Retirement: Is It Automatically Guaranteed?

Retirement is not automatic in France, even though the actual average retirement age is close to 63. 

Some workers may be able to cash out their pension benefits before reaching that age under the “long career” provision or due to their personal or professional status. However, according to a 2023 survey, 80% of French people would like to retire at age 62 or earlier, even though many believe they will have to work past that age for financial reasons.
 

In the private sector, an employer cannot force an employee to retire before age 67, which is the age for full retirement benefits. The employer may simply ask the employee if they wish to claim their pension benefits within the three months preceding their 67th birthday. If the employee refuses, the employer must continue to employ them, unless the employer initiates a termination. Starting at age 70, the employer may automatically retire the employee, but this is not mandatory.
 

In the civil service, the retirement age depends on the civil servant’s status. For civil servants in the sedentary category, the retirement age is set at 67, but they may continue working until age 70 in certain cases, particularly if they have dependent children. For civil servants in the active category, the retirement age varies depending on the position held, but they may also request an extension of their employment in certain cases.
 

In summary, retirement is not automatic in France and depends on the worker’s industry and employment status. Workers may request to continue working in certain cases, but this also depends on the agreement of their employer or the relevant government agency.