Practical

French visas, EU citizenship case, pension contacts: Updates in brief

Find out about the latest news on Britons living in France attempting to regain their EU citizenship and whether the British pension number has changed

No snow tyre fines in France this winter – but insurers may require them

Tyres are required in mountainous communes, but non-compliance will not be sanctioned

Films and series to watch to improve your French in the New Year

Improving your French can be as easy as settling down in front of the small screen

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How are patients affected by the new rise in doctors’ fees in France?

The changes affect GP visits as well as specialist consultations

Money, inheritance, tax, pensions: What's new in France in 2025

European Commission set to decide on French law affecting the wills of resident non-EU nationals including, for example, those from the UK and US, potentially altering inheritance plans

Health and healthcare: what's new in France in 2025

Certain specialist tariffs will rise in July 2025, impacting insurance premiums and healthcare access

Cars and driving: What's new in France in 2025

From AI speed cameras to low-emission zones, we look at the changes set to transform French roads and driving regulations next year

Traffic warnings in France as Christmas holidays begin: which roads to avoid?

Roads are expected to be especially busy near the capital

Car fuel sold at cost price at many Intermarché supermarkets today and tomorrow

Many - but not all - stores are taking part - see the list here

Bitcoin crossed €100k – how are cryptocurrency gains taxed in France?

New European regulations on cryptocurrency come into effect this month

How to save money on internet access in France

Reliable internet is essential for the vast majority of people living in France, but how do you go about finding the best deal?

When are EDF’s ‘red days’ which see prices rise for Tempo contract users?

How to know when a red, blue, or white electricity day will fall and what this means

Law passed to allow France to continue to collect taxes despite lack of 2025 budget

A new budget will still need to be passed at the start of next year. The emergency law does not raise income tax bands as usually happens so these remain frozen at 2024 levels

French forced heirship law: is ‘community’ marriage regime the solution?

A couple can change their marital regime by visiting a notaire

Is it difficult to switch home insurance companies in France?

Long-term contracts are more easily cancelled, particularly for renters

Must I continue paying French property tax for second home sold in January?

Property taxes can be split into ten monthly payments

Have cabin luggage rules changed for French flights in 2025?

A rule change was implemented earlier in the year but then reversed in September

French top-up insurance to increase by 6% in 2025

Ageing population and reduced state coverage cited as some of reasons behind hike

French property: Share of foreign buyers increases for houses - which areas are popular?

Non-French buyers make up more than 10% of purchases of non-new build houses in some departments

Britons, Americans, other non-EU travellers: New problem for digital border checks

Approval is required for the plan to be 'phased in' instead of launched all at once, potentially causing further delays to 'EES' launch

Property sales plummet in France but did any areas resist price drops?

Values have increased in the last ten years across the board despite post-Covid slump in sales

How to get retrospective approval for building works on French home after completion

Unauthorised home improvements potentially lead to problems when selling

Tax points to consider before the start of 2025 in France

If you donate money to certain charities now it can reduce the amount of tax you pay next year

Christmas parties: what are drink-drive limits and breathalyser rules in France?

Rules are stricter than in some parts of the UK

Confirmed: France’s minimum wage will not automatically rise on January 1

Recent increase placed ‘Smic’ above expected inflation levels at the start of the new year

Family benefits in France: new step needed to access online account

Heightened security measure in place following data loss from system hack

French acronym explainer: What is a Pacs?

A guide to Pacte civil de solidarité – a civil union

How to plan for a comfortable retirement in France

Rob Kay, regional director at Blevins Franks, offers advice on tax, pensions and planning for retirement

Rise in number of French businesses failing

It means 44,000 jobs will be lost by end of year. We look at what help is available for small business owners

French road sign expands to Spain - but most drivers unaware of its meaning

Road sign is only in use for specific weather conditions

Bees protected from Asian hornet attacks by award-winning French device

Frédérique Ripet has won a top business award for creating a device that protects hives from deadly attacks

Rules relaxed for French salary-savings scheme

Changes mean workers will be able to get hold of funds in more circumstances

New pollution bans from January: Which cars and which cities in France?

Changes mean vehicles with Crit’Air level 3 will be banned in four cities

Fréjus Tunnel that connects France and Italy to close this weekend

The tunnel will close for 12 hours and not the 56 hours originally announced

Is my information safe with French estate agents?

Using major national estate agencies is an option if you need to have more confidence

Do I need to remove a disused septic tank in France after connecting to the mains?

