Moving-To-France-2018.Pdf

Hors serie Ideas new president Macron is FRANCE’S ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

bringing in Wikipedia Photo: www.connexionfrance.com Issue 8 BREXIT What changes for Moving to Britons in France and Living and those on way l Buying in France a home 2018 l Aid for renovation l Working l Tax l Pensions l Healthcare Would you What you become French? need to We are! Here’s why... know! + Inspirational real life stories

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eople in their thousands continue However as negotiations progress, it is an the keys. By using this guide we hope your to make plans for a new life in la ever-shifting landscape, so for updates visit our transition and subsequent years will be all the belle France – and 2018 will be no website connexionfrance.com or follow our more smooth and enjoyable. exception. Facebook and Twitter pages. We also send out There is one golden piece of advice that will Everyone has their personal rea- a free weekly email newsletter (sign up at our help you with your life in France more than any sons to come, be it more affordable property, website) which features news, updates and other: learn French. (And subscribe to The Pbetter food (and wine!), beautiful scenery or a community events, while if you have specific Connexion, of course!). desire for a gentler way of life, especially in queries you think we can help with, please Mastering even the basics will transform your rural areas. email us at [email protected]. experience, enabling you to navigate bureau- Then there is the intangible attraction: a Beyond Brexit this guide, produced by the cracy, join in community life and enjoy more of desire to live a life that is more grounded in publishers of France’s long-established English- what French culture has to offer. family, nature or terroir. language newspaper The Connexion, Settling down will take a while as it would This romanticised imagining of life in France is designed to help you deal with a range of with a relocation to any country so give your- is entirely justified – learn the language and processes and practical issues ahead of your self time to adjust to a new way of living as you make every effort to settle into your local com- move – and during your time here – because to learn about everything from opening a bank munity and the rewards will be enormous. live the dream you need realistic expectations. account to how best to make new friends. However, what this guide aims to do is navigate It is written by our journalists who all live in Bonne chance! the practical aspects of life in France, leaving France and have experienced a move here first- you stress-free to enjoy the good stuff. hand. Some have moved over recently, with the  On a practical note, we sometimes refer to UK For this, our 8th annual edition, the big ques- challenges fresh in their mind, others have or British law in this guide. There are, of course, tion for those planning to settle in France gathered years of experience and knowledge differences between English, Scottish, Welsh and or already living here is: how might Brexit from working on The Connexion: answering Irish law. However, the focus of this guide is on affect me? For answers, turn to our section readers’ questions and absorbing the culture. France and references to the UK are made mainly detailing what we already know about Britain’s Moving to France can be perplexing and diffi- for comparison. Always discuss your requirements departure from the EU and its potential impact cult to get to grips with. Much of the bureau- with a qualified expert as the information here is on future or current expat residents cracy you lived with passively in the UK arrives general and may not cover your exact individual in France. on your doorstep the minute you take hold of circumstances.

The guide is published by; Toc conta t us English Language Media, Editorial: [email protected] Patio Palace RDC, Editor: Sarah Smith 41 Avenue Hector Otto, 98000 Monaco Contributors: Oliver Rowland, Ken Seaton, Follow Tel: +33 (0)6 40 55 71 63 Justin Postlethwaite us on... Design: Lynne Spaight Directrice de la publication: Sarah Smith Facebook Proof reading: Ilona Furrokh The Connexion © English Language Media 2018 Project consultancy: Bruno Lacombe Reproduction in whole or part of any text in this guide without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited For advertising and to order extra copies: All photos are from www.fotolia.com unless otherwise specified. Telephone: +33 (0)6 40 55 71 63 The information in this guide is of a general nature and you should Twitter not act or refrain from acting on it without taking professional advice For regular updates on France visit specific to your case. No liability whatsoever can be accepted in respect of these articles or for advertiser claims connexionfrance.com Printed by Rotimpres, Impressions Rotatives, Sign up there for a free weekly email newsletter Web 17181 Aiguaviva (Girona), Espagne English Language Media cannot accept responsibility for claims of advertisers or their professionalism. Published: January 16, 2018 78 Depôt légal – a parution. RCI 10 S 05218 ISSN: 2303-971X CPPAP: 0121 I85379

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 3 contents

What’s new in 2018? at-a-glance guide Clockwise, from above: Dinan on the Rance in Brittany; a natural coastal attraction at on page 7 Etretat, Normandy; medieval cité at Carcassonne, Aude; a regular sight in French skies;

simple pleasures of French life; lavender field at Sénanque Abbey, Vaucluse Photos: iStock planning check list 4. chez nous! A HOME IN FRANCE Keep track of what you need to do 6 Buying a property 41 The cost of buying 44 1.BREXIT: What effect? What about renting 46 The key issues for Britons abroad 8 Owning a second home 49 What has been agreed for expat rights? 9 Renovation 53 What might happen after Brexit? 11 The first professionals that you meet 56 Applying for French citizenship 12 Internet and utilities 59 2018 calendar to cut out and keep 13 Big events over the year 15 5.o m ney Air and sea route planner 16 Opening a bank account 65

2. THE BASICS Other banking information 70 Learning the language 19 Currency exchange 71 Culture shocks 25 Mortgages 77

Cutting the red tape 28 6. tax and inheritance Taxation 83 3. WHERE WILL YOU LIVE? Inheritance 86 Snapshot of the regions and their prices 32 Pensions 95 Capital Gains tax 101 contents

This guide has had input from several experts. We would like to thank, in particular: Barbara Heslop, Heslop & Platt; Bob Elliott, UK Telecom; Pippa Maile, Currencies Direct; Michael Annett, Pelican Consulting; Paulette Booth, Axa Agence International, Daphne Foulkes, Spectrum IFA Group;

7. healthcare ‘We love the country and the lifestyle’ 126 Doctors, hospitals and more 107

8. everyday LIFE Insurance 113 Working 119 Driving 127 Pets 131

9 education Schools, university and adult learning 135

10. Care HOMES/death Care, aid and formalities following a death 141

R eader stories of moving to france ‘everybody in the village is so friendly’ 40 ‘To experience local life, meet local people’ 81 ‘We can choose how we spend our days’ 106 ‘I meet French friends for rugby matches’ 121 P Moving to France checklist BEFORE YOUR MOVE AND In the first few weeks after arrival Moving home can be exciting - and stressful - and moving to a new country has extra challenges. Here we have put together a checklist of key points (although not exhaustive) to help you and your family prepare for the big move. 1 Do your homework Subscribe to The Connexion and read connexionfrance.com and our free weekly email newsletter to familiarise yourself with France. This will provide you with updates on key issues as well as features and practical tips on living here. We can move your subscription to France when you do!

Speak to a financIAL adviser Work out YOUR HEALTH COVER 2 Different tax systems in France and the 3 Get an EHIC for your immediate UK mean organising your finances in medical needs in France. Organise your advance of the move is a good idea state and/or private cover for after this

4 GET PETS READY TO TRAVEL 5 Be part of the community Pets will need a pet passport and may Learn some French to help you settle in need vaccinations and other treatments and meet the neighbours and be better some time before setting off able to tackle everyday formalities

6 LOOK AT YOUR BANKING NEEDS 7 CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS Keep one or more UK bank or building Royal Mail will redirect mail for periods society accounts open and ask about of three, six or 12 months, the latter opening an account in France renewable for up to four years

8 plan for schooling 9 CHECK YOUR PASSPORT Notify UK schools of the move and contact You will need at least a year’s validity French schools / your future mairie (for nurs- before you set off so renew your pass- ery / primary) for registration procedures port if it has less than nine months left

10 prepare car for move 11 CHECK VOTING REGISTRation If bringing a vehicle, tell DVLA of the Your UK MP will still represent you in move and get an EU certificate of France if you are on the electoral roll. conformity from the UK manufacturer Sign up at mairie to vote in local elections

12 SCAN ALL PERSONAL RECORDS 13 SIGN UP WITH A gp Scan birth and marriage certificates, pass- You will need a médecin généraliste ports, licences etc. Store on USB key or – and naming one as your médecin internet for easy access for formalities traitant means better reimbursements

14 Tell THE UK authORITIEs / services that you are leaving HM Revenue & Customs Benefits/pension office Your GP Local council Utilities and internet suppliers DVLA for your vehicle Royal Mail

15 TELL the FRENCH AUTHORITIES that YOU HAVE ARRIVED Assurance maladie (healthcare) Service des impôts for local and national taxes Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) benefits office for family allowance payments Mairie (to vote in local elections / register for school) Préfecture to register a foreign car You will find addresses and contact details for all of these in your local telephone directory or by searching online NEW FOR 2018 at-a-glance: what’s new in 2018? 1. EDUCATION 4. POLITICS n Changes are due in the n Brexit negotiations will be moving into a ‘second phase’ from the Brevet des collèges exam, start of the new year. This will involve agreeing on a ‘framework’ taken at the end of troisième of what the ‘future relationship’ between the UK and EU will be, (usually 14/15-year-olds) with including arrangements for trade. Photo: Le Mans CC-BY-3.0 Le Photo: continuous assessment n Corsica as of the start of January 2018 is now run as a single and the final exam once local authority, the Collectivité de Corse. again having equal weight. n A Franco-British summit on a wide range of issues including The finals will include four defence and security is to take place in January written exams instead of two. n A more selective university entrance system should be in place by the 2018 September rentrée, aiming to end the ballot system 5. PROPERTY n for places on oversubscribed courses. A reform of one of the elements used to calculate

local property taxes (the 75CCO paulbr Photo: 2. HEALTH theoretical annual rental n Women aged 25 are to be invited for a free preventative values), which had been consultation on breast and cervical cancer looking at the risks expected in 2017, has once and screening programmes. again been pushed back and n Eleven childhood vaccinations rather than three became is now not expected to apply in 2018. obligatory as of January 1. New to the list are whooping n The Pinel tax break for investing in buy-to-let property (which cough, measles-mumps-rubella, hepatitis B, haemophilus flu, must be rented out at a low ‘social’ rate for at least six years) has pneumococcal disease and meningococcal C. been extended to 2021, in areas with strong housing pressures. n The planned roll-out of the tiers payant system for healthcare n The PTZ interest-free loan for first-time home buyers has been – exempting everyone from upfront payments for the extended, with the maximum loan value dropping from 40% to state-reimbursed part of fees – has been put off indefinitely, but a 20% of the purchase price for a new home in some areas. report is due by March 31 which will reconsider the plan. n Unchanged since 2010, the forfait hospitalier daily hospital charge is rising from €18 to €20. 6. TAX AND MONEY n n A revamped version of an online medical records system which 80% of those who pay the annual taxe d’habitation will see bills had a disappointing take-up in its previous incarnation is now reduced by 30% this year, next year by 65%, 100% in 2020. n available nation-wide after regional trials. A new 30% ‘flat tax’ is in place for capital income. This is good n A single number for contacting a médecin de garde (out of hours news for the first eight years of an assurance vie investment. n doctor) for a call-out or for medical advice on the phone is now The former ISF ‘wealth tax’ affecting those with a worldwide available across France on 117 116. It follows trials in limited estate above €1.3million will now only be applied to property areas in 2017. (and funds investing in property). n This spring declaring your tax online will be obligatory for households which had a revenu fiscal de référence of €15,000 or 3. HOME AND DAILY LIFE more for 2016 income. n The income tax credit for eco-friendly home improvements, called 7. WORK AND EMPLOYMENT CITE, has been extended n People on the micro-entrepreneur simple small business regime for a year to apply in 2018 will be able to earn twice as much and still stay in the regime. Photo: Schneider Electric Schneider Photo: but with slight reductions From January 1 turnover ceilings rose from €33,200 to €70,000 in what work is eligible. for services and from €82,800 to €170,000 for sales. Oil-fired heating will no n A two-year transition period started in January for the longer be eligible this year abolition of the RSI, which deals with social charges for most and double glazing, shutters and entrance doors will no longer be small businesses. eligible from March 28. n The Smic minimum wage rose by 1.24% on January 1, which the n Stamp prices rose on January 1, up 10 centimes to 95 centimes government says amounts, with new social charge reductions, to for a ‘red’ lettre prioritaire and from 73c to 80c for a lettre verte. an extra €35/month. n retired people will be able to benefit fully from the income tax credit for costs of employing home help when they make tax 8. TRANSPORT declarations for 2017 income in spring 2018. n Communes will now set parking fine levels and will also have the n Single parent families will see a boost in money for helping pay right to use private services to patrol paid-for parking areas. for childcare, complément mode de garde (CMG), by up to 30% n Motorway péage toll fees are to rise by 1-2% in February. for those on low incomes from October 2018. It could average n easyJet opens a sixth French base, at Bordeaux-Mérignac in €70 extra a month. March. Its seven new destinations include London Southend from n As of January 1 websites offering consumer reviews must date July 25. them and inform users if the reviews have been verified or not. n Ryanair allows only priority passengers to have large bags in n A recently introduced system of digital photographs and the cabin. Others can only use bags of up to 35cm x 20cm x 20cm. signatures for French driving licence applications is expected to n Stricter tests for the contrôle technique start on May 20. The test be extended to other forms of official documents this year. The will take longer and cost up to 20% more, with more checks. special photos can be taken at accredited booths that say on n Toulouse has joined Paris, Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon and Grenoble in them ‘agrée services en ligne ANTS’. the Crit’Air car pollution sticker scheme: www.certificat-air.gouv.fr

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 7 brexit 2018 1 Brexit effect

The key issues for Britons abroad

THE UK’s June 2016 referendum vote of 52% der between Ireland and Northern Ireland. The ‘hard Brexit’ approach of the Conserv- to 48% to leave the EU brought with it un- After tense negotiations which were extend- ative government – taking the UK out of the certainty over the long-term rights of Britons ed to the end of the year, the EU27’s leaders, single market and customs union – meant it living in France and those planning to come. sitting as the European Council, agreed ‘suf- was crucial to reach a negotiated agreement A wide range of rights for British expats are ficient progress’ had taken place for them to on expat rights as, contrary to claims by some currently tied to EU citizenship, ranging from advance to a ‘second phase’ of talks in 2018. of the referendum Leave campaigners they the automatic basic rights to live and work, to In ‘phase 2’, the EU and UK will discuss a will not automatically be protected. such matters as British old age pension uprat- transition period of around two years – the On a positive note, this has largely been ing, exportability of disability benefits or the European Parliament advises not more than achieved; on a less positive one, both sides say healthcare rights of UK pensioners. three; however, the EU’s chief Brexit negotia- ‘nothing is agreed until everything is agreed’, On going to press, however, some of those tor Michel Barnier has said he thinks it should meaning if talks collapse and the UK leaves doubts are starting to clear as the likely posi- not extend beyond 2020, coinciding with the with no deal then expats’ automatic rights to tion for existing expats settled in France be- end of the EU’s current long-term budget plan. live and work in France could end up in limbo fore Brexit is firmed up in talks. During this time, the UK would no longer and, ultimately, for France to decide upon. In the short-term, little changes because be an EU member (and would have no say) Both sides say they wish to avoid this sce- the UK is still part of the EU until at least but little would change to allow time for ‘fu- nario and aim to come to an agreement allow- March 31, 2019 – and in practice nothing may ture relationship’ deals on trade, defence and ing the UK to leave in an ‘orderly’ way. change until at least the end of 2020 if hopes security cooperation, air travel etc to avoid for a transition period materialise as expected. abrupt change. The cut-off for expats to bene- What does this mean for existing expats? Some people therefore take the view that fit from the ‘exit deal’ might also be extended Assuming an exit deal is agreed as expected, it is a good time to move to France, so as to from Brexit day to the end of this period. most current rights should be protected – for put down roots while the status quo of EU As part of ‘phase 2’, the parties will this year more detail see the following page. free movement rights remains, along with the discuss a ‘framework’ for the future relationship chance to safeguard them via the exit deal. (an overview of what it is expected to consist Those considering a move now should bear One immediate impact of the 2016 vote was of) – however the EU says full deals on these in mind that the deal on the table says rights a record one-day drop for the pound, which matters could not be agreed and signed until will be protected equally for all Britons estab- has remained volatile. It has, however, not, on after Brexit. Some remaining details of ‘phase 1’ lished in a legal and stable manner in France going to press, dropped to near its lowest-ever matters will be firmed up, but both sides seem before Brexit day. That might yet be extended rate of £1 / €1.02, seen in 2008. satisfied with their current ‘deal’ on expats. further to the end of a transition period. Although UK Prime Minister Theresa May On trade, a key part of the ‘future relation- triggered article 50, formalising the country’s ship’, the EU favours a free trade agreement Those coming after Brexit (or after the tran- wish to leave, at the end of March 2017, her similar to that with Canada while the UK wants sition period) should be aware that, barring decision to call a snap election delayed the ‘Canada plus, plus, plus’, including services (eg. agreement otherwise, once the ‘future rela- start of negotiations until June. banking) which Mr Barnier says are not part of tionship’ is clear, they may be treated the same Once under way, priority topics included any comparable deal with non-EU states. as foreigners from any country in the world. In the rights of citizens from the other EU states The EU is putting the agreements so far into which case it may be a little more complicated (EU27) living in Britain and the rights of Brit- a draft exit treaty, which must be approved at a to move to France (but not impossible!) and ons in EU27 countries including France, the summit in October before it is voted on by the you may not necessarily benefit from all the contents of the ‘divorce bill’ the UK owes the EU and UK Parliaments. The ‘framework’ may same rights if you do. Having said that many EU, and the nature of the future EU/UK bor- be attached as a statement of political intent. non-EU étrangers do live and work in France.

8 u Moving to France Guide 2018 brexit

Brexit: What has been agreed for expat rights? WHEN it comes to the rights of British expats living in France on Brexit day (perhaps also those established before the end of any ‘transition period’) their biggest concerns – state old-age pension uprating, pensioners’ healthcare cover under the S1 system and the automatic right to live and work where they are settled – are protected by the deal that has been agreed between the UK and EU so far. There should be no reason (apart from possibly exchange rate problems or difficulties proving legally-established residence) for anyone to have to return to the UK. However, they will have the status of étrangers (and not EU citizens) and will probably have to apply

for residence cards. Wikimedia Commons Kellam Dave Photo: Barring a UK/France deal, they will not be movement rights are indivisible and should French state’s PUMA health scheme. It goes able to vote in mairie or EU elections. not be divided into ones related to the existing without saying that you should ensure you are The latest table put out by the EU and UK country of residence and ‘onward’ ones. They making an annual tax declaration in France. on rights shows agreement across the board say many people’s careers depend on the flex- (former versions showed areas of disagree- ibility to live and work in different EU states. n If required, people will have at least two ment or uncertainty but these were removed The deal does, however, protect ‘frontier work- years to organise their residence cards and the late last year). Regarding the rights issues that ers’: those who are living in one EU country agreement says procedures will be ‘stream- were formerly under dispute, the parties have and working in another at the cut-off date. lined’. Where states require cards, they may do come to compromises or agreed they may be As for local voting rights, the EU says this criminal record checks and ask people to de- set aside or addressed when considering the should be left to each state to decide and the clare criminality (however, residency can only ‘future relationship’. UK says it will seek bilateral agreements. be refused if they are deemed a serious threat Britons legally and stably established in Hopes of expats being offered optional ‘asso- to the state). Those who already have EU per- France for at least five years at the cut-off date ciate EU citizenship’ – which were put forward manent residence cards may have them con- (whether Brexit day or the end of the transi- by some MEPs – have not been advanced. verted free, subject to identity and criminal tion) should, therefore, in theory find that Furthermore, requests from campaigners checks and proof of ongoing residence. their lives continue largely as before; those es- and from an MEP taskforce on citizens’ rights tablished for less time will be allowed to stay that the rights part of the deal should be ‘ring- Other points agreed include: to accrue the five-year period. fenced’ from the rest have not been acted on. So-called ‘onward’ free movement and local That means that in the worst-case scenar- n Permanent residence may be subject to the voting were asked for by the UK but will not io, where, for example, relations break down standard EU rules including, for non-work- form part of the exit treaty, it has been agreed. over the exact ‘divorce bill’, Northern Ireland ers, evidence of comprehensive healthcare Onward free movement refers to Britons or future trading plans, then the expat rights cover and sufficient means so as not to be a maintaining full EU free movement rights, agreements would also fall away. burden on social welfare in the first five years for example, to move to or work in other EU On going to press, however, that looked – unless states waive this. states at a later date, not just the right to live unlikely following the agreement to move to n Expats with permanent rights may move and work in the country where they live now. ‘phase 2’ of the talks. away for up to five years without losing them. The UK agreed to leave this to talks on the Some changes to expats’ rights that have The cut-off for obtaining the rights is Brexit ‘future relationship’ but the Brexit Ministry been agreed come as a result of UK demands day (unless stated otherwise in transition ar- said they were ‘slightly disappointed’ by this. and the reciprocity principle: rangements). An EU source said the commission is satis- n Instead of expats’ permanent residence n Expats may in future be joined by those who fied that ‘the life choices of British expats will rights being automatically acquired (or after a at Brexit were their spouses, civil partners, de- be protected’ and onward rights will be looked total five years) states may require expats to ap- pendent children or parents (unmarried part- at later. He said in any case EU laws provide, on ply for the right to stay, and to be issued a card. ners will have entry ‘facilitated’). Children born certain conditions, onward movement rights to This being the case, expats in France would or adopted after Brexit may join them but oth- foreign ‘long-term residents’; and foreigners in be well-advised to make sure they are on as ers (eg. a future spouse) will be subject to rules Schengen Zone countries like France also have solid a footing in France as possible – for for foreign residents’ families. the right to stay temporarily in any other such example, see the following page about cartes n UK work qualifications formally validated state for up to 90 days in a 180 day period. de séjour and at least check that you have the for use in France before Brexit are valid, and Campaigners from expat rights coalition Bri kinds of document that are needed for one, validation processes started before Brexit may tish in Europe have, however, expressed anger such as utility bills dating back five years (or be completed under EU mutual recognition at the decision, because they say it is contrary as long as possible if in France for less than rules. Afterwards, UK diplomas will be treat- to promises the EU originally made to protect that). If you are an early-retiree and have not ed as foreign and assessed under different, na- Britons’ existing rights fully. They say EU free yet done so, you may wish to seek entry to the tional rules.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 9 brexit 2018 Protect your residence rights

