Expatriate wealth management: tailored advice

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«"Alexis, I'm moving to Singapore next month. What should I do with my apartment in Lyon? Is my French assurance-vie still suitable? And most importantly, how can I avoid the tax authorities still considering me a French resident?"»

In 2026, expatriation became an unprecedentedly smooth adventure, but the administrative and tax complexities have never been so dense. Between new European directives on banking transparency and the French tax reforms of this year, managing one's assets remotely is no longer something to be taken lightly.

At the house of Balmont Conseil, we understand that behind each international wealth management strategy, There is a life project, a family on the move, and often, a legitimate apprehension towards a French bureaucracy perceived as a labyrinth. As a certified expert, accompanied by Alta, our ''AI-Enhanced Asset Management Engineer, My mission is to become your control tower: to secure your assets, optimize your taxation and offer you the peace of mind necessary to succeed in your adventure abroad.

Personalized analysis

Specifics of Wealth Management for Expatriates

Be non-resident for tax purposes This radically changes the game. It's not just a matter of geography; it's a shift in the legal and financial paradigm.

The concept of tax residence: the breaking point

The first challenge is to validate your departure from the French tax household. In 2026, the criteria of Article 4 B of the French General Tax Code (CGI) will be closely scrutinized by the tax authorities. If your center of economic interests or your household (spouse/children) remains in France, you could face devastating double taxation. A specific wealth audit is therefore the essential first step, even before packing your bags.

Mobility: a "nomadic" wealth"

An expatriate's needs differ from those of a resident. Your investment horizon may change, your foreign currency requirements evolve, and wealth protection must be considered on a global scale. It's essential to anticipate the instability of certain international banking systems and the volatility of exchange rates, which can impact your supplemental income abroad.

Discover the destinations studied by Balmont...

  • Guide to tax expatriation in Qatar
  • Expatriation and taxation in Hong Kong
  • Moving abroad and managing your taxes in Vietnam
  • Guide to expatriation and taxation in Singapore

    • What investments Which benefits should be given to non-residents?

    The classic mistake is to keep purely "French" products (Livret A, LEL, PEA which sometimes becomes restrictive) which lose all their tax meaning once the border is crossed.

    Luxembourg Life Insurance: The Queen of Expatriation

    While French assurance-vie is a good tool, the'Luxembourg assurance-vie is its "Haute Couture" equivalent for the non-resident.

    • Tax neutrality: Luxembourg does not tax non-residents. Only the tax laws of your country of residence apply.
    • Security : The Luxembourg "Triangle of Security" protects your assets in the event of company bankruptcy, a guarantee far superior to the French system.
    • Multi-currency: You can invest in Euros, Dollars, Swiss Francs or British Pounds within the same contract.

      Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) for Expatriates: Hassle-Free Real Estate

      L''real estate investment for non-residents Investing via SCPIs (Société Civile de Placement Immobilier) is a popular solution in 2026.

      • Delegated management: No tenants to manage from Tokyo or Dubai.
      • Optimized taxation: Some SCPIs invested in Europe (Germany, Spain) allow you to avoid French social security contributions (CSG/CRDS) on income, an immediate net gain for the non-resident.

      Mortgage Loans for Expatriates

      Obtaining a loan while living abroad has become an uphill battle. 

      Banks often require a larger down payment (20 to 30 %) and a more thorough risk analysis. 

      Our role is to put together solid funding applications through Resources and support for expatriates exclusive.

      The Labyrinth of International Taxation

      L''Expatriation and taxation form a complex couple governed by the international tax treaties.

      Taxation of French-Source Income

      Even if you are a non-resident, your income remaining in France (rent, dividends) is taxed.

    • Rental Income : Application of a minimum rate (often 20 % or 30 % depending on the thresholds) + social security contributions (unless you are covered by a social security scheme in the EEA or Switzerland).
    • <b<Dividendes : A withholding tax is generally applied, the rate of which can be reduced thanks to the tax treaty between France and your host country.

      • The Exit Tax: The "Toll" at Departure

      For large financial assets (more than €800,000 or 50% of a company's capital), the Exit Tax may apply. This is not necessarily a tax to be paid immediately, but a tax deferral that must be declared and followed up with a tailor-made investment strategy.

      The Real Estate Wealth Tax (IFI)

      The French wealth tax (IFI) does not stop at the border. As a non-resident, you remain taxable in France on your French real estate assets if their net value exceeds €1.3 million. Tax optimization for expatriates often involves a restructuring of real estate debt.

      Wealth management for expatriates: distinguishing between the two types of expatriation

      There are two types of expatriation, each with distinct challenges: 

      • professional expatriation, such as a job transfer, international opportunity, and therefore relocation
      • tax and asset expatriation

      Professional Expatriation (Mobility)

      The major issue here is the family protection and the preparation for the return.

