French National Assembly Approves Tax on Non-European Retirees Benefiting from Social Security

The French National Assembly has voted to impose a mandatory minimum contribution on non-European foreign retirees, primarily Americans, who reside in France and benefit from the French social security system without prior contributions. This decision is part of the 2026 Social Security budget review and was approved with 176 votes in favor and 79 against. The new measure targets retirees who can currently access the carte vitale after only three months of presence in France, granting them universal health protection under the Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa) without financial contributions.

Deputy François Gernigon of the Horizons party highlighted concerns that foreign nationals on long-stay visitor visas could settle in France and enjoy free universal health coverage, with some agencies even marketing this as an incentive to retirees. The amendment mandates a contribution amount to be set by decree and includes exemptions for refugees and nationals from countries with existing bilateral agreements with France.

The government indicated plans to revise these bilateral agreements, especially with G20 countries, to ensure foreign retirees contribute to social security costs. Public Accounts Minister Amélie de Montchalin acknowledged the measure's complexity, noting that some bilateral agreements currently exempt certain nationals, which the government aims to address.

The amendment found strong support from the far-right, the right, and the central political bloc, while left-wing deputies, including Hadrien Clouet from La France Insoumise, opposed the change, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions.

This taxation measure on non-European retirees is part of a broader package of amendments recently adopted within the social security budget, which also includes food labeling laws and controls on pharmaceutical discounts. The decision marks a significant shift in French social policy towards foreign retirees living in France without prior contributions to the system, aiming to safeguard the sustainability of the social security budget.