Applying for a carte de séjour them and are renewable as a full right after 10 pay slips years (watch out if the card issued mentions a n Retirees will need documents proving Before the Brexit vote, most British people shorter period). health cover (ie. S1 form or private policy) in France did not apply for residence cards, There have been difficulties obtaining these plus ones showing you have been in receipt of because EU citizens are not obliged to do so in some parts of France, and the EU citizens a state pension and/or tax bills showing you in France. They were – and still are, however, taskforce at the European Parliament asked have declared a regular income during the entitled to do so if they so wish. the EU Commission to look into the problem. five-year period. For those living in France for more than three Any refusal is contrary to the rule that Brit- n For the self-employed you will need doc- months - but less than five years - this means ons, until Brexit, remain full EU citizens. The uments proving registration for self-employ- applying for an ordinary carte de séjour ‘Citoy- British embassy in Paris has said Britons may ment (RCS, Urssaf or RSI and Insee identifi- en UE/EEE/Suisse’. For those who have been email them to alert them to issues on: France. cation). in legal, permanent residence for five years or [email protected] For more information, in French, see Carte more this involves a carte de séjour ‘Citoyen Renewal after five years is simply to check de séjour pour Européen at service-public.fr/ UE/EEE/Suisse – Séjour permanent’. that you have been consistently living in particuliers/vosdroits/N110. The cards are obtained from your prefecture France, as the ‘permanent’ right is lost after We advise that you call the prefecture for on application and are proof that you are a two years away (the only other scenario men- your department (not your mairie) to dou- legal resident. In the case of the second cate- tioned in the laws being if you become a dan- ble check if additional documents are needed gory (‘permanent’ cards), EU and French law ger to the state). in your specific case before visiting. states that they prove the acquisition For example, although of ‘permanent’ residence rights as an this is not usually neces- EU citizen in France, which are in sary, we have been told most respects (apart from, eg. voting that some prefectures in national elections) equal to those ask for a birth certif- of French citizens. icate and insist that In the case of EU citizens, possible it has been translated benefits might include easier access by a sworn translator to French healthcare rights if you and that it was issued are an early retiree, or easier access within the last three to certain welfare benefits for people months (despite the fact who have not worked in France. that UK birth certifi- As some experts predicted after the cates are permanently Brexit referendum vote, possessing valid – this is because one of these cards will be useful after the French have a dif- Brexit, because eligibility for full pro- ferent document which tected rights and ongoing residence also includes life cir- in France for existing expats will be according The initial application also requires proof cumstances such as marriage, divorce etc). to the same criteria as those for obtaining a of ongoing residence (small gaps are allow- You can obtain them at gov.uk/or- ‘permanent’ carte de séjour. able but France should have been your main der-copy-birth-death-marriage-certificate. The expat rights agreement currently on the home), as well as proving with relevant pa- Work contracts should be stamped at the table makes it explicit that those with one of perwork notions of ‘legal’ residence, such as end with the office rubber stamp, including these cards may expect simplified procedures having been in work or otherwise had means the firm’s Siret number (if they are not al- for confirming their rights under the exit deal to support yourself in your first five years. ready). (which might ultimately also involve issue of To apply you need: The prefecture will probably ask you to bring another document, whether of some new kind n To write a letter requesting the carte de in all the paperwork – originals and copies, in or possibly one of the ones for foreigners men- séjour on grounds of 5 ans de séjour légal et person, to a certain desk at its offices. tioned on the following page). ininterrompu Find out its opening times (there may be n Three passport photographs specific ones for cartes de séjour) and if possi- n Ordinary ‘EU citizen’ residence cards n Your passport ble go early, as there may be long queues. These can be issued to any EU citizen who n A bill (EDF or other utility) showing your For the location of your nearest préfecture has made France their permanent home. No address in France and dated in the last three see service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F22116 specific time period is required but you need months When you meet an official, make sure they documents showing you are established in n More bills (or similar proof) showing resi- know you want a citoyen UE card for séjour France, eg. evidence of having a home there dence in France in each half-year during the permanent. Once the officials have accepted (as well as healthcare cover, a job or other last five years (for example, a bill dated inF eb- your application, you will be given a récépissé income). Usually, you would have lived in ruary of a given year, then another dated in (receipt) valid for six months while the appli- France for at least three months. September) cation is processed and you will be notified n French social security number (you will when the card can be collected. n Permanent ‘EU citizen’ cards find it on your carte vitale) See also: Diary of a carte de séjour applicant at These should have the word ‘permanent’ on n Work contract (if applicable) and last three our website connexionfrance.com

10 u Moving to France Guide 2018 brexit What might happen after Brexit..? Non-EU citizens coming to France permis de travail (work permit) from their for creating a business. future employer. PROTECTED rights as described on page There may be light at the end of the tunnel, n 10-year resident card – allows you to 9 can be expected for Britons established in however, as there is the possibility, in the long- work in France and lasts 10 years. Issued only France up to Brexit day (likely to be March term, for some non-EU residents to gain un- on restricted conditions such as family ties or 31, 2019) and possibly to the end of a transi- conditional, permanent residence. Here is a service rendered to France (eg. in the army). tion period lasting to the end of 2020 or more (non-exhaustive) list of options: (possibly up to spring 2022 at the latest). n Long-term ‘EU’ resident card – a 10-year On writing, it is not possible to state with Visas card for foreigners who have lived legally certainty the future rights of Britons to come in France for five years or more and have to France afterwards because this would form n Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence a certificate showing at least ‘basic’ French part of the ‘future relationship’ which is not permit – allows a stay up to one year with no skills (not required for over-65s). expected to be firmed up until after the UK formalities at the prefecture. Eligible people The prefecture will seek evidence that you are has left the EU. However, bearing in mind that include those with a job contract in France, ‘integrated’, including speaking to your mairie. the UK government says it wishes to leave the coming for study or married to a French per- It allows you to work in France and also to live in EU’s single market and customs union and son or French resident as well as ‘visitors’ who other EU countries for more than three ‘take back control’ of its borders, Britons seek- promise not to seek work and who can live off months without a separate long-stay visa ing to come to France in future may be treated their own means. (but you still need to apply for a relevant resi- as ordinary ‘third country’ (non-EU) citizens. dence card in the other country). You need to Depending on whether or not an agreement n Long-stay visa with requirement to show you have health cover and that you have is made waiving this, it could be necessary apply for residence card in two months – income of at least the level of the minimum to apply for a short-term stay visa (a sticker allows you to come to France with a view to wage (€1,498 gross/month). in your passport) for any temporary visit to applying for a residence card of a duration of a France. These are obtained from a French year or more. It may be given to both workers n Permanent resident card – resident card consulate in the UK. However, considering and retirees. holders can request one of these by apply- the large France/UK tourist trade, we may ing (at least two months) before it expires. assume an agreement will be made, as exists Residence permits They allow unconditional and permanent between France and a number of other non- residence. They are automatically offered EU countries. In that case, in future Britons THESE are required for stays of a year or more if you have had two ‘resident cards’ or you visiting France are likely to be subject to the and usually require various documents, such are over 60. They are usually only refused if EU’s forthcoming ETIAS scheme, which will as birth and marriage certificates, and a fee you are deemed a danger to the state. require a short online application for prior of around €269. They are issued on different approval to come, including a small fee, simi- criteria. Some require signing an ‘integration’ Second home owners lar to what is required when a British resident contract, agreeing to support French values, visits America. and to take French lessons if your level is low. WHILE the rights of long-term residents All ‘third country’ nationals coming to They have names such as carte de séjour (‘stay’ in France have been the biggest concern in France on short stays also have to obtain an cards) and carte de résident. They are issued the Brexit talks, Brexit inevitably also rais- attestation d’accueil, a form signed by whoev- for periods from one to 10 years before you es questions for second home owners, who er you are staying with, showing your identity, need to apply for renewal of the card. are not included under the ‘exit deal’. Their passport details, where you are staying, and rights will probably be largely as for other that you have health insurance. n Family and private life carte de séjour Britons visiting France and will be consid- Coming for more than three months is likely – issued for one to four years. It authorises ered as part of the ‘future relationship’ (see to require a visa from a French consulate (see: you to live and work in France. You need a page 8). https://france-visas.gouv.fr) as well as (espe- spouse or minor child in France (if they are A number of practical matters are likely to cially for longer than a year) obtaining a resi- not French, extra conditions apply, of length be affected, for example, if there is no replace- dence card from a prefecture in France). These of residence, means, and size of home). ment for the UK’s membership of the EU’s vary on your status and reason for coming. It EHIC/CEAM scheme then anyone coming will still be possible, of course, for Britons to n Employee or temporary worker carte de on a visit would be well-advised to take out come but (again, barring any special arrange- séjour – one-year card, for those working on a full private health insurance policy to cover ments agreed) it will be more complicated and a permanent or temporary contract. their stay. costly, especially as retirees may no longer be A non-EU driving licence cannot be used able to benefit from the EU’s S1 form scheme n Visitor carte de séjour – one-year, for on its own in France but needs to be accom- to give access to French healthcare. An Inte- people who will not work in France and can panied by a sworn translation in French or rior Ministry spokesman said they could be support themselves from their own means an international driving permit (obtaina- accepted into the French ‘PUMA’ scheme, (income of at least €1,149/month). ble from some UK post offices). Brexit may rather than having to have private insurance, mean increased costs of using a British in which case an annual fee at a percentage of n Talent passport carte de séjour – valid mobile phone in France and has potential- income is due; foreign workers obtain health for up to four years; for highly-qualified em- ly disruptive implications for UK-France cover from work, as do the French. Those in- ployees or highly-qualified and/or experi- flights, however it is hoped the latter will be tending to work will probably have to obtain a enced people with a ‘real and serious’ project ironed out during a transition period.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 11 brexit 2018 Applying for French citizenship

THOUGH not an option on arrival, those established here for several years may want to Jane and Simon Hanks consider applying for French nationality and others may consider it as a long-term plan. While becoming French is a personal choice, linked to ties to the country and its culture and language, there is a practical benefit as you will retain EU citizenship, thus avoiding some Brexit-related complications such as the likely requirement for Britons to have residence permits. Other aspects may remain subject to the ‘exit deal’, such as annual UK pension uprating or exportability of UK disability benefits. Requirements include: Being aged 18 or over; €100 and included speaking and listening, Provisional figures for 2017 show 3,173 Brit- knowledge of French; no serious crimes on but no writing. Centres for taking it can be ons applied for French nationality and 1,518 your record; and showing integration in terms found at ciep.fr/tcf or tinyurl.com/cci-tef-test acquired it, up from 386 and 320 in 2015. of work if you are of working age. Over-60s do You should be able to understand standard If a Briton takes French nationality, they not need to sit a French test but their French French within familiar domains and have a retain UK nationality – unless they renounce will be assessed during a prefecture interview simple conversation. it – though they will for practical purposes be at which they will also be assessed on French Mrs Hanks said she is still waiting to see if considered by France to be French. culture and values. she is called for interview, after applying in Usually you must have lived in France for Many documents are required and the spring 2017. “You just have to sit down and five-years. This is waived if you have been prefecture needs to see originals and have get all the papers together and then just wait married to a French person for at least four photocopies. Any official documents (birth, and not worry when you don’t hear anything.” years, or five if you cannot show that you marriage, death certificates; criminal record Gathering the papers was time-consuming have lived for three years in France during check) must be translated by a sworn trans- but do-able, she said. For example you can ob- your marriage or that your French spouse lator (see tinyurl.com/sworn-translators or tain a new birth-certificate copy from gov.uk, was registered on the French Abroad register check the Directory section of The Connex- then find a traducteur assermenté to translate if you have been living outside France. It is ion). However, unlike nationals of some other it, which is “costly but straightforward”. also waived for those who have studied for countries, Britons do not need extra formali- She added: “I wanted to apply so I could two years in a French university or who are ties such as an ‘apostille’ on their documents. vote and so participate more fully in French exceptionally integrated through distinguished One Briton who has applied for French na- life, and Brexit pushed me to do it. Our kids service to the community, culture or sport. tionality, journalist Jane Hanks, said passing have grown up in France so we will stay here the language test is one of the first things to and it seems a natural step to get nationality. How do you do it? do (unless you are exempt on age or disability For my husband, Brexit could still be a prob- You submit a form to your prefecture, which grounds or have a French diploma at the lem as he is a fonctionnaire – and that is only will consider it at its discretion, with a €55 fee. required level). She said her test cost around open to French nationals or Europeans.” Get involved, stay informed... THERE are many ways to keep informed Voting remains a hot topic, as promises non-EU foreigners and they may be reluctant about Brexit – including reading the dedicat- by Conservative governments to remove to create a new voting category for Britons. ed Brexit section of connexionfrance.com the current 15-year limit on expat voting Among the UK parties the Liberal Demo- You may also like to join a French branch have not yet led to any change in the law. crats (libdemsinfrance.fr) also promise to re- of a UK political party, support one of the Long-term British expats could not vote in move the 15-year rule and are the only party different expat rights campaign groups, and the Brexit referendum as it was linked to the supporting dedicated MPs for expats, such as check out updates from the British Embassy. right to vote in UK parliamentary elections. France has for its citizens abroad. It recently Groups such as those in the British in Eu- After Brexit, long-term expats may lose all set up a French branch (libdemsinfrance.fr). rope coalition (britishineurope.org) campaign their votes – as local (mairie) election voting The Conservatives and Labour also have on Brexit as well as matters such as votes for in France is for EU or French citizens and overseas branches – see labourinternational. British expats or rights of Britons to retain non-EU citizens may also not take part in net (the ‘LI near you’ section lists French certain UK benefits. For example, the deci- European Parliament ones. British nego- contacts) and conservativesabroad.org (see sion a few years ago to axe Winter Fuel Pay- tiators had asked for local voting rights to ‘Find your representative’). ment for French-resident British pensioners be maintained for existing expats, but they The British Embassy has been holding was controversial, especially when Connexion agreed to leave the matter to future bilateral information meetings around France. Keep broke news that it was linked to the UK in- agreements between Britain and EU states. up to date with its activities via the Voisins’ cluding France’s tropical overseas territories The likelihood of such a deal is uncertain, Voices newsletter (use the search box at gov. in its calculation of French temperatures... considering that France has historically uk) the British Embassy Paris Facebook page (it was maintained in neighbouring Italy). opposed proposals to extend local voting to or @UKinFrance on Twitter.

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14 u Moving to France Guide 2018 2018 i EVENTS DIARY BIG FRENCH EVENTs IN 2018 France has a full cultural calendar and depending on where you move MAY AUGUST to or live you’ll find a full summer Cannes Film Festival, Cannes, Festival Interceltique de Lorient, or winter of events – or both. May 9-20 Morbihan, August 3-12 Here is our selection of top events but This exclusive festival premieres films of all A grand costume procession with dancers and you can always find more in each month’s genres from around the world. Established on live music is followed by concerts and cultural Connexion and via our weekly free email an invitation-only basis, this year’s jury will be activities to bring the Celtic origins of Brittany newsletter. headed up by Australian actress Cate Blanchett. and beyond to life. Wales is the country of www.festival-cannes.com/en honour this year. www.festival-interceltique.bzh JANUARY Le Havre 500th anniversary Les Puces Rouennaises, Rouen, From May 27 – all summer Seine-Maritime, January 19-20 A ll across the city there will be art exhibitions, SEPTEMBER More than 300 antiques dealers present their theatrical performances and boat races. European Heritage Days, across goods at countless stalls at what is often called www.uk.france.fr/en/information/havre-0 Europe, September 16-17 the most beautiful flea market in France. A free look inside some of France’s greatest Experts are on hand to help visitors make edu- monuments and most unusual venues with cated buys and advise on restoration or care. JUNE over 20,000 events, including guided tours, www.pucesrouennaises.com Fête de la musique, June 21 workshops and concerts. E very year since 1982, this joyful occasion set journeesdupatrimoine.culture.fr up by the ministry of Culture has people enjoy- FEBRUARY ing and playing music in bars, parks and streets. Ryder Cup, September 28-30 Fête du Citron, Menton, February 17 fetedelamusique.culturecommunication. The biennial Europe-US golf competition A one-of-a-kind event that since its gouv.fr will be held in France for the first time, at inauguration in 1934 has seen thousands the Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en- Yvelines, south-west of Paris. of visitors flock to Menton for some citrus-in- French Grand Prix, June 21-24 www.rydercup.com spired fun. Alongside lemon motif exhibitions, Formula One returns to France after a 10-year day- and night-time parades on the Promenade hiatus with Circuit du Castellet, near Bandol du Soleil celebrate the ‘golden fruit of the sun’ in the Var, hosting the race. in all its glory. Runs until March 4. www.gpfrance.com/en OCTOBER www.fete-du-citron.com La Semaine du Goût, across France, October 9-15 Famous chefs, and even just good old local MARCH chefs and food professionals, get involved in Goût de France, around this occasion to educate the public on quality the country, March 21 food and tastes. Most events are free. More than 2,000 chefs around the world cele- Pixabay Photo: www.legout.com brate French gastronomy by serving a special France-inspired dinner menu to highlight the versatility of French cuisine. Partaking restau- NOVEMBER rants are elected by Alain Ducasse and his inter- JULY World War 1 centenary, November 11 national committee for the flavour, innovation Fête nationale, across France, July 14 France will mark 100 years since the end of the and environmental awareness of their dishes. R eferred to as le quatorze juillet by the French Great War with national commemorations and uk.france.fr/en/gout-france-good-france and Bastille Day by the English, this marks the events at memorials in regions where fighting storming of the Bastille prison in 1789. Since took place. President Macron will visit each then, France’s big day sees cultural, gastronomic affected department as well as paying tribute to APRIL and sport events laid on countrywide. Paris is George Clémenceau, the wartime Prime Minis- Schneider Electric Marathon, the place to be for impressive military displays. ter known in France as ‘The Father of Victory”. Paris, April 8 centenaire.org/en One of the world’s most popular marathons with Tour de France, July 7-29 57,000 runners from 140 countries. It covers This year’s route begins with a “Grand Départ” many landmarks of Paris, starting at the Arc de (Big Start) in the Vendée. The famous cycling DECEMBER Triomphe, going down the Champs Elysées, cut- race – which is in its 105th year, and cover Alsace Christmas markets, ting through the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois 3,300km in total – a week later than usual in a throughout December de Boulogne before finishing atA venue Foch. bid to not conflict with the FIFA World Cup. From Colmar to Mulhouse, and especially in www.schneiderelectricparismarathon.com/en www.letour.fr/en the famous yule-friendly capital, Strasbourg, the Alsace region comes alive in December. As well Connexion works with local tourist offices for the information printed. Due to the possibility of changes to as local foodie treats, stock up on stocking-fillers. programmes and event timing we recommend you check with individual organisers before making a trip www.marche-de-noel-alsace.com

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 15 Travel Routes UK to France air travel sea travel

