Hi folks,
Is it possible for an immigrant who is past retirement age to work in France?
Have any of you done so?
I’d love to hear your story if you are happy to share. I try to learn from other people’s experiences 
I think you need to narrow that question down a bit Mike. Why would it not be possible? What do you see as the impediments?
As an EU citizen, albeit well past retirement age, I don’t think there are any inhibiters (apart from desire) to my working here.
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Can be problematic.
My wife is a painter who’d been exhibiting here and as she started to become successful, it became necessary to go officially. Unfortunately the process was far more complicated than in previous countries. Without going into too much irrelevant detail, although she had an S1, she had to pay back- dated social contributions of several thousand euros. We fought it, the demand was dropped, she ‘retired’ and unable to legally exhibit in France(!) though many do . Instead she now sells her work outside France through a UK website.
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Can’t she exhibit items in France “for the pleasure of the onlooker” and not for sale?
I’ve seen some items marked “not for sale” (French equivalent) at several art exhibitions over the years.
Indeed I’ve been thinking of doing that recently with some of the interesting bits I’ve inherited/bought …
I guess that might be to do with the last state you worked in being your competent state. So by “coming out of retirement” here and working might invalidate your S1.
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Yes as I understand it from my researches that’s the sticking point for having a part-time business (as a Brit at least) - you get into the wacky world of social charges (and also have to change your visa type if you initially arrived as a retraité!) so not worth it unless you are really going to make a proper business of it (in which case you would want to arrive with a professional libérale visa).
In an ideal world, after I move to France I would have liked to be able to do the occasional photo shoot or sell art prints etc. but post-Brexit it doesn’t seem practical.
@DrMarkH ‘s Mrs’ solution looks like the one I might adopt - just continue to make pin money by selling photos via Adobe Stock, Shutterstock etc.
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Simple, work for cash like lots of retired French people do.
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It’s not that straightforward.
She could, but she wouldn’t for several reasons. Firstly anywhere decent is unlikely to offer a show to someone whose work isn’t for sale as the won’t earn any commission; while lower down she’s often asked to exhibit in some local amateur expo and although there’s lots of reasons why this isn’t a good idea, the simplest way to avoid causing offence is to ask if they have insurance cover for what might be a few thousand euros of damage. The answer is invariably a surprised << Non ! >>
Must confess that for our annual art festival the Artists are meant to insure their own exhibits/whatever against theft etc. The council/building owner has the necessary cover in case it’s their building/fixtures & fittings which are at fault… and, of course, Joe Public is meant to have public liability (whatever).
I am amazed at the prices some of the exhibits sell for and very glad that I bought my bits and bobs before “so and so” got famous 
no way could I afford to buy any of it nowadays with prices rocketing…
What could possibly go wrong?
OTOH, in order to sell comparatively expensive work legally, one needs a CIRET number only obtainable through a membership of the appropriate professional body, whereupon one incurs social charges. You can’t have an exemption for being an S1 retiree, if you’re still working professionally: that was the problem I explained above.
The situation is wholly different to the UK.
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Is that income declared when it flows back to France ?
Because then it would be taxed.
If you are on a retirement visa you are not allowed to work.
If that income was judged as being a working income that would invalidate your visa.
Asking the question not judging. I have no idea. Just interested how you go about it.
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It’s paid into a UK account and I already file tax returns in both countries.
You are right about the income from overseas being taxable.
As for it counting as “working”, I’m not sure about selling paintings but the advice I have been able to glean regarding income from the sale of stock photos via Adobe Stock, Alamy etc is that it is considered to be passive overseas income (i.e. it’s royalty payments rather than payment for doing a job) and so would not affect retirement status.
That was the consensus among Those Who Know on Survive France and also (insofar as I could get an opinion) that of the tax lawyers I asked.
My gut instinct is that what you are doing is not allowed and possibly illegal.
The ´working bit’ (the painting of paintings) is taking place on French soil. Are they paintings of France 
So the production is in France but sold in the UK. That is a business that was never allowed before Brexit and more so now without being some form of French business structure. Paying tax and all the rest !
You are taking risks with your visa if you get caught. Just saying.
The OP asked a question and I think it can be done. You would need to change your visa and set up a mico enterprise. Is it worth it ? Why not. But do it correctly. Seek advice.
There is no such thing as a retirement visa. Just the straightforward visitor visa, and after 5 years one becomes a permanent resident with the right to work.
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Hi John, Thanks for your comment.
My question came from a point of ignorance of any factors (or even laws) that might apply to a person who is past retirement age and might want to work.
In my case, I have an EU passport (Irish), am beyond retirement age but am contemplating working doing a mixture of the following: (a) part-time computer-based work via the internet- freelance via an agency in another EU country (Ireland); (b) working as a part-time gardener, mowing lawns, trimming hedges and (c) making and selling some craftwork.
My plan at this stage is very wooly, very much in its infancy and requires a lot more thought. I would expect to spend no more that 10 hours per month on each of these activities so, even when put all together, it would be part-time work.
Hi DrMarkH, Thanks for your input. Your wife’s experience is relevant to my (c) above and it is something I will have to look into.
Hi ChrisMann, thanks for your thoughts. I’m hoping things would be simpler for an EU passport holder, something I’ll have to check out.
I’m at the start of the road on this . . . .
Where did I get the retirement visa from ?
Anyway….
But you can apply for a visa that allows you to work straight away and not wait five years to work.
Nevertheless, I think my logic stands with regards to the painting business. Not legit I think.
Don’t get me wrong, I have been researching visa/work option visas for OH in the possibility/emergency of moving to the UK.
Its not easy.
Of course one can, but much stricter conditions.
There is the possibility of doing a small about of ad hoc work from time to time without needing to set up a business and pay cotisations. Which would invalidate n S1. See here
The OP has just said he is EU Irish.
He is fine. He has the same working rights as any French person.
Loads of French people work during retirement. Its encouraged.