Finance money

French bank to close dozens of Britons' accounts citing Brexit

Regional caisse in south-west blames complicated post-Brexit rules and measures to stop money laundering

Change for foreign residents and eligibility to family benefit in France

People will only be able to obtain family benefits if they spend majority of the year in the country

What is average salary in France? How does it compare with US or UK?

We also look at the average disposable income per capita in OECD countries

Millions to get email from French tax officials: be sure to read it

If the information contained is wrong and you do not take action you could be fined

Key financial steps to take after the death of family member in France

Unlocking bank accounts, cancelling contracts, we look what you need to do in the months following the death

Scammers pose as anti-fraud agency: 4 scams to watch out for in France

Readers report being targeted by fraudsters both online and while out shopping

Key errors foreigners may make with French tax declarations

We look at some of the pitfalls that could prove costly to newcomers

Primark plans to double number of low-cost fashion shops in France

The Irish brand wants to open four new sites per year in suburban towns

Warning to expect delays with bank transfers in France over Easter

How to avoid getting caught out by the annual bank transfer holiday

French minister denies plans for income-linked healthcare

The economy minister said comments that well-off people would need to ‘contribute more’ had been misreported

Homeowners in France at risk of being sued by subcontractors

If the main contractor fails to pay up, the property owner may be liable, a new ruling confirms

New way to check if your French top-up health insurance cost is fair

French consumer group launches comparator based on profile saying it should be easier for people to compare plans and save money

€2 Olympics coin given to Paris children being sold online for €600

The Monnaie de Paris Mint said it was ‘astonished’ at the resale prices

France's way of tracking undeclared pools is unfair, says report

The aerial photography system in use since 2021 is not applied in the same way all over the country

What changes in France in 2024 for money, tax and banking?

We look at the new banking regulations, property declarations and tax bands

€9m of goods not delivered as Habitat France seeks liquidation

The company has been warning of financial trouble for months, and administrators have now called for its liquidation, leaving thousands of orders unfulfilled

Intermarché and Auchan to buy more than 300 Casino stores in France

‘It's the worst Christmas present the staff could have had,’ said a representative of the CGT union, saying workers will not ‘let themselves be thrown away without reacting’

Spotlight on losses and low travel numbers at small French airports

Critics say France’s 72 small and regional airports cost hundreds of millions in public money to maintain, but one airport group says they are an ‘asset’ that must remain open

How French tax officials are using AI to track fraud

The software is continually being fine tuned to enhance its ability to identify potential discrepancies

Top-up health insurance firms confirm big price rises in France

Contracts for individuals could rise by as much as 7%, and almost 10% for groups, a new report has found

Scheme to rent electric car for €100-a-month launches in France

We look at the government's social leasing scheme, explain who it is for, and how to apply

Rubbish collection tax in France: what exemptions exist?

The tax is closely linked to property taxes in France, although in some cases certain buildings can be exempt

€50 fake notes circulating in south-west France: how to spot one

Fraudsters have been caught using fake notes, particularly for online sites and informal transactions

What rises are expected to house and car insurance in France in 2024?

A two-year agreement to limit rises is set to end next year, but a minister has warned companies against ‘untenable’ rate increases

France votes to allow new gambling casinos to support ‘horse towns’

The vote will ‘save the region’ and ‘write history’, say supporters

France’s ‘Christmas bonus’: Who is eligible and how does it work?

The annual payments are set to begin next month. We explain who is eligible, how it will be paid, and how the amount is calculated

Tips to avoid home renovation scams in France

More cases are expected as the government increases the amount available in grants for eco-friendly projects

Habitat France shops at risk as firm faces financial issues

The group’s owner says he wants the stores to remain open but unions say that they ‘have not had a delivery’ of new stock in six months

4 ways to lower the price when buying property in France

From agency commission to negotiating the cost of furnishings, here are some tips

UK Autumn statement: are there changes for Britons living in France?

We look at UK state pension top-up and lump sums and news that the UK will create a form of ‘Baccalaureate’

How to get help to pay for care home fees in France

There are a number of financial aid plans available and routes to explore

France launches cash aid for people to repair clothes

The ‘ bonus réparation ’ will now apply to clothes and shoes, in a bid to cut down fast fashion waste

More than a million extra people to get France’s next fuel cheque

The €100 fuel cheque for low-income drivers is set to be extended as part of a new government deal

Why it can pay to check €2 coins you get in change in France

Special minted or rarer coins can be worth far in excess of their face value; some can be found in circulation

LIST: See what state aid is available to repair home goods in France

Changes to the scheme on January 1 will increase the amount available and extend the list of eligible items

Four tips for saving money on internet and mobile contracts in France

Try these tips to save cash on smartphone and internet plans, especially if your usage is low or you have a second home

Map: Where in France do people give most to charities?

