Medical Examination for Driving Licence Renewal

9th March 2024

The European Parliament has rejected a proposal to introduce compulsory medical examinations for drivers.

The measure, proposed by the French Green MEP Karima Delli, which had caused quite a stir in the media, would have required a medical examination by all drivers every 15 years in order to renew the licence.

Paris Property Prices 2023

7th March 2024

Apartment sales are tumbling in Paris, and prices are following suit.

In their review of the residential property market in Paris for 2023, the notaires report that sales fell by -22% compared to 2022, a fall of -6% compared to the previous 10 years.

Calculating House Insurance in France

5th March 2024

How insurers in France calculate premiums on house insurance policies.

When applying for a house insurance policy the insurer will require details of the number of rooms (pièces) in the property. This information is required as it will affect its rebuilding cost.

The Cost of a Compromis de Vente

28th February 2024

Is a fee payable on signing a preliminary sales agreement for a property?

The signing of a compromis/promesse de vente is the first legal stage of purchasing a property in France.

Complementary Health Insurance Prices 2024

26th Feb 2024

After a large increase in 2023, complementary (top-up) health insurance premiums have continued to soar in 2024.

According to the association of mutual insurers, the Mutualité Française (MF), the average increase is 8.1%, although the consumer association Que Choisir reports that it is around 10%.

Taxation of Rental Income 2023/24

22nd February 2024

The introduction of tougher rules on the taxation of seasonal lettings has been suspended, but probably not for long.

Last month, a new law passed through the French parliament changing the basis on which rental income from seasonal lettings (meublés de tourisme) is taxed.

Grants for Eco-Friendly Vehicles

20th Feb 2024

The rules on grant aid for the purchase of an energy efficient vehicle have been tightened this year.

There are three main grants for the purchase of an electric/energy efficient vehicle, all of which are cumulative:

Capital Gains Tax – Former Residents

15th Feb 2024

A court has ruled on the partial exemption from capital gains tax for non-residents.

In the case, a non-resident sold their French property and made an application for partial exemption from capital gains tax under the provisions in the law for non-residents.

Foreign French Property Buyers

13th February 2024

A new report provides some insights into sales of French property to international buyers.

According to the notaires, non-resident international buyers account for nearly 2% of all residential property sales in France.

Electricity Prices 2024

9th February 2024

The regulated tariffs for electricity have increased substantially this month.

Prices have risen by 8.6% to 9.8%, depending on the type of contract, whether standard or off-peak.

Guides to Moving to France

7th June 2024

The release of our updated guides about moving to France.

Some of the guides are freely accessible. For others you will need to take out a premium subscription to France Insider.

All further updates to the guides will only be available thorough a premium subscription to France Insider. The cost is €20 a year.

Income Tax Relief 2024

7th Feb 2024

The main tax allowances, permitted deductions and tax credits that apply in 2024 on 2023 income.

As we have reported in the past, for most households the income tax system in France is generous, with around half the population exempt.

Where are the Vacant Homes in France?

5th Feb 2024

A new report shows that the number of vacant homes in France has reached a record.

According the Insee, the French national statistics agency, there were 3.1 million empty homes in France last year, equivalent to 8.2% of the housing stock.

French Residence Permit Language Test

2nd Feb 2024

The new language requirement to live in France comes with sub-titles, meaning only a few need be too concerned about it.

Although, as we reported recently, around 40% of the clauses in the new Loi Immigration were chopped by the Constitution Council, a clause introducing a language test for a multi-year residence permit was saved from execution.

Employment Contracts in the English Language

29th Jan 2024

What is the legal status in France of employment contracts written in the English language?

That question was recently addressed in a judgement that was handed down by the French Supreme Court.

Second Home Visas Unconstitutional

26th Jan 2024

The French Constitutional Council has ruled the proposed exemption of British second home owners from normal visa requirements is unconstitutional.

As we reported in a recent article, the new Loi Immigration included a clause granting an automatic right to a long-stay visa to British second-home owners.

Vehicle Registration Taxes in France

24th Jan 2024

What are the vehicle registration taxes that apply in 2024?

On the registration of a new or second-hand vehicle in France taxes are payable.

Departmental House Sales 2023

22nd January 2024

House sales fell by an average of 22% last year, but with significant differences between the departments.