    • Key issues: Management of social status (secondment vs expatriation), international health coverage and maintenance of pension rights.
    • Wealth management:
      • Arbitration regarding the main residence in France (sell or rent?).
      • Implementation of portable savings solutions (Luxembourg assurance-vie).
      • Managing the tax burden on global income.

    • Popular destinations :
      • UNITED STATES : High incomes but complex taxation (FATCA) and exorbitant health/education costs.
      • Swiss : High salaries and stability, but the need to manage currency risk (CHF/EUR). Many therefore choose Switzerland as their preferred location to secure their capital.
      • Singapore : A major hub for executives, competitive taxation but a very high cost of living.
    • Concrete example: An executive transferred to Geneva.
      His challenge will be to maintain savings in euros while taking advantage of the Swiss franc, to secure his retirement via a 3rd pillar and to decide whether he keeps his main residence in France to rent it out or whether he sells it to avoid double property tax.

      • Tax Expatriation (Overall Optimization)

      The issue here is the capital preservation and the transmission.

    • Key issues: Rigorous analysis of bilateral tax treaties to avoid double taxation and validation of economic substance in the host country.
    • Wealth management:
      • Restructuring of physical real estate (often heavily taxed via the IFI in France).
      • Use of asset-holding companies to house financial assets.
      • Anticipating the transfer (gifts) in a multi-jurisdictional context to reduce inheritance taxes.

    • Popular destinations:
      • Dubai (Emirates) : Total absence of income tax and capital gains tax, ideal for entrepreneurs.
      • Portugal : Highly prized for its preferential tax regimes (NHR), although tightened, attracting European retirees and investors.
      • Thailand : Attractive cost of living and moderate taxation on repatriated income.
    • Concrete example: A business owner selling his company to move to Dubai. The challenge is to anticipate the'Exit Tax before leaving, restructure his French real estate to get out of the scope of the IFI (Real Estate Wealth Tax) and organize its transfer via a holding company to avoid his heirs being taxed at 45% in France.
      • ProfileWealth PriorityMain Lever
      ProfessionalAccumulation & ForesightRetirement savings & Rental property
      TaxProtection & TransmissionLegal engineering & Asset relocation

      Strategic Note: Balmont Conseil's objective is to support professional expatriates during their capital accumulation phase, becoming their trusted partner as they navigate more complex tax optimization issues. Discover all our destinations in Asia, Europe, America, and beyond. 

      Anticipating Transitions and Key Stages: Departure and Return

      An expatriate's assets are not static. They must be prepared for two critical moments.

      The Pre-Departure Asset Assessment

      Ideally, it should be prepared 6 to 12 months in advance.

    • Closure of regulated savings accounts.
    • Redirecting savings towards tax-neutral investments.
    • Implementation of effective international savings management.

      • Returning to France and Taxation

      The return is being prepared with just as much care. A "tax shock" must be avoided.

    • Expatriate tax regime A powerful tool to reduce income tax for 8 years for executives and managers.
    • Tax regularization : Ensure that all accounts opened abroad have been properly declared (form 3916) to avoid heavy fines.

      • Tax optimization and asset protection

      L''tax optimization for expatriates it is not limited to reducing taxes; it aims to create a balance between profitability and legal certainty.

      Withholding tax and the average rate

      For your French-source income (excluding real estate), withholding tax is often applied. It is sometimes more advantageous to opt for the average tax rate, This allows you to recalculate your French tax based on your theoretical worldwide income. This requires a tax risk analysis meticulous to ensure that the option is truly beneficial.

      Social security contributions: The expatriates' fight

      Since the recent reforms, if you are covered by the social security system of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you benefit from a drastic reduction in social security contributions on your French property income (from 17.2% to 7.5% of your taxable income). For residents outside Europe, the charge remains at 17.2%, which makes the...'optimization of financial investments via other priority channels (such as capitalization).

      Investment support

      EU/EEA Resident

      Non-EU Resident (e.g., USA, Asia)

      Real Estate (Rental Income)

      Tax + 7.5% PS

      Tax + 17.2% PS

      European SCPIs

      Local taxes + Tax credit

      Local taxes + Tax credit

      Assurance-vie (Withdrawals)

      PFU (30%) or Convention

      Convention (often < 15%)

      Why choose a specialist firm Like Balmont Conseil?

      Few advisors emphasize this, but the expatriate benefits from a breathing room on their real estate assets.

      In a few words: independence, efficiency, quality...

      Hiring a personalized consulting service Like Balmont Conseil, it's about building a bridge between two worlds.

