Money, Legal & Taxes
French bureaucracy isn't as intimidating as it seems. This part clarifies taxes, residency and property regulations. We simplify aspects like currency, insurance, and legal requirements, so you can focus on enjoying la belle vie without paperwork worries.
Guide to Buying a Property Using Power of Attorney
In France, you can grant power of attorney ( procuration ) to a Notaire , allowing someone to act on your behalf in property transactions or legal matters if you are not physically present. You can also sign a power…
What is a Compromis de Vente in French Real Estate?
Once your offer is accepted and you’re ready to commit to buying your dream property , several steps remain, including signing the " compromis de vente " and the " acte authentique " on the completion date, before…
Is your Property a Maison Principale or a Second Home?
The French occupancy tax ( taxe d’habitation ) was abolished for all main residences on 1 January 2023, but it continues to be payable on other premises, such as second homes. A new reporting system has been introduced…
Our Comprehensive Guide to Auto Insurance in France
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to car insurance in France. If you're a car owner driving in France, it's essential to protect your vehicle and liability with the right insurance coverage, which is legally required.…
French Income Tax Return Deadline Dates Published
If you lived in France in 2025 and earned income or gains, including dividends from shares and investments, during that financial year, you are required to submit your annual tax return. If you were resident outside of France…
Understanding SCI Taxes
A Société Civile Immobilière ( SCI ) is a French company created by at least two individuals acquiring one or more real estate assets together. Its purpose is to hold and administer real estate assets…
Making Sense of House and Liability Insurance in France
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to home insurance in France. If you're a homeowner or renting in France, protecting your property and liability with the right multirisque habitation insurance policy is essential. Owning…
Is French Pet Insurance a Must-Have for Animal Owners?
There seems to be a lack of information about insuring pets for expats living in France . As a rule, all cats and dogs require ID and vaccination. While pet insurance is available, it is less common in France than in the…
Guide to Buying a French Gîte
For many, the idea of running a gîte in France evokes visions of idyllic countryside, trips to local markets to cater for paying guests, and a peaceful new life with the possibility of pursuing other activities…
Do I Need to Have a DPE to Sell a Home or Property in France?
If you plan to sell your French house, you must fulfil certain legal obligations before listing the property for potential buyers. One of these obligations is to organise and conduct various Diagnostic Tests and surveys…
Do I Need to Charge VAT on Rental Income in France?
If you wish to recover VAT on acquisition, construction, reconstruction and improvement costs, you must charge VAT on rents and the sale of the real estate. In principle, a rental business provides a ‘service’…
Introducing Xe’s International Money Transfer Service
Xe offers a comprehensive range of services and products, including secure and fast currency transfers online or by phone. They are currently offering up to $/£/€ 300 in retailer vouchers to our clients…
Complete Guide to the Taxation of Rental Income in France
As part of our guide on buying a rental property in France, this article focuses on the taxation of rental income for those owning a property in their own name or via a French transparent real estate company ( a société…
Considerations when Importing a Car from America
Importing a car from the USA or another non-European Union (EU) country for driving in France involves several steps and considerations, including taxes, import duties, vehicle compliance, and car insurance . Importing foreign…
French Property Declaration : Tax Deadline Extended - Again
If you own a property in France, whether it is a main residence or a second home, you are required to complete an extra tax declaration detailing the state of occupancy of your property. This applies even when the property…
Three Click Cancellation of a French Insurance Policy
Since June 2023, online termination of French insurance contracts that can be concluded electronically will be possible in just 3 clicks. This regulation aims to promote competition and facilitate the termination/cancellation…
France Admin Services
We recently wrote about French bureaucracy and the various government offices for different services in France . Beth, in rural southwest Occitanie, admitted that tackling the administrative system can be baffling for expats.…
French Income Tax
French rental income is always taxable in France, even if the landlord lives outside of France. To calculate the taxable income, actual property expenses are deducted from the total rental income. Deductible expenses include…
How to Apply for French Citizenship with NATALI
There are more and more settled expats who have been living in France for a while, wanting to become French citizens and are applying for ' la Nationalité Française '. This can be a daunting and lengthy process;…
Tax Declaration for All Homeowners in France
Why must all French property owners, including those with second homes, complete a new form on the French tax website? And why it could be good news in the future. Anyone who owns a property in France - either a primary…
What is a Livret A Saving Account in France?