Safety is the number one priority, says Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats

Is there financial help to purchase a mobility scooter in France?

Some UK disability benefits remain for Britons living across the Channel

Must I telephone first before going to hospital emergency centre in France?

The health ministry wants to reduce the strain on hospital services

Do foreign savings accounts have to be declared on French tax forms?

Admitting errors may make the authorities more lenient

Do drivers have to change number plates if they move to new French department?

Plates show a regional logo as well as department code - a source of pride for some

What to do if télépéage badge not detected on French free-flow motorway?

Motorway toll badges are a convenient way to pay toll fees on barrier-free motorways

The Code de la route has changed for cyclists in France

New lights have been authorised and cyclists can now (legally) ride side by side in certain circumstances

Call France's laughter hotline to cheer yourself up for free

A unique telephone service offers instant laughter therapy, to promote mental and physical health

IT problems and digitalisation of French residency cards ‘causing issues’

Some applicants reported to face a ‘serious infringement of rights’ during residency process

French grants for home renovations are changing

Act now if you want to fit a wood stove before the MaPrimeRénov grants are reduced in 2025

France ends grants for electric radiator thermostats early due to fraud

The Coup de pouce Pilotage scheme was due to close on December 31

Mentor migrants to success in France

Over-50s are using their expertise to help job-seekers secure jobs through the Duo for a Job programme

English-language Christmas services in France

Anglican services are performed in churches around the country

Confusion as two websites must be used to get a French visa

We explain the process in obtaining a visa online

Fibre internet: Scammers exploit copper line phase-out in France

Telecoms giant Orange issues warning over fraudulent fibre-optic contracts

Do sit-on lawnmowers require insurance in France?

Larger gardens may require tractor-mowers to keep on top of grass

When is a CT roadworthiness test needed to sell a vehicle in France?

Motorbikes also needed a contrôle technique since April 2024

Does French App store work without a French bank card?

The process is similar for users of the Google Play Store

Can France’s prime d’activité benefit boost income of self-employed?

New ‘help’ service also promises assistance to those with low means

Is appointment information automatically added to online French health space?

Documents can be found online for healthcare professionals and patients to see

How does French inheritance tax work for UK heirs?

There are many different aspects to cross-border tax issues

What is the process for wills regarding a shared holiday home in France?

John Kitching, a director of French Law Consultancy Limited, answers a reader query

Inheritance alternatives for non-blood relatives in France

Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains the various options alongside traditional inheritance

This will be the minimum property tax increase in 2025 in France

Communes are likely to add further charges to final bills

Early detection crucial, says expert, as invasive ants plague French homes

We cover tips on how to minimise the risk of pests in your home throughout the year

Tips to avoid French ‘customs charges’ on Christmas cards and gifts

We look at what to do if you are wrongly charged

How to ensure your packages from France arrive in time for Christmas

The deadlines for delivery to the UK and US vary between different services

School holidays, tax deadlines, Notre-Dame: Key dates in France this December

Schools also begin a two-week break as the end of year approaches

US WWI soldier found in France finally buried after 20 years of research

Forensic breakthroughs and dedicated research identified Charles McAllister, who disappeared in 1918

Angry drivers launch court action against 50 km/h speed limit on Paris ring road

Lawyers claim the change was made without necessary prior approval

Christmas trees: Popular varieties in France and what you should expect to pay

When to buy depends if you want a Nordmann fir, a Norway spruce, or an alternative

Weighing up costs of renting a home versus buying in France

Rent increases and property price drops make it better to purchase in some areas but significant regional differences persist

What is changing for daily life in France this December?

A rise in fees for doctor consultations is a key change. There is also the opening of a new stretch of toll-barrier free - but paying - motorway

What are some good radio shows to learn about French culture?

France places pride on its cultural output, and this is reflected on the radio

What are the income rules for self-employed people coming to France?

People must show their business is economically viable to be granted a visa

Is Capital Gains Tax levied on land in France?

Additional taxes apply in the case of certain sales

How long can someone remain outside of France before residency permit is invalid?

You must correctly inform authorities if leaving the country

Big drop in state aid for electric cars in France: what is still available?

Reduction in aid for buying an electric car to drop up to €3,000 for some households

Is it necessary to pay a French driving fine before contesting it?

