Expat finance: france and spain get tougher on benefits

French Republic and Spain peculiarly are applying EU rules, in place since 2004, to ensure retirees they will not be a load on the state.

health care is a specific concern, as many nations - including the UK - battle to cope with the financial burdens of an ripening population.

Marjorie Katherine Mansfield, of Siddalls, says the statute law is to "ensure that people can prove they will not be a drain on society". There have been major alteration to the health care system in French Republic, she said, but added that the French were still welcoming British expats. "People are going out there to buy houses the locals have not truly looked after, disbursement their money on goods."

though the rules in Spain and French Republic are similar, they are not identical. As ever, it is important to take mugwump advice in progress.

If you have sufficiency money to support yourself in retirement in French Republic or Spain, you will have no job, said Julia Whittle of advisor Punter Southall Financial direction.

But the rules are being invoked to discourage retirees from moving without proper financial proviso.

With the euro strengthening against the pound, retirees may find it harder to make ends meet. ''Three years ago you would need about £500 a month to pay for grocery store and public utility in French Republic," said Ms Whittle. ''That has risen to about £800, as a consequence of the currency exchange derived function and rise inflation.

"The new Eastern European entrants to the eurozone may offer good value for money when it comes to lb and pence, but the chances are you will have fewer installation available," said Ms Whittle.