HELP GUIDES

Income Tax in France

Healthcare in France

Inheritance Law and Wills in France

Visas and residency cards for France

Your questions

I have received a second-home tax bill for my main home in France - what should I do?

Ensure the tax office has the correct personal details

How can I help my child to integrate in France?

Children tend to pick up languages quicker than adults

Is buying or renting property better in France?

Large variations in the respective costs exist between different regions

practical

How can residents complete French census if abroad at the time?

Millions required to complete census across next month

Trending

Can I leave my bin outside if it is not a collection day in France?

Communes set local collection days that vary depending on location

Must restaurants serve you free tap water in France?

There are several rules surrounding beverages in French restaurants

How can I protect my second home in France from mice while I am away?

Pests can enter homes at any period

French mairie offers ‘civil baptisms’ - what are they?

France offers several secular alternatives to religious ceremonies

When my husband dies will I lose access to healthcare in France through his S1?

Settled residents in France can access healthcare through 'Puma' system

Is French ‘malus’ tax being applied to second-hand cars?

Change was included in 2025 budget law

Why was passport stamped when entering France?

EES began rollout in October

How long must I keep important documents in France?

Tax notices, family records, healthcare….what should you keep and for how long?

Can I ask for branded medicine instead of generic at a French pharmacy?

Non-brand drugs are generally cheaper but contain similar ingredients

Do I need the devis to contest French builder’s bad job?

An estimate is a legal contract between you and the person doing the work

Is there a way to check official information on French low-emission zones?

The future of ‘ZFEs’ remains unknown, but 25 are currently in place

What is French ‘forced heirship’ inheritance rule and does it affect me?

Rule has come to the fore following 2021 law changes

Are there exemptions for customs duties when importing a car to France from outside the EU?

Some UK cars are exempt based on where parts originate

Can adult children be held responsible for the debts of their parents in France?

If the mother or father has died the situation can be complex

Why am I suddenly being charged withholding tax in France?

Upcoming instalments can be viewed through personal space of French tax site

Are new UK pet passports being introduced? Will they be accepted in France?

UK made easier pet travel one aim of talks earlier this year

Does registered mail in France come with insurance? La Poste lost €1,000 package

Complaints can be taken to postal ombudsman

Which country's law should we use for our will in France?

Reader wishes to bequeath estate to stepson

Is bartering legal in France?

Written contracts can be useful when exchanging goods without money

EES, ETIAS and ETA: Which of these impact residents of France?

Systems have confusingly similar acronyms

I need to leave my husband in France but have no money. What can I do?

There are many potential sources of help, by phone or in person

What are the rules for putting up cameras at my French home?

People have a right to install cameras, but must respect privacy laws

Is sudden high bill from new French tax office correct?

If you believe the extra demand is incorrect, a réclamation can be made

Is it easy to switch bank accounts in France?

Certain savings accounts cannot be moved between banks

Must residency card holders in France keep three months’ validity on passport?

Fast-track and premium renewals are possible

Can neighbour legally fly their drone over our property in France?

Drones are popular hobby but cannot be used everywhere

Spending time in UK on a French Brexit card: what are the tax implications?

Tax residency and right to live in France are two separate issues

I want to sell French house but siblings do not: what can I do?

Buying siblings out may be possible

Can power of attorney be given to sell French home while abroad?

Several regulations were relaxed during the pandemic

My French pensions never go up. How can I check if they are correct?

Increases will not be more than the average rise in salaries

Can I ask French police to check on my home when away in winter?

Rules are different for main and second homes

How to reserve a French cemetery plot - and what does it cost?

The majority of cemeteries are run by mairies

Are annual boiler checks obligatory in France?

Insurance companies may reference your boiler in their documentation

Will estranged grandchild inherit part of my father's French estate?

Expert international legal advice may be necessary, and controversial 2021 inheritance changes affects wills

Can I have both US and French driving licence and use latter at second home?

Those obtained from certain US states and other countries cannot be exchanged for one from France

Is it possible to contest property tax bill from French authorities?

Taxes are based on property status at start of year

Is there a set date by which I must arrive in France from US on long-stay visa?

VLS-TS visas must be validated within three months

How can drivers get a disabled parking badge in France?

UK versions of the badge should now be recognised in France

Must you clear fallen leaves from your garden outside your home in France?

In most cases it is not legal to burn leaves once they have been raked up

What are the rules on metal detecting in France?

Focus on protecting potential archaeological finds means lack of clarity for amateurs

Are there duties payble on personal items when moving away from France?

A relief on customs duties is available for certain possessions

What do I need to do if my partner dies when we are at our second home in France?

Several steps must usually be taken in first 24 hours

Can I contest a failed roadworthiness test in France?

All test centres work with a mediator to resolve disputes

Can you check if someone has made a will in France?

A national will register can be consulted by anyone providing certain information is given

Can I take my small pot pension from the UK early while living in France?

The UK has specific rules relating to pensions worth no more than €10,000

Can I make a complaint about my neighbour’s poultry farm in France?

It is legal to raise some poultry in your backyard with minimal regulations

Are UK NI top-ups tax deductible in France?

UK pension 'top-ups' can be worthwhile

Inheritance in France: do stepchildren have rights after divorce? - Partner article

It is possible to leave everything to your own children but rules vary depending on the family situation

How can I find a doctor who will accept my Ghic card in France?

The cards help visitors receive ‘medically necessary treatment’

What is an FPS parking fine in France and how can it be contested?

Parking fines have a three-month payment deadline

Why are mutuelle and French health insurance not sharing information?

Automatic sharing of information between insurers is common

Neighbour of French home has camera recording our garden – what can we do?

Installation of security equipment recording private areas can infringe privacy

Do we need permission to install pond in garden at French home?

Several planning and environmental factors must be taken into account

Why are authorities asking about our address to join French social security?

Short-term rentals are not always accepted as valid proof of time spent in France

What is the tontine option for property in France?

Option should be considered if buying for the first time

Is it possible to transfer my apartment to my daughter in France?

Gifting only residual ownership is one of many options

Can I install a small structure for work use on my land in France? - Partner article

'Garden shed tax' can be levied in certain circumstances

How is capital gains tax calculated for en viager properties in France?

Amount is calculated taking account of both increase in value and ongoing 'rent' income

Is there a place to find your ‘correct’ French address?

Thousands of rural addresses were changed last year

Is it possible to rent equipment in France for land clearance?

Mandatory undergrowth clearance should be done before start of summer

Can UK travellers get French health insurance?

Many travellers will have British 'GHIC' healthcards

How do I stop post piling up at French second home?

It is possible to pay to have mail redirected, including internationally

What is ‘bridging insurance’ for non-French vehicles?

Vehicles being relocated to France require temporary insurance if not covered by domestic policy

EES rules in France: How are spouses of EU citizens affected?

New system comes into force on October 12

Is it worth getting breakdown cover in France?

This can be an optional extra if not already provided in insurance policy

How do French capital gains rules apply to a rental property?

Designated usage is important factor in tax calculation

Neighbour’s dog in France bit ours leading to vet bills: who must pay?

Canine bites to humans must be reported to mairie

How do we provide proof of non-tax residency in France?

It is important to ensure you are not taxed twice under double tax treaty rule

How can I check my car is registered for French barrier-free motorway tolls?

Several barrier-free motorway péages now exist in France

I received a health certificate from French immigration office – what should I do with it?

Some people moving to France require a medical check

Can EU residency card help us visit family in Spain from France for longer?

Spending long periods in another EU country may require changing your place of residence