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HELP GUIDES

Income Tax in France

Healthcare in France

Inheritance Law and Wills in France

Visas and residency cards for France

Your questions

Do French language test exemptions for over 65s only apply to some residency cards?

There has been much confusion over the incoming rules

Speed cameras: What happens if a driver is flashed in a vehicle with non-French number plates?

France is part of EU agreement to share driving fines with other countries – but UK is not included

Does French holiday property become a ‘main home’ after selling up elsewhere?

Whether or not a French home is your ‘main’ one depends on factors including tax residency

practical

What is ‘SRU number’ on French house sale document?

A 2000 law led to several major chances for buyers, sellers, and builders

Trending

What is France's 'approved list' for overseas tax-deductible donations?

Tax reductions on donations to European and UK charities are not always possible

What are the different ways to watch American football in France?

The sport is growing in popularity in Europe

Can drivers choose different operators for motorway tolls in France?

France’s motorways are run by several concessionary groups

Are French income tax declaration forms available in English?

Several points of assistance are available to help people complete the declaration

Can stepchildren inherit property under French succession law?

French succession laws can affect inheritance of property from a step-parent

Are there online comparison sites for French energy bills and offers?

A regulated tariff exists for electricity but not for gas

What will happen if French residency card holder is away when EES border checks start?

New digital border rules are expected to be phased in over time

Is an international driving permit needed to hire a car from a French supermarket?

UK licence holders living in France cannot obtain an IDP

What is the process to give blood in France?

Blood drives are not so common and an appointment must usually be made

Is it possible to choose date French monthly tax instalments come out?

The date payments are taken out are set in the French tax code

Repairs on dry stone wall in France: Must stones be bought or can they be picked up?

You may need to consult your neighbour to repair border walls

90/180 days rule: Can visa-free days be used to enter France before start of visa?

Be wary of spending too much time in France or you may be seen as a tax resident

Are there smartphone apps that show the location of parking spaces in France?

There are several digital methods to pay for a parking spot

Does residency of children affect French gift tax limits?

The 2025 budget updated certain rules on gifts between parents and children

Must address on UK driving licence be changed after moving to France?

UK drivers may have to exchange their licence for a French one after moving

What are the rules on installing a cat flap or doggy door at my French home?

Local heritage rules must be respected

French residency permits: Must they be handed back when leaving?

Permit holders retain rights for a certain number of years

Is any financial aid available to pay for installing a septic tank for our French property?

Homeowners installing a tank must work closely with local authorities

What are the rules on gifting a share of French property to a child?

A notaire is required to prepare the deed of gift

Are all S1 form-holders exempt from French social charges?

Discover how S1 forms can exempt some retirees in France from substantial social charges

Who is liable for repair costs after the sale of a property in France?

Sellers can be liable for repairs in the case of hidden defects

Is a new will required in France after getting married in the UK?

Mariage to a foreign national can leave you intestate

Is it dangerous to drive a Tesla in France at the moment?

Several vehicles have been burned as anger rises against Tesla CEO Elon Musk

Do roof repairs need to be declared to French tax authorities?

Repairs do not usually require planning authorisation to be issued

What do French authorities mean by a ‘recent’ birth certificate?

French versions of the document are updated with key life events

Can non-residents switch banks in France easily?

Account and card costs are on the rise generally

Is a carte de famille useful for mixed French-British couples?

These cards are aimed at people who have moved to France permanently on a first visa

Will new EU border security rules affect double passport holders?

We look at rules if you have two countries’ passports or two from the same country

How are insurance details provided following road accidents in France?

Green insurance stickers were rarely used following accidents

Customs: What allowances are there to take household items from France to UK?

Personal goods allowances change depending on how you arrive in the country

Can neighbour force us to put fence up in French garden?

Rules on undergrowth clearance and habitat protection come into play

Why are inheritance funds still in French bank account?