(*winter only) CityJet...... Easyjet...... q Brittany Ferries...... T Irish Ferries...... T q(**summer only) (**May-Sept 2017) (***ends March 2017) Ryanair...... (**summer only) Aer Lingus...... Condor Ferries...... T Manche IIes...... T q(***starts July 2017) (*summer only) q (*winter only) Air France...... Flybe...... q(**summer only) q DFDS Seaways...... T P&O ferries...... T (*winter only) British Airways...... Stena Line...... Jet2...... (**summer only) q Folkestone Eurotunnel.....t .T q (*winter only) (**May-Sept/Oct 2018) Swiss Air...... (*winter only) (***March-Oct 2018) Cherbourg caen dieppe Information correct, according to data from the airlines, as of January 2018. Routes may change so check airline websites for details Dublin T London Southend q Newhaven T Poole T Portsmouth T dinard St Malo Portsmouth T East Midlands q** Guernsey T Poole T Rosslare T T Le Havre Portsmouth London Stansted q Jersey T Portsmouth T T Barneville-Carteret Dielette Jersey - St Helier & Gorey T Alderney T Guernsey T Granville Jersey Gorey T Jersey St Helier T Roscoff Cork T Plymouth T brest deauville-normandy rennes Rosslare T Birmingham q** London Stansted q** Birmingham q** Southampton q** Cork q* tours loire valley Dublin q* Dublin q** Exeter q** nantes quimper London Stansted q London City q** Birmingham q London City q** London Southend q Bristol q** Manchester q** Dublin qq* Edinburgh Southampton q** q poitiers angers loire Liverpool q** la rochelle Edinburgh q** London City q*** London City q*** London Stansted q Bradford ** London Gatwick q q London Heathrow *** Birmingham q** q Bristol ** London Luton q q brive Dublin q** Manchester q London Stansted q** Southampton q London Gatwick q** London Stansted q Manchester q** spain T Southampton q** Portsmouth-Santander Portsmouth-Bilbao Plymouth-Santander limoges bergerac Leeds Bradford q** Birmingham q** Birmingham q** Liverpool q Bristol q** Bristol q** London City q** East Midlands bordeaux q East Midlands q** London Stansted q Belfast q** Leeds Bradford q** Edinburgh q Manchester qq** Birmingham q** London Gatwickq** Exeter q** Southampton q Bristol q London Stansted q Manchester Cork q** q Dublin q Southampton q** Edinburgh q Glasgow q** Liverpool q** biarritz lourdes London Gatwick Birmingham q** London Stansted q qq London Luton Dublin ** Carcassonne q q Cork ** London Southend London Gatwick ** q q q Dublin London Stansted London Heathrow ** toulouse q q q London Heathrow East Midlands ** Southampton London Luton ** Birmingham q q q q q London Luton Edinburgh London Stansted Bristol q q q q London Stansted Glasgow ** Southampton ** Dublin q q q q Manchester ** Edinburgh q qq London Stansted q London Gatwick q Southampton q Manchester q 16 u Moving to France Guide 2018 paris

charles-de-gaulle beauvais Aberdeen qq Glasgow q orly ouest Dublin London City *** q Calais Belfast q Leeds Bradford q q q Birmingham Liverpool Southampton Dover qq q q T T Bristol q London City q* Folkestone t Cardiff q London Gatwick q Cork q London Heathrow qq geneva Doncaster Sheffield London Luton q q Aberdeen q* Dublin London Southend dunkerque qq q Belfast * East Midlands ** Manchester q Dover q qqq Birmingham * *** * T Edinburgh Newcastle q q qq qqq qqq Bournemouth * Exeter Southampton q q q Bristol q Cardiff q* Dublin q East Midlands q* Edinburgh qq* Exeter q* Glasgow q*q* Inverness q* lyon Isle of Man q* Belfast q* London Heathrow q Jersey q* strasbourg Leeds Bradford * * Birmingham q London Luton q q q London Stanstedq*** Liverpool Bristol q* London Southendq*q** q London City Dublin q Manchester q*qq* q Edinburgh q Stansted q* London Gatwick q*q London Heathrow London Gatwick q Southampton q q London Luton q chambery London Southend * Birmingham * London Stansted * q q q London Stansted * *** clermont Cardiff * q q q Manchester * Manchester * ferrand Doncaster Sheffield * qq qq q Norwich * Newcastle London Stansted q*** Exeter * q q q Southampton q* Southampton q* London City q*

grenoble Birmingham q*q* London Gatwick q*q* Bristol q* London Heathrow q* rodez Dublin q London Luton q* Dublinq** Edinburgh q* London Stansted q*q*** q* Glasgow qq* Manchester q* montpellier Leeds Bradford qq* Newcastle qq* Dublin q* Liverpool q* London Gatwick q London Heathrow q** nimes London Luton q** Liverpoolq** avignon London Luton q Birmingham q** London Stansted q** London City q** Southampton q** Nice Belfast q** London Gatwick qq toulon/ Bristol q** London Heathrow q beziers hyeres Dublin qq London Luton q Bristol q** London City q** Edinburgh q** London Stansted qq***q** Edinburgh q** Southampton q** Leeds Bradford q** Manchester q** London Luton q Liverpool q Newcastle q** London Stansted q*** London City q Manchester q**

perpignan marseille Corsica qqq Bristol ** Birmingham q** q London Heathrow q In summer there are flights to Ajaccio, Bastia and Figari by Dublin q* Dublin q* London Luton q British Airways, Easyjet and Flybe from London Heathrow, London Southendq** Edinburgh q** London Stansted q Southend and Gatwick, Manchester, Southampton and Glasgow ** London Stansted q** q Manchester q Birmingham. Southampton q** London Gatwick q (BA flights to Figari & flybe flights to Calvi are exclusive to holiday firm Corsican Places) Moving to France Guide 2018 u 17 How bright is your financial future

Interested in finding out how to make the most of your money as an Expat? Do you have questions about Currencies, Pensions, Succession Planning Why not visit a local event, bring some friends and make it a great day out

Dear Connexion HQ Le Tour de Finance is the financial forum for expats which will help you with a range of different financial products and services. Just as Many thanks for inviting us to attend Le Tour de France takes a route throughout the regions of France, “the Tour de Finance on Tuesday, like everything else you are associated with so too does Le Tour de Finance. We want to reach expats where you it was a huge success! live so that you can seek advice particular to your local area. Tax advice, pensions/QROPS, mortgages, healthcare, schools, succession We really do appreciate your monthly planning, business advice and making the most of your assets are paper, your invaluable help guides and just some of the subjects that expats need to know more about. sponsored events such as the Tour de Le Tour de Finance is the ideal opportunity to find answers to the Finance – it all improves our lives in most pressing questions facing people living in France. France enormously. Long may it all continue and thanks again! The forum will bring together key players who assist expats settling or already living in France. It is also an ideal opportunity to socialise by enjoying a free Buffet lunch and meeting people in similar circumstances in your neighbourhood.

CONTACT Organiser: Pippa Maile Email: [email protected] Mobile (France): +33 (0)4 22 32 62 40 ––––– –––– LANGUAGE i THE BASICS Photo: ActuaLitté CC BY-SA 2.0 CC BY-SA ActuaLitté Photo:

2 the basics Learning the language

Speaking French will enrich your life in so many ways SOME people who move to France live there, (plombier) or tell the mechanic (garagiste to the Alps, Normandy to Dordogne, with food one presumes perfectly happily, without or mécanicien) your car needs a service and accommodation part of the package. making any effort to speak the language. (révision), to get your medicines at the The Alliance Française, meanwhile, provides But what is the point? chemist (pharmacie) and, most likely, to deal learning based on communication by mother- You will get so much more out of your new with some paperwork. tongue teachers. life if you can chat to local shopkeepers, market traders and your children’s teachers. Apéro FIND YOUR Way of learning Self-study and language CDs A great method time with your new neighbours (voisins) will If you do not have a degree in French or your for going at your own pace. By repeating and be infinitely more enjoyable if you go beyond O Level seems a very long time ago, fear not. comparing written words with recordings of exchanged pleasantries and tell a few stories. With willing and focus, you can improve your native speakers, you start speaking in your The human brain is quite capable of learning French... no matter what your level. Here are new language, using the correct pronunciation other languages – well over half the world’s some of the main ways to learn: from the outset. population is bilingual if not trilingual. As the joke goes, what do you call someone Take lessons Whether you learn at your local Online and language apps One key to the who speaks two languages? Bilingual. And school or college in the UK before making the recent explosion in language learning – thanks someone who speaks one? British. move or you sign up for classes once you arrive to sites such as Babbel (with free as well as As an English speaker you actually already in France, tuition is the most obvious way to paid-for elements) – is the convenience they know thousands of French words without receive dedicated French expertise. In France provide. Your smartphone, laptop or tablet realising it... from à la carte, au contraire and there are often cheap classes available from allow language improvement on the move, with café, to peloton, prêt-à-porter and tête-à-tête existing expats keen to pass on their skills. Memrise and Duolingo highly recommended to cuisine, bon appétit and à la mode. In fact, by Connexion readers. more than a third of all English words have Immersion courses Part-study, part real- their origins in French. life experience is the blend offered by in situ DO: Listen to French radio and watch the TV The real impetus for learning French should immersion schools in France. Basics in the news – keep your brain active in the language. be to fully enjoy living in your new home classroom are backed up by visits to the market country – to chat to your postman (facteur) or or shops to try out what you have learned. The DO NOT: Simply read endless lists of

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Moving to France Guide 2018 u 19 the basics i language LEARN FRENCH AS IT IS SPOKEN – NOT AS THE TEXTBOOK SAYS it should be Despite a tricky start to learning French, writer Nick Inman got there in the end when he realised it was just about

sharing information and no fear of failure © Pixabay Photo:

I FAILED my French O Level three times and French.” They are wrong. If I think I’m speaking Pick up your French in phrases without never passed. If anyone has an excuse for not French, it may not be their French but it is my analysing them – and that includes slang, speaking French it should be me; yet I function French. There are many varieties of French and which comes up a lot in conversation: bagnole fully in the language – most of my friends mine is one of them. for car, boulot for work, toubib for doctor. You are French and professionally I interview The language is changing all the time, and I need to ask someone but most people will find university professors, business people and am part of that. The opposite of ‘perfect’ is not it amusing to give a definition. dignitaries on their specialist subjects – even ‘incorrect’ it is ‘creative’. France also loves abbreviations and you need on the phone. to be alert for fac (faculty, i.e. university), psy Things changed on the day of 9/11 on a Written French and spoken French (psychologist) and other shortcuts. train from Bulgaria to Romania. The guard, are almost two different languages who spoke almost no English, told me a Some English speakers labour over the written Take the initiative preposterous story about stolen planes word as if it is the key to speaking. The opposite Volunteer to speak before you are spoken to. bringing down New York skyscrapers. is true: writing is likely to confuse and mislead. People appreciate you coming out of your shell He made me understand because it was so Put the written language aside while you towards them and it sends a message that you important to him. Language, I realised, was learn to speak. Don’t look: hear! expect to be understood. not grammar and dictionaries – it was about a You are never going to lose your accent but need to share information. Listen actively why would you want to? It is charming and Age can become an excuse and, while Even if you are only adding to your passive part of your persona in French. However, you children may learn quicker and better than vocabulary, your knowledge of French can make things easy for yourself. adults, it may not be fertile brain cells that correlates with exposure to it. The more you move your mouth and lips and help them, perhaps just fewer hang-ups. Here Watch favourite English-language films and the more you concentrate on distinguishing are some points that helped me. TV series in French so you know what is going vowel sounds, the less people will ask you to on or tune in to French TV just to watch the repeat yourself. It is just communication great mini-language lessons we call adverts. Even Britons who speak flawless French will Speaking French is not about regurgitating Public meetings are free lessons in admit to words they can never pronounce. the right parts of language in the right order. comprehension. In informal groups don’t be If you cannot avoid them, at least enunciate It is about communicating, aiming to give afraid to ask the obvious: “What are you talking them slowly and be sure the listener has lots of and receive messages from head to head about?” Once you know the subject, you are context. Mine are desert and dessert – where (thoughts) or heart to heart (feelings). ready to understand some of what is said. my pronunciation of the S sound throws them A ‘language’ block may have more to do with Look out, also, for words that are run together – and I am never sure if people hear “he’s attitudes to sharing yourself with another in which “l’ami d’Amy” (Amy’s friend) can crying” il pleure if I say “it’s raining” il pleut. person than ability with nouns and verbs. sound like, “lammydammy”. You speak with more than your tongue. Your Make a fool of yourself whole body is involved so let it work for you: Learn French as it is spoken – not as Whether you like it or not you are a stand-up expression, eye contact and gestures. the textbook says it should be spoken comedian when you speak a foreign language. There is also a big difference between formal Everyone is. Be the first to laugh at yourself. I Do not demand too much of yourself French and informal French. always come out with howlers. I thought the Fluency has been defined as the ability to make dentist asked: “Did you sleep well last night?” yourself understood – mistakes included. and he had to explain that by endormi he meant: Your French does not have to be impeccable. “Is your tooth numb so I can drill into it?” Spoken communication is ephemeral. No one Years ago, when my wife was going into is checking it and giving you marks. Focus on labour I checked her into hospital with the what makes your meaning clearer not what Volunteer to speak before solemn words, “My wife is going to give birth anyone tells you is right or wrong. “ to herself”. you are spoken to. People Few people will mock but I remind myself the French does not belong to the French.. appreciate you coming out point is to communicate – even if that is at the When I speak, friends may say: “That’s not of your shell towards them expense of my vanity and pride.

20 u Moving to France Guide 2018 LEGGETT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST

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What’s their secret? They are all independent sales agents for Leggett Immobilier. Starting a new life in France? Want a new career? Contact us: +33 05 53 60 82 77 [email protected] the basics i language HOW LANGUAGE DIFFERENCES CAN LEAD TO CULTURE CLASHES

Journalist Lauren Collins has learned to embrace linguistic differences Photo: Claude Gassian/Flammarion Claude Photo:

rules really differentiate between public and Love the nuances of language personal life. “When you’re out and about, you use vous with everyone because it’s polite WHEN US journalist Lauren Collins moved to more rarely so feels more special.” and shows respect, but also you don’t need to London in 2010, she did not expect to fall in She also finds that some French words, like bother much because you don’t really know love with a Frenchman and move to France. “I solidaire, just don’t have a simple one-word those people. met Olivier almost straight off the plane, and translation. “Sometimes you need a lot of “What I find amusing is the discussion as to we lived together in London and then moved words to express the same concept. And how when couples stop using vous and move to the to Geneva in 2013 and since 2015 we’ve been do you say bof in English? And n’importe quoi more intimate tu... living on the Left Bank in Paris,” she says. – when Macron used it in that TV debate with “In books translated from English to French For Lauren, it was a crash course in learning Le Pen just before the presidential elections, for example, it’s often the morning after a French, and in her book, When in French, she that was a seminal moment. And it just isn’t the couple have been to bed for the first time, documents her linguistic adventures along the same as saying ‘whatever’ in English.” which always makes me laugh.” way. The book is amusing and readable, but She says learning a new language has in some She says she does not believe there are concepts also contains lots of insights into learning a way changed the way she thinks. that cannot be expressed in other languages. second language as an adult. “My life in France isn’t in quarantine. When “That’s why we delight in doing untranslatable “At first, living in Geneva, I struggled with I go back to the States, I still have my new translations and finding just the right way to everything to the point where I thought that cultural associations, my newly acquired express a concept. But it’s true that there are French was the problem, but since we’ve been French, my attitudes. It’s the same in Paris, I neater ways of expressing certain concepts in in Paris everything has changed and I have still have all my cultural background.” It can some languages. And some things always fall realised that Geneva was the problem. I love lead to unexpected culture clashes. through the gaps. There are just some nuances the French language!” “When I go back to the US, the lack of a formal that don’t make it through a translation.” Now married to Olivier, with a small way of addressing people is jarring. I like the The title of her own book is a case in point. daughter and another baby on the way, she implied respect that comes with using vous and When it was translated into French and speaks French fluently but still enjoys the French formality has overtaken US informality published in France, the title was changed differences between the languages. She notices as my normal, although when I first arrived in from When in French to Lost in French. Both the frequency and moments of deployment of France, I found it snobbish and undemocratic. are English titles, but the second is perhaps phrases like ‘I love you’ are different in the two “I was very American and thought that easier for a French-speaker to understand than languages, although the underlying feelings are everyone is the same so you should speak to the original. the same. “In the US, we’re always saying we them the same way.” When in French by Lauren Collins (Fourth love this that and the other. In French, it’s used She notes that in French the vouvoyer/tutoyer Estate) is available from all booksellers. Swearing is easier in a second language D o you find yourself cursing more easily in we speak, we draw on those memories. We is often easier because it has less emotional French than your native tongue? If so, don’t speak word by word, we draw on phrases intensity. “If you grew up in a culture where Catherine Caldwell-Harris, Psychology and concepts which we’ve heard in that swearing is more accepted, it has less emotional professor at Boston University in the US, language. It’s not well recognised, but language resonance. knows why: emotional distance. and culture are intimately linked,” she says. “But in Japan, for example, swearing is so After extensive research into questions like “For example, when Korean woman living in frowned upon that many Japanese people whether or not jokes told in a foreign language the US meet up in groups, you might expect prefer to swear in English.” are still funny, she is now studying the them to speak Korean but they don’t. They She says a similar phenomenon is seen in emotional impact of second languages and prefer to speak English because it’s less formal, romance: “In some cultures, people never say why people curse more readily in non-native and using it means there is less hierarchy “I love you” to their parents, lovers, no-one... tongues. within the group.” but once they are speaking English as a foreign “Language taps into our memories so when She says that swearing in a foreign language language, they use it much more freely. So

22 u Moving to France Guide 2018 language i the basics

they’ll have an entire conversation in Japanese and swear words evokes an emotional response in us. then finish with “love ya”. Switching to another We feel that they are getting away with it, because language gives them the freedom to say things they they aren’t feeling the same emotional resonance.” otherwise feel too inhibited to express. She vividly remembers being sworn at by “In such cultures, family is considered to be so a customs official in France once. “He spoke quite close that you are not expected to have to cultivate quietly, so no-one else heard but he used the close relationships with family members. Trying to c-word and I was completely shocked. I felt do so would be seen as strange, seen as indicating completely violated, it was far worse than if an that you don’t feel close to your family. English-speaker had used that language to me. But “But in societies like in the US, we are all individuals I had the feeling that to him it wasn’t that offensive so we have to reach out to our close families and and that even if he had understood just how friends to create and maintain close bonds. So in hurtful it was to use that word to me, he didn’t English, it’s normal to say “I love you” and “sorry” all c are .” the time. It doesn’t carry the same emotional But she says that to her the memory still hurts. baggage.” “What it comes down to is this: language is so She says it works when we are on the receiving end, linked to culture, memory and background that too. “When people swear at us in a foreign language, when a linguistic use shocks you, it’s because we’re not much troubled by it because the words are you’ve just come up against a cultural shock of one Catherine Caldwell-Harris not loaded with cultural associations and personal sort or another.” memories. They are just words with little emotional It is a metaphorical slap in the face, just as it is, resonance. conversely, when you discover a delightful new Connexion tip “But when foreigners swear at us in our own idiom or phrase in a foreign language. It’s one of the ONE pitfall when learning language, it can hurt badly because the use of the pleasures of learning them. French is the deceptive faux amis – words that appear the same in French and English when, ‘actuellement’, they have different meanings. Learn French... and be more direct Actuellement is one of them. Studie s have shown that your personality changes photographs. So much for the way I look, but how It does not mean actually, en when you speak another language and, keen to know do I feel in French? For one thing, I appear to care fait, but currently. if she was doing the same, Emily Commander started less about the rules. Recently, there was no parking So, where do these language taking notes... space outside the school so I double-parked and traps come from? ran to collect the kids. Sauntering back with a English, despite belonging IT HAS been claimed that many bilingual people French friend, she caught sight of the car and said to the Germanic family of experience a shift in personality when switching Oh la la, tu es mal garé (my goodness, you are badly language, has many words that between their two languages. parked). My response? A shrug and Oh, qu’est-ce are influenced by the French, Some researchers claim this is caused by structural que tu veux? ever since 1066, and changed differences between the languages which force Roughly translated this means “Oh well, what else little in spelling or meaning: speakers to formulate their thoughts in different could I do?” which, from a neurotically law-abiding such as “intelligence”, ways, and others claim it is all tangled up with the citizen who can find queue formations in the midst “situation” or “accident”. After culture associated with any language. of heaving throngs, is nothing short of miraculous. the English defeat at the hands To test out this theory, I have spent the past week They don’t call it a Gallic shrug for nothing. of the French in the Hundred noting down how I feel when I speak in English I am more direct in French, too. Last week a Years War, English started to and French, and asking my family to make friend offered me a bag of her children’s cast-offs. I undergo a revival and the two observations about my behaviour (they have had a responded by sorting through the items. I set aside languages increasingly went field day). one or two, then told my friend what was wrong their separate ways. At the most basic level, I look different in the two with each of the remaining ones before thanking Sandrine Durand, a French languages. In English I smile at everyone and for her and handing them back. language tutor at Lalangue absolutely no reason at all. In English I would never have behaved in this Paris, says: “Often that’s how In French it takes quite an effort to make me manner. Rather, I would have taken the bag, faux-amis arise: the word crack a smile. This is, in part, a pronunciation issue. thanked my friend profusely, and only found later evolves in meaning in one English vowels require a smile – a simple passing its contents were useless. language but not the other but “hi” or “hello” forces me to grin a little, however I Indeed, two boxes of second-hand clothes in our still sounds the same.” am feeling. French vowels, on the other hand, cellar are the result of precisely such encounters. Others include library encourage pouting – it is difficult to smile while In French, however, I not only turned down the (the French librairie means delivering even the most effusive of bonjours. items that I didn’t want, but criticised them without bookshop), assister (to I got one of my children to photograph me any sense of shame. My friend was not offended in attend), blesser (to injure) bonjour-ing away to her collection of soft toys and, response. I had put practicality ahead of politeness, and, above all, take note despite the comedy of the situation, it turns out that and nobody had died. that préservatifs refers to throughout I wore a pout that would rival Keira So it seems to come down to this: I cringe less in condoms, not preservatives Knightley’s finest. Perhaps this explains the sultry French. What this says about either me or the which are conservateurs. pose worn so effortlessly by my French friends in French is another matter.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 23 www

the basics i language Regional variations and unusual pronunciations REGIONAL differences are all part of the “Before doing the survey I didn’t know, for fun of learning French and you should not example that in Ile-de-France they say persi for be surprised if the way certain words are persil [parsley], whereas I always said persiL. said in your area is different to what you “Sometimes it’s hard to understand the log- learnt at school. ic and you really need a map per word. For Differences like hearing letters sounded at example in the moinS area [south-west] they the end of words that are usually silent are also pronounce the S on encens [incense], so among those you may have come across. we can deduce that in the south-west they Reader Mary Douche, for example, told us say the S’s at the end of words; that seems to that one of her south-west friends says moins make sense. But in the north of France they as moinZ, even though in most of France say persi but they pronounce the L on the end the last consonant is not pronounced. At the of sourcil [eyebrow], whereas it’s the opposite opposite end of the country, in the north- in Belgian French. east, they pronounce the T on vingt. He added: “I also never knew that in the