Charitable giving varies considerably from region to region, but donations overall have dropped amid inflation and decreased purchasing power

Doctors’ strike in France: ‘Why €25 per appointment is not enough’

The strike comes amid wider national action also affecting travel and schools

Couple find €400,000 on a walk in southern France - they can keep half

Their dog unearthed a metal box containing a stash of bank notes. The original owner cannot be traced and has not come forward

Ways to save money on train travel in France

Get to know the offer cycles and avoid buying at the ticket counter are among our tips

More tax on alcohol, sick pay: what will France’s 2024 budget change?

We look at measures reported to be under review in a bid to reduce France’s vastly expanded social security deficit

Health checks, Covid vaccine drive: 5 practical updates from France

We also look at how to benefit from free online French classes and whether you should buy your wood pellets for heating before autumn to save money

Useful French terms to help you with new clothes mending scheme

From October, the government is offering financial help to those who have their clothes repaired rather than throwing them away

Tips on how to save money on France’s toll motorways

Tweaking your journey or using some cost-saving apps can help you save significantly on rising péage costs

Money-saver: No-waste cooking classes in France

Cooking classes are popping up all over France which teach participants how to cook delicious meals while reducing waste and saving money

Millions of shoppers across France sign up for new ‘deals’ brochure

The free weekly brochure is on an ‘opt-in’ basis only and claims €150 savings a month

Can shops in France refuse to take payments in cash?

The question was sparked by reports of some French shops refusing to accept notes and coins on Sundays

How to protect savings if your French bank crashes

Partner article: Recent bank collapses put a spotlight on savings protection - check your own safeguards, says Rob Kay from Blevins Franks

Money saver: How to pick up free items in France

These popular French websites allow you to find items people are giving away, and there are even tax breaks available if you donate your objects

Five musts when you fill out your French tax return

Partner article: Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains how to avoid paying a 'tax on ignorance'

Save money on white goods in France by buying reconditioned appliances

A French company that reconditions washing machines and tumble dryers has funding to expand across the country

When is the deadline for filing your French tax return?

Online tax returns opened on Thursday (April 13). The deadline for completing them depends on where you live in France

What documents do I need to start my French income tax declaration?

We look at which documents will help you to fill out your French tax declaration

How to check your investments stay on track for life in France

Partner article: Rob Kay from Blevins Franks examines how if you move to France, it may be advantageous to make some changes to your investment portfolio

What happens to a joint French bank account during a divorce?

We get guidance on how to protect your money in a joint account when going through a separation or divorce

Should I cash in my UK pension when moving to France? Six criteria

Partner article: Christopher Davenport from Kentingtons flags potential tax benefits but it is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution

Tourism bounces back as France rakes in €58bn from foreign visitors

New figures show France enjoyed a remarkable recovery after Covid, largely due to the return of European and American visitors

Bid to limit bank fees applied to accounts after a death in France

French fees reported to be three times higher than Spain

9 changes for residents and homeowners in France in February 2023

Covid isolation rules, an end to free exchange of SNCF tickets, more eco-friendly renovations money, a new energy price shield… we look at key changes happening this month

Tax-at-source France: How it works and why you still self-declare

The tax-at-source system was introduced in France in 2019 and is part of a hybrid set up alongside some older tax systems

Could you save money in France by renting children’s toys?

An increasing number of businesses in France offer toy rentals, meaning you can exchange them as soon as the kids or grandkids get bored

France new €100 fuel aid applications now open: who is eligible?

We explain the criteria and how to apply

How much money do you need for a ‘decent life’ in France?

We speak to the economist who calculated the monthly income needed for couples, families, single or retired people

Foreign retirees in France get clarification on income requirements

An Interior Ministry spokesman has clarified the level of income retirees need to convert a visitor visa to a 10-year 'carte de résident'

Grants, savings, tax: how will your finances change in France in 2023?

We look at new laws and changes that could affect you next year

Scam alert in France: Watch out for online energy fraudsters

Energy cost scams have soared by 127% this year as costs rise, with more fake-but-convincing websites popping up. Here’s how to avoid falling victim

Can buyers claim the interest on their French house deposit?

Who gets the interest often depends on the contract, so for expensive properties and where delays are anticipated it is worth specifying that you want it

Why am I paying two lots of French tax at the end of the year?

We explain when the balance of any tax and social charges on the previous calendar year’s income is paid, as well as new on-account payments

Currency planning for life in France avoids being a hostage to markets

Partner article: Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains why it makes sense to ensure access to euros rather than taking a punt on where the market is going

Heat your house in France with wood? How to apply for aid

France is dedicating €230million to helping households that heat with wood or wood pellets, with €50-€200 available per home, as prices soar. Here’s how to apply