HELP GUIDES

Income Tax in France

Healthcare in France

Inheritance Law and Wills in France

Visas and residency cards for France

Your questions

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

practical

Is there issue with French passport machines reading US passports?

Some passport owners report difficulties with chip being read

Trending

How do landlords register an Airbnb let with French commune?

New system requires all mairies to give tourist rentals a number

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health databases can be checked by patients and professionals

Is French flour usually fortified with iron?

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

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

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

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

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

Family judges are sometimes required to rule on custody cases

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

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

Many opt for monthly payments from January to October

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can I know if speed limit is 80 km/h or 90 km/h on road following changes?

More than 50 departments have partially or fully overturned 2018 law change reducing limits on secondary roads

Must all properties in France have a ‘smart’ thermostat?

Modern thermostats can automatically set temperatures even when residents are away

Can Accueil des Villes Françaises help me make friends in France?

Organisation aims especially to help newcomers settle in

What does a French tontine actually look like?

It may be stated in the title section of paperwork

What do I need to do if my pet dies in France?

French regulations require animals to be cremated

Am I being overcharged on savings in France?

A reader writes about income tax demands on interest

How did George Clooney obtain French citizenship despite speaking little French?

Were 'double standards' involved, or did he follow standard procedure?

Can I work in France with UK TEFL teaching qualifications after Brexit?

Advice for foreign language teachers seeking employment in France after Brexit.

Could I be forced to sell my house to pay fees if my spouse has to move into nursing home?

Various funding options exist that can help towards costs of residential care

Do unmarried partners of French and EU citizens have the same rights as married ones?

Freedom of movement rules apply to EU spouses

Why do I struggle to find English-language newspapers in France?

Online versions are widely available

Is there shortcut for six-month French visa application?

Appointments require physical visit to processing centre

Are pet vaccines a legal requirement in France?

Certain vaccinations are mandatory before animals can travel

Can I charge electric vehicle when parked outside my home?

Rules on parking can also affect those looking to charge electric vehicles

France’s ‘solidarité fiscale’: when you are responsible for your partner’s tax

Couples who are married or in a civil partnership are jointly liable for certain taxes.

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

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

Millions required to complete census across next month

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?