Lots of readers from the south notice the francaisdenosregions.com / Mathieu Avanzi Photo: south-east people say peuneu in stead of change that occurs in some of the nasal vow- The way locals say ‘rose’ varies with geography pneu. It comes from the fact that in the south els there, such as Scheenagh Harrington, who they have tendency to add ‘eu’ sounds and said she loves the way people in Castres say He said regional French should be distin- they don’t like having a consonant followed ‘peng’ for pain and ‘demeng’ for demain. guished from a dialect. Similar to languages by another one. They will also say un-eu peu- According to Chris Sears, at the station like Spanish or Italian, dialects developed tit-eu fill-eu instead of une petite fille.” in Bergerac they announce “the arrival of separately from Latin while conventional Other typically southern features include the tron”, while Nathan Phillips said he has French took a different course. adding a ng sound to the end of words picked up a Ch’ti accent – “I say shud instead “Regional French is from Ile-de-France, ending in N or M. There is also a north-south of sud, because I live in the north”. but which has gained a regional colour de- split in the sound of the O in rose, which is Reader Jane Dimba told us the northern pending on the local dialects and history. an ‘open’ O in the south, or closed (close to expression ‘y drache’ for ‘il pleut’, while Lesley “If you hear someone speaking a dialect the English pronunciation) in the north. Kirton said she is amused at how her husband, like Walloon or Picard, you won’t understand Tradition has it that the ‘best’ or ‘purest’ who spoke little French, now has the accent them, but with regional French, you usually French comes from the area of Tours which, of their mountain village in Ariège – “I am can. The general grammar and the syntax and Mr Avanzi said, is due to the fact the royal constantly correcting him, only to hear him sounds are more or less the same.” court used to be based in the area. He said it is talk with locals and they say exactly what he Another difference is that dialects can not appropriate to say it is ‘better’ than other says – the last letters of many words sounded, have very restricted areas – down to a single versions, but it is true that French there is especially the S, and lots of other differences.” village – but regional French may be similar probably of the most standardised kind, such In a bid to chart such variations, linguist across a large area. He said the most noticea- as you will usually find marked in dictionaries Mathieu Avanzi from the Catholic University ble regional kinds are the ‘Ch’ti’ accent from or used by most announcers on national radio. of Louvain, in Belgium, has created fran- the far north, the typical southern accent However, he said more and more specifi- caisdenosregions.com where he blogs about found from Marseille to Toulouse, and east- cally regional words are being included now, regional differences in language and posts ern accents which sound Germanic due to along with a note about the area of France maps deriving from surveys he carries out. the influence of the Alsatian dialect. they are from. How do new words make it into the dictionary? EVERY YEAR we read how new words have been added to French kept magnétoscoper [very rare word meaning to video record]. dictionaries – last year, for example, these include uberization, hipster “We refuse to remove words from our dictionary,” Marie-Hélène and burkini – making them a recognised part of the language. Drivaud, editor of the Robert dictionary, recently told telerama.fr. But have you ever wondered what happens to old words presumably “The words leave a trace: obsolete and modern must co-exist. We bumped out to make space? Well, that is not quite how it happens. As annotate with vieilli [old-fashioned] those that can be said by 80-year- word lovers, dictionary publishers try not to condemn them to death. old people and vieux [old] ones that are no longer said at all. “From one year to the next, we don’t take away a word,” said Carine “To ensure this, we do surveys among people we know or young Girac-Marinier, director of Larousse’s French language department. people. My daughter is the first one to tell me when I use an unfamil- “We add about 150 per year, as the language becomes more rich. i ar w ord .” “We might remove a few words during the big redesigns of the dic- “It was only in 1993, when we did a big redesign of the Petit Robert, tionary, which take place every 15 years or so. But it is relatively very that we took out a few words,” she said. “They were mostly very obvi- few, because, for example, in 2012, of the 62,000 words contained in ous words such as essuie-plume [fountain pen wiper] or cache-corset the Petit Larousse, only 200 words or meanings were removed.” [corset-cover].” However they try to move them into other more specialised diction- Ms Drivaud added that keeping old words is also justified by the fact aries, she said. “They are generally anglicisms that have gone out of that sometimes they come back into usage. fashion or have been replaced by French words.” A good example is “Some words disappear and return, like thune, originally meant computer, which has been replaced by ordinateur. alms and then became a word for the five-franc coin in the nineteenth “Of course, we keep all the words and meanings that are in use, and century, before being forgotten. all the words and meanings that can be found in the great texts of the “It was resurrected in the late 20th century in a different sense, as a past by writers like, Molière or Victor Hugo, but sometimes we keep slang term for money.” the source of the word but not necessarily the whole family around Deciding what words come in or go is not easy. Meetings between the word,” she said. lexicographers and linguists at publishing houses may get heated. “For example, during the 2012 redesign we kept ‘VCR’ even if the “We are passionate about words but the criteria are rational and object no longer exists, because we can find it by reading a book from we are aware of having responsibilities towards readers,” said Ms the 1980s and a teenager might wonder what it is. But we have not Girac-Marinier.

24 u Moving to France Guide 2018 ww

Culture shocks Julia Maudlin Flickr Photo:

usually arranged at short notice and The first steps towards a life informally, either just before lunch (11.30am) or dinner (7pm) at weekends. The usual drinks are pastis (generally in the you have always dreamed of south), whisky or a sweet fortified wine such Once you have moved to France you will letting them know about what they need to as Muscat, but some people serve champagne, immediately notice that many things are do, the various démarches administratives. If or local sparkling wine. Other than whisky, different – driving on the right, the traffic light you search online for nouveaux arrivants spirits are rarely drunk. Another popular sequences, yellow postboxes, shops closed on mairie and the name of your commune you apéro drink is kir (white wine and a dash of Sunday... all of which is part of the fun. should find some help. Some mairies have crème de cassis) or a kir royal, which uses Getting settled in means finding out more even prepared little booklets. sparkling wine or champagne. about your local community and it is a good Getting to know your neighbours is Finger food is essential, and not just peanuts idea to introduce yourself at the mairie, important, especially in a small commune. and some crisps. particularly in smaller communes. (The One way to do so is to invite them for an As you settle in you may be invited to a commune refers to the first level of local apéro (pre-lunch or dinner drink). These are French home for lunch or dinner. Take government – usually one village or flowers or another small gift – but town – with a council and mayor). usually not wine (this is chosen by This will be easier if you have some the hosts). Meals generally follow command of French as you may be the traditional French pattern of visiting them quite often whilst you apéritif, starter, main course, cheese work through the formalities. and dessert, served with the The mayor plays an important role appropriate wines. in local life, so being on friendly Table manners differ a little from terms can only help. The mairie also those in Britain. It is acceptable to has important information such as rest your arms on the table and to the location of local rubbish tips, clean up (in French, saucer) your bylaws, how to pay for school meals plate with your bread. Frequently, and so on. you are meant to keep your knife A lot of small communes have a and fork after the entrée to use for page dedicated to new arrivals, the main course.

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Moving to France Guide 2018 u 25 the basics i first steps Manners: Do you tu ? do you vous? and how many kisses should

Illustration: Perry Taylor; perrytaylor.fr/en PerryIllustration: Taylor; you give?

French people are usually more formal in terms in France than Britain, especially with addressing others than the British - and yet think older generations. People can still be addressed as nothing of kissing each other several times when Monsieur, Madame or Mademoiselle for some CABBAGE CYCLING they first meet. time. Genera lly the older person makes the first Remember, there are two forms of the word move towards informality. Pédaler dans la choucroute translates ‘you’: the formal vous and the less formal tu. An older single woman is usually addressed as literally as ‘pedalling in the chou- The form you use depends on the relationship: Madame. There is no French equivalent of Ms but croute’ and means ‘getting nowhere for someone you do not know well, other than a a recent law removed the need to specify Madame fast’. It refers to someone who is child, vous is correct; tu being for friends, or Mademoiselle on official forms. having difficulties reaching their goal, no matter how much effort they make. relatives, children, colleagues (depending on When it comes to la bise, (the practice of kissing workplace) - and God. each other on the cheek), even the French can get There are two claimed origins of this saying, both from the early 20th cen- When it comes to tutoiement (using tu), younger confused over how many as it depends on where tury, during the first Tour de France French people (in their 20s and 30s) tend to be you are from. A map produced by a substantial cycle races. more relaxed about it. Among older adults it is internet survey shows it can vary between one One says that people created the safest to use vous and let the other person suggest (Brittany) and five (Corsica). See www.tinyurl. expression when they saw tired cy- changing if they feel comfortable with doing so. com/bise-map clists seemingly pedalling in a stodgy Habits, however, are becoming more relaxed La bise between men also depends on age substance, like choucroute. especially, for example, among fellow members of and location, but to add further complication, The other is that during the race, a local clubs. on hearing you are British, they may go for car used to pick up the runners who Using the informal address on the wrong a handshake instead. There are no hard and were too exhausted to continue. These occasion can give offence but the French usually fast rules, be prepared for awkwardness support vehicles were covered in ad- make allowances for foreigners’ slip-ups. (In this and the occasional accidental headbutt while vertisements for choucroute, lending its name to the expression. and many other areas of cultural faux pas). making friends. It is all taken in good It can also take longer to get on to first name humour. Ils font quoi? C’est pas vrai! We asked people who recently moved to 5) Freebies France what has surprised them the most. You will be used to paying for many things Here are some of their answers. that are free, or heavily subsidised, in France. If you work, employers provide much of this; 1) No inhibitions when you see your GP they may provide you with coupons to help Visit a French doctor for almost any reason, pay for holidays, meals out, motorway tolls... Photo: Scott Lewis, Flickr from a lingering cold through to a swollen ankle and you may be asked to strip naked This is slowly changing with economic 6) Local trains are cheap for a full-body examination. There is reform but – as it stands – do not expect a You might need to apply for a discount card unlikely to be any sort of curtain for you to gentle saunter around the DIY store or a quick but local train travel can be great value. undress behind – and no modesty towel. trip to the supermarket on a Sunday. The Commuters get help from their employers. market is another thing... 2) Everything begins in September 7) Midday means one thing: lunch Whether you are five years old or 55, come 4) Be considerate For many people, lunch really does start at September in France you will have that Being nice to your neighbours is taken noon. Many still go for a good value set lunch, back-to-school feeling. In France, for adults seriously. If your dog barks too much, the cost often covered by ‘tickets restaurant’ la rentrée is the time to sign up for courses or you could be liable for a fine, while you can subsidised by employers. hobbies, usually for the whole year. expect a visit from a stern police officer if 8) Pharmacies are everywhere the party or barbecue you are hosting is too Green neon crosses abound – you are never 4) Sunday is still a rest day noisy, no matter the time. far from an over-the counter cure.

26 u Moving to France Guide 2018 CULTURE SHOCKS i THE BASICS make sense of... Leaving a tip YOU DO not have to tip in France – but it can be the polite thing to do for a service well done. The French word for a tip, pourboire, literally means ‘for a drink’ and should not be confused with pot-de-vin (pot of wine) – a bribe... The first recorded use was in a Molière play in the 17th century where a character in L’ E c o l e des femmes pays a tip, saying voilà, pour boire perrytaylor.fr/en Perry Taylor; Photo: (there you go, this is to have a drink). Unlike certain countries such as the US, workers in service industries are always supposed to be paid an acceptable amount for their work (always, at least, the minimum wage) and payment for their service is included, meaning tips are an extra, if you appreciated the service and felt the person put in effort beyond a bare minimum. The practice is not common, but in a few establishments (eg. certain large Paris A little fun at the restaurant... but knowing the tipping rules is a serious business brasseries) the way the staff are paid may include a specific service element based on turnover (usually as well as a fixed part), in extent, taxi drivers. It is not expected hairdresser (or beautician), perhaps one to 10 which case a percentage should be noted on automatically and you should not feel obliged. depending on how exclusive the salon is. the bill such as service compris 15%, meaning Certain types of worker who often used to Tipping should be done in a discreet, not 15% of the bill is this built-in service charge. be associated with tipping are no longer so ostentatious way, and it can be inappropriate in Legally this is the only situation where the common, such as petrol pump attendants in some circumstances – for example maîtres bill needs to say service compris (‘service- filling stations, or ouvreuses de cinéma, who d’hôtel in smart restaurants say some clients charge included’), otherwise the term prix net would guide people to their seats with a torch try to tip before the meal in the hope of a (taxes and service included) may be used or sell ice-creams from a tray. better table, which may not be appreciated. (though restaurants often do not make this One difference from the UK is the amount It is not usual to tip for good service in distinction). of tip, which unless you are dining somewhere a shop. Either way, the customer is not expected to expensive is likely to be a few coins, rather Tipping is reportedly less common and less worry about whether the person serving is than a note – generally no more than around generous in France than it was, and used less paid enough – a tip is always just a tip. 1-5% in a restaurant, 5-10% in a café: for by the young than older generations. A few years ago the UMIH hospitality example for a drink costing €2.80, you might industry body proposed reducing the fixed leave 20 centimes, for a meal costing €21, Can you tip by card? part of workers’ salaries and encouraging maybe 60 centimes. Café waiting staff are It depends on the establishment – sometimes diners to make more use of variable tips usually low-paid and tips are often a significant not, and increasing use of cards for payment according to quality of the service, as opposed part of their pay – their aprons traditionally is said to be one reason for diminishing tips in to service being deemed as included. They include a pocket for collecting them. recent years. said it might encourage staff to be friendlier For a taxi you might round to the nearest One solution often used is that the customer and take the job more seriously. This proposal euro (or ask the driver to gardez la monnaie indicates the full amount they wish to pay was not carried out. – keep the change). You could add a euro or including tips and this is taken on the card; two if the service was especially good. How the employee then tells their employer and Who gets the tips? ever, drivers should have spare change and takes the tip money out of the till. An UMIH spokeswoman said in most should not begrudge you expecting it. establishments, especially smaller ones, tips At a hotel, it is reasonable to tip a euro per Christmas tips are collected directly by the person who is bag to a porter who carried your baggage to One special kind of tip is étrennes, a New Year tipped. In others, staff are expected to put or from your car to the room, perhaps up to money gift for certain people who carry out them into a common fund to be shared out €10 if it is a luxurious establishment. In a local services. A classic example is money for among all the staff in contact with the public. luxury hotel you might tip €5 to a valet who the pompiers (€5-10) when they call round The spokeswoman said practices vary, but the brings out your car from the garage. with their annual charity calendar. common fund method is typically used more It is also considered good manners to leave a People who have a concierge (caretaker) for in more luxurious establishments. tip for the chambermaid – sometimes you will their building traditionally give them a find some envelopes provided in a drawer – substantial étrennes tip (eg. an envelope with Who should you tip? perhaps €5-20 depending on the length of stay. €30-50 in it). People may also give money to A common example is café or restaurant For deliveries, you could tell a pizza delivery their postman (€5-8), sometimes €5 to their waiters, where it is common to tip by leaving person to keep the change or give them a euro binman (if they knock on the door for a chat money on the table when you go. Tipping is if you have already paid by card. at this time of year, this will be what they are also common for hairdressers and, to some A few extra euros are appreciated at the hoping for).

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 27 the basics i documentation Photo: MPD01605 CC BY-SA 2.0 CC BY-SA MPD01605 Photo:

START CUTTING THE RED TAPE... Who should you tell in the UK? n If you are under state pension age you may benefits office if your circumstances change. want to contact the DWP to discuss making n HM Revenue & Customs – to work out if voluntary National Insurance payments from you have remaining UK tax to pay or are due a France, which could help top up your entitle- refund, and to complete a self-assessment form ment to a UK pension if you have not con- for any declarable UK income you may have. tributed for the required minimum period (at n If you have a student loan you should in- CONNEXION TIP present, 35 years). form the Student Loans Company that you Make sure your family name is on your Paying these may also help you claim certain are moving abroad. You will need to complete letter box in France, not just the house UK benefits requiring recent NI contribu- an Overseas Income Assessment Form and name or number. This can affect deliv- tions. Those working in France are current- attach proof of earnings or means of support. eries. ly able to benefit from the low Class 2 rate, n If you want to vote in UK elections register but there are plans to abolish this so expat as an overseas voter with your last UK constit- When giving out your address, stick workers will have to pay the much more costly uency at gov.uk/register-to-vote to the basics: The number, street, post- Class 3. This has now been put off from April You may vote until 15 years after the date code and then town. 2018 to April 2019. you left (the current and last government You do not need the department (the n If you are a pensioner, contact the UK’s promised to abolish this limit). Children can first two digits of your postcode indi- International Pension Centre 0044 (0)191 218 register as overseas voters once they turn 18, cate this). You can check if there are 7777 or see gov.uk/international-pension-centre as long as their parents or guardians are still any strange quirks to your address, or n Any offices dealing with benefits you re- eligible to vote. find the ideal way to write it here www. ceive, some of which may be ‘exportable’ (more n Your local council to organise a final tinyurl.com/French-address-check details later). It is an offence not to tell the council tax bill First contact: Key authorities to get in touch with in France n Your local tax office. It is your responsibility section on health). This process is different if to vote in local and European elections, as is to contact them (ignorance being no defence) you are self-employed. a right for EU citizens, though due to Brex- ahead of making your income tax declaration n You may want to register with other bod- it Britons may not get the chance to use this and to pay local taxes such as the taxe d’habi- ies, such as the family allowance body Caf, if now (only those with French nationality can tation or (if you are eligible) wealth tax. it relevant. If you are unemployed and looking vote in national or presidential elections). n You may need to register with your local for work it would be worthwhile becoming a This must be done before December 31 to be state health authority – Cpam – to obtain a registered jobseeker with the Pôle Emploi (job registered to vote the following year. You can social security number and state health reim- centre), which is possible even without having also do it online at service-public.fr bursements card (though obtaining one can built up any right to jobseeker’s benefits. n At some point you will need to contact your be problematic for some new arrivals – see the n You could also register with your mairie local utilities and communications providers.

28 u Moving to France Guide 2018 DOCUMENTATION i the basics ‘legal’ residency: CC0 Pixabay Photo: is france your home?

Becoming a permanent resident of France – also known as “tax” or “fiscal” residency – refers to the point at which France becomes your “home” and this is significant for a wide range of rights, such as claiming certain French benefits – and paying French tax. It is what makes the difference from being merely a temporary visitor, which includes people spending part of the year in France, for example using a holiday home. come elsewhere, subject to tax treaties. one from the prefecture (local representative of Often it is clear-cut that a decision has been Proving residency to official French bodies the state) if you wish. After five yearsE U citi- taken to become resident in France and to may require you to give proof such as a recent zens acquire the right to permanent residency, make the country a person’s main home - and utilities bill and/or a rental or house purchase whether working or not, and may optional- practically-speaking, at that point you have contract, however you do not need any per- ly apply for a carte de séjour citoyen UE/EEE/ become a resident. On the other hand, there mission to live there. Suisse - séjour permanent proving this. See also is no single definition of when you acquire Legally, Europeans are divided into those pages 10-11. French residency and, in the case of EU na- working in France (employed or self-em- Inactifs have the same rights after five years tionals, no rigid formality to be carried out or ployed), called actifs, and state retirees and but until then they must have “sufficient re- permission to be gained. early-retirees called inactifs. sources” to not be a burden on French social If you have been in France for more than To stay legally for more than three months as security. What is deemed “sufficient” may six months then by default you are probably a an actif, you need a valid EU passport or na- vary dependent on their personal situation, “resident”, but you could equally become one if, tional ID card and to be working. The right to but will not be more than the rates for income for example, you spent five months in France in stay may in certain circumstances be retained support (eg. e818 a month for a couple with- a given year, three in Italy and four in the UK. where you are temporarily incapacitated or in out children or e545 for a single person). Our chapter on taxation (pages 83-94) deals a period of unintended unemployment. If you French rules also state that inactifs must with this in more detail. If you are tax resident are an EU citizen, you do not need a carte de sé- have private healthcare arrangements – see in France you may still be taxed on certain in- jour (residence permit) but you may apply for our chapter on healthcare (pages 107-112). Your uk marriage or partnership in France France has a number of marriage regimes to be paid by one or other of the spouses. by the survivor. Court consent must be which define how property is owned and In the case of death, the surviving spouse has obtained to change a regime and possibly the what happens to it on death or divorce. It is only the usual legal rights. Whether he or she consent of adult children where their rights common to draw up a contract with a notaire. also has full or partial ownership depends on could be affected. A couple married in Britain but now living whether he or she already owned a share, the A couple married in the UK may change in France will be treated as having a regime contents of the deceased’s will, and whether or their regime to communauté universelle solely called séparation de biens, unless a decision is not the deceased had children entitled to a as regards assets in France, a device often taken to change this with help from a notaire. share. In a divorce each party gets property used to avoid problems with inheritance laws. In this regime all property owned at the time which belonged to him or her. Same-sex marriage became legal in 2013. of the marriage and bought during it remains A French marriage with no specific regime Unmarried couples, of the same or opposite owned by the person who paid for it or was choice is under the regime of communauté sex, can enter a pacte civil de solidarité (pacs) given or bequeathed it and only the individual’s réduite aux acquêts (common ownership of similar to a British civil partnership (which is possessions are at risk if he or she is in debt. assets acquired during the marriage). Each also recognised in France on the same Where property is not clearly owned by one party retains what they owned prior to the footing). Here the default regime is séparation or the other partner, it is deemed to be owned union, but whatever is acquired afterwards is de biens, although other options are possible. half and half if it has been acquired by means joint property (but not gifts and inheritances). Couples living together without a formal of income accruing during the marriage. This Another common regime is communauté arrangement may wish to look at this, bearing may apply to the matrimonial home if the universelle (joint ownership of everything). in mind the heavy inheritance taxes they face deeds state it is jointly owned but do not Thus, a property bought is owned jointly and otherwise. specify precise portions of the purchase price on the death of one partner it is wholly owned See our section on inheritance - page 89