After a fall in 2022, the volume of transactions continued going south in 2023.

Control of Immigration in France

20th January 2024

Recent reports about British and other foreign nationals ordered to leave France need some perspective.

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Control of Immigration in France

19th January 2024

Recent reports about British and other foreign nationals ordered to leave France need some perspective.

New figures from the European Union show that last year, to the end of Q3, 100 UK nationals were ordered to leave France.

Planning Taxes 2024

17th January 2024

How much might you pay in planning taxes this year?

In France, all new buildings/extensions of more than 5m2 are subject to a development tax. The amount you will pay depends on where you live and the size of the new construction.

Visas for Second Home Owners

15th Jan 2024

Will the Constitutional Council validate a new law granting automatic visas to British second home owners? asks Anaïs PINSON, Avocat.

Under the provisions of Article 16 of the Loi Immigration a new Article L. 312-4-1 has been added, as follows:

French Income Tax Exemption Thresholds 2024

12th January 2024

The maximum income thresholds that apply before French income tax is payable in 2024 on 2023 income.

Income tax in France is structured around five income bands, with different rates that apply on fractional income within each band.

New Immigration Law

10th Jan 2024

Due to a technical error, some readers may not have received the above recent mailing.

The article is available on our website, which you can find at France's New Immigration Law.

French Public Holidays 2024

10th Jan 2024

The 11 public holidays in France in 2024 to put in your diary, as well as school dates.

• Monday 1st January - New Year's Day (Jour de l'An)
• Monday 1st April - Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)
• Wednesday 1st May - Labour Day (Fête du Travail)
• Wednesday 8th May - VE Day - (Fête de la Victoire 1945)
• Thursday 9th May - Ascension Day (l'Ascension)
• Monday 20th May - Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte)
• Sunday 14th July - Bastille Day (Fête Nationale)
• Thursday 15th August - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (l'Assomption)
• Friday 1st November - All Saints' Day (La Toussaint)
• Monday 11th November - Armistice Day (Armistice 1918)
• Wednesday 25th December - Christmas Day (Noël)

France's New Immigration Law

8th Jan 2024

The French parliament have adopted a new law on immigration, but many clauses are unlikely to see the light of day.

After over 2 years of deliberation, a new law “to control immigration and improve integration”, promised by Emmanuel Macron during his 2022 campaign, was finally passed on the cusp of the festive season.

Patient Health Charges

5th Jan 2024

What are the health charges in France payable by patients? UPDATED 25th Jan 2024.

Although the health system France has a podium place as one of the best in the world, as a general rule it is not free at the point of delivery. With minor exceptions, certain major illnesses are fully reimbursable and low-income households are also entitled to 100% cover.

Reform of Housing Taxes

2nd Jan 2024

The current system of housing taxation is "archaic, incoherent and unjust", says the French national auditor.

According to the Cour de Comptes, the burden of housing taxes is "heavy" and "weighs almost exclusively on homeowners."

The Month in View

30th Dec 2023

A snapshot of the articles we published this month.

House Prices Q3 2023

Social Charges in 2024

28th Dec 2023

The rates and income thresholds that apply for liability to the social charges next year.

Most readers are likely to be familiar with the social charges (prélèvements sociaux), often also referred to by expatriates as 'the second French income tax'.

Xmas Presents and Disinheritance

23rd Dec 2023

A court rejects a claim from a son that gifts granted to his brothers and sisters should form part of the inheritance.

In the case, considered recently in the Court of Appeal, the eldest son in a family of 8 children was rejected by his parents following his divorce. Excluded from family events, he no longer had any connection with his family.

France Insider Festive Offer

21st Dec 2024

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Energy Ratings and House Prices

21st Dec 2023

A new report shows the growing influence of energy ratings on real estate prices.

"The French are selling their poorly insulated homes", according to Edouard Grimond, spokesman for the Conseil supérieur du notariat (CSN), at a press conference earlier this month.

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My technical team have set up a new one, which they assure me is full-proof.

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France Visa Income Threshold 2024

18th Dec 2023- UPDATED Dec 2024

The minimum income needed for a long-term visa increases yet again next month. UPDATED Dec 2024

Next month the minimum working wage in France (SMIC) rises by 1.13%, from €11.52 per hour to €11.65. That takes the monthly figure to €1,767 gross each month, or €1,398 net, after deducting social charges. The previous net minimum was €1,383.

