Assurance vie, explained in English.
France's favourite savings vehicle is a mystery to many expats — and a missed opportunity. The 'assurance vie' is a flexible investment wrapper with soft taxation after 8 years and remarkable inheritance advantages. We set it up and explain every step in plain English.
The French savings wrapper, finally clear.
Despite the name, an assurance vie is not life insurance: it's a tax-efficient savings envelope. Your money stays available at all times, gains are taxed gently after 8 years, and on death the capital passes to your chosen beneficiaries largely outside French inheritance rules. We make it understandable — and put it to work for you.
Built for expats in France
We explain the French rules in English and handle all the paperwork.
Your money stays available
Withdraw at any time — the famous '8 years' is only a tax milestone.
Powerful inheritance tool
Up to €152,500 per beneficiary free of French inheritance tax (payments before age 70).
Independent advice
As brokers we compare insurers and pick low-fee contracts that serve you.
What an assurance vie gives you
Flexible payments, no ceiling
A lump sum to open, then free or scheduled payments — with no deposit limit, unlike French regulated savings accounts.
Secure fund (fonds en euros)
The capital you invest in this fund is guaranteed by the insurer.
Investment funds (unités de compte)
Higher potential over time, with a risk of capital loss.
Soft taxation after 8 years
A yearly allowance of €4,600 (€9,200 for a couple) on withdrawn gains.
Inheritance advantages
Capital passes to named beneficiaries, largely outside the French estate.
Managed or self-directed
Keep the hand or delegate the allocation to professionals.
Simple and transparent, in 3 steps
Tell us what you need
A quick chat about your situation — in English, by phone or email.
We compare the market
We put insurers in competition and negotiate the right cover at the right price.
We handle everything
Policy, paperwork and any claim — one English-speaking contact deals with it for you.
Your questions — answered in English
No — despite the name it's a savings and investment wrapper, France's most popular. A separate death-cover policy ('prévoyance') exists for pure life insurance needs; we advise on both.
No. You can withdraw at any time. The 8-year mark simply unlocks the most favourable tax treatment on gains — so the sooner you open a contract, the sooner the clock runs.
Yes, French tax residents can generally subscribe regardless of nationality. Note for US taxpayers: assurance vie has specific US tax implications, so we'll tell you honestly whether it makes sense in your case.
For payments made before age 70, each named beneficiary can receive up to €152,500 free of French inheritance tax; spouses and PACS partners are fully exempt. We help you draft the beneficiary clause properly.
Call or write to us. An English-speaking adviser reviews your situation, compares low-fee contracts and sets everything up — free of charge and without obligation.
Get your free quote
Tell us what you need and we'll come back to you within 2 working hours — in English. Free and no obligation.
ASSUDIRE · 30 Place Dou Maïet, 83600 Fréjus, France