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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

Elderly second-home owners: used car or rental in France?

Choice between registering a vehicle or renting one depends on number of factors

Is it possible to switch Amazon Prime account when moving to France from US?

Certain content is geo-restricted

Can someone take my car for French roadworthiness test if I am away at the time?

Vehicles without a test certificate cannot be used

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Is there an official definition of the ‘south of France’?

There are several theories for where the 'south' begins

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What are the rules on taxation when it comes to selling at a foire in France?

Several rules are in place for vendors

Do train tickets in France with tight connections have extra guarantees?

Connections can sometimes be between two stations in the same city

Can French Brexit card be renewed early if need to return home?

Five and ten-year cards have different maximum absence periods

Are the volcanoes in central France still active?

Volcanoes shadow major city in central France

Our French bank has asked about patrimoine - what does this mean?

Banks will often ask routine questions to gather information about their customer's finances

Can a large age gap invalidate a tontine agreement in France?

Tontine clauses are inserted at time of property purchase but can be invalidated at a later date

What documents are required to sell a home in France?

Property diagnostics are required as part of sales process

Are French holiday lets affected by taxe d'habitation?

It's important to know the exemptions when it comes to holiday properties

Can our adult children join us in France through our Brexit card?

The regroupement familial process does not apply to Britons with WA rights

How do drivers prove French vehicle is insured when driving in the EU?

Green insurance stickers were replaced in 2024

What to do if second home was not charged taxe d’habitation?

The property tax is not due on main homes, which can lead to some being miscategorised

Can six-month visa holders in France get a carte Vitale?

Short-term visitors usually use alternative means of accessing healthcare

Do French emergency numbers work in the UK?

European-wide emergency numbers work in several countries

What are the current rules for children using booster seats in France?

There are strict regulations on booster seat manufacturing

Is money left to animal charity subject to the 60% tax rate in France?

Not all charities can inherit donations in a will tax-free

Can hedges in French garden be trimmed over summer?

Gardens must be cleared of undergrowth and debris to reduce risk of fires in summer months

Can renovation costs be deducted from French capital gains tax?

Upon dissolution of a société civile immobilière, property owners must pay French capital gains tax on the increase in value

Do high temperatures affect driving rules in France?

Speed limits have been lowered in recent weeks after pollution spikes

Is it possible to get a French phone number before moving to France?

Sim cards can be purchased on arrival at airports

Must authorities be informed over Japanese knotweed infestation in French garden?

Plant is known to cause harm to local ecosystems in France and cannot be bought or sold

Partner article: What are the rules on noise from heat pumps in France?

Heat pumps are popular eco-friendly renovation choice

What are arrival timelines for declaring property wealth tax in France?

There is a ‘grace’ period available for wealth held overseas

Can non-French no claims bonuses be added to new policies?

France’s no claims system is different to many elsewhere

What types of water can be used to fill swimming pool at French home?

New pools can be filled in for the first time despite drought restrictions

Is it possible to get a long prescription in France before extended stay in the UK?

Medicines are usually only provided for one month at a time

What are the best methods to sound more native when speaking French?

Lessons focusing on pronunciation and phonetics are available

Is it best to sell usufruit property in France before returning to the UK?

You need to agree to sell the property with the person or people who own the residual legal rights

Are dashcams legal to use for drivers in France?

A major court ruling applies to the use of cameras in vehicles

Can over-65s become French citizens without passing language tests?

A new immigration bill is changing several minimum language rules

Are we required to connect our French home to new communal sewage system?

The process can be expensive but some financial aid is available

Can second-home owners get a mobile phone contract in France?

What documents are required for people not classed as French residents?

What are the pros and cons of holding an S1 form for healthcare in France?

If moving to France, you can apply for an S1 90 days before moving

Is it difficult for self-employed workers to secure a mortgage from a French bank?

It's true that self-employment can be seen by banks as an additional risk factor

What is ‘electric box’ we have been asked to install at French home?

Grid manager Enedis must ensure all electrics are compatible with public domain

Can over-70s renew UK driving licences from France?

Non-UK residents should not renew their licence with British authorities

Does the spouse of a Brexit card holder have the right to live in France?

Certain residency card holders can bring spouses to France with them

Partner article: What are the legal formalities of building a house in France?

The planning formalities in France can become an additional burden if you are ill prepared

Are French residency card holders affected by 90/180 days rule when travelling inside EU?

EU citizens and eligible residents are supposed to register when moving to a new country in the bloc

What are ‘M’ signs on French roads near my home?

Roads can be maintained by departmental or local authorities

Who owns deceased father’s French vehicle after death with no will?

Vehicles can be re-registered in heir’s name following a death

What is a rescrit fiscal offered on French tax website?

It can help clarify tax obligations when making your declaration

Is there aid available for second-home owners to insulate a French property?

Several major schemes are limited to main homes

Do French language test exemptions for over 65s apply to all 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

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

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

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 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

What are the rules for installing wooden shutters in France?

Some areas require shutters to conform to aesthetic rules

Brexit cards: what are the rules around passport renewal and residency cards in France?

It is highly recommended that Britons in France retain a valid UK passport

Is compensation possible if a neighbour’s pet damages garden at French second home?

Disorderly pets can wreak havoc on gardens

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

Do inheritances in the UK need to be declared in France?

There is an inheritance tax treaty between France and the UK

When is a woman madame and when is she mademoiselle in France?

The terms are age related - but getting this right can be a delicate business

How can I find an English-speaking lawyer in France?

France is divided into over 160 bars, many of which provide information about English-speaking lawyers

Is compensation available for people injured in public in France?

Victim must show that the accident occurred in a publicly accessible area and that it caused physical harm or financial loss

Can a French bank account be opened before moving?

Online and physical banks compete with brokers in finding best solution for those on the hunt for a property

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