Ad

HELP GUIDES

Income Tax in France

Healthcare in France

Inheritance Law and Wills in France

Visas and residency cards for France

Your questions

Can renovations on French second home reduce capital gains tax when selling?

Reductions related to length of ownership start after five years

Are French vet costs regulated by the government?

There are several ways you may be able to reduce annual fees

Must chimney in French home be swept annually even if it is not used?

Some areas require chimneys to be swept multiple times per year

practical

Education in France: Can children be enrolled part way through school year?

Older children are assessed on their skills before entering the education system

Trending

Can French forced heirship rules be bypassed?

Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal, answers a reader query

Can UK paper driving licences be used to hire vehicles in France?

Some have highlighted issue of using non-French licences to hire vehicles

Will my daughter have to pay tax on inherited property in France?

The value of a property can often be above tax-free sums on inheritance

What is the process if Brexit card holder’s passport is stamped by mistake?

Manual stamping of passports will soon be phased out

Is property declaration form required for French second homes this year?

The Biens immobiliers form was introduced in 2023

Can we switch to ‘universal’ marriage regime in France?

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

Must neo-bank ‘pots’ of non-euro currencies be declared to French tax authorities?

Foreign accounts need to be declared on annual income tax declaration

What are the best ways to access French family history records?

Several online resources are available

French work office is too cold - is it grounds to work from home?

France’s labour laws require offices to be at a ‘suitable’ temperature

Is there an official complaints process against notaires in France?

Notaires are legally responsible for their own practices

Can a French residency card holder buy a second-home in EU and spend time there?

Beware of over-extending your stay in another country

Does being an EU citizen affect rate of French property taxes?

Two main property taxes may be due each year

Can UK passports be renewed in France with a paper form?

US citizens can renew passports through the mail

Does my UK vehicle need to be registered to remain at French second home?

Residents in France must register their vehicle within one month of moving

What is the purpose of the EU’s 90/180 days rule that applies in France?

Regulation has taken on more significance for UK residents since Brexit

Do savings accounts that do not tax interest exist in France and UK?

Exploring tax-free savings options for French residents with UK connections.

What is cost of septic tank diagnostic when selling a French second home?

Tests are mandatory before selling your property

Will French children of British citizens need ETA to enter the UK?

All non-British and non-Irish citizens entering the UK will soon need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation

Are pharmacies in France closed on Sundays? What if I need medicine urgently?

Stocking up on medicines before the weekend is a good idea

Is there a register of certified local chimney sweeps in France to use?

Only professional sweeps can provide certificate that chimney has been swept

Why was application to switch UK driving licence for French one rejected?

Residency rights affect whether licence switches can be made

Will French power of attorney be applicable in UK?

Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal answers a reader query

Is taxe d’habitation required for flats let in French farmhouse?

Taxes due depend on the status of the property

Is it possible to apply for compensation after power cut at French home?

Compensation is sometimes given automatically

What is the role of an estate agent when buying a property in France?

Some properties are advertised with multiple agencies

Is it possible to use different passports to enter and leave France and the UK?

Border security rules are coming into force across Europe and UK which will see non-citizens registering to enter countries

Can drivers have a personalised car number plate in France?

France changed its number plate system in 2009

Can a mobile home remain parked in French home garden?

Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader query

Is it possible to transfer property share of French home?

Transfer may be subject to gift tax

How should garden waste be disposed of in France if bonfires are not allowed?

Some areas have also banned disposing of green waste at waste centres

Chimney sweeping rules in France: Can you do this yourself - and how often is required by law?

Insurance companies have their own requirements

Do foreign people living in France get free entry to museums?

France’s ‘national museums’ are run by the state with certain people able to access them for free

How to pay French free-flow motorway fee in rental car without toll badge?

There is a limited amount of time in which the tolls must be paid

Are shingles vaccines free for people in the French health system?

A new vaccine was recommended by health authorities last year

Why your carte Vitale health card may have stopped working in France

We look at possible reasons and solutions if you have difficulties this January

How do tax credits work for hiring a gardener in France?

Some homeowners can benefit from a 50% tax credit on gardening work

Are electric vehicle grants applicable for hybrid vehicles in France?

The system for electric vehicle grants has recently changed

Is it possible to leave French second home to nephews and not spouse?

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

Is French wealth tax when leaving France pro-rata?

Tax rates may be different depending on assets held abroad

Can télépéage motorway toll badges be used in French hire cars?

Badges are the quickest way to pass through barriers

Which UK bank account number should be declared on French tax return?

Information can be updated during each tax return

What is the process for obtaining a French pet passport for animal from UK?

Pets moving to France must be registered on pet database within one week of arrival

Must French residency permit holders get a traveller’s visa to go through UK airport?

Digital border security systems in the UK will come into force more widely in 2025

Do low-humidity areas exist in France? Where can information about them be found?

High humidity can be uncomfortable, particularly in the summer

How are pensions worked out if employment split between France and UK?

The UK and France coordinate on pensions

Is it difficult to switch home insurance companies in France?

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

Are French tax charges on foreign property rental income correct?

France should award tax credits in some situations

Should my stepchildren have inherited more under French inheritance rules?

French forced heirship rules would apply to UK bank accounts, says Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal

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

Exploring insurance options and state healthcare access for British expats

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

Plates can be ordered from garages or online

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

In some areas officers can check up on your property while you are away

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

Property taxes can be split into ten monthly payments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can companies refuse to send tradespeople to non-French speakers?

Refusing to provide a service to a non-French speaker may count as discrimination