Your questions

If I leave my window open during heatwave am I still insured against burglary in France?

Not all home insurance policies include theft coverage

Businesswoman,Hands,Working,In,Stacks,Of,Paper,Files,For,Searching

Who can I complain to over French Brexit card renewal issues?

Authorities asked for cards to be renewed two months before expiry date

Living in France: Five common questions readers ask

Queries range from healthcare and pensions to home renovations and citizenship

practical

What are penalties for overstaying 90-day allowance in France?

People who overstay their authorised time in the Schengen area risk penalties.

What are different heat pump types and what is best for my French home?

Two main pumps exist, with different costs and benefits

How the heatwave has affected mosquitoes in France

Mosquitoes thrive under warm temperatures but not at extreme heat

Shop owner writing an order at a counter in a plant shop with a laptop and potted plants.

Who in France must switch to electronic billing and when?

Reform aims to reduce VAT fraud

Professional,Male,Plumber,In,Uniform,Is,Checking,Water,Meter,And

How can I find accredited gas expert to run checks in France?

Technicians can be certified as both installation and maintenance experts

Clamart,,France,,April,8,,2022:,Detail,Of,The,French,Government

Do I need to make declarations for tax in France during temporary move to UK?

Situation is variable depending on where you are considered to be a tax resident

How can I get a suitable photograph in France for my carte de séjour renewal?

Licenced photographers can take shots for official French documents

How to persuade my mairie to act over dog mess in France?

Several French communes have started to take tough stance against this

Who determines if I need to live in a care home in France?

Autonomy needs are an important part of the assessment process

I am 75 now - do I still need to pay property tax in France?

Exemptions depend on income and household situation

Small dog watching a woman leave home with an orange suitcase

Have rules changed on bringing pets from UK to France?

Pet travel in the UK to France direction has become more complicated since Brexit

Why is my French tip no longer taking green waste?

Several communes including major cities have recently changed rules

Terrace with a swimming pool, loungers, umbrellas and a tiled poolside area in the south of France.

Can you refill a pool during water restrictions and do French authorities run checks?

We look at how swimming pool restrictions are applied during drought periods

French border checks: what is changing over the next few months?

The ETIAS system is set to launch soon

A view of a family with a child packing moving boxes

How long do you have to move your belongings duty free to France?

We look at how the rule on goods brought during a move works in practice

Close-up of a hand holding a French identity card in Paris.

Does taking a test to obtain a French licence make you a ‘new driver’ for insurers?

It is not possible to request a simple exchange of some US driving licences

What should I do if bank card is swallowed by French cash machine?

It is likely that you will get it back but there are several exceptions to this

What happens if elderly parent living with us in France survives us?

It is worth discussing this with other close family members who might be able to help if necessary

How to get a Pacs in France and how it differs to getting married

Can foreigners get a Pacs or does one of you have to be French? We review France’s civil partnership

Where can I find an Asian hornet trap in France if my mairie will not give me one?

When local support is unavailable, there are still practical alternatives

Roadside radar speed camera warning sign against trees and blue sky.

Can speed cameras in France check if a car is insured?

Discover how automated road systems actually work in practice

A couple calculating taxes in their living room

How long should French bank statements be kept?

Documents can be used as proof in cases of disagreement

A man clearing excess vegetation in a garden

Can I get a tax reduction for employing gardener at second home in France?

Rebate is available to people who employ someone to work at their home via the Cesu system

Do French supermarkets offer home delivery services?

Rural areas may see reduced coverage

UK government pensions and social charges: has French law changed?

Reader reports being told by an accountant new rules affect this income from 2025

Can we rent out second SCI home in France?

Short-term furnished rentals via the scheme can create significant tax risks

Is there a work requirement for French citizenship applications?

There are two main paths to citizenship

Close-up of a hand holding a British passport with gold crest on the cover.

Are Britons facing delays at French airports due to ETA?

Travel authorisation to enter UK is digitally linked to passports

Must UK authorities be informed if we bring back car from France on visit?

Vehicles should be registered in the country where they are kept

Will my licence be suspended if I use my phone for GPS in France?

We look at how enforcement of latest rules is being applied in practice

Are people fined for public urination in France?

There are specific nationwide laws against the practice

Who will inherit the French holiday home after father’s death?

