HELP GUIDES

Income Tax in France

Healthcare in France

Inheritance Law and Wills in France

Visas and residency cards for France

Your questions

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

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How long does récépissé for Brexit card renewal last?

Holders of five-year cards are now renewing document

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What are your rights if police pull you over in France?

Police can stop drivers at any point for a roadside check

I had no debits taken for French residential tax - what should I do?

Amounts taken depend on how much, and when, you are scheduled to pay

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

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 I install chicken coop for my own eggs during shortage?

Coops are subject to taxes if over a certain size

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?

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

What is diamond sign that has appeared on major road near my French home?

Trial for use of sign is underway

Is it possible to register for barrier-free motorway alerts in France with a UK-registered car?

Concessionaires offer alerts notifying drivers when vehicle has passed through such routes

What savings can you make with an heures creuses electricity contract?

Off-peak hours are soon set to change

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

How can I find out who the owner of a property is in France?

There are a few methods you can use to ascertain ownership

Will we have to pay back any of the French Aspa pension top-up money we have received?

Benefit can become repayable after a recipient’s death

Does the French 2021 forced heirship law apply to non-residents’ second homes?

Whether it is applicable depends on the family situation

Are French speed limits lower when it is raining? How severe must weather be?

Several weather conditions affect maximum speeds in France

Is insurance from a GHIC health card sufficient for visiting second home in France?

Health cards provide ‘medically necessary’ coverage

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?

The British embassy and consulates in France no longer offer a passport renewal service

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