Notaires are responsible for closing accounts

I have overstayed the 90 day rule in France. What is going to happen?

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

What are the rules for installing an electric fence on French property?

Electric fences are not solely for agricultural purposes

Are we liable to French wealth tax after five years of residency card ownership?

The tax implications for UK retirees living in France post-Brexit

Can non-French retirees obtain an Ehic card?

Some residents in France still benefit from UK international health card

Will EES affect travel rules for spouses of French citizens?

Spouses have additional rights to remain in the EU

What are the steps to close a French bank account if moving back to the UK?

Switching bank accounts between two French accounts is easier

Do French supermarkets deliver groceries to rural areas?

Home delivery is a popular choice for a weekly shop in France

Can a car French insurer refuse to offer cover based on age?

Insurers can cancel contracts for several reasons

When must a person begin declaring information to French tax authorities?

Income declarations are completed and returned annually in spring

How do writers set up a business in France?

Creative workers can benefit from a special social security regime

Does using ‘trustee' in French wills raise issues?

'Trusts' have different legal recognition in France than other countries

Are the start dates of French visas flexible?

Entering France before or after your visa's start date is possible, with specific conditions and requirements

Can we bring UK digger to France to work on our second home?

There is a time limit on how long machinery can be brought over to avoid import fees

Are patients of a retiring French GP automatically signed up with new doctor?

It can be difficult to find a médecin traitant in some rural areas

What is the best way to deal with ‘stink bugs’ in our French home?

The bugs arrived from Asia and are considered an invasive species

Is it possible to get a carte Vitale in France without a social security number?

Refunds may be possible for medical expenses paid out whilst waiting for healthcard

What are the rules for burning garden waste in France in 2025?

Spring is a popular time to clean up in garden

Is it necessary to sign up to a local déchetterie in France before using it?

Rules are changing in several areas to cut down on excessive waste

Can we gift French property to our daughter?

Gift taxes will be levied if certain thresholds are passed

Does France have a 'digital nomad' visa?

Several countries have visas for people who work remotely for an employer abroad

Is seasonal work possible in France under the 90/180 days rule?

Only some sectors are permitted to hire people without a valid work visa

Are there any ways to reduce notaire fees when buying a property in France?

We look at some less well-known possibilities as tax hike looms

What is a Ghic card and does it work in France

Cards cover medical necessary health costs

French speed radars: can you check if you have a fine online in case missed in post?

Outstanding fines can be found online

Is it possible for French border officials to stop stamping passport as it is almost full?

Passports need one blank page on them when travelling

Is extra insurance for French garden pool required?

Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader query

Is there a simple renewal process for six-month French visas?

Second-home owners are required to obtain visas for extended visits to properties in France

Is it possible to find French cadastral plans online?

Certain plans go back to the 1800s

How can renovations on French second home reduce capital gains tax?

Reductions related to length of ownership start after five years

Are French vet costs regulated by the government?

There are several ways you may be able to reduce annual fees

Must chimney in French home be swept annually even if it is not used?

Some areas require chimneys to be swept multiple times per year

Education in France: Can children be enrolled part way through school year?

Older children are assessed on their skills before entering the education system

Can French forced heirship rules be bypassed?

Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal, answers a reader query

Will my daughter have to pay tax on inherited property in France?

The value of a property can often be above tax-free sums on inheritance

Can UK paper driving licences be used to hire vehicles in France?

Some have highlighted issue of using non-French licences to hire vehicles

What is the process if Brexit card holder’s passport is stamped by mistake?

Manual stamping of passports will soon be phased out

Is property declaration form required for French second homes this year?

The Biens immobiliers form was introduced in 2023

Can we switch to ‘universal’ marriage regime in France?

John Kitching, a director of French Law Consultancy Limited, answers a reader query

Must neo-bank ‘pots’ of non-euro currencies be declared to French tax authorities?

Foreign accounts need to be declared on annual income tax declaration