Livret A is a simple savings account with instant withdrawal access that's historically been very popular in France . It is a kind of on-demand , tax-free savings account similar to a UK ISA. In November 2025, 58 million…
Top-Class Currency Transfer Service for France
At MFH, we believe in teamwork and transparency; we enjoy keeping our clients happy and protecting their privacy. We fully appreciate that we are in business thanks to them and to our valued partners. Long Term Partnerships…
Buy à la Carte in Montpellier
Montpellier is a young and vibrant city that attracts many people from various backgrounds. It is often called the "Paris of the South". A modern metropolis located in the Hérault department, it attracts investors…
Learn about Ameli, the French Online Health Service
Ameli is an online platform for the Assurance Maladie , France's national health insurance system. The name Ameli is an acronym for 'assurance maladie en ligne ', meaning 'health insurance online'. This Digital service…
Guide to the French Tax Foncieres and Taxe d'Habitation
Here are a few Q&As to learn about how Taxes Foncières and Taxes d'Habitation work for owners of property and real estate in France . If you own, rent, or have the right to occupy a property in France, you…
How to Manage your Paris Apartment from Abroad?
In our previous post, we discussed the challenges of finding reliable service providers for your property renovation . This is made more difficult if you are not there day-to-day and need to manage everything remotely. This…
Benefits of a French Mortgage for Tax Purposes
Our French tax and legal partner, François at RWK Goodman, has prepared this short article to explain the benefits of taking out a mortgage or a liability on your French property to be more tax efficient. There are…
What's a RIB in France? How Can I Get One?
"RIB" is the abbreviation for Relevé d’Identité Bancaire, which means "Bank Account Details" in English. You need these details when you open a bank account with a French bank or buy property in…
Property Succession Laws: Tontine and Unmarried Couples
When planning to buy French real estate , navigating inheritance laws can be complex. In France, the system of forced heirship significantly impacts estate planning. Under this system, certain family members, particularly…
Tax, Legal and SCI Advice for Residents Living in Monaco
A Monaco real estate company can be tax-efficient for French succession tax purposes. Société Civile Immobilières (‘SCI’) companies are a popular way to own properties in France. They offer…
Rebates for UK Owners
Before Brexit, UK taxpayers liable to the French social charge paid a reduced rate of 7.5% (usually 17.2%) on their French real estate income and capital gains. This arose under the EU Directive on the coordination of social…
French Wealth Tax 2026
The tax authorities have published the 2026 real estate wealth tax return filing deadlines, which are the same as the income tax filing deadlines. Please note this article is for general information only. You should not…
French Inheritance Laws : What is a Tontine Clause?
Here's some inheritance-related information about buying property and real estate "en tontine", or with a tontine pact. But first, just what is a tontine clause? The tontine clause (also called 'tontine pacte') may be an…
SAFER and Pre-Emption Rights on Estates in France
The laws governing property ownership in France depend on the type of property you buy and how much land it includes. If you are buying a country property with more than one hectare of land (two and a half acres),…
Our Guide to Insurance Cancellation in France
With the cost of products and insurance services increasing year after year, homeowners, expats and families in France are taking time to scrutinise their insurance arrangements and policies, especially for health insurance…
What is an Extrait de Kbis in France? How Do I Get One?
In France, the KBIS extract is an accurate, up-to-date "identity card" for a business registered in the Trade and Companies Register (RCS). What is a KBIS or a K-Bis in France? A KBIS extract contains key details recorded…