      1. A 360° Vision: Your local banker abroad is unfamiliar with French tax law. Your banker in France doesn't understand your needs as a non-resident. We are the link.
      2. Succession Planning: THE international gifts and inheritances are ticking time bombs. Without Estate planning for expatriates, your heirs could be subject to double taxation or conflicts of laws (law of residence vs law of nationality).
      3. Detailed Asset Audit: We are carrying out a tax risk analysis for each country where you hold assets.Responsiveness and Technology: By 2026, we will be using digital tools that allow real-time monitoring of your assets, regardless of the time zone.

      Inheritance and Succession: Preparing for the Invisible

      THE international gifts and inheritances These are the most treacherous areas. France has a very broad view of its right to tax: if the deceased, the heir or the property is in France, the French tax authorities will get involved.

      Estate planning for expatriates

      It is crucial to draw up an international will to choose the law applicable to your estate (European Succession Regulation).

      Gifts during one's lifetime

      Take advantage of the allowances, renewable every 15 years, to transfer French assets to your children, whether they remain in France or live elsewhere, while monitoring the local legal specificities who could tax the gift in your country of residence.

      FAQ Your Questions, Our Expert Answers

      I already pay taxes in my host country, will I be taxed twice?

      Can I continue to make payments into my French assurance-vie policy?

      What happens to my pension rights?

      How can I pass on my assets if my children live in a different country than me?

      What is the difference between professional and tax expatriation?

      Where should one relocate for tax purposes to optimize their situation?

      Your mobility is a strength, not a limitation

      Expatriation is an exceptional wealth-building accelerator.'international tax environment It offers opportunities you would never have had by remaining sedentary. But for this mobility to translate into financial success, it must be managed by a tailor-made investment strategy and one personalized consulting service.

      At the house of Balmont Conseil, We don't just manage numbers; we protect your future and that of your family, wherever you are in the world.

      Would you like us to carry out your first expatriate wealth assessment?

      Whether you are in the initial stages of moving, already settled in, or about to return, I can offer you a detailed asset audit to identify your optimization levers and secure your tax situation in 2026.

      Alexis Sagnier

      With over 17 years of expertise in financial engineering, Alexis Sagnier assists executives and expatriates in securing their cross-border challenges.

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      Sources & references: Did you know?

      1. Tax Residency (The linchpin of expatriation)

      This is the most critical point to avoid double taxation or tax reassessment.

      • Article 4 B of the General Tax Code (CGI): Defines the three criteria (home/main residence, professional activity, center of economic interests) that make you a French tax resident. This should be cited to explain why one can remain taxed in France even while living elsewhere.

      • OECD Model Convention (Article 4): The "tie-breaker" rule. If two countries claim you, the international convention takes precedence over French law. It uses the following order: Permanent residence > Center of vital interests > Habitual residence > Nationality.

      • Case law "Center of economic interests": The ruling of the Council of State of October 7, 2020 (no. 426124) which specifies that owning the majority of your assets in France may be sufficient to keep you there for tax purposes.

      2. Tax Expatriation and Capital

      • Exit Tax (Article 167 bis of the CGI): The tax that is levied on unrealized capital gains when transferring tax residence outside of France (if the securities portfolio exceeds €800,000 or 50% of the capital of a company). Crucial for entrepreneurs and investors.

      • IFI (Article 964 of the French General Tax Code): Remember that non-residents remain liable for the Real Estate Wealth Tax on their assets located in France if their net value exceeds €1.3 million.

      3. Professional Expatriation and Social Protection

      • European Regulations (EC) No. 883/2004 and 987/2009: They govern the coordination of social security systems within the EU/EEA and Switzerland (single applicable legislation).

      • Bilateral Social Security Agreements: France has signed agreements with more than 40 countries (USA, Canada, Japan, etc.) to avoid double contributions and guarantee the continuity of pension rights.

      • Social Security Code (Articles L. 761-1 et seq.): Relating to the Caisse des Français de l'Étranger (CFE), allowing expatriates to continue to contribute voluntarily to the French system.

      4. Investments and Successions

      • Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 (International Successions): Establishes that the law applicable to the estate is that of the deceased's last habitual residence, unless an explicit choice is made otherwise (Professio Juris). Essential for estate planning.

      • The "Security Triangle" (Luxembourg Law): For assurance-vie, mention the enhanced protection of assets deposited in Luxembourg compared to the French system (Unlimited deposit guarantee via the Insurance Commission).

       

      Useful links

       

      Ready to structure Your future?

      Whether you are in Lyon or on the other side of the world, Alexis Sagnier, your wealth management advisor, and the Balmont Conseil team are ready to listen to you.

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