living in france
Dates of France’s 2027 census revealed
Census is carried out annually but not everyone has to complete it
The dates of France’s mandatory 2027 census have been revealed, with millions across the country required to complete the form.
Unlike countries such as the UK, France conducts census activity every year, but only on a select portion of the country. The census is carried out by national statistics body Insee.
In communes with fewer than 10,000 residents, the census happens once every five years, and activity is rotated.
In communes with 10,000 residents or more, the census takes place every year, but only covers around 8% of addresses in the town or city, with the area covered changing each year.
Completing the census is mandatory for people of all nationalities, unless their property is a second home (more information below).
The dates for the 2027 census are as follows:
For smaller communes (fewer than 10,000 residents), between January 21 - February 20, or February 4 - March 6 in Réunion
For larger communes, between January 21 - February 27, or February 4 to March 13 in Réunion
How do I know if I need to complete the census?
If you are required to complete the census, you will be informed by a letter sent to your home, or a visit from a census agent.
You can also use the official census website to check if your commune is included this year.
Census agents will carry an official identification card, signed by the mayor and with their name and photo. You are free to ask them to show this, and even call the mairie to confirm their presence.
A genuine census agent will never be angry at you for asking them to show identification, and it is a prudent practice in light of the rising number of scams across France.
You are not paid for completing the census, nor do you need to pay. Any person or website claiming you will be paid or must pay is likely related to a scam and should be avoided.
The information handed over as part of the census is secure, and Insee does not share the answers with other authorities.
How do I complete the census?
In most cases, the census is completed online at the official website.
Your census agent will give you login credentials for the website to complete your form, or these will be included on the letter you receive.
Alternatively, the census agent will provide you with a physical version to complete, and arrange to collect it at a later date. They can help you to fill out the document if you need.
They can also provide explanatory leaflets in several languages, including English, providing advice on completing the census. The English leaflet for the 2026 census can be seen here (the 2027 version is not yet available).
There are two main sections to the census.
A section on personal information must be completed by every individual in the household, and a second section on the property is only required once per household.
English-language examples of former personal information and property sections are available by clicking the highlighted links.
Questions this year are expected to remain the same, and there are no reports of new questions for 2027, although this will only be confirmed when Insee releases the full information for the 2027 census.
The format of the census may change slightly, so double check the information you are providing corresponds to the question being asked.
Responses should be given in French.
What happens if I do not complete it?
Completing the census is mandatory if your commune or area is covered, and you will receive several frequent reminders throughout the period if you do not.
After a formal notice from the mairie, persistent refusal can in theory lead to a €38 fine, but in practice this is rarely done.
A bill proposing a €300 fine for ignoring formal notices from mairies, including relating to the census, was introduced by MPs in September 2026. As of November 2026, however, it has not become law.
What about second-home owners?
Second-home owners are not required to complete the census.
“If a census agent contacts you at your secondary residence, you do not need to complete a questionnaire; the agent will simply collect a few basic details,” states the official Service public website.
If you are concerned about being away during the period and missing the census officer – and confirming that your property is indeed a second home – do not worry.
Local authorities have access to several other resources, such as property tax data, which can confirm the status of a property if there is no response.
One other exemption from completing the census is provided. If your total length of stay in France is less than a year (for example a student on a study abroad programme) you are exempt.