France Insider 25% Discount Xmas Offer

Get 25% off an annual subscription to France Insider. Only €15 for the year.

France Insider is a leading on-line service providing information about the practical aspects of relocating to and living in France. It is written by specialist journalists and experts.

As a premium subscriber you will receive:

• Concise and authoritative weekly news updates
• Analysis of key legal and tax developments
• Updates to our Guides to France
• Reports on the French property market
• Unlimited access to our back catalogue
• Access to Q&A service

To sign up for the offer go to Xmas 2023 Promotion. Click on 'Add Promotion Code' and enter noel2023 in the drop down box. Click 'Apply', when the discounted price will then appear.

Simply add your card and personal details and click the 'Pay and Subscribe' box. All done!

The offer ends midnight Sunday 7th Jan 2024.

You can see the complete catalogue of articles at France Insider.

Get original, informed insights about the practical aspects of life France by signing up today.

If you no longer wish to hear from us, then simply unsubscribe using the link below.

Non-Resident Tax Relief for Property Renovation

15th Dec 2023

Non-residents can claim tax relief for property renovation in conservation areas, a court rules.

Under the Loi Malraux, a tax reduction is available for the restoration of residential (and commercial) property located in designated conservation areas.

Farming Activities and Neighbour Nuisance

13th Dec 2023

A proposed new law will ease the rules on farming nuisance as a French court rules against a farmer.

In a landmark case recently heard in the French Supreme Court, the Cour de Cassation, neighbours complained of noise and smells from cows in adjacent hangars.

Domestic Waste Collection and Composting

11th Dec 2023

How will new rules on waste disposal impact households from next year?

In the wake of the loi anti-gasspilage passed in 2020, new regulations come into force from 1st January concerning the composting of bio-waste (excluding garden waste).

Rent Levels in France

7th Dec 2023

How do rent levels compare across France?

Each year the housing rental observatory ‘Clameur’ (Connaître les Loyers et Analyser les Marchés sur les Espaces Urbains et Ruraux), based at the University of Paris, reviews the French housing rental market.

'Simplimmat' Vehicle Registration App

5th Dec 2023

The government has introduced a mobile app for the sale and purchase of second-hand vehicles.

The administrative process for buying and selling a vehicle has recently been been simplified by the government.

The Month in View

1st Dec 2023

A snapshot of the articles we published last month.

Notaires Mediation Service

House Prices Q3 2023

30th Nov 2023

The notaires have published their latest review of the housing market.

According to the notaires, prices fell nationally by -1.1% in the third quarter of the year in comparison with Q2.

Dividends – Revenue or Capital Income?

28th Nov 2023

A court rules on whether dividends are revenue or capital income, and the resulting tax implications.

Under French law, dividends received by investors are liable to social charges (prélèvements sociaux) of 17.2%. They are also liable to income tax. Such capital income is called revenu du patrimoine.

Merger of Town Halls

24th Nov 2023

With local council mergers stalling, the government has been obliged to bring out its cheque book.

The dominant nature of the French State is apparent not only in the control exercised by central government over civil life, but also in the multiple tiers of local government.

Capital Gains Tax on Studio Sale

21st Nov 2023

An owner contests the imposition of capital gains tax on the sale of their studio annex.

In a case that was recently heard in the French Supreme Court, the Cour de Cassation, an owner contested the payment of capital gains tax of nearly €73,000 on the sale of a property they considered to be their principal residence.

France Insider Premium Subscription

19th Nov 2023

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Income and Social Class in France

16th Nov 2023

A new study sets out the income levels that define the social hierarchy in France.

According to a 2022 study carried out by Ipsos, for the charitable body Secours populaire, 38% of French people say they are poor because they regularly deprive themselves of leisure or medical care.

Tougher Taxation of Holiday Lettings

15th Nov 2023

The government has launched the first phase of a recalibration of the tax breaks on rental income from holiday lettings.

As we have been reporting this year, the government is under pressure to increase the supply of long-term lettings in areas of housing stress.

Minimum Book Delivery Charge

13th Nov 2023

A minimum charge has been imposed on on-line book deliveries, as the government seeks to protect local bookshops.

Last month the French government introduced a minimum €3 delivery charge on the delivery of books from on-line sellers.