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 29 the basics i DOCUMENTATION

the french paper trail: The importance of keeping documentation Photo: Jacqueline Piriou/CRT Bretagne Piriou/CRT Jacqueline Photo: P assports and travel Br itons resident in France no longer received, so make sure you have no journeys need to apply to the British Embassy in Paris planned that require it. Applications can be for a new passport – a new, centralised, and made up to nine months before the passport cheaper (though still more than for UK expiry date and any unused time will be added residents) passport service is in place which to the new one. costs £102.86, including courier delivery. In The LOCATE service, under which Britons the UK (should you apply during a prolonged were invited to register with the British visit and receive delivery in the UK) it is embassy in Paris was closed in 2013, because £72.50. Those born before September 2, 1929 of a lack of use. Details of consular services in get it for free – including those living abroad. France can be found at: www.gov.uk/ Overseas applications must be completed government/world/organisations/british- online at www.gov.uk/overseas-passports embassy-paris (though the process still involves, at the end, The Schengen Treaty, which opened EU printing out and signing forms, which have to internal borders, means there are no passport be sent to the UK). controls in the 25 signatory countries. The UK You create your application by filling in and Ireland did not sign so you do need your online boxes. You then enter bank card details passport to pass between them and the for payment in pounds then print off your Schengen zone. form (plus guidance notes), which should be However increased security concerns and signed and sent to a given UK passport office the increasing number of migrants have address along with the old passport and two pushed a number of EU countries to use recent photographs that meet the standards temporary powers to reinstall border checks, CONNEXION TIP detailed in the notes. They must be among them France, so a good rule of thumb At midday on the first Wednesday of countersigned by another person if you are not is to always have your passport wherever every month you will hear a sound to recognisable from your previous passport you are travelling, and to carry some form of send shivers down your spine. photo. Obtaining your passport will take photo identification, such as your UK drivers This is the day France tests its around six weeks from the application being licence. national warning system (réseau national d’alerte ARN ) and 4,500 sirens go off simultaneously with a Why ‘a recent’ birth certificate? noise most people have not heard outside of war films. The term état civil in France describes a that is not more than three months old. Outside of these tests the network individual’s administrative circumstances However, if it is explained that, in Britain, a exists to alert the population to the (name, address, date of birth, marital status birth certificate is issued at birth and does not unlikely events of aerial bombardment etc). It was at one time kept on a document change throughout life, an older birth certificate (nuclear or otherwise), terrorist attack called the fiche d’état civil and although this has will usually be accepted. For some official natural disasters such as flooding or been abolished the term is still used. For many purposes a French translation of the certificate man-made events such as a transactions, for example, the purchase of a is required, made by a traducteur assermenté radioactive leak. property, a birth certificate (acte de naissance) (court approved “sworn” translator). The EU Your immediate response should has to be produced to prove your état civil. In has proposed that states recognise each other’s be to stay inside, find a radio, TV or France a birth certificate is kept up to date with basic documents, without a translation, internet connection and find out what significant changes to a person’s état civil. For however in practice it is down to the mood of is going on. this reason it is usual to be asked for a certificate who you are dealing with. 18 30 u Moving to France Guide 2018 DOCUMENTATION i the basics What UK benefits can you claim? Some UK benefits are “exportable” which means they may be taken with you to France or, in some cases, claimed for the first time from France. Those that cannot be claimed abroad include Pension Credit, Council Tax Reduction, Income Support and Housing Benefit and income-basedE mployment Sup- port Allowance. A British state pension or government service pension can be claimed in France (and Maternity pay may depend on your employer paid into a French bank account). Expats’ CONNEXION TIP n state pensions are dealt with by the Interna- Contributions-based Jobseeker’s Allowance; Do not expect cards from the neighbours tional Pension Centre, IPC (see previous sec- for three months only (if you register as a at Christmas. In France these are not as tion “Who should you tell in the UK?”). jobseeker in France). Contact Jobcentre Plus popular and if sent at all tend to be in Other benefits can be claimed under cer- before moving. the form of New Year’s wishes and arrive n tain circumstances. For full criteria speak to Maternity Allowance or statutory materni- throughout January (right up until the the relevant agency or visit gov.uk/living-in- ty pay (the latter only if you work for a British end of the month). france They include: employer, who can advise). Details from Job- centre Plus. Another change in the season of n The following disability benefits: n In certain restricted cases, Child Benefit goodwill is the number of people Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and (if you are also entitled to certain other UK knocking on your door selling calendars. Disability Living Allowance (care component, benefits). Contact the Child Benefit Helpline Postal staff, street cleaners and not mobility) which is now called Personal – 0044 (0)161 210 3086. pompiers may all pass by. You are not n Independence Payment (PIP) for new claim- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. obliged to give anything and it has been ants. Eligibility may depend on your National Contact the office paying it before going known for fraudulent agents to go out Insurance record unless you are also entitled abroad, or the IPC (see page 28). collecting money. For postal staff the n to a state pension, ESA, or certain other UK Contributions-based ESA (the right to money counts as extra, non-taxable benefits. Information may be obtained on: claim it long-term may depend on your Na- income. The recommended donation is 0044 (0)345 712 3456 (DLA) tional Insurance record). between €5 to €15. 0044 (0)345 605 6055 (AA) n Bereavement Allowance or Payment. 0044 (0)345 608 4321 (CA) For information, call 0044 (0)191 218 7608. For the pompiers the money is used 0044 (0)191 218 7766 (PIP) collectively by the local group to fund Questions may also be sent to the Depart- The Winter Fuel Payment used to be paid to sporting activities, entertainment ment for Work and Pensions’ exportability Britons in France but it was stopped as of win- events and charities related to their team. See tinyurl.com/dwpexport ter 2015/16 on grounds that France is ‘too hot’. work. or contact the CA exportability team by There were attempts to contest this but they Street cleaners and municipal staff visiting https://goo.gl/dasxGY have been overshadowed by Brexit. The right are actually banned from collecting in French disability benefits may be available to to continue claiming ‘exported’ benefits will Paris, Lyon and Nice, but where they do disabled people who can show stable residence continue for Britons living in France before appear, a lower tip of €5 is appropriate. for at least three months, if they are not eligible Brexit if the exit deal currently on the table is Top earners at Christmas are domestic for a similar British one – bodies called Maison signed off. As for Britons moving later it will cleaners, who may be expecting around départementale des personnes handicapées can depend on future agreements between the UK €50 and concierges (between €30-50). help you work out entitlements. and EU and/or France and is unknown. Family allowance: Claiming Allocations Familiales Parents of at least two children under 20 com/French-Family-Allowance (You want certain threshold. It is to help pay for autumn in permanent, legal residence in France, can the form Demande de prestations familiales ou back-to-school costs and varies according to claim family allowance whatever their changement de situation - it should say Cerfa the child’s age. income, although since summer 2015 better- 11423*06 in the top right). If you get benefits from the Caf you will off families have received reduced amounts. For two children the full monthly benefit on automatically receive it at the end of August. (If you previously claimed child benefit in going to press is 129.86; for three 296.24 If not, you must apply (again using the form the UK you should have let the Child Benefit and 166.38 for each additional child Cerfa 11423*06). In 2017 it was 364.09 for Office know that you have moved abroad). thereafter. children aged 6-10; 384.17 for 11-14 and The Caisse d’allocations familiales (Caf – For older children there is an extra 64.93 397.49 for 15-18. part of the social security system) pays child per month after a child’s 14th birthday if you Other help is available for single parents, or benefits as well as other benefits related to have three or more children. guardians of a child and for babies. housing, work, family and income support The allocation de rentrée scolaire is a back- Help is also available for disabled workers, benefit RSA (Revenu de Solidarité Active). to-school benefit for families with children people starting a job after a long time out of For family allowance, get a form at tinyurl. aged six to 18, whose income is below a work and for young people.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 31 19 3 where will you live? No w is a great time to invest in France. The country is discovering a new attractiveness in a European context marked by the uncertainties of Brexit, and there is more good news for overseas buyers planning a purchase in 2018. Sébastien de Lafond of MeilleursAgents.com, a leading property selling price guide for France, said: “We expect stability in interest rates, a MAP: www.interieur.gouv.fr continuation of real estate activity at a high level but with the gradual arrival of new buyers such as expatriates.” The French property market reached historic levels in 2017, with 958,000 transactions carried out, Notaries of France figures from September 2017 reveal. This was an increase of 10% compared to 2016 and a higher volume than the annual levels recorded between the ‘boom years’ of 1999 and 2007. As for prices, they increased throughout the country: up 5.1% for non new build apartments and 3.1 for older houses. Most major cities have a higher price per square metre than last year, and unsurprisingly, Bordeaux came top of the list with a 12% increase, boosted by the speedy new TGV link to Paris. 2018 looks set to continue in the same manner, with average price increases of about 2% across the country as a whole. In separate figures available up to 2016, notaires also revealed that the British remain top among foreign buyers in France – accounting for one in three purchases. The centre-west, south- west and Côte d’Azur remain the most popular areas. In this section we look at the fundamental strengths of each of the regions, give you a snapshot of what they offer and show what WHAT WILL YOUR EUROS BUY IN 2018? See our your euros can buy when it comes to finding your French home. PROPERTY examples for each region p32-39 GRAND EST REGIONAL CAPITAL: Strasbourg DEPARTMENTS: Ardennes, Aube, Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin, Haute- Marne, Marne, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Moselle, Vosges MAIN CITIES: Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Colmar, Reims, Troyes, Nancy, Charleville-Mézières, Metz, Thionville Photos: Jerome Bon / Tizianok; Pixabay Tizianok; / Bon Jerome Photos: THE SIXTH LARGEST OF FRANCE’S Expect average temperatures to 13 new regions shares a border with range from 4.5C in January to 26C in four nations – Belgium, Luxembourg, July, while rainfall remains relatively Germany and Switzerland. No constant throughout the year. a vendre! other region borders more than Notaires de France figures showed two countries. that in June 2017 the average price Its largest city, the regional capital of older houses in Nancy rose 8% Strasbourg, is home to several EU from the same quarter in 2016 to institutions, including the European €175,000, while those in Troyes rose Parliament and the Court of Human 5.2% to €150,000 and Reims up 9.6% Rights. Its picturesque historic to €205,000. centre, the Grande Ile, was declared a Given the political importance of Boasting four bedrooms, Unesco World Heritage Site in 1988. its capital, it is no surprise that the this house is located in France’s most north-easterly region region enjoys good transport links. Strasbourg – a perfect buy Clockwise from top left: Historic Troyes in the has warm, relatively sunny summers See pages 16-17 for more details. for a European... €577,500 Champagne region, the city of Colmar is one of France’s and cold, overcast winters. It is The region boasts several English- www.dromson- ‘little Venices’ thanks to its home to the celebrated wine-making language international schools, immobilier.com canals and Reims cathedral regions of Champagne and Alsace. mostly based in Strasbourg.

32 u Moving to France Guide 2018 regions of france nouvelle aquitaine REGIONAL CAPITAL: Bordeaux where will you live? DEPARTMENTS: Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Corrèze, Creuse, Haute-Vienne, Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne MAIN CITIES: Bordeaux, Bayonne, Pau, Limoges, Poitiers, Tulle, Brive-la-Gaillarde, La Rochelle, Angoulême

GIVEN ITS STUNNING SCENERY, Away from easy-to-enjoy weather and ready- the Pyrénées made expat community, it is easy to mountains, see why the largest of France’s new snow is rare. regions, an area about the size of To the north- Austria on the country’s southwest east, in Limoges, it falls on average a vendre! Atlantic coast, is so popular. seven days a year. In Bordeaux, which Its vineyards produce world- is warmed by westerly winds from the renowned wines; its farmers Bay of Biscay, residents can go three supply everything from potatoes to winters without seeing any – although raumrune/ Harrieta171 strawberries and kiwi fruit; while the rain and powerful Atlantic storms can Photos: Pixabay / Jahnke / T region is also at the forefront of the be more common. French aviation, digital and tourism An average older house in Bordeaux Five bedroom, two industries. It also features the ever cost €300,000 in June 2017, an increase bathroom village property Clockwise from top left: popular region of Dordogne. of 9.8% year-on-year, while older flats in Trémolat, Dordogne Château Margaux, a famous vineyard in Bordeaux wine Temperatures generally range from in the city rose 12.1% to €3,550 per less than 50km from the country, the stunning bastide 3C in January to 27C in July, though sqm. In Poitiers, an older house cost airport. €199,900. of Monpazier, the village of Angles-sur-l’Anglin, and highs of more than 40C have been on average €154,000, a rise of 2.7%; frenchestateagents.com properties reflected in the recorded in Bordeaux and other towns. in Limoges it is €135,000, down 0.8%. Nives river in Bayonne. Guides to help with everyday life in France

Update: SINGLE TIER NEW! UPDATE PENSION 4 pages on important update What Brexit Brexit and FRANCE’S ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER making a will FRANCE’S ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER on UK changes FRANCE’S ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER FRANCE’S ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER exchange rates Hors serie / special publication from in France may change www.connexionfrance.com HORS SERIE No 19/ Special publication from HORS SERIE NO 14 / Special publication

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Moving to France Guide 2018 u 33 regions of france A uvergne-RhOne-Alpes REGIONAL CAPITAL: Lyon DEPARTMENTS: Allier, Cantal, Haute-Loire, Puy-de-Dôme, Ain, Ardèche, Drôme, Haute-Savoie, Isère, Loire, Rhône, Savoie MAIN CITIES: Clermont-Ferrand, Montluçon, Vichy, Lyon, Grenoble, Saint-Etienne Photos: Pixabay Pixabay Photos: THE GEOGRAPHICAL HEART OF and biking, riding and sailing France is a playground for lovers of popular when the snow melts. a vendre! the great outdoors. An older house will on average The rugged and relatively sparsely cost €316,000 in Grenoble (up 7.7% populated Auvergne, a region of year-on-year), while the same kind of ancient volcanic hills and mountains property in the gastronomic capital (called puys), rivers, valleys and Lyon will cost €321,500 (up 0.5%). forests, is a walking and mountain- With airports in Lyon, Grenoble biking paradise. Auvergne’s capital and St Etienne, it is relatively easy to Clermont-Ferrand is home to one travel to and from this part of France. Large town house in a small of France’s most successful and See pages 16-17 for more details about village in Cantal, Auvergne. fiercely supported rugby teams, transport links. Previously a shop and apartments, ripe for ASM Clermont Auvergne. The region experiences colder renovation. Price €51,000. To the east, Rhône-Alpes boasts winters and warmer summers than the world’s largest skiing area. It, too, the UK, with average temperatures frenchestateagents.com has become a favourite year-round ranging from 5C in December to 27C Clockwise from top left: the picturesque town of Annecy sits by the 14km long lake, a perfect natural hideaway near Chamonix in the tourist destination, with climbing in August. Alps, Auvergne’s majestic, volcanic countryside, Lyon’s basilica Bourgogne-Franche-ComtE REGIONAL CAPITAL: Dijon DEPARTMENTS: Côte-d’Or, Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire, Yonne, Doubs, Haute-Saône, Jura, Territoire de Belfort MAIN CITIES: Dijon, Chalon-sur-Saône, Nevers, Besançon, Montbéliard, Belfort Photos: Pixabay; Fletcher Tremblay Pixabay; Fletcher Photos: Clockwise from top left: Historic Beaune in Burgundy, regional capital Dijon, the Place du Palais in Vesoul, L’Anguison à Corbigny, and Arbois in the heart of the Jura THE RECENT merger OF prices remain reasonable – this is Bourgogne and Franche-Comté perhaps because it is still relatively officially reunited the two halves of undiscovered among English- the historic Kingdom of Burgundy speaking expatriates. a vendre! after they were split in two in the The historic centre of the new 15th century. So keen were the two region’s capital, the ducal city of regions to reunite that, before the Dijon, was declared a Unesco World entire map of France was redrawn in Heritage site in July 2015, and its 2014, they had come up with their annual Autumn International and own plan for voluntary unification. Gastronomic Fair is one of the most Famous for its wine, array of popular fairs in the country. It’s also cheeses, canals and mountains, home to the Maille mustard brand. Charming five bedroom this part of eastern France, which Mid-2017, an older house in detached property with Bed and Breakfast and gîte. has a border with Switzerland, is Dijon cost €226,000 on average, Village close to Burgundy popular among affluent Parisiens as an increase of 7.6% year-on-year. canal. Price €250,000. somewhere to buy a second home. Average temperatures here range Despite this, and away from major from -1C in January to between frenchestateagents.com centres such as Dijon, property 20C and 25C in July and August.

34 u Moving to France Guide 2018 regions of france bretagne REGIONAL CAPITAL: Rennes DEPARTMENTS: Côtes-d’Armor, Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine, Morbihan MAIN CITIES: Rennes, Brest, Saint-Malo Photos: Pixabay / / Pethrus / Tango7174 Benh LieuSong Clockwise from top left: Pretty Auray in Morbihan, Josselin Castle, the rugged coastline of the Côtes-d’Armor, the village of Locronan, and the keep of Fort la Latte a vendre! IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE sweet and savoury filled pancakes. Bretagne, aka Brittany, is to France Property prices have jumped what Cornwall is to Britain. It is a in recent years, thanks in part to land of ancient mystery and proud its popularity among UK-based tradition, from the charms of Saint- househunters tempted by the weather, Malo, Dinard and Dinan, the wonder scenery and ease of access via ferry of the ancient megaliths at Carnac to ports to England’s south coast. the rugged coastline of Finistère. The opening of the Bretagne TGV Charming two bedroom The Monts d’Arrée, meanwhile, are service in summer 2017 puts Rennes house in central Brittany reminiscent of Dartmoor or Exmoor. 1hr25 from Paris and Brest 3hr13 with spacious interior, Average temperatures range from and makes property even more lovely views, a garden and 5C in January to 24C in August, attractive. An older property in Brest garage. Underneath the while rainfall is relatively constant will cost on average €160,000. property is a large garage throughout the year. In 2012, the French newspaper and storage area with conversion potential. Its unique identity extends to L’Express declared Bretagne’s regional Price €90,200. culinary offerings, with crêperies capital, Rennes, the ‘most liveable across the region offering delicious city in France’. frenchestateagents.com

Centre-Val de Loire REGIONAL CAPITAL: Orléans DEPARTMENTS: Cher, Eure-et-Loir, Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret, Indre MAIN CITIES: Orléans, Tours, Bourges, Chartres, Blois

IT IS A TGV TRIP OF ABOUT AN to be Photos: Pixabay / sybarite48 / Erin Silversmith hour from Paris and a world away in found if almost every other sense. you are a vendre! Where the capital is all hustle and prepared bustle, life moves at a more leisurely to look, or have renovation in mind. pace in this north-central region of On average an older house in France, ‘the Garden of France’ more Orléans will cost €199,500, while easily recognisable to outsiders as the in Châteauroux expect to pay just Loire Valley. €107,000 (prices for June 2017 are The grand river after which the down 0.2% from the previous year). stunning valley is named flows past Expect short, occasionally chilly Great value for a fantastic holiday home. Renovated hundreds of famous chateaux — winters here and long, pleasantly two/three bedroom, including Chenonceau, and Blois. warm summers. traditional house in Those excellent transport links to Average temperatures range from Clockwise from top left: Château de Chambord, the Joan charming Indre-et-Loire Paris mean that properties cost a little 1C in January to 25C in August, of Arc statue in Orléans,Bourges village. Price €71,000. more, particularly in the more scenic while rainfall remains steady at Cathedral, place Plumereau in Tours, and the stunning interior frenchestateagents.com areas, but there are still some bargains about 2in every month. at Chartres cathedral

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 35 regions of france CORSE REGIONAL CAPITAL: Ajaccio DEPARTMENTS: Corse-du-Sud, Haute-Corse MAIN CITIES: Bastia, Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio Photos: Pixabay Pixabay Photos: Clockwise from top left: A statue of Napoléon in Ajaccio, cliff-clinging Bonifacio, a home with a seaview, the island’s rugged interior is known for its hiking trails HOT SUMMERS, MILD WINTERS of Ajaccio. His ancestral home, Casa and stunning natural scenery Bonaparte, is today a museum. a vendre! surrounded on all sides by the warm Corsica even has its own language, Mediterranean sea — there is no which is closely related to the wonder that the island of Corsica is regional dialect of Tuscany, Italy. a popular tourist destination at any For those buying older flats, the time of the year. north of the island (€2,290 per m2) Officially, the island has been is generally cheaper to buy in than part of France for more than 200 the south (€3,040 per m2). Note that years, but some of its appeal to the latter is a huge increase of 21.7% Three bedroom house in holidaymakers and those looking for from 2016. Borgo, fifteen minutes a more permanent home is that it Expect average temperatures on the from Bastia, with enclosed garden with trees. Air con, is so different to the mainland in so island to range from 9C in January to garage. Price €299,000. many way. 29C in July and August, more than French emperor Napoléon was 300 dry days and about 3,000 hours www.gour-immobilier.com born in 1769 in the Corsican capital of sunshine every year. Ile-de-France REGIONAL CAPITAL: Paris DEPARTMENTS: Essonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint- Denis, Seine-et-Marne, Val-de-Marne, Val-d’Oise, Yvelines MAIN CITIES: Paris, Melun

MORE THAN 12million people 1.3% on the first call the Ile-de-France home — that’s quarter which had nearly 20 percent of the country’s shown a similar entire population. rise. Over 12 Not surprisingly, with elegant, months, the rise is even stronger at a vendre! chic tourist haven Paris at its heart, 3.9% against the same period to July the region also has the greatest 2016, after 3.4% at the start of this concentration of English-speaking year and 2.6% at the end of 2016. expatriates in France. This acceleration is driven by a In common with areas immediately rise in flat prices, especially in Paris Clockwise from left: A surrounding capital cities across where prices rose 6.6% year-on-year. view of Paris at night, a Europe, the cost of living is high, Beyond the capital’s boundaries, typical city scene, Jardin du Luxembourg, the Three-storey Maison de but you get a lot for your money, you will find fields and forests dotted palace of Versailles, the capital’s rooftops Maître in Chantilly with including enviable public transport with hunting lodges and chateaux. eight bedrooms, in a walled and easy global connections. Temperatures range from an garden with mature trees,

In Ile-de-France, prices for older average of 7C in February to 25.6C swimming pool. €890,000. Photos: B Pixabay / RenaudCamus properties continue to go up. Prices in August, though you can expect it frenchestateagents.com in the 2017 second quarter were up to rain every third day.

