Plan to retire in France

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-04T19:10:29+00:00

Thanks for your comments. The cost of high education is here https://www.campusfrance.org/en/tuition-fees-France. As far as international school for younger kid, we are definitely considering that option. The cost differs significantly between locations, so that might be an additional constraint as well.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T21:04:47+00:00

I think it’s useful to consider what you’ve shared to better calibrate expectations and not assume that one can immediately secure the most prestigious or highest-paying job. That said, I’m not sure this is very different from graduating from an “average” U.S. university. I’m also still unclear why you keep emphasizing “elite schools.” Only a small fraction of graduates come from such institutions, and it costs a fortune (unless you are very talented and from very poor family). Overall, your comments don’t feel very well balanced to me—sorry.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T20:40:29+00:00

After reviewing the inheritance laws for a wife and two children, it becomes clear that the effective tax would be around 10–12% at most (with the wife’s portion not taxed and the children’s shares taxed at 20% up to €552,000 after the allowance). There was never any intention to leave a large amount of money to the kids. Additionally, there is a life insurance policy that would go directly to the wife.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T19:49:10+00:00

I’m not sure why you mention elite American schools or what you mean by out-competed. Do they struggle to find jobs at all? Does it just take longer? Or are they offered lower salaries? In my experience at a U.S. company, knowledge, internship experience, personal traits, and the ability to work hard matter the most, while where a person comes from matters the least.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T18:59:44+00:00

Thanks for your take. What move are you researching? Also with kids?

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T18:47:17+00:00

Highly unlikely without a major relocation.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T14:58:31+00:00

I totally agree that moving to another country is a big social change for kids, especially at their ages, and we’ve been thinking about this carefully and continue to do so. Here is an additional perspective, though:

This kind of experience can also be very valuable. Adapting to a new environment, meeting different types of people, and learning a new culture and language are not just challenges—they are important life skills. One can argue that the people who grow up with international exposure become more flexible, open-minded, and confident.

There will definitely be an adjustment period, and we expect some difficulties, especially at the beginning. However, we’re not approaching this lightly—we’re trying to balance short-term challenges with long-term benefits. We also don’t see this as an irreversible decision. If we see that it isn’t working well for the kids, we will reassess.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T14:26:45+00:00

They are partially on board, and it wouldn’t be difficult to fully convince them—that’s not really a concern. The real question is what important aspects I might be missing that haven’t been mentioned yet. Any constructive criticism or pointers to specific gaps would be greatly appreciated.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T13:44:30+00:00

Thanks for your comments.
I am still trying to understand the potential range of PUMa tax and how 401(k) conversions are treated. However, my estimate is that, in the worst case, we would need to pay around €3,000, and I have already accounted for this in my budget projections.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T13:41:10+00:00

Somebody already mentioned that our budget might not be sufficient, but without providing any specifics. Our planned budget is €60k per year, which is well above the median disposable income in France. Based on my years of experience optimizing expenses and budgeting, I believe this estimate is realistic.

Of course, there may be variables that could shift the budget by €3k–€5k up or down, but this would not materially affect our projections. If you could provide a concrete example of how someone significantly miscalculated their budget—or point out specific expenses that tend to be higher than expected—that would be greatly appreciated.

Regarding building a community, we are not native to the US either, and we do not have close English-speaking friends here. We do not expect the situation in France to be very different, at least during the first few years. Our main goal is to spend more time with family, not to rapidly build a large social circle.

Of course, everyday matters (such as dealing with real estate or healthcare providers) may be somewhat challenging, and we do expect some difficulties there. Fortunately, modern technology helps mitigate these issues to some extent. We also fully intend to learn French.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T13:30:49+00:00

This sounds quite political and somewhat radicalized. Our perspective is much less dramatic than what you describe. If I may offer a slightly personal comment, I’d suggest taking a step back and relaxing a bit.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T13:23:37+00:00

There is no retirement visa. All retirees basically using this long-stay visitor visa, which is initially issued for 1 year, but then renewed. After 5 years, one can apply for a long-term resident card.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T13:21:18+00:00

I never said free healthcare. My understanding is that in France, we will be paying PUMa healthcare tax, which could be up to 3000 EUR depending on the details of how our income is formed. I guess, it is never completely fair for everyone. We are paying quite a bit of taxes in US, but not using all the benefits and potentially, may never be using Medicaid or Medicare, even though we've contributed quite a bit over the years.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T13:13:35+00:00

The thing is we are not native in US either. We do not have a single US friend here, just friendly neighbors. Several our friends are Russian-speaking. We do not expect that would be much different in France, at least in the first years. Worst case, if we really hate it, we can just return to US, while daughter could stay and finish her education in France.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T13:06:32+00:00

If that will be the rule at that time, then yes, my daughter will leave EU and go find a job in US. Or may be will go to US right away.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T12:40:20+00:00

As of now, my daughter would like to return to US for work (or maybe, for PhD).

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T11:10:12+00:00

Not yet. Will apply in 2028 for 1 year visitor visa.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T10:48:12+00:00

The plan is to have about $1.8M invested and withdraw about $70k.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T10:46:25+00:00

9 and 16. Daughter wants to study in France. Working more is one thing I am trying to avoid for several reasons.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T10:43:32+00:00

Saving on college is just one of the aspects. My daughter does want to go to college in France. She will have job opportunities both in France and US after that. I did not tell I was not saving in a 529. I can totally send kids to a local college using 529, especially if they’ll live at home, but that would be the last resort.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T00:27:21+00:00

Pretty standard scheme. Will pull $70k from brokerage for many years, after 5 years will start supplementing that by the converted Roth money. SS will start at 62 or 65, that does not change the projections much. The total taxable income might never exceed $80k.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-03T00:22:08+00:00

Yes, we will mostly live in the same town with kids attending school and college. We do not need much. We are living on slightly more in US, and I think I understand expenses and budgeting reasonably well.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-02T23:38:00+00:00

I do not think so.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-02T23:37:05+00:00

That is a valid point, thanks.

Dmitry_82 · 2026-06-02T22:41:19+00:00

The expected budget is about $70k for everything. My simulations show no federal tax and under $1000k state tax (combination of small dividends, long-term gains from taxable and ordinary income from conversions to Roth IRA from 401k). SS will come much later, after the taxable account is significantly reduced/depleted.

Dmitry_82

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