Your questions

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

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

practical

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paris,,France,,15-09-2023,:,Sign,Of,La,Poste

Why is La Poste refusing to send my letter to the US?

There has been confusion over how customs rules apply to letters

Can the French tax office seize money from my bank account?

This can happen if you leave such bills unpaid, usually after several reminder letters

A view of a driver on a left-hand side drive car going fast on a straight road

My son got a speeding fine while driving my car in France - is my licence at risk?

Speeding fines are sent to the person registered as the car’s owner

Three young brothers playing rock, paper, scissors

What types of child custody arrangements exist for parents in France?

Family judges are sometimes required to rule on custody cases

a French residence permit or brexit withdrawal card inset against Lyon departmental prefecture

How long does récépissé for Brexit card renewal last?

Holders of five-year cards are now renewing document

What are your rights if police pull you over in France?

Police can stop drivers at any point for a roadside check

A view of someone looking at paperwork with a calculator and house model in the foreground

French residential tax debits have not been taken - what should I do?

Many opt for monthly payments from January to October

Border checks at Charles de Gaulle airport

I have overstayed the 90 day rule in France - what will happen?

Rules limit how long travellers can remain in EU without requiring a visa

Chimney sweeping rules in France: Can you do this yourself - and how often is required by law?

Insurance companies have their own requirements

A view of a model house and mini checklist with a magnifying glass

Is there an exemption for helping my child buy a home in France?

2025 finance law gives time-limited exemption with regard to gifts of money for this purpose

Can UK vehicle be registered at French second home?

Confusion over ‘proof of address’ required for request

When can you seek a second medical opinion in France?

Some mutuelles include cover for a specific service related to this

A view of a carte grise against a car in the background

What can I do about old cars in my French barn?

Vehicles may sometimes come without proper registration documents

Can drivers park in French delivery zones?

Special zones are found near commercial centres where high frequency of delivery vehicles are expected

A view of a decorated coffin at a funeral

How does repatriation from France to the US work after a death?

Local consulates should be informed of the death of a US citizen abroad

Is there a ‘bedroom tax’ in France for additional rooms?

The surface area of rooms is used to calculate property taxes

Can non-citizens in France be foster parents?

Famille d'accueil are paid and considered employees

A view of houses on piles of coins to show increasing costs

How much is second home insurance in France?

There is no legal obligation to insure a second home if it is a fully independent property

Can I get a UK S1 form as pensioner in France?

Anyone in the country who claims a UK state pension is typically eligible to receive an S1 form

Group,Of,Chickens,On,A,Farm,Yard,Chicken,Eco,Farm

Can I install chicken coop for my own eggs during shortage?

Coops are subject to taxes if over a certain size

Are ‘lifetime driving licences’ coming to an end in France?

Incoming EU rules on licences only partially affect France

What do you risk if you hire someone for work on your home and pay cash-in-hand?

Undisclosed payments cost French economy billions each year

Can you vote by proxy in French elections?

French and EU citizens are eligible to vote in municipal elections

Person wearing blue surgical gloves about to open a septic tank cover

What are penalties for not conforming with new septic tank requirement?

Financial aid is available for homeowners needing to install new tanks

How can I reduce my wife's admin after my death in France?

Specialist UK firms can help ease things along and liaise with the notaire

How to get UK TV signal back in French home?

Newer satellite box models can help

A view of someone opening a house door with a key

Are second homes in France a good investment?

Investment picture is variable depending on geographical location

Who decides if a political party is far left or far-right in France?

Parties can contest the status with which they are labelled

Do I need separate caravan insurance in France?

Fixed and mobile models have different rules and coverage

Can EU citizens get French identity cards?

French-issued ID can be useful for some administrative procedures

Big,Bed,In,A,Small,Bedroom,,Clean,,Comfortable,And,Affordable

Can you offer rentals in France when staying on visitor visa?

There are different thresholds for rentals before they are deemed as ‘professional income’

Your questions

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

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?

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Paris airport strike on June 18: which routes are at risk of delays?

Are Britons facing delays at French airports due to ETA?

Patients in France face delays of over five months to see specialists

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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?

Are Asian hornet traps reimbursed in France?

What is the malus tax for cars in France?

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

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

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

Are annual boiler checks required at French second home?

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

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

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

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

Is French flour usually fortified with iron?

What is the equivalent in France of power of attorney?

Why is La Poste refusing to send my letter to the US?

Can the French tax office seize money from my bank account?

My son got a speeding fine while driving my car in France - is my licence at risk?

What types of child custody arrangements exist for parents in France?

How long does récépissé for Brexit card renewal last?

What are your rights if police pull you over in France?

French residential tax debits have not been taken - what should I do?

I have overstayed the 90 day rule in France - what will happen?

Chimney sweeping rules in France: Can you do this yourself - and how often is required by law?

Is there an exemption for helping my child buy a home in France?

Can UK vehicle be registered at French second home?

When can you seek a second medical opinion in France?

What can I do about old cars in my French barn?

Can drivers park in French delivery zones?

How does repatriation from France to the US work after a death?

Is there a ‘bedroom tax’ in France for additional rooms?

Can non-citizens in France be foster parents?

How much is second home insurance in France?

Can I get a UK S1 form as pensioner in France?