What is a timbre fiscal and where do I obtain one?
In most instances the tax stamp is used to get new administrative documents
I have to buy a ‘timbre fiscal’ to validate my visa. What is this and where can I buy one?
In France, a timbre fiscal (tax stamp) is a kind of pre-paid validation required for a number of administrative tasks, such as obtaining official documents.
They are used to cover the tax fees for these tasks, and the prices vary greatly depending on what the stamp is being used for.
Since 2019, tax stamps have been fully digitised and are no longer issued in paper versions so you cannot, for example, buy one and enclose it with a paper application.
Instead, you must purchase a digital stamp and enter the code either during the application process or when you go to collect your documents.
More and more official procedures are now undertaken entirely online.
In most instances the tax stamp is used to get new administrative documents.
The list of uses for tax stamps includes for example, replacing French driving licences, passports and identity cards, validating a long-stay visa, applying for a residency card or a document de circulation pour mineur étranger (DCEM) and applying for French nationality.
The cost of a tax stamp can range from around €25 (to renew an identity card), to more than €200 to apply for certain residency permits or appeal against a court decision.
The stamps are available at many tabacs, classed as a Point de vente agréé.
Alternatively, you can buy a tax stamp directly from the government.
The cost of a tax stamp differs depending on what you need it for. Helpfully when you purchase via the government website you can select the reason to ensure you pay the correct amount.
You can pay with a bank card. American Express and Paypal are not accepted. You can pay with cash at a tabac.
After buying the stamp, it will be sent to you, either via email or a text message.
The stamp contains a QR code and 16-digit number.
You may need to present this to be scanned at some point during your application. Usually for passports or identity cards your stamp will be scanned when you go to your local administrative centre to collect the document.
You have up to 12 months after buying your stamp to use it, however, you have 18 months to request a refund if you do not actually come to use it.
You can ask for a refund using the same government site where you buy them, via the section that says Demander le remboursement d’un timbre électronique.