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HELP GUIDES

Income Tax in France

Healthcare in France

Inheritance Law and Wills in France

Visas and residency cards for France

Your questions

Can we bring UK digger to France to work on our second-home?

There is a time limit on how long machinery can be brought over to avoid import fees

Are patients of a retiring French GP automatically signed up with new doctor?

It can be difficult to find a médecin traitant in some rural areas

What is the best way to deal with ‘stink bugs’ in our French home?

The bugs arrived from Asia and are considered an invasive species

practical

Is it possible to get a carte Vitale in France without a social security number?

Refunds may be possible for medical expenses paid out whilst waiting for healthcard

Trending

What are the rules for burning garden waste in France in 2025?

Spring is a popular time to clean up in garden

Is it necessary to sign up to a local déchetterie in France before using it?

Rules are changing in several areas to cut down on excessive waste

Can we gift French property to our daughter?

Gift taxes will be levied if certain thresholds are passed

Are there any ways to reduce notaire fees when buying a property in France?

We look at some less well-known possibilities as tax hike looms

What is a Ghic card and does it work in France

Cards cover medical necessary health costs

French speed radars: can you check if you have a fine online in case missed in post?

Outstanding fines can be found online

Is it possible for French border officials to stop stamping passport as it is almost full?

Passports need one blank page on them when travelling

Is extra insurance for French garden pool required?

Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader query

Is there a simple renewal process for six-month French visas?

Second-home owners are required to obtain visas for extended visits to properties in France

Is it possible to find French cadastral plans online?

Certain plans go back to the 1800s

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

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

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

Will French citizenship application be affected by studying in UK?

Residency in France is usually required for citizenship applications

Must gifts to grandchildren living abroad be declared to French tax authorities?

Tax-free limits are different between each type of family member

What dangerous snakes exist in France and what to do if you spot one?

Snakes can be kept as pets under certain conditions

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

Renewal and updates: what are the rules for French health cards?

Does our top-up insurance have to match the card dates?

What is an eco-friendly way to get rid of old clothes in France?

Some items in a good state can be sold on dedicated websites

Is it possible to switch French vehicle registration to my name after spouse death?

The marriage regime you had with your spouse can affect the rules

Is there financial help for foreign people in France towards driving test costs?

Possible aids include the so-called ‘one euro a day driving test’ scheme

Is it possible to apply for French citizenship while living outside France?

Applicants by marriage must speak and write French to a certain level

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