorable.

Tactical Example

Mr. Smith earns €80,000 in 2024. He contributes €8,000 to his PER.

Immediate tax savings: €8,000 × 30% = €2,400. Result: He funds his future while cutting this year’s tax bill by nearly 30%.

You’re an Expat ? This Hits Different

Most non-residents and expatriates in France don’t know this tool is for them too. And the French administration won’t exactly send you a love letter to let you know.

With a PER :

• You can still deduct contributions even as a non-resident, if your income is taxable in France.
• Your capital grows tax-deferred.
• You establish a foothold in your French tax strategy while planning for international retirement.

When Do You Get the Money Back ?

At retirement — on your terms:

• As a lump sum (taxed under the flat 30% PFU or the progressive scale)
• As an annuity (taxed as pension income, with a 10% tax relief)

Early withdrawals are allowed in specific cases, including:

• Buying your primary residence
• Divorce
• Death or disability
• Business liquidation

Retirement Savings Plan (PER) vs Other Investment Vehicles

Why Retraite Conseil Is the Agency You Didn’t Know You Needed

Let’s be real : most PER providers throw brochures and legalese at you and call it “advice.”

We’re different. We’re your financial intelligence agency.

We operate with :

• Strategy drawn from FBI-level negotiation frameworks (yes, we studied Chris Voss)
• Deep expertise in French and cross-border tax systems
• Real one-on-one advisory — no bots, no mass-market cookie cutters

Here’s what we do :

• We analyze your situation
• We select the best PER for you
• We execute and monitor your contributions
• We give you clarity, peace of mind, and long-term leverage

You’ll go from “I think I’m overpaying” to “I’ve got a tax plan and a legacy in the making.”

You’re Already Losing Money If You Wait

If you’re reading this and living in France, odds are you’ve already left one or two tax years on the table. Let’s fix that.

You don’t have to master French tax law.

You just need to understand one thing: inaction is the most expensive choice.

Work With Us — Retraite Conseil We work exclusively with ambitious professionals, international families, and expats who want clarity, savings, and control. This is your moment. Book your strategic consultation now at RetraiteConseil.com

Why Use Retraite Conseil ?

Retraite Conseil is your go-to partner for smart retirement planning in France. Our experts offer:

• Personalized tax strategy: Based on your income, goals, and country of residence.
• Turnkey management: From product selection to contribution monitoring.
• International expertise: Tailored solutions for cross-border taxpayers.
• Full transparency: No hidden fees, no commission traps.

Start Saving Today

Don’t wait until retirement to plan your retirement. By opening a PER now, you can reduce your taxes immediately and build lasting financial security. Schedule your strategy call with us now at Retraite Conseil. We simplify French retirement planning — and we do it better than anyone.

FAQ – French Retirement Savings Plan PER

Retirement Planning for the Rest of Us (Who’d Rather Not Fund the State More Than We Have To)

Wait — what exactly is a “PER” again ?

Think of the Plan d’Épargne Retraite (PER) as France’s version of a retirement weapon — part savings vehicle, part tax shelter. You invest. It grows tax-free. And the money you put in? It lowers your taxable income. Immediately. You win now and later.

But I’m an expat. Living in France. Working in euros. Will this even work for me ?

Yes. In fact, you’re the perfect candidate. If you’re paying French income tax, a PER can reduce it dramatically. Most expatriates miss out simply because no one tells them it’s available. That’s where we come in.

How much can I save on taxes ?

Here’s a fast rule of thumb : Whatever you put into your PER, you can deduct up to 10% of your income, up to €35,194 in 2024. If you’re in the 30% tax bracket, putting in €10,000 saves you €3,000. That’s not a typo.

Is the money locked forever ?

No. This isn’t a prison. You can withdraw :

• At retirement.
• Early, if you buy your main residence.
• In hardship (death, disability, business failure).
• Retirement tools should fit your life. Not the other way around.

Can I take the money out as cash — or am I stuck with an annuity ?

You choose.

• Lump sum: Get all or part of it out at once.
• Annuity: Convert it into a regular income stream.
• Each option has different tax consequences — and we’ll walk you through which fits you best.

Do I have to manage the investments myself ?

Absolutely not — unless you want to.
With Retraite Conseil, we select custom investment profiles for you: secure, balanced, or dynamic. You get transparency, long-term strategy, and no weird financial jargon. No guesswork.

What’s the catch?

None — if it’s done right.
The real catch is doing it without guidance and ending up :

• In the wrong fund.
• Overpaying in fees.
• Missing out on deductions.

That’s why Retraite Conseil exists: so you don’t get lost in the bureaucracy, or worse — ripped off by a banker who makes money whether you do or not.

Is this better than life insurance (assurance-vie) ?

Different goals.

• Assurance-vie: Great for estate planning and capital gains sheltering.
• PER: Made for slashing income tax and funding retirement.

Pro tip: You probably need both — but you start with the one that saves you the most now.

Do I need to earn a lot for this to make sense ?

Not necessarily. But the higher your tax bracket, the greater the impact. If you’re earning over €50,000 annually in France — and not using a PER — you’re likely leaving money on the table.

Why would I do this with Retraite Conseil and not my bank ?

Because we’re not trying to sell you a product — we’re building your plan.

• We’re independent.
• We explain things in your language.
• We optimize, follow up, and actually do the paperwork.

Banks and insurers give you brochures. We give you strategy.

Okay. What’s the first step ?

Schedule a 30-minute strategy call. We’ll :

• Review your income, goals, and current tax situation.
• Estimate how much you could save.
• Recommend the best PER for your profile.

Then, if you want us to handle it all — we do. If not, you walk away smarter.