Learn what inheritance rules apply to a French holiday home after a parent’s death

Hands,,Credit,Card,And,Waitress,With,Pos,At,Coffee,Shop

What would happen if Visa and Mastercard stopped operating in France?

Wero system is promoted by banks, although they are less keen on proposed ‘digital euro’

A view of a rubbish truck collecting waste in France

As renters, do we have to pay the local rubbish collection tax in France?

Two main types of bin tax exist in France

How long can you leave a car parked on the street in France?

Larger towns and cities often have strict by-laws

Doctor in white coat writing notes at a desk beside a laptop and stethoscope

Does 100% health coverage in France really cover everything?

You may still have additional costs despite receiving 'full' coverage from Assurance Maladie

Living in France part time - do I exchange my driving licence?

Licence exchange rules differ depending on the country which issued your licence and France’s agreements with it

Which passport lane should French residency card holders use upon arrival?

Non-EU passport lanes see longer queues due to EES registration

How much should I pay for mowing at French home?

Costs vary depending on factors such as skill level and the exact service provided

What are the rules about keeping a caravan in your garden in France?

There are some rules you need to follow if you do this

Workers,Installing,Solar,Panels,On,Roof,Framework,Of,New,Home,

Who can help with solar panel paperwork in France?

In many cases your installer should handle most of it but other avenues for help do exist

Are ‘malus’ taxes refunded by insurance if new car is stolen?

Government taxes can add tens of thousands of euros on top of new vehicle cost

Are dual passport holders impacted by EES or UK ETA?

Both passports should be carried and used at respective border points

Does equity release lower IFI wealth tax in France?

Reader also asks if properties rented out to someone else are exempt

Can we contest neighbour’s planning permission at their home in France?

There are rules which dictate whether planning permission can be contested and by whom

Are there English-language health helplines in France?

The CPAM state healthcare refunds service offers an English-speaking number

Selling a home in France: what should I tell the utility companies?

The transfer of utilities is a separate task from the notarial sale process

Dealing with wills in France: should we have more than one?

Having a UK will for UK assets only and then leaving intestacy laws to deal with the French side is not necessarily advisable

Is there issue with French passport machines reading US passports?

Some passport owners report difficulties with chip being read

How do landlords register an Airbnb let with French commune?

New system requires all mairies to give tourist rentals a number

Amal,Clooney,And,George,Clooney,Attend,78th,Annual,Tony,Awards

Why not mention Mrs Clooney’s French levels in your citizenship article?

George and Amal Clooney recently obtained French citizenship through a unique request

Typical,Romantic,House,In,France,In,The,Country

Do I become a French tax resident if I stay too long at my second home?

Two legal texts determine whether or not you are liable to pay taxes in France

Where can I get independent advice on solar panel installation in France?

There have been reports of scams and poor advice particularly in the south

French carte grise vehicle identification paper with car in background

How can we sell a car that we inherited in France?

Vehicle may be able to remain in his name before sale takes place depending on conditions

Do I need attestation d’acceuil for my son to visit if he lives outside EU?

Confusion persists over document including over EES rollout

What are the recycling rules in France?

We are all encouraged to go greener, but making sense of what can and cannot be recycled is not always obvious. We cover what objects can and cannot go in yellow French recycling bins

Magnifying glass zooming in on bank account figures

Should I declare interest on French bank account as an American?

Tax treaties can affect what authorities must be notified of

Can a local French mairie ban Airbnb listings?

Incoming changes mean all short-term lets must be registered

Carte Vitale: how do new arrivals apply for French health insurance card?

You need to obtain a social security number as a first step

Can mairie reject solar panel request for French second home?

Projects near protected buildings and areas face tougher scrutiny

Are Asian hornet traps reimbursed in France?

Projects near protected buildings and areas face tougher scrutiny

Paris,,France,08,08,2022,,,Black,Mercedes,Amg,G63

What is the malus tax for cars in France?

Many vehicles face additional costs when registered for first time

The word tax in front of some models of houses

How does French property tax relief work based on household income?

Eligibility for relief from the taxe foncière is assessed with reference to your family quotient parts

What is the difference between carte de séjour and carte de résident?

These are the two main categories of French residency card, or what is known broadly in French as un titre de séjour

What are France’s Mon Espace Santé and Dossier Medical Partagé?

Health databases can be checked by patients and professionals

Are annual boiler checks required at French second home?

