Retirement Savings: Why PERs Remain Attractive in 2025

Summary: The Retirement Savings Plan (PER) remains one of the French people’s favorite savings products in 2025. This article analyzes subscription figures, regulatory developments, tax advantages, and comparisons between PER, PERCO, and life insurance. A clear overview to understand why the PER continues to attract savers concerned about preparing for retirement.

PER: Success Confirmed by the Numbers

Since its creation in 2019, the Retirement Savings Plan (PER) has established itself as the reference solution for retirement planning. According to the latest data from the French Insurance Federation, total assets held in PERs exceeded €100 billion in 2024, with growth of more than 30% over the previous year. In 2025, this momentum remains strong: nearly 7 million French people now hold a PER, confirming the continued enthusiasm for this long-term savings product.

Recent Regulatory Developments in 2025

The year 2025 saw the consolidation of the PER’s regulatory framework, notably with measures aimed at strengthening transparency and simplifying the portability of rights between different retirement savings products. The latest reforms also make it easier to manage contributions and withdrawals as a lump sum, while maintaining protection for savers. These adjustments reflect the government’s desire to make retirement savings more attractive and accessible.

Tax Benefits That Still Convince

The PER’s success is largely due to its advantageous tax treatment. Voluntary contributions are deductible from taxable income, up to legal limits, allowing savers to reduce their income tax while preparing for retirement. Upon withdrawal, the tax regime adapts to the chosen payout method (lump sum or annuity), offering appreciated flexibility:

• Deduction of voluntary contributions from taxable income.
• Reduced taxation at withdrawal on gains (flat tax or income tax scale, depending on the situation).
• Facilitated transfer of old retirement savings products to the PER.

PER, PERCO, Life Insurance: Which Product to Choose?

Given the diversity of retirement savings solutions, it is important to compare the PER with other leading products such as the PERCO (Collective Retirement Savings Plan) and life insurance.

• PER: An individual or collective product, accessible to all, allowing voluntary contributions, employee savings, or transfers. Flexible withdrawal options (lump sum or annuity), advantageous tax treatment.
• PERCO: Former collective retirement savings product, gradually replaced by the PER. Less flexible, reserved for employees benefiting from a company agreement, mainly paid out as an annuity.
• Life Insurance: Versatile savings product, attractive tax regime after 8 years, possibility of withdrawal at any time, but without a specific retirement framework.

The PER thus stands out for its regulated framework, flexibility, and above all, the tax optimization it allows during the savings phase.

Who Is the PER Best Suited For?

The PER is suitable for both young professionals wishing to anticipate their retirement and self-employed workers, liberal professions, or employees looking to optimize their taxation. It is also suitable for those who have already built up savings in other schemes and wish to consolidate their supplementary retirement within a single, modern product.

Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

In 2025, the PER confirms its status as a flagship product for retirement planning. Regulatory changes, management flexibility, the possibility of transferring old contracts, and tax advantages explain the lasting success of this product. For savers, it is an essential tool for anticipating future needs, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the pay-as-you-go pension system.

Conclusion

The Retirement Savings Plan stands out in 2025 as an essential solution to diversify savings, optimize taxation, and prepare for retirement with peace of mind. Its growing popularity is explained by a strengthened regulatory framework, attractive tax benefits, and great flexibility. A wise choice for anyone wishing to build a retirement that matches their plans.