36 u Moving to France Guide 2018 regions of france hauts-de-france REGIONAL CAPITAL: Lille DEPARTMENTS: Nord, Pas-de-Calais, Aisne, Oise, Somme MAIN CITIES: Lille, Valenciennes, Amiens, Lens, Compiègne

THE MOST NORTHERLY OF THE property prices, but — compared Velvet/Wikimedia Berck-sur-Mer/ OT Photos: / OT Lille/ Pixabay 13 new regions of France has borders to prices in the UK — they are still with Belgium and three other affordable. On average an older a vendre! regions, while its northwestern flank house in Lille will cost you €177,800 juts out into the English channel. (down 1.9%), while in Amiens it is a It is an understandably popular very affordable €155,600 (up 8.8%). entry point into France from the UK, Town and area names here are with ferry services disembarking at synonymous with the two World Calais, while the Eurostar cross- Wars, and the landscape is dotted channel rail service races into Lille, with war cemeteries. the region’s charismatic capital. The port of Dunkirk, meanwhile, Grand Period style house Clockwise from top left: in Hesdin, Pas-de-Calais From here, it is possible to is officially the world’s northernmost Kite festival at Berck-sur- with eight bedrooms and a commute easily to three major Francophone city. Mer, the Hotel de Ville in Calais, la grande place in two room apartment over a European capitals — Paris, Brussels, Average temperatures range from Lille, Thiépval war memorial three-car garage. and London. 1C in January to 24C in August, Price €199,000. That location in the centre of while rainfall remains constant at frenchestateagents.com this capital triangle has pushed up between 2in and 2.5in per month. occitanie REGIONAL CAPITAL: Toulouse DEPARTMENTS: Aude, Gard, Hérault, Lozère, Ariège, Aveyron, Pyrénées-Orientales, Gers, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées, Lot, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne MAIN CITIES: Montpellier, Perpignan, Nîmes, Toulouse, Tarbes, Albi

Clockwise from top left: The Aude is dotted with remnants of Cathar castles, the Canal du Midi, Estaing in Aveyron is a Plus Beau Village, Montauban, Albi

WITH A LONG HISTORY AS dramatic as its landscape is diverse, to live out your French idyll.

Photos: PixabayPhotos: this region in south-west France In the region’s two main urban comprising Midi-Pyrénées and centres, an older house in Toulouse a vendre! Languedoc-Roussillon has much to costs on average €280,000 while in tempt anyone in search of a new life. Montpellier it costs €291,000. Head The Romans left their mark across out to Montauban, and it comes the region, in cities and towns such as down to just €176,400, while in Toulouse, Narbonne and Gaillac. The Nîmes expect to pay €197,600. Cathars built their fortresses in the The region is served by mountains and foothills. The medieval international flights to airports in walled city of Carcassonne is just one Toulouse, Montpellier, Carcassonne, Located in Aude, this huge of several Unesco World Heritage Nîmes and Perpignan, while a TGV stone house has a spa, seven sites in the region, while the romantic journey from Paris takes four hours. bedrooms, three bathrooms and two courtyards. fortified town of Cordes-sur-Ciel Expect average temperatures Price €299,600. was voted the most beautiful town in to range from 6C in January to France in 2014 by TV viewers. There 28C in July and August, though frenchestateagents.com are countless lovely villages in which temperatures can soar up to 40C.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 37 regions of france NORMANDIE REGIONAL CAPITAL: Rouen DEPARTMENTS: Calvados, Manche, Orne, Eure, Seine-Maritime MAIN CITIES: Caen, Cherbourg, Alençon, Rouen, Le Havre, Deauville

ANOTHER REGION OF FRANCE boat seafood and clean coastal air, that is synonymous with conflict, it is not surprising that Normandy’s Photos: Pixabay / CDT Calvados/L Durand Normandy was the stage of the Allied seaside towns fill up with city slickers a vendre! invasion of Europe in 1944. from the capital at weekends. There is no TGV service, but The race for properties here does excellent road links between Paris not seem to have had much of an and the Seine-Maritime or Calvados impact on house prices, however. departments mean that Normandy’s The average price for an older coastal resorts are within a two-hour house in Rouen is €156,000 while drive for the capital’s residents. in Caen it is €213,000 (up 15.6% in In fact, such is the popularity of the a year) while flats in the same town Beautiful Normandy townhouse dating from region with wealthy Parisiens, many have gone down 3.8% to €1,850 per 2 the 16th century with five Clockwise from top left: of whom own second homes here, m . In Le Havre prices are up 4.8% Iconic landmark Mont Saint- that it is sometimes known as the year-on-year to €167,100. bedrooms. Currently a Michel, Bayeux Cathedral, B&B. Price €318,000. Honfleur, sailing on the D-Day capital’s 21st arrondissement. Average temperatures in landing beach at Asnelles, a With sailing, surfing and diving on Normandie range from 3C in frenchestateagents.com bike ride at Beuvron-en-Auge offer, an abundance of fresh-off-the- January to 24C in July and August. PAYS DE LA LOIRE REGIONAL CAPITAL: Nantes DEPARTMENTS: Loire-Atlantique, Sarthe, Vendée, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne MAIN CITIES: Nantes, Angers, Le Mans

NANTES, THE HISTORIC CAPITAL of Le Mans — not to mention a giant of the ancient kingdom of Brittany mechanical elephant built in honour Photos: cousinhub76 / Daniel Jolivet / Francois Schnell / Brian Burger is not in Brittany. Since 1958, it has of one of Nantes’ most famous sons, been capital of the neighbouring the author Jules Verne. a vendre! region of Pays de la Loire. Paris is a two-hour drive away, If that is not confusing enough, making the region a very popular most of the romantic chateaux of the destination for those looking for a Loire Valley are in the neighbouring break from the capital. Centre-Val de Loire region and not Britons are increasingly discovering the Pays de la Loire, despite the this rolling, romantic part of reference to the river in the name. France, where house prices range Superb Maison de Maître from €85,000 in the relatively Even so, it does boast numerous from the 1830s, ideal as a prominent monuments, such as undiscovered Mayenne department, family home or B&B in a the castles of Angers, Laval, and to €250,000 on average in Nantes. Clockwise from top left: Sarthe market town. Le Mans 24 hours race, Mayenne, and the Nantes Château Average temperatures, meanwhile, Saumur castle, Noirmoutier Price €310,300. des Ducs de Bretagne, the Royal range from 3C in January to 25C in island, Nantes’ mechanical elephant, Fontevraud abbey frenchestateagents.com Fontevraud Abbey, and the old city July and August.

38 u Moving to France Guide 2018 regions of france REgion Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’ Azur REGIONAL CAPITAL: Marseille DEPARTMENTS: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhône, Hautes-Alpes, Var, Vaucluse MAIN CITIES: Marseille, Nice, Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon

Clockwise from top left: Provence is lavender heaven, Aix-en-Provence is known and loved for its tree-lined avenues, the quaint and colourful port of Cassis, the village of Roussillon in the Vaucluse THANKS TO THE UNIQUE life since before Peter Mayle wrote

Photos: PixabayPhotos: microclimate of this region, which his bestselling A Year in Provence. remained unchanged in the recently Coupled with the lure of the Côte a vendre! redrawn map of France, it is possible d’Azur, which basks in the glamour to enjoy a morning’s skiing in the of Cannes and Saint Tropez as much Alps followed by an dip in the warm as the warm Mediterranean sun, this Mediterranean sea in the afternoon. means property bargains are more Temperatures range from 12C difficult to find than in many other in February to more than 28C in rural regions of France. August, but temperatures can — and This is well known for being one do — plunge down to 0C in some of the costliest regions in France. An Lovely three bedroom stone house in Le Mas parts of Provence. older flat in Nice costs €3,630 per 2 with spectacular views, a This part of south-east France, m (up 4.7%) while along the coast calm and peaceful garden, which borders Italy and the at Toulon the price is €2,030. Older terrace. Price €194,400. principality of Monaco, has been a houses cost on average €321,500 in popular choice for English-speaking Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, a frenchestateagents.com expats looking for a slice of French year-on-year increase of 7.2%.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 39 OUR STORY Living the Dordogne dream

Vanessa Howard and William McDonald, Dordogne When did you move to France? Were you a regular visitor to France before And the toughest? June 8 2017 your move? The language. French is fine when you are in I had visited many areas of France and each charge of what you are saying, it’s not so easy Where do you live and work? year stayed in Nice, but cost-wise it was not a when dealing with insurance and the utilities In the Dordogne. Currently developing two practical place to live. when you don’t know what on earth they are gîtes and Vanessa plans to run a vintage saying and they don’t have any patience. Setting fashion business. What attracted you to the region? up a business and sorting out health insurance The Dordogne has great weather, a huge se- hasn’t been easy, as information is conflicting What did you do before moving to France? lection of stunning places to visit and is a food even from two people from the same source. Vanessa was Head of Marketing at the Coop lover’s paradise. A lot of people speak English, and William developed properties and ran a which helps in the early days to set things up, How have you coped with this? vintage fashion boutique in Clare, Suffolk. including the local DIY shop! I have brushed up on A level French using Mondly, an app for tablet and phone; William Where did you do research for the move? ‘The village has lots is picking up the odd phrase as he goes along Vanessa: We visited a French property exhibi- with a view to trying much harder after the tion in London in September 2016 with a view of events which we house renovations are finished. to making a permanent move in the New Year. support and everyone As we were not yet retired we wanted to find a What do you miss most about where you property in the bottom third of France which is so friendly’ lived previously? would help provide an income. TK Maxx, Indian food in supermarkets and We met Calum Harkiss at Currencies Direct How have you settled in? local buses. and he suggested someone he knew who was We have three lovely neighbours, two of selling a B&B between Bordeaux and Bergerac. which are French families. Before long, one What three tips would you give to anyone We bought an open ferry ticket and drove to was leaving us home-grown veg and the other planning on moving to France? the Dordogne, spending four weeks in Sarlat, invited us over for an aperitif. The village has 1. Unemployment is over 9% so if you need to Eymet and Grand Brassac. lots of events which we support and everyone work, you are served better if you are fluent in We viewed various types of property, from is so friendly. French or can set up your own business. the shell of a water mill and a haunted chateau 2. To use the health system you either have to bat-filled farmhouses, ensuring we found Have you made friends easily? to be retired, working and paying into the time for plenty of sightseeing too! There are probably about six British couples national stamp (both these also need a 30% The B&B didn’t work out but after seeing in the village and 650 French, everyone is very insurance top up) or you will have to pay for a about 30 properties a wishlist was drawn up, friendly and I am brushing up my French dai- 100% insurance cover. which we took to an estate agent based in the ly, speaking to the local shopkeepers about 3. Try joining Face- beautiful village of St Jean de Côle – we met an everything from jam making to what do I think book groups such as agent who had worked there for over 15 years. of the local bourru [young fermented wine]? Gardeners in France, She showed us three properties – the first two Living and renovat- were great but the final property, an old stone What has been the most enjoyable aspect of ing in France, Gîte coach house in the lovely village of Miallet, was your new life in France? Owners, etc – they just perfect. After much deliberation and an- Stress-free, little traffic, lack of crime and are invaluable for other visit in November, an offer was agreed. polite people who bid you good day. knowledge and help.

40 u Moving to France Guide 2018 BUYING IN 2018 i CHEZ NOUS

4 Chez Nous! A home in France Buying a property in 2018 Finding your new home, contract procedures, taxes and fees

HELPED by record low mortgage rates – averaging property buyers in France and, as EU citizens, need no Connexion tip 1.6% for a 20-year loan – the number of property special permit to buy or rent. Rules and procedures are All property adverts must show sales hit record levels in 2017, hovering just under different from the UK’s, and married people need to the result of the property’s latest the million mark at the turn of the year. consider the legal effects of their matrimonial regime energy diagnostic (see What the Thierry Thomas, president of the Institut Notarial before buying (see The Basics, Page 29). Seller Must Show, page 45). de Droit Immobilier, said: “The sales volume is the Properties are advertised in French newspapers, highest we have ever recorded and volumes nation- The Connexion (and our website connexionfrance. This diagnostic de ally have risen by 15.5%.” Prices rose by a much less com), property magazines and other sites but in performance énergétique (DPE) spectacular 3.1% for older houses and 5.1% for flats rural areas contacting an agent immobilier (estate gives a rating for a building’s and Mr Thomas made it clear there was no ‘proper- agent) can offer the widest selection. energy consumption from A, ty bubble’ as the “market is catching up after years Estate agents will ask clients to sign a viewing very good, to G, very poor, and of immobility” and he expects it to ease this year. contract to ensure they earn on the proceeds of any the emissions rating. purchase. Their fees generally range from 3-8% and Paris and Bordeaux are markets apart where If an advert is for a property in reduce as the property value increases, with an aver- mortgage brokers Meilleurtaux.com said they saw a copropriété, eg. an apartment age €12,000 in fees for a €150,000 property. an average of five buyers chasing each sale. in a block of flats, then it must Notaires (legal professionals who are both state of- Prices vary enormously according to location legally include the nature of ficials and the equivalent of a family solicitor) may with a budget of €150,000 buying a two-room flat in the copropriété, the number of also have properties to rent and sell. Their main Nice, a three-room flat in Paris suburb Franconville other properties included and role, however, is to complete the legal formalities on or a four-room house in Vendée capital La-Roche- the average annual budget for all sales and collect tax. These taxes and the notaire sur-Yon, just 45km from the Atlantic beaches. charges you would have to pay. Britons account for one in three of the foreign fee, called frais de notaire, add 8% to the price.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 41 chez nous i buying in 2018

Connexion tip VIEWING a property on the eve of signing the final acte de vente means you see exactly what you are paying for. It could avoid surprises like radiators, shutters or door handles being stripped out, that there has been no damage and that it is empty of all the seller’s possessions. If not, ask the notaire to hold back part of the price until the property is as it was when the compromis was signed.

Once you have found a potential home you ally two to three months ahead to allow for allowing the seller to cancel the sale while re- can get an idea of prices in the area by check- searches and other legal matters) and sets out funding the deposit and an additional penalty ing immobilier.notaires.fr but estate agents other terms and conditions of the sale, includ- of the same amount. make their money from sales, so properties ing, usually, a guarantee of vacant possession. should be reasonably-priced in the first place. It also contains clauses (conditions or clauses Before signing a contract Negotiating on the asking price is common suspensives) including confirming the seller IF AN agent has been involved or, if the home but margins are falling, averaging 6.2% in is the owner and can legally sell the property, was found through a notaire, find out who Brittany, 5.1% in Languedoc-Roussillon, 4.9% and that the buyer is able to raise funds for pays the commission. The details should be in Aquitaine and 4.7% in Normandy. Buying the purchase. If contents are to be included in included in the contract. If the commission is without a mortgage can be a good reason the sale, an inventory (inventaire) should be paid by the seller, this is referred to in the sales to negotiate as it speeds the process. Estate attached and a separate price allocated. deed and is part of the price on which taxes agent’s fees can also be negotiated. The contract is usually signed at thenotaire ’s and notaires’ fees are paid by the buyer. office but if you cannot attend it may be post- Be sure you know exactly what you are buy- Once a price is agreed ed to you and you can send back the signed ing. Ask the agent or notaire for a copy of the b uyING is done in two stages: you first sign contract, or give signing authority to a local ground plan (plan de masse) and check it on a preliminary contract (compromis de vente) representative, including the notaire’s clerk. the ground. Mistakes can be difficult to rectify. and pay a 5-10% deposit then, about three The estate agent may ask for the 5-10% de- Titles to land are registered at the departmen- months later, sign the acte de vente définitif. posit to be paid to them, saying a guarantee tal land registry (cadastre). You can consult, or The compromis can be prepared either by a from estate agents’ federation Fnaim will pro- buy, copies of cadastral plans at the mairie or at notaire or the estate agent but you might prefer tect against fraud or bankruptcy. While this cadastre.gouv.fr Land is divided into lots, each not to sign one prepared by an agent without is true, the agent also has a vested interest as with an identifying cadastral number. Lots may taking legal advice, although there is a legal 10- they depend on the transaction going through be modified or subdivided. Such work is car- day ‘cooling off’ period délai de rétractation, in for their commission. ried out by a surveyor (géomètre-expert). which a buyer can pull out without penalty. It is usually better to pay the deposit to the If the contract is prepared by a notaire, you notaire, because there is less likelihood of a Your mortgage must decide whether to rely on the notaire des- problem in recovering your deposit if the sale A MANDATORY clause suspensive in the ignated by the seller or if you wish to appoint falls through. Be aware, a deposit is only nor- compromis states that the sale is dependent on your own. The first notaire may try to dissuade mally recoverable outside the cooling-off pe- the buyer obtaining a mortgage. This specifies you as the two officials will then share a single riod if the sale fails for reasons related to the the size of loan needed, target interest rate and fee, but it is a regular practice although notaires seller. Otherwise, the deposit is forfeited. loan period. You have until the completion are independent and must act impartially. Any sale may fall through if another person date to find a lender (this can be extended). If you do not speak fluent French, it is wise or agency invokes their Droit de Préemption, If you cannot find a loan you may rescind the to find an English-speaking notaire who can or right of first refusal. For example, the local contract and recover the deposit. However, the explain the process (see notaires.fr/en). mairie may exercise its right to buy a property seller has the right to find finance for you at the if it or the land it is on has been designated for stated rates and you are obliged to buy. The compromis development purposes. Buyers who do not need a loan can renounce AFTER the cooling-off period, the compromis The co-owner of a property or any sit- their need for this clause suspensive but must de vente binds both buyer and seller to the ting tenant may be able to buy the property, insert a handwritten paragraph to do so. transaction, subject to conditions that both though there is a limit on the time the latter It is usual for the compromis to be signed have agreed and notarial procedures includ- has to secure a loan. without delay and you should have organised ing investigating whether the seller is the offi- If you are buying rural land it may be sub- bridging finance (crédit relais or prêt-relais) if cial owner of the property and can sell it. ject to rights in which a farmer using it, or the necessary until your present property is sold. It defines the property to be sold, sets the French land agency (Safer), has first refusal. ‘Chains’, where the sale is dependent on the price and the intended completion date (usu- Sometimes the contract will include a clause buyer selling are almost unheard of.

42 u Moving to France Guide 2018 6 things to think about when moving to France

If you are moving to France and purchasing benefit from the healthcare system; otherwise you will have 1 a property it is important to understand the to pay for what could be very costly private insurance. purchasing process before making an offer as it is very different from the UK. The presale contract called Once you have moved to France, you will be “compromis” or “promesse” is a legally binding obligation to 4 considered a French resident for tax purposes. purchase and only under very specific circumstances can a You should take advice on the complicated tax system in purchaser validly pull out of the contract. You should take France, your liability for wealth tax, the implications of the proper legal advice from the start and not feel obliged to Franco-British tax treaty and how to fill in your tax return use the vendor’s notaire as it is preferable to have your own especially if you have UK generated income or pensions. As advisor. Discussing your personal situation in relation to for trusts, a relatively new law has been adopted in France tax and inheritance is necessary right from the beginning with obligations in certain circumstances to declare the of the purchasing process to ensure that you take the right existence of trusts and the value of assets held in trust. decision on the structure of the purchase. Finally, whether you are buying a relatively recent property or an old Finally, when driving in France, be aware that building, make sure you organise a survey. 5 not all roads have give way signs and that a road arriving from your right may actually have priority. If you Planning to set up your own business? This do not give way then you will be fully responsible for any 2 requires a certain amount of detailed research accident even though there is no actual sign on the road. before embarking. Many possibilities exist on how to set up your business and a proper business plan will allow you to avoid what could turn out to be an expensive 6 Last of all, try and learn a little French! mistake. Many activities in France are regulated and not just lawyers, doctors and architects, but also bakers, hairdressers and builders for example. Certain activities require specific diplomas or proof of previous experience. For anyone planning to set up in the building trade in France there are very strict rules on compulsory insurance with a risk of criminal sanctions in case of non compliance. It is not always straightforward to obtain this insurance so make enquiries beforehand.