Boilers are usually checked in summer before they are turned on for colder months

Does France now accept UK health qualifications for doctors to work in France?

Brexit led to the ending of cross-recognition of many qualifications

Do I have to pay VAT to bring second-hand goods into France?

A reader asks about the process and possible costs

How can car used for half of the year in France be insured?

Existing policy may not cover extended time spent in France

How far in advance should we apply for visa to visit second-home?

Visa applications are often made through third parties

Is French flour usually fortified with iron?

Rules are different from those in other countries such as UK and US

Financial,Advisor,Talking,To,A,Senior,Man,With,An,Investment,

What is the equivalent in France of power of attorney?

A mandat de protection future allows a person to name someone to make decisions for them in the future if they become unable to do so

Your questions

If I leave my window open during heatwave am I still insured against burglary in France?

Who can I complain to over French Brexit card renewal issues?

Living in France: Five common questions readers ask

What are penalties for overstaying 90-day allowance in France?

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What are penalties for overstaying 90-day allowance in France?

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What are different heat pump types and what is best for my French home?

How the heatwave has affected mosquitoes in France

Who in France must switch to electronic billing and when?

How can I find accredited gas expert to run checks in France?

Do I need to make declarations for tax in France during temporary move to UK?

How can I get a suitable photograph in France for my carte de séjour renewal?

How to persuade my mairie to act over dog mess in France?

Who determines if I need to live in a care home in France?

I am 75 now - do I still need to pay property tax in France?

Have rules changed on bringing pets from UK to France?

Can I cut down tree in my French garden without permission?

What are French PARAFE gates and how do they relate to EES and ETIAS?

Do I need to declare loan interest paid to me to French tax authorities?

Why is my French tip no longer taking green waste?

How many people in France do not have a top-up mutuelle?

Can French police suspend foreign driving licences?

How can I find local tradespeople in France?

What should you do if you have missed France's tax declaration deadline?

Is France’s buzzard population at risk?

Can you refill a pool during water restrictions and do French authorities run checks?

French border checks: what is changing over the next few months?

How long do you have to move your belongings duty free to France?

Does taking a test to obtain a French licence make you a ‘new driver’ for insurers?

What should I do if bank card is swallowed by French cash machine?

What happens if elderly parent living with us in France survives us?

How to get a Pacs in France and how it differs to getting married

Where can I find an Asian hornet trap in France if my mairie will not give me one?

Can speed cameras in France check if a car is insured?

How long should French bank statements be kept?

Can I get a tax reduction for employing gardener at second home in France?

Do French supermarkets offer home delivery services?

UK government pensions and social charges: has French law changed?

Can we rent out second SCI home in France?

Is there a work requirement for French citizenship applications?

Are Britons facing delays at French airports due to ETA?

Must UK authorities be informed if we bring back car from France on visit?

Will my licence be suspended if I use my phone for GPS in France?

Are people fined for public urination in France?

Who will inherit the French holiday home after father’s death?

What would happen if Visa and Mastercard stopped operating in France?

As renters, do we have to pay the local rubbish collection tax in France?

How long can you leave a car parked on the street in France?

Does 100% health coverage in France really cover everything?

Living in France part time - do I exchange my driving licence?

Which passport lane should French residency card holders use upon arrival?

How much should I pay for mowing at French home?

What are the rules about keeping a caravan in your garden in France?

Who can help with solar panel paperwork in France?

Are ‘malus’ taxes refunded by insurance if new car is stolen?

Are dual passport holders impacted by EES or UK ETA?

Does equity release lower IFI wealth tax in France?

Can we contest neighbour’s planning permission at their home in France?

Are there English-language health helplines in France?

Selling a home in France: what should I tell the utility companies?

Dealing with wills in France: should we have more than one?

Is there issue with French passport machines reading US passports?

How do landlords register an Airbnb let with French commune?

Why not mention Mrs Clooney’s French levels in your citizenship article?

Do I become a French tax resident if I stay too long at my second home?

Where can I get independent advice on solar panel installation in France?

How can we sell a car that we inherited in France?

Do I need attestation d’acceuil for my son to visit if he lives outside EU?

What are the recycling rules in France?

Should I declare interest on French bank account as an American?

Can a local French mairie ban Airbnb listings?

Carte Vitale: how do new arrivals apply for French health insurance card?

Can mairie reject solar panel request for French second home?