What will happen if French residency card holder is away when EES border checks start? New digital border rules are expected to be phased in over time
Is an international driving permit needed to hire a car from a French supermarket? UK licence holders living in France cannot obtain an IDP
What is the process to give blood in France? Blood drives are not so common and an appointment must usually be made
practical Is it possible to choose date French monthly tax instalments come out? The date payments are taken out are set in the French tax code
What are the rules for installing wooden shutters in France? Some areas require shutters to conform to aesthetic rules
Brexit cards: what are the rules around passport renewal and residency cards in France? It is highly recommended that Britons in France retain a valid UK passport
Is compensation possible if a neighbour’s pet damages garden at French second home? Disorderly pets can wreak havoc on gardens
Repairs on dry stone wall in France: Must stones be bought or can they be picked up? You may need to consult your neighbour to repair border walls
Do inheritances in the UK need to be declared in France? There is an inheritance tax treaty between France and the UK
When is a woman madame and when is she mademoiselle in France? The terms are age related - but getting this right can be a delicate business
How can I find an English-speaking lawyer in France? France is divided into over 160 bars, many of which provide information about English-speaking lawyers
Is compensation available for people injured in public in France? Victim must show that the accident occurred in a publicly accessible area and that it caused physical harm or financial loss
Can a French bank account be opened before moving? Online and physical banks compete with brokers in finding best solution for those on the hunt for a property
90/180 days rule: Can visa-free days be used to enter France before start of visa? Be wary of spending too much time in France or you may be seen as a tax resident
What are the rules on installing a cat flap or doggy door at my French home? Local heritage rules must be respected
Is a new will required in France after getting married in the UK? Mariage to a foreign national can leave you intestate
Is it dangerous to drive a Tesla in France at the moment? Several vehicles have been burned as anger rises against Tesla CEO Elon Musk
Do roof repairs need to be declared to French tax authorities? Repairs do not usually require planning authorisation to be issued
What do French authorities mean by a ‘recent’ birth certificate? French versions of the document are updated with key life events
Is a carte de famille useful for mixed French-British couples? These cards are aimed at people who have moved to France permanently on a first visa
Will new EU border security rules affect double passport holders? We look at rules if you have two countries’ passports or two from the same country
How are insurance details provided following road accidents in France? Green insurance stickers were rarely used following accidents
Customs: What allowances are there to take household items from France to UK? Personal goods allowances change depending on how you arrive in the country
Can neighbour force us to put fence up in French garden? Rules on undergrowth clearance and habitat protection come into play
Why are inheritance funds still in French bank account? Notaires are responsible for closing accounts
I have overstayed the 90 day rule in France. What is going to happen? Rules limit how long travellers can remain in EU without requiring a visa
What are the rules for installing an electric fence on French property? Electric fences are not solely for agricultural purposes
Are we liable to French wealth tax after five years of residency card ownership? The tax implications for UK retirees living in France post-Brexit
Can non-French retirees obtain an Ehic card? Some residents in France still benefit from UK international health card
Will EES affect travel rules for spouses of French citizens? Spouses have additional rights to remain in the EU
What are the steps to close a French bank account if moving back to the UK? Switching bank accounts between two French accounts is easier
Do French supermarkets deliver groceries to rural areas? Home delivery is a popular choice for a weekly shop in France
Can a car French insurer refuse to offer cover based on age? Insurers can cancel contracts for several reasons
When must a person begin declaring information to French tax authorities? Income declarations are completed and returned annually in spring
How do writers set up a business in France? Creative workers can benefit from a special social security regime
Does using ‘trustee' in French wills raise issues? 'Trusts' have different legal recognition in France than other countries
Are the start dates of French visas flexible? Entering France before or after your visa's start date is possible, with specific conditions and requirements
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
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
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
Does France have a 'digital nomad' visa? Several countries have visas for people who work remotely for an employer abroad
Is seasonal work possible in France under the 90/180 days rule? Only some sectors are permitted to hire people without a valid work visa
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
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
How can renovations on French second home reduce capital gains tax? 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
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 French forced heirship rules be bypassed? Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal, answers a reader query
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
Can UK paper driving licences be used to hire vehicles in France? Some have highlighted issue of using non-French licences to hire vehicles
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
Must gifts to grandchildren living abroad be declared to French tax authorities? Tax-free limits are different between each type of family member
Will French citizenship application be affected by studying in UK? Residency in France is usually required for citizenship applications
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