You have probably heard that France has 3 a very comprehensive healthcare system. This is correct but it is not automatically available to everyone moving to France and depends on individual circumstances. It is the “carte vitale” that gives access to the health system and this is nearly always topped up by private health insurance. Before moving, you should ensure that you will be able to chez nous i buying in 2018 Connexion tip Property adverts use acronyms. Some of the commonest are: 2P, 2pc, F2 or T2 – the number of rooms (minus kitchen and bathroom or toilet). 2P is a deux-pièces, or a one-bed home. An F1 with the kitchen in the living area is un studio. Anc – ancien (old) means a house more than five years old BEG – bon état général, it is in a good enough state DPE – diagnostic de performance énergétique energy efficiency rating Gren – grenier usable attic HSP – hauteur sous plafond, the Final acte and cost of buying ceiling height Pav – pavillon detached house ABOUT threE months after signing the 8% of the price, subject to local variations. compromis de vente the notaire organises the The notaire receives about 1.5% of this and US – américaine open-plan acte de vente définitif signing, payment of the the rest goes to the authorities. kitchen final settlement and taxes and exchange of keys. These costs are fixed by law and are payable At completion, the custom is for everybody, in full by the buyer when the sale is completed. including the agent immobilier, to meet in the You can estimate what your fees will be at Viager : a gamble notaire’s office where the notaire reads the immobilier.notaires.fr/en/fee-calculator purchase deed (which, usually, nobody has When the sale is completed the seller’s seen beforehand and which runs to some 35 property insurance automatically transfers to for both parties pages), in French, at considerable speed. the buyer to give at least third-party cover. Who ile lo king at properties, you may Any changes required are made as the The buyer is not obliged to keep it and should come across the term vente en viager, an meeting proceeds and, when all is ready, all arrange their own from the completion date. unusual French way of investing. parties sign every page of the document Beware of getting involved in ‘paying on the This refers to a sale in which a property is (electronic signatures speed this up and are black’, where a seller might want you to pay bought but the new owners do not take now available in most notaire offices with them directly and conceal part of the price possession until the death of the current plans to do signatures over the internet). from the notaire. This can help the seller occupant. Part of the price is paid outright The process can be daunting to someone reduce liability to capital gains tax while also and part is paid to the seller as a ‘reverse rent’ who is not sure what is going on or whose reducing a buyer’s purchase costs, however, it until their death. French is less than excellent. is also illegal and can lead to serious problems. From the seller’s point of view, this is a way If pressed, the notaire will provide a draft of n there are practical difficulties in paying the for older people to raise capital and secure a the deed prior to this final meeting, so it can money and few safeguards. guaranteed pension. From the buyer’s it can be shown to a professional adviser for n the tax authorities may dispute the price if be a way to pay less for a property – at least comment. It is the notaire’s duty to ensure that they think it is too low and demand taxes initially – although both sides are, in effect, everybody understands the document. relative to a higher price. gambling on the seller’s life expectancy. If in any doubt, the notaire should call in an n if authorities think there has been an The owner is usually a widowed pensioner interpreter, at the cost of the party in need. attempt to avoid duty they will impose and sells for a proportion of the market value, The quality of interpreters varies and their penalties, which are payable by the buyer. based on age and life-expectancy. presence is no guarantee that everything n if the property is a holiday home you are They receive a percentage – usually 30% – of will become clear. liable to capital gains tax on resale and the the discounted sale price as a lump sum, Some notaires, especially in areas with a purchase price upon which the gain is known as a bouquet, then get the remainder large number of British buyers, provide calculated is lower: so the gain is higher. (calculated on life expectancy) as monthly English translations of the main documents. Resist any temptation to move in before payments called rente for the rest of their life. Check exactly what the property includes. completion. A seller may agree, provided the Payments continue at this rate even after the The notaire cannot complete the purchase final payment is guaranteed or a sum of agreed property valuation is reached, and if without having first received all necessary money is deposited with the notaire, but it is the buyer dies before the seller, liability passes funds, usually via electronic bank transfer, dangerous for both parties, especially if you to the buyer’s heirs. If the seller dies before the and only then are the keys handed over. carry out any work on the property. Purchases agreed valuation is reached, the buyer takes The on-top costs of buying property can can fail for many reasons and it is wise to wait possession of the property at a bargain price. rapidly mount up. For a residential property, until the property is yours. There are only 5,000 viager sales a year and, total costs including the notaire’s fee and all It is usual to split the costs of the annual taxe with increasing life expectancy in France, this national and local taxes, amount to around foncière pro-rata at the time of sale. option needs very careful thought.

44 u Moving to France Guide 2018 What the seller must show Buying HOUSE SURVEYS, as in the UK, are all but This must be no more than six months unknown in France where there is no profession old when the promesse or compromis de new-build of surveyor but sellers must pay for and provide vente is signed. Certain extra factors should be taken the results to a range of surveys on different n Presence of lead (plomb). Valid indefinitely into account when buying new-build but aspects of the property, known as diagnostics. if no lead is present or one year if found. otherwise the procedures are the same as for These are concerned with a property’s health n Presence of asbestos (amiante). Valid buying an older property. and safety aspects and not a ‘full structural indefinitely. If the property is finished and ready for survey’, as is typical in the UK. n Review of gas installations. Valid for occupation, the main precaution is to make The results do not prevent someone from three years. sure the notaire obtains confirmation that selling, but may be used for price negotiations. n Review of electricity installations more than the builder has taken out, and continues to The reports should cover any potential areas of 15 years old. Valid for three years. provide, necessary statutory insurances. concern as the buyer can make a later claim n Review of septic tank (assainissement These consist of a 10-year guarantee against the seller for hidden problems. non-collectif), where appropriate. Valid for against major structural defects and a two- A buyer who wants a full structural survey three years. year guarantee against minor defects, must organise and pay for an architect or other n Check for termites (état parasitaire). Only covered via a private insurance company. qualified person to do this. carried out in departments where a risk of They correspond to a British NHBC The reports are: termites is present. Valid for six months. certificate and are required by law. n Energy performance diagnostic, DPE. n Check for the presence of fungus in wood Flats and houses are often sold while still Estimates the property’s energy (mérule). Not obligatory, but recommended under construction, or even ‘off-plan’ before consumption and should be published in areas where this is a problem. Recom- work has started (Vente en l’état futur with the property advert. Valid for 10 years. mended validity of six months. d’achèvement or Véfa). In such cases, a n Loi Carrez – the official measurements n A report on exposure to electromagnetic reservation contract is entered into to buy of a property’s private space, so can include waves (including mobile signals) provided the property when completed and to make attic grenier space, but not cave. Valid by the Agence Nationale des Fréquences (via regular payments – which are legally indefinitely unless building work takes place. its site cartoradio.fr) is not obligatory but regulated – as work progresses. The n Survey of natural disaster, mining and can provide extra reassurance to the buyer, developer must take out insurance to technology/industrial risks (ERNMT). for example if there is a phone mast nearby. guarantee the completion of the building (garantie de bonne fin or exécution). There is often no guarantee on a completion date, however. It is not unknown for delivery Purchasing a flat to be a year or two late, and you will have no redress. The garantie de bonne fin only The basic principles of buying a flat are the accounts and so on. For a large building the guarantees the building can obtain a same as for buying a house. syndic is usually a firm but it can also be one habitation certificate, not that it will be It is normal to buy the freehold of a flat. You or more of the co-owners. completed to agreed specifications. buy the right to exclusive use of it, together The syndic prepares the accounts and The property may be part of a development with use of communal areas (parties calls the annual general meeting of the in which plots (lotissements) have been communes) including staircases, lifts and co-owners at which the accounts are created and services installed but in which other shared spaces. presented. It insures the fabric of the building the building of houses is left to individual Flats appartements may be sold with one or so flat owners need only insure their own purchasers, subject to certain conditions. more parking or communal garage spaces and property for assurance multirisques habitation. Lotissement estates are subject to special a cellar (cave). You will be responsible for Prior to completion, the notaire must get a rules and the notaire is responsible for costs associated with these parties privatives, a statement from the syndic to ensure all ensuring these have all been observed. sum calculated based on their size compared charges due by the outgoing owner have been There may also be rules for the lotissement to others in the building, and for costs of paid, as otherwise the new owner is which define the relationship between the maintaining communal areas. responsible for them. plot-owners and maintenance of common Joint ownership of a building divided into The notaire should also find out if any one- areas such as roads. In some cases you may flats (ie. the arrangement described above) is off work on the building has been voted at the not own your plot, just a right to exclusive known as copropriété and is governed by a set annual meeting which may involve expenses enjoyment of it. In other words, the legal of rules, specific to the building but usually for the new owner. The sale contract should structure is the same as for a block of flats. following a common format, called the also cover how the costs of such work should There is also the risk when buying an règlement de copropriété. The notaire should be apportioned between seller and buyer. unfinished building or lotissement that, obtain a copy of this and hand it over at, or In theory, the system is straightforward. while your property may be finished, preferably prior to, completion. However, in practice, disputes between you may end up living on a building site. It governs the co-owners’ rights and duties co-owners and with syndics are common, Recent rules specify that new building regarding each other, contributions to the particularly when it comes to charges, which projects are subject to a guarantee they will upkeep of common areas and such matters as are not regulated. be financed and finished by a third party the appointment and payment of a concierge. Some smaller buildings, which are should the original developer fail to do so. Each building must appoint a syndic to technically copropriétés, do not have a Buyers should be ready for extra costs for administer the building, collect charges from règlement or a syndic. However, be cautious local taxes, linking to the sewer etc. Happily, co-owners, deal with maintenance of the about such properties and take professional notaire fees are lower, at just 2-3%. building (a shared cost), pay outgoings, keep advice before you commit to a purchase.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 45 chez nous i renting test out an area by REnting first Renting in France is a good way to get a feel for life here without the commitment of buying a property – and is also a good option to avoid pound-euro exchange uncertainty. Tenants enjoy a high level of legal protection (eg between November and March it is illegal to evict a tenant for not paying rent), but this is something of a double-edged sword as it can make landlords nervous about taking on clients without lots of information pièces justificatives and a large deposit dépôt de garantie. Both the information asked for and the deposits to be paid are limited by law, but abuses happen. Renting furnished location meublée or unfurnished location vide have different rules: meublée has a one-year minimum lease, a deposit of two months’ rent and a notice period of one month, while vide has a three- year lease, one month deposit and three months’ notice. The rental contract Etat des lieux After picking your home, you will n The sum and date of the previous tenant’s When you start renting a property the letting sign a contract with either the landlord last rent payment (if within 18 months) agent or owner should check the interior in your or a rental agency. All contracts must be n Any work carried out since the last presence going through an itemised list. This is written to a model set out in law. See tenancy and its cost called an état des lieux or inventory and the process service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F920 n Results of five key ‘diagnostics’: the should take place at the handover of the keys, once DPE energy rating, the presence of lead the previous tenant has moved out. A contract must include (list is for meublée): (in properties built before 1949), a risk During this check, both parties sign the doc- n The names and full addresses of both assessment for natural and industrial ument and should note down furniture and any landlord/agency and tenant disasters, and safety of gas and electricity damage present when you move in, to prevent any n A description and address of the property installations blame falling on you for damage caused by the pre- n The date the contract begins, its duration, n A list of equipment for communications vious tenant. Also note down the gas and electrici- plus the notice period (such as TV, fibre optic cable, ADSL) ty meter readings and test out the smoke detectors, n The surface area of the living space – n The rights and obligations of the tenant which are mandatory in French properties. measured according to the Loi Boutin and landlord (attached as an annexe) A tenant has 10 days to request any modifications n A reference rent (le loyer de référence) in n TheEtat des lieux or detailed inventory. to the état des lieux once it has been signed. areas of rent control. However, courts If it is carried out by the owner and tenant, there have ruled that the two cities doing so, The landlord can add extra clauses as should be no charge. P aris and Lille, were acting outside the long as they are not abusive, so they cannot If it is done by an agency, then any charge must law. Elsewhere, landlords are free to set ban pets or insist on direct debit or bank be split between the tenant and the owner and the the rent, but may face a tax on ‘too-high rent’ transaction payments. No clause can ask tenant must not pay more than €3/m2. n Any monthly charges for the building and for any rent supplements, the headline fig- An état des lieux de sortie takes place when you methods of payments ure must cover everything. leave, to check if there are any changes. It is free. Documents ABUSES BY landlords who wanted oner- payslips, which would also count as proof What landlords cannot ask for ous and unnecessary documents for proof of that you have been paying tax. Landlords cannot refuse you on the basis of identity and resources mean a strict list has n I ndependent professionals can offer sex, race, religion, family situation, sexual been set out in law. Landlords can only ask for evidence of earnings from their accountant. orientation, disability and/or health grounds. proofs in the following categories. n R eceipts of pensions or other incomes. So questions or a demand for documents Proof of identity – one item Your work – one or more items regarding any of these are unacceptable. n P assport or driving licence. An EU passport n A work contract, employer attestation with Landlords may also not request: Photo ID is also proof of the right to live in France. timespan and details of pay, a copy of apart from those mentioned, carte vitale, cop- Your income – one or more items business registration or a professional ies of bank statements, attestations regarding n The F rench would normally provide their identity card from a regulated profession. bank account or credit/debts, marriage or di- last avis d’imposition sur le revenu – last tax Your previous home – one item vorce contract or medical records. demand. Coming from Britain you would be n Y our last three rent receipts quittances de They are also banned from imposing a pay- expected to provide your last UK tax bill. loyer, an attestation from your previous ment method such as paying by cash, cheque, n I f you have been on PAYE, you can offer landlord that you do not owe anything or bank transfer virement or direct debit prélève- the landlord your last three months’ your last council tax bill. ment . The choice lies with the tenant.

46 u Moving to France Guide 2018 RENTING i CHEZ NOUS

Connexion tipS T ake photos of your rental property when you move in.

Owners who plan to rent out a property as ‘furnished’ must comply with minimum furniture levels. The list is: bedding (a duvet and cover), a means of shutting out light in the bedroom, hotplates, oven or microwave, fridge and freezer or a fridge with a -6C chiller compartment, pots and pans, kitchen utensils, table and chairs, shelving, lamps and cleaning equipment. Young people’s rent covered by guarantee UNPAID RENT is one of the key issues stopping landlords offering There are conditions of earnings/resources with the aged 30 or under young people accommodation and a scheme offers vital protection by tenants eligible if they can pay 30-50% of the rent. guaranteeing rental income in the case of problem tenants. The Visale guarantee is requested by the tenant at visale.fr before Called Visale (Visa pour le logement et l’emploi), the scheme is aimed signing a tenancy agreement. Rent is paid up to €1,300/month (€1,500/ at those aged 30 and under or new workers of any age in the first six month in Paris) and for a maximum of 36 months. months of a temporary work arrangement (including a permanent Any rent paid in the Visale scheme will be reclaimed from the tenant CDI contract but in the trial period). involved over an extended period at sums set to their finances. Free for both tenant and landlord, it allows prospective tenants to Landlords may still request deposits, but they cannot be more than offer the landlord a guarantee that rent will be paid. one month’s rent for unfurnished or furnished property.

Deposits Cancelling FURNISHED PROPERTIES For furnished accommodation a con- Tenants can cancel the contract at any tract is usually for one year and is automat- time, giving one month’s notice if they are in If the landlord requests a deposit, it must ically renewed if neither party raises their furnished accommodation or three months be included in the contract. For a furnished property it cannot be more than two wish to end it. For unfurnished accommo- for unfurnished (in the latter case there month’s rent. Alternatively the landlord can dation the contract is usually for three years are exceptions which can reduce the notice ask for the rent to be paid in advance for a and is automatically renewed if neither par- period to one month, such as losing a job). period of more than two months (quarterly, ty raises their wish to end it. Landlords may Cancellation is done by sending a lettre for example) but they cannot ask for this only end a contract during a limited window recommandée avec accusé de réception to the and a deposit. when it is due to finish and only in certain owner or agent, depending on who is taking UNFURNISHED PROPERTIES circumstances. care of the contract. The rules are similar to those above, except that a deposit cannot be more than one month’s rent. Repairs GETTING IT BACK The cost and responsibility of day-to- for larger projects, such as replacing these. If your final état des lieux matches the one day upkeep of and repairs to the proper- Landlords are also responsible for urgent re- taken on entry, then the landlord has one ty and furniture falls to the tenant (see pairs (eg. if heating breaks down in winter), month from the day you hand back your keys to return your deposit. Failing this they can tinyurl.com/oth2whx for a full list). While and for maintaining the flat in a 'decent', be subject to a penalty of 10% of the deposit. the tenant is responsible for maintenance liveable state (eg, replacing old pipes or taps, of items such as ovens, boilers, doors and defective shutters, worn-out electrics etc, as If work has to be carried out by the landlord windows, responsibility is the landlord's well as for work to communal areas). because of the tenant, then the landlord can take money out of the deposit. They should be able to show a quote for the Insurance, fees work (but not proof of the actual cost), and indeed do not actually have to carry out the You must take out home contents insur- split between the tenant and the proper- work – merely prove that they have suffered ance (assurance habitation) and the owner ty owner. As far as the tenant is concerned 2 due to the actions of the tenant. or agent is likely to demand proof. If this is these fees are capped at €12/m in high-pres- not done then they can take out one in your sure areas such as Paris, €10/m2 in cities such In this case the landlord has two months to give back the remainder of the deposit. name and make you pay for it. If you found as Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille Montpel- your property through an agent, the fee is lier and Nantes and €8/m2 elsewhere.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 47 Know where you stand on where you live and pay tax You may regard your French home as a either declare online at impots.gouv.fr or to to claim them back). secondary residence, but you must be careful the Service des Impôts des Particuliers Non- If you plan to rent out your second home in that you do not spend so much time here that résidents at 10 rue du Centre, TSA 10010, France it is recommended to seek advice from you technically become a tax resident under 93465 Noisy-le-Grand Cedex. an accountant (expert-comptable). French rules (see Taxation, pages 83 - 94). This service, which acts as the tax office for If you sell the property, you will be subject If you do, you run the risk of being seen as non-residents, can also be contacted on 00 33 to French capital gains tax and if you remain tax-resident by both the UK and France at the 1 57 33 83 00, or by emailing sip.nonresidents@ resident in the UK you will also be subject to same time. In such a situation, you should seek dgfip.finances.gouv.fr UK capital gains tax on the same sale. Any advice from a tax specialist with international When you buy your new property in France, French capital gains tax paid is deductible experience (a selection of such firms advertise you should write to this office and give from the UK tax. in The Connexion). them your UK or other country address for In many cases they can find a solution in the correspondence. UK-France double tax treaty. The notaire handling the purchase should be CONNEXION tips To avoid this happening, do not spend able to help with this. S tart a contact book with vital too long in a second country and keep your See Chapter 5 for more on French income addresses and telephone numbers. main 'centre of interest' (schools and business tax. Connexion also publishes a full guide to Include: ambulance, doctor, and interests, for example) in the country you French income tax every spring. hospital but check that it has an regard as home. Note that if you live in the UK or elsewhere urgences casualty department. Only declare for tax in the other country but rent out a property in France, this income Include numbers for your utilities, TV, income and gains arising in that country. is also subject to 15.5% French social charges. phone and internet providers, insurance In the case of France, non-residents only This has been subject to controversy, and company, mairie, services such as have to declare to France any French-source some legal challenges are ongoing with regard chimney sweep, septic tank expert income, such as money received from renting to those who are not affiliated to the French (if you have one of these), etc out a French second home. social security system having to pay these, but Connexion carries a list of useful Non-residents usually have a later at present they are payable (you may or may numbers each month in print and online. declaration deadline than residents and not wish to consult a lawyer about attempting

48 u Moving to France Guide 2018 SECOND HOME i CHEZ NOUS Photo: StockSnap/Leeroy Photo: The regulations, RULES and responsibilities of owning a second home

