Residency fees, gas bill surge: seven major changes for French residents in May

May is set to be an impactful month for residents of France, with several major changes on the horizon.

A number of these relate to the ongoing energy price crisis caused by tensions in the Middle East, although other areas impacted include travel, health, and education.

Income tax declaration deadlines fall throughout the month, including for those filing paper declarations and people living outside of France. Our article here gives the deadlines for all concerned groups.

Below, we cover the major changes.

1: Residency card price rises and new driving licence fee

The cost of several residency card and visa applications will increase from May 1.

This includes for residency permit renewals, visa validations, and citizenship fees alongside other requests.

Reduced prices are available for certain groups such as students and some jobseekers.

Note that holders of Article 50 (Brexit) cards are not impacted by any of the changes, and those needing to renew five-year versions this year can continue to do so free of charge.

In addition, from May 4 foreign driving licence exchanges will become fee-based for the first time. It will cost €40 to exchange a non-EU driving licence for a French one (previously this was free). 

2: Gas price hike 

The national benchmark for gas prices will increase by around 15.4% on May 1, seeing bills skyrocket. 

Bills are likely to go up by around €6.19 per month on average, but homes that use gas for both cooking and hot water may see more significant increases.

This benchmark price from the Commission de régulation de l’énergie is used by companies to set costs, but some gas providers may increase prices further due to fears of future hikes.

Those who have fixed contracts already in place will not be impacted by the rises.

The increase is due to a natural gas shortage caused by the war between the US/Israel and Iran and the subsequent blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.

3: ‘High-mileage driver’ financial aid 

Financial support for people who drive for work or commute long distances is to be made available by the end of the month, covering up to 20c per litre of fuel costs.

Around 3 million drivers will be eligible, the government predicts, with those who earn below the median household income for their status able to apply. They must drive 30 km per day for work/their commute, or 8,000 km per year.

Aids for certain sectors (agriculture, logistics, fisheries) etc will also be maintained or increased.

Drivers will be able to apply for the aid directly through the tax website (impots.gouv.fr) via a dedicated portal that will be set up before the end of May.

The financial support will apply retroactively for April and May, as well as June. It may be extended past this depending on fuel costs.

4: Immediate licence suspensions 

Drivers in four departments caught using their mobile phones while behind the wheel will see their licences immediately suspended from May 1. 

Landes – which already had the measure in place – will be joined by Charente-Maritime, Pas-de-Calais, and Lot-et-Garonne.

The immediate suspension comes on top of fines and other penalties.

5: CAF benefit increase 

Many benefits paid out by the Caisse d’allocations familiales (CAF) will increase by 0.8%, including family and disability payments, the prime à la naissance, and the RSA jobseekers allowance.

The decision was made on April 1, but monthly payments are made in arrears (versées à terme échu) so are reflected in payments from May onwards. 

6: €1 student meals and bursaries closing 

From May 4, all university students will be eligible for a €1 meal at CROUS restaurants (canteens at education facilities). 

Previously, the €1 meal scheme was limited to students from low-income families, but will be extended to all undergraduate and postgraduate students, PhD students, apprentices and civil service volunteers. 

Meals include one main and two side dishes, and are paid for through their ‘Izly’ account. 

Students should note however that their student social file (dossier social étudiant) must be submitted by May 31 to guarantee housing and financial aid applications are processed without delay.

7: Customs Code update 

France’s Customs Code (code des douanes) has been updated for the first time since 1948.

The customs code provides rules on how goods, money, and other regulated items move into and out of France.

Major rules in the code remain unchanged, although some smaller changes have taken place.

However, most travellers (including for leisure and short-term business) are not expected to notice any differences when crossing in or out of France.

The code will be split into seven new ‘themes’ to make consulting the text easier for both customs officers and travellers.