There is a time limit on contesting a fine you have received

New date set for stricter painkiller prescription rules in France

Introduction of ‘secure prescriptions’ for tramadol and codeine delayed after some pharmacists said they were not ready

Practical

French visas, EU citizenship case, pension contacts: Updates in brief

No snow tyre fines in France this winter – but insurers may require them

Films and series to watch to improve your French in the New Year

How are patients affected by the new rise in doctors’ fees in France?

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Money, inheritance, tax, pensions: What's new in France in 2025

Cars and driving: What's new in France in 2025

Letters: How are hybrid cars supposed to carry a spare tyre in France?

Letters: Retirement in France costs more than €15,000 a year

Residency rights and border changes: What's new in France in 2025

Are France’s other republics megalomania or fun?

Police warn drivers of car headlights rules in France

Money, inheritance, tax, pensions: What's new in France in 2025

Health and healthcare: what's new in France in 2025

Cars and driving: What's new in France in 2025

Traffic warnings in France as Christmas holidays begin: which roads to avoid?

Car fuel sold at cost price at many Intermarché supermarkets today and tomorrow

Bitcoin crossed €100k – how are cryptocurrency gains taxed in France?

How to save money on internet access in France

When are EDF’s ‘red days’ which see prices rise for Tempo contract users?

Law passed to allow France to continue to collect taxes despite lack of 2025 budget

French forced heirship law: is ‘community’ marriage regime the solution?

Deadline extension for 2024 French energy aid – who is eligible and how to apply

What fines do motorcyclists risk after trial for ‘inter-filing’ on French roads ends?

Fines levied for failure to declare bank accounts held out of France

Is it difficult to switch home insurance companies in France?

Are French tax charges on foreign property rental income correct?

Should my stepchildren have inherited more under French inheritance rules?

Is there a healthcare payment option for elderly second home owners in France?

Are there rules to follow when changing a vehicle’s numberplate in France?

Can French police be contacted from abroad in the case of a burglary?

Must I continue paying French property tax for second home sold in January?

Have cabin luggage rules changed for French flights in 2025?

French top-up insurance to increase by 6% in 2025

French property: Share of foreign buyers increases for houses - which areas are popular?

Britons, Americans, other non-EU travellers: New problem for digital border checks

Property sales plummet in France but did any areas resist price drops?

How to get retrospective approval for building works on French home after completion

Tax points to consider before the start of 2025 in France

Christmas parties: what are drink-drive limits and breathalyser rules in France?

Confirmed: France’s minimum wage will not automatically rise on January 1

Family benefits in France: new step needed to access online account

French acronym explainer: What is a Pacs?

How to plan for a comfortable retirement in France

Rise in number of French businesses failing

French road sign expands to Spain - but most drivers unaware of its meaning

Bees protected from Asian hornet attacks by award-winning French device

Rules relaxed for French salary-savings scheme

New pollution bans from January: Which cars and which cities in France?

Fréjus Tunnel that connects France and Italy to close this weekend

Is my information safe with French estate agents?

Do I need to remove a disused septic tank in France after connecting to the mains?

Is there financial help to purchase a mobility scooter in France?

Must I telephone first before going to hospital emergency centre in France?

Do foreign savings accounts have to be declared on French tax forms?

Do drivers have to change number plates if they move to new French department?

What to do if télépéage badge not detected on French free-flow motorway?

The Code de la route has changed for cyclists in France

Call France's laughter hotline to cheer yourself up for free

IT problems and digitalisation of French residency cards ‘causing issues’

French grants for home renovations are changing

France ends grants for electric radiator thermostats early due to fraud

Mentor migrants to success in France

English-language Christmas services in France

Confusion as two websites must be used to get a French visa

Fibre internet: Scammers exploit copper line phase-out in France

Do sit-on lawnmowers require insurance in France?

When is a CT roadworthiness test needed to sell a vehicle in France?

Does French App store work without a French bank card?

Can France’s prime d’activité benefit boost income of self-employed?

Is appointment information automatically added to online French health space?

How does French inheritance tax work for UK heirs?

What is the process for wills regarding a shared holiday home in France?

Inheritance alternatives for non-blood relatives in France

This will be the minimum property tax increase in 2025 in France

Early detection crucial, says expert, as invasive ants plague French homes

Tips to avoid French ‘customs charges’ on Christmas cards and gifts

How to ensure your packages from France arrive in time for Christmas

School holidays, tax deadlines, Notre-Dame: Key dates in France this December