French Retirees Abroad: Annual Proof of Life Required, Not Biannual Return

"Retirees will have to prove their presence in France every 6 months" to continue receiving their pension. This is the information published in recent days by several websites. It is actually a fake news. "French pensions (personal or survivor’s) can be received while living abroad. Subject to providing a certificate of life each year," confirms the Ministry of Labor, Health, Solidarity and Families to Capital.

This provision allows the French administration to ensure that the retiree is still alive, and to limit the payment of pensions to deceased persons. The annual certificate of life required can be obtained from the local authorities of the retiree’s country of residence, such as the French embassy or the town hall. The only novelty concerns retirees benefiting from the Solidarity Allowance for the Elderly (ASPA). Since January 1, 2025, these retirees must justify a residence in France for at least 9 months per year, compared to 6 months previously, to continue to receive this aid.

"For several months, many false information has been circulating about retirement rights: exaggerated promises, erroneous interpretations, alarmist speeches...," the National Old-Age Insurance Fund (CNAV) warned in a press release published on July 22, calling for more vigilance.