Security tips for leaving your second home empty

THERE ARE practical, legal and financial closed when the property is left empty. you do not need. Do not just leave them on considerations for anyone who buys a holiday While a blind eye is usually turned to this stand-by as this wastes electricity. Pull out home in France. A holiday home is usually condition for short absences, the shutters plugs in case of power surges or lightning for occasional use by the owner, family and must be closed if you are away for longer strikes. friends and may be left unoccupied for long periods (even though you may think that periods outside the holiday season. Points to this advertises your absence). n Clear furniture away from ventilation be kept in mind include: holes so the closed property is not affected n Either arrange to have mail forwarded by damp and scrub kitchen surfaces to get n A property obviously left unoccupied in to you in your home country (La Poste rid of greasy marks that can attract mould. an isolated position can be an invitation will do this, for a small fee, see to burglars and vandals. While France is tinyurl.com/nletlg9) or ask a neighbour to n Unless you are going to leave on some no worse than anywhere else in this respect, empty your postbox regularly. heat in the winter, you should drain off the these problems should be considered when water (even in the south of France). Even choosing a property. n To avoid the postbox being stuffed with if you leave heat on, you should consider unwanted advertising leaflets, put a label on this as outside pipes will not benefit from n Ensure your insurance is not invalidated if it stating pas de publicité svp. The Ministère the indoor heating. the property is left empty for long periods. du Développement Durable has down- If you do not drain the system, at least turn loadable versions on its website, which you off the water at the main tap so that if there n Lock away garden equipment and tools and can access via tinyurl.com/stoppub is a leak the damage is limited. Do not put keys to sheds etc in a safe place that you forget to turn off garden taps and ensure will remember when you come back. outside pipes are well lagged. Have mail forwarded, n Leave a key with a neighbour and inform n Take care if you are shuttling between the UK the mairie that you have done so. If you can, stop advertising and France in a car with French number get the neighbour to pop in occasionally to companies leaving plates. Some police forces suspect French- check that there are no problems. This can registered cars brought to the UK at six- be especially useful if your property, for leaflets and arrange for monthly intervals or less are being used example, is hit by a power cut. utility bills to be paid permanently in the UK without being re-registered – the rising use of CCTV is n Consider employing a gardener to tidy up directly from the bank identifying an increasing number of these the garden, water the plants and perhaps vehicles. It is advisable to carry evidence that mow the lawn. n Leave contact numbers with people who may you are on a temporary trip, such as a French- need to get in touch, but do not let too many bound return ferry ticket. n Check the outside and roof are wind and people know you will be away. watertight, with no loose tiles, that satellite n Getting to and from your French property dishes or TV aerials are well fixed and there n Arrange for any utility bills to be paid by from the UK will be a factor to bear in mind are no leaves filling gutters. Winter can be direct debit from your French bank account and the availability of a nearby regional hard on closed-up properties and minor to avoid services being cut off for non- airport with low-cost flights is often an damage can turn into something more payment because of an oversight. Have attraction. serious quite quickly. telephone calls transferred or arrange to be Be aware, however, that these are not able to pick up messages while in the UK. guaranteed to continue as airlines may pull n Properties usually have shutters and most out or change their schedules depending insurance policies insist that these must be n Switch off any electrical appliances that on profitability.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 49 chez nous i letting Letting your holiday home Letting your property when you are not property and help you find customers, who then using it can be a good source of income – plus contact you, while others make bookings on CONNEXION tips many British people have homes in beautiful, your behalf. Connexion writer Sally Ann Voak and sought-after areas, prime for holiday rentals. Unless you use a local agent who can take her husband Pat live in the UK but have A small house can, when offered for holiday charge of organising the lettings, or can arrange owned a second home in Normandy for rental called location saisonnière or location help from a local friend, you must be available to more than 20 years. Here are their top de vacance, rent for sums from €350 to more welcome guests, make sure their stay goes well tips for first-time buyers: than €1,000 a week. and deal with their departure. However, rental requires effort and planning If you will be doing a lot of renting out to PREPARATION and faces legal issues as short-term rental is others (either all the building or part of it) you Pick the brains of any friends and seen as direct competition to hotels and guest should consider having your home officially family who have already done it – their houses, which offer local jobs and pay taxes. ‘classified’ as a meublé de tourisme (furnished experience will be invaluable. If your holiday let). In some towns it may be a legal French is rusty, enrol in a local class n In many towns if you intend to rent out requirement. before you take the plunge and move. a property (apart from your main residence It is just as important to where you live for at least eight months buy a good dictionary, of the year) you must declare this such as the Oxford- intention to the mairie on a simple form, Hachette, which which can be found here – includes grammar and tinyurl.com/tourist-let-form Your income from context explanations. letting a French home Make sure you have n Recent laws have made short-term tourist enough money to cover letting more complicated in Paris and other should be declared for any expenses. Ask towns of 200,000 people or more (or 50,000 French income yourself: will you use in some towns with housing pressures where the house regularly? the council voted for it). tax, even if you live And be honest with your answer... If Anyone offering a property for rental (even outside France not, bills and problems may quickly those offering their main residence) must mount up. register with their mairie to get a number to be used in any advert on sites such as Airbnb, BE SIZE-SAVVY HomeAway, Abritel or similar. This is to stop That large to-die-for farmhouse with people renting properties for more than 120 Having your property classified this way can outbuildings and plenty of land is likely days (the legal maximum for the property to help make sure you are following all the rules, to cost a lot of money to heat, while be called a ‘main residence’). as well as help you find guests. Speak to your friends and relatives are only likely to If you offer a holiday home for short-term mairie or local tourist office – who work in visit once or twice a year at most. For rentals on a regular basis you may need to close liaison – and they will take you through the rest of the time, you will be rattling get permission from your mairie for tem- the necessary steps. around in it. porary change of use for ‘commercial’ pur- These involve inspection, registering with poses as a meublé de tourisme. Failure to do the prefecture and the award of a star rating LOCATION AND FACILITIES so could mean fines up to €50,000.I n Paris from one to five. You will also be listed at the Visit your preferred area in all seasons. in particular this change of use is subject to tourist office and in relevant tourist material. A picture-postcard French village may complex requirements which make it im- The tourist office may charge an annual fee be idyllic in summer – but that could practical. Such usage may also mean facing and you must also pay for inspections every equate to boring and cold in winter capital gains tax when the property is sold. five years but it will help with practicalities with all services being reduced and like supplying a contrat type – a standard that includes shops. Being close to n Your income from letting a French home contract, which most people use as a base, re- interesting cities and places to visit is should be declared for French income tax, typing and adapting it. It can also advise on vital if you are ‘townies’ in the UK. even if you live outside France. Sites such as insurance etc. There is more information here: Airbnb must by law send ‘hosts’ a summary www.classement.atout-france.fr/meubles CHECK OUT TRAVEL of their rental income each year as a reminder If you are not using an agent you must pre- Can you get to your French property to pay tax. Such income is also liable for pare a description of the property, a contract easily and cheaply, from the UK at any social charges, despite a 2015 European Court and an inventory (which may all be in English time of year? Is it within easy distance ruling that people should not pay charges in if you are marketing to English-speakers). of the shops, a bank or post office? We a second country whose social security It is normal to ask for a deposit of 20% of the take taxi services for granted in the UK system they do not benefit from. After pay- agreed rent (which is returned after the stay, – in France, you might find you soon get ing refunds for 2012-2015, France changed minus any deductions for damage). stuck in out-of-the-way places. the rules as of 2016 so the charges continue. All properties in France must be equipped with smoke alarms. It is the responsibility of FOR AIR AND FERRY ROUTES Assuming you can let out your property, the owner of properties rented out on short- BETWEEN UK AND FRANCE you must decide how you will do so and find term holiday lets to ensure a fully functional – SEE PAGE 16-17 customers. Many websites will advertise your smoke alarm is fitted.

50 u Moving to France Guide 2018 Advertising Features Tour de Finance offers free friendly help with expat life Le Tour de Finance is a forum for expats providing information on a range of different financial products and services which affect British residents of France. It visits different towns throughout France each year, offering free seminars across a comprehensive range of topics. T he Tour is the brainchild croissants and is followed by of Pippa Maile, Head of a series of 15-minute talks France for Currencies Direct, (not lectures!), before and Michael Lodhi, founder concluding with a buffet of The Spectrum IFA Group. lunch where both attendees Having worked together over and speakers mingle. a number of years, they Managing your finances as found that many expats can an expatriate is not always Tour speakers and attendees at a recent event grown-up before taking an feel both daunted and an easy thing to do, so it interest in your own confused by a mire of helps to hear what the think about these things, so sights,” said Ms Maile “so if personal finances. We have conflicting financial advice experts have to say on a wide the aim is to get across the people can use the people from all walks of life and information along with range of topics from legal key information in a clear opportunity to make it a and all ages coming to the the bureaucracy that goes and pensions, mortgages, and interesting way. nice day out, then that’s all Tour events and long may with it. So, as expats healthcare, currency Venues are carefully the better. this continue”. themselves, they founded Le transfers and volatility, chosen and include four-star “The events cater for all. Visit the web site to see Tour de Finance in 2008 with inheritance/estate planning, hotels, châteaux and One lady who came along to where the Tour is passing – the aim of creating a forum banking, international vineyards; 2015 saw the first an event in Deux Sevres was and how to book a place. whereby people can access banking and investments. Paris event which was held pleased to see that she wasn’t New venues and dates are the financial information Rules and regulations can at the British Embassy. “We the only person there in her often being added so do they need and, importantly, change very quickly in pick places that are good to 30’s. That is quite a common check back if the Tour is not in a way which is relevant to France so it’s all about visit in their own right. reaction but we are firm yet near your French home. them. keeping up to date. In Ms Sometimes there is a chance believers that you shouldn’t Typically an event starts at Maile’s experience, people to play golf afterwards or necessarily wait until you 10.00am with coffee and find it a challenge having to visit a spa or see the local consider yourself a real www.ltdf.eu WICE is Where Internationals Connect in English! If you are an expat in Paris looking for community, culture, culinary experiences and ways to be creative, WICE is for you.

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Moving to France Guide 2018 u 51 Capital gains tax and social charges

French property capital gains tax Local taxes and inheritance (CGT) is levied on profits from sales apart from those of main residences – so, including holiday homes of non-residents. MAIN and second homes are subject to payment of the taxe d’habitation for many Called taxe sur les plus-values immobilières, French local property taxes. middle and low income households leading to CGT is charged on the difference between These are the taxe d’habitation and the taxe full exemption by 2020. purchase and sale prices. foncière. They are paid to the local tax office Trials are under way into a revision of Taxable gains are subject to deductions (centre des finances publiques) of the area local taxes, taking account of changes in the based on length of ownership and there where the property is located. desirability of local areas over recent decades. have been various changes to the rules over The taxe d’habitation includes the French TV This means there may be some modifications, the past few years. licence fee (contribution à l’audiovisuel public) if whether up or down, on the way. However this Under the latest rules, second homes you have a television that you use in the home. is not expected to have any effect in 2018. become CGT-exempt after 22 full years French taxpayers who do not have a television When buying, you should also be aware of (12-month periods) of ownership. can state this on their income tax declaration. French inheritance tax and rules (see pages 83- Tax on French capital gains, both for res- If you do not fill in such a declaration (for 94). The Connexion also publishes a 48 page idents and non-residents, is made up of example because you have no French-source helpguide on French Inheritance Law. 19% French capital gains tax plus 17.2% income) then you need to write to your local Should the French rules not suit your purposes, in social contributions, making a total of tax office directly to let them know. UK citizens living in France can make use of 36.2%. This is levied on the gain minus the People sometimes wonder if the local taxes the EU regulation on cross-border inheritance relevant deductions. might be reduced for second homes due to them which allows people to state in a will that they As with rental income, the issue of wheth- not being used all of the time – unfortunately the want the law of their home country to apply to er non-residents should have to pay social opposite is true. Communes in certain large their whole estate. It benefits Britons living in charges has been subject to legal challeng- urban areas with pressure on housing are the UK who own French holiday homes as well es. However after agreeing to repay charges allowed to levy up to 60% extra on top of the as Britons living in France. deemed by the European Court of Justice taxe d’habitation on second homes. (However However, none of this affects beneficiaries’ to have been wrongly collected over several only furnished second homes that are not liability to inheritance tax which still follows the years, the government changed the way it rented out annually are affected and not all French rules. The worldwide assets of residents used the proceeds in order to justify contin- eligible cities have taken it up.) of France are subject to French inheritance tax uing to levy them. Second homes do not qualify for most of the as is French real estate of non-residents. Property owned by a property holding reductions or exemptions that may be available It may be useful to make a French will to deal company (Société Civile Immobilière) is for local taxes, whether for family respon just with your French assets, which can stand also subject to this same tax regime where sibilities or based on age, income or disability; alongside an English or Scottish will dealing the SCI is established to be subject to in- one exception being a taxe foncière exemption with other ones. A notaire can advise. You could come tax. Non-residents from EU coun- for over-75s on modest means (this must, also consult a UK lawyer accustomed to dealing tries are no longer obliged to have a French however, be requested and is not automatic). with French matters. Publications about France, ‘fiscal representative’ involved in the sale Second homes are also not included in including this guide and The Connexion, can for purposes of capital gains tax. President Macron’s plan to phase out the help you find one. For more on CGT, see page 101.

52 u Moving to France Guide 2018 RENOVATION i CHEZ NOUS

RENOVATION Rebuilding the house of your dreams

Grants and funding are available for green-focused renovations Renovation projects come in three main emissions by 40% by 2030, compared to 1990 categories: those that improve the living levels, and by 75% by 2050 (when it should have CONNEXION TIPS conditions and make the property more energy halved energy consumption from 2012 levels). Check opening times: is the efficient; works to restore a derelict or badly Various green aid schemes were set up to bank open on Saturday? degraded property; and those that add value to encourage changes in habits and to boost jobs in Monday? Market day? What an investment project. the sector in recent years, however they have about the shops, or déchetterie Only the first two are eligible for aid and various often been subject to regular changes. (recycling centre) etc? measures are available, including the writing-off The CITE gives a discount of up to 30% for against income tax of a portion of the costs of eligible work done and the work also benefits Remember, too, that opening materials and equipment used, grants to help from VAT at just 5.5%. hours and public transport improve insulation and a reduced VAT rate for Alongside this, replacing an old oil-fired timetables change on public work and materials to improve energy efficiency. central heating boiler for a renewable energy holidays in France. One key green financial aid, the income tax source could draw a grant of €2,000-€3,000 Do not paint your house (or credit Crédit d’impôt pour la transition depending on revenue. shutters) a different colour énergétique (CITE) to help eco-friendly home These tax credits can also be combined with an from others nearby without improvements has been extended into 2018 and interest-free eco prêt à taux zéro loan of up to checking with the mayor, as is available to both owners and tenants. €30,000 under certain conditions. colours may be regulated. The government has said that it wants to The éco-PTZ is repayable over 10 or 15 years change it into a grant in 2019 as it is currently and covers specific works, such as a new sewage seen as less useful to the households it is targeting system, insulation or a selection of other q&a I saw a neighbour because it is paid in arrears. improvement works to be done at once. knocking down a swallows’ Lower-income households may also be able to It is only available for properties built before nest. Is this allowed? benefit from a chèque énergie that can be used to 1990 and for work to cut energy use and pay bills or to fund energy-saving renovations on greenhouse gases and promote renewables. N o. It is illegal as swallows are their property. Contractors carrying out any eco-renovation protected birds, says the wild It is a means-tested benefit averaging €150 and work must have qualified to display the “RGE” animal charity Aspas. You may was rolled out across France at the turn of the label (reconnu garant de l’environnement) a therefore neither destroy their year with the first money due in April. It is paid specific label granted to trained contractors. nests nor take their eggs. Doing automatically, based on the taxable revenue and An agency called Anah (anah.fr) also offers so can incur a fine of €9,000 and size of each household. possibilities of grants towards renovation, six months’ prison (L.415-3 Code These are some of the ways the government especially if the property is in a poor state of de l’Environnement). Swallows encourages greener lifestyles to help with its repair and/or your income is low. are threatened in France, due to commitments to cutting greenhouse gas The renovation-info-service.gouv.fr website pesticides which poison the in- emissions and using more renewable energy. offers information on the options and the chance sects that they rely on for food. The government wants to cut greenhouse gas to speak to a local adviser on your needs.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 53 chez nous i eco homes

Rules for green tax credits and 0% interest loans

Whether you plan to install solar thermal biomass boilers, solar thermal heating, heat panels, a new central heating boiler, double pumps, boilers using renewable energy, micro INTEREST-FREE LOAN glazing or a recharging point for an electric co-generation boilers (that give both hot water vehicle you may be entitled to green tax credits and electricity), thermostats; performing a full The éco-prêt à taux zéro gives an or a 0% green loan. The tax credit is called energy efficiency survey (like the DPE needed interest-free loan of up to €30,000 to Crédit d’impôt pour la transition energétique for a house sale but in more detail and with carry out eco-renovation work and is (CITE), the latest evolution of these aids. recommendations), and installing an electric not means-tested. Tax credits are only available if you are vehicle recharging point. (For details, see the It can be used to finance a bouquet fiscally resident in France. If you are below the energy efficiency agency website ademe.fr) package of jobs (installing a new income thresholds to pay French income tax, The aid can also be used alongside other aid energy efficient boiler, insulating a you can get a payment via a cheque or directly from local councils, energy suppliers and the whole roof or at least 50% of walls and into a French bank account. Similarly, if you do housing agency Anah. fitting high performance double not pay enough tax to deduct the full credit, It is important to retain all bills (factures) and glazing), or to install an onsite sewage the rest is paid by cheque or bank transfer. statements as they will be needed for the tax facility that uses no energy, or to pay At present they are paid the year after work is credit claim, and also when you come to sell for a full energy efficiency survey. done, which the government sees as a problem the property as some costs can be set against Work must be done and materials and plans to change to a grant in 2019. possible capital gains tax liabilities. The bill supplied by an RGE-labelled artisan. To benefit, you must fill out a French income must state the address of the property, the cost The state is paying the interest on tax declaration for the year in question, of supply of materials, VAT included. the éco-PTZ and has signed deals on completing sections related to these credits, It should also give the relevant technical this with various high street banks. and the property must be your home and have specs for the material to ensure it meets the set It can also be claimed in conjunction been built for at least two years. requirements to make sure the tax credit is with the CITE tax credit and The renovations have to be done by the only given for installations improving a home’s households with a renovation grant professional firm which supplied the materials energy-efficiency by at least 25%. from housing agency Anah can use it and by artisans trained in energy efficiency n You claim the tax credit when you fill in the to pay off part of the remaining cost. and who hold a label under the RGE (Reconnu tax form for the relevant year by filling in the Until the end of December 2018 it Garant de l’Environnement) scheme and not costs incurred on the 2042 QE form as part of will be possible to ask for a second just ‘in the process’ of acquiring this. your income tax returns. éco-PTZ loan for the same property CITE credits offer 15% off for some work and but only when the first work is done. 30% for others and covers both materials and The combined total of the two should labour up to €8,000 per person and with €400 q&a Why are light switches often not exceed the original €30,000 limit. extra for each child or person in care at home. positioned outside the bathroom? Applications must be made within Water and electricity are dangerous so A 15% tax credit is available only until June three years of the first loan. switches and damp hands do not mix. 30, 2018 for materials for the double-glazing of The loans can be repaid over a Many builders put them outside. Now, maximum of 15 years but the property single-glazed windows and to replace an old bathroom circuits are earthed and use oil-fired boiler with a very high-performance 30mA circuit-breakers so waterproof cannot be rented out or used as a oil boiler. switches can be sited 1.8m from a shower holiday home. The 30% tax credit continues for wood or

54 u Moving to France Guide 2018 RENOVATION i CHEZ NOUS

CONNEXION TIP Open a bank account in the nearest town, make yourself known to the manager, and set up a contingency fund in case of unexpected expenses. It may be preferable to talk to your bank staff by telephone, rather than Rules for operate online. Buy local papers and visit your nearest library and tourist green tax office for dates of concerts, festivals and events so you credits can plan visits and do not miss out – some real treats are often only advertised on billboards at and 0% the last minute. interest OTHER FINANCIAL OPTIONS FOR RENOVATION HELP loans Each department has an Agence requested. Anah finances heavy renovation to What can you get? Départementale d’Information sur le rehabilitate homes that are in a poor state for The amount varies according to the work Logement (ADIL) which can provide habitation, as well as work that improves and your income, from 25-50%, generally up information on what local aid may be available homes in some way. to about €10,000, or €25,000 for major from your conseil régional or général. Minor maintenance or decoration work projects. Payments worth several hundred euros can does not qualify, nor does work that is so A scheme called Habiter Mieux provides also be reclaimed from energy suppliers who extensive that it would equate to rebuilding or extra aid if work improves energy efficiency are obliged to obtain Certificats d’Economies extending the property. by 25% or more. d’Energie by encouraging customers to cut Improvement work could include jobs that Anah grants are not a right, and branches energy consumption by doing renovations. will make the property safer or healthier to evaluate applications according to budgets People on lower incomes may be eligible for live in, or that will help older people live more and greatest need. a grant towards home renovations from the autonomously. housing agency Anah (Agence Nationale de Work improving energy efficiency (or Getting more information l’Habitat). The grants can be for up to 50% of production) may also be applicable. The place to start is your local Point rénovation the cost, which should be for at least €1,500 Suitable work could include such jobs as: info service, which can advise on entitlements (except for those on low incomes) and be installing heating or air-conditioning, and the procedures. Put your postcode into carried out by professionals. Anah has offices updating the electrics to meet modern the box at the bottom of the page at anah.fr around France, often at prefectures. standards, replacing the bath or toilet, putting where it says “Votre code postal” or in solar panels or a wind turbine, repairing a alternatively phone 08 20 15 15 15 (€0.05/ Who can benefit? leaking roof, putting in wall insulation, minute from a landline or plus call charge on A nah grants are for owner-occupiers or for installing or adapting a lift, chairlift or other mobile), Monday to Friday from 9.00-18.00. landlords and you must be on a very, or fairly equipment that helps people with mobility When ready to apply you will need to low income as income ceilings apply. The problems, or installing a burglar alarm. provide the local office (or in some areas, reference figure is the revenu fiscal de référence For work to rehabilitate homes in a bad state your council) with documents including a on your avis d’imposition (income tax there needs to be an official order saying it is completed application form, proof of demand) for the year two years before the one in an unfit or dangerous state or an evaluation ownership, a copy of the avis d’impositions in which the work is done. by a professional. and estimates from one or several firms for For example, a couple with an income of the planned work. €21,001 or less is considered to have a very Anah grants are not available for second low income and one on €26,923 is considered Grants are available for homes, however they may be available for a to have a low one. The earnings limits home that you rent to someone who uses it as available are higher in Ile-de-France. These work such as installing a main home, even if you are not French- limits are used, in part, to determine what heating, updating resident. maximum level of aid can be offered. The renovation-info-service.gouv.fr website electrics, repairing a has information on financial aid, Which homes are suitable leaky roof, installing whether from housing agency Anah (Agence and what kind of work? Nationale de l’Habitat) anah.fr, or the energy a chairlift or fitting a efficiency agency Ademe (Agence de H omes must be at least 15 years old and the burglar alarm l’Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l’Energie) work must not be started before the grant is ademe.fr

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 55 chez nous i building

Finding the best person for your building job

Choosing who will do the work is an Try to fix a guaranteed completion date with of good workmanship, it is a legal requirement important first step. British contractors can penalties for late completion and ensure there of any tradesperson or business in France to overcome the language barrier but must also are frequent site meetings to keep in touch have this number (At The Connexion, we check know French regulations, have insurance with what is being – or not being – done and all our French-based advertisers for this before cover – and, for the green tax benefits, must to solve problems. they can advertise with us). be qualified and registered on the RGE If work is not done to French standards you Avoid anyone working ‘on the black’ – this is (Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement) scheme. may be refused a certificat d’habitabilité illegal and, if problems arise, any judicial Local contractors can be good for (which shows the home is fit to live in and is action will start at a disadvantage. neighbourhood relations (the local needed for some formalities). Check the artisan has a carte professionnelle community does notice and appreciate it) as The first important point when considering issued by the Chambre de Métiers et de long as both sides fully understand what the having work done is to check that the l’Ar tisanat. All trades are required to register project entails. tradesperson or business is correctly registered with the chambre de métiers and the préfecture. N ot all projects are major and for a small job and has a Siret/Siren number. You can do this The carte professionnelle gives the business you may oversee the work yourself, but for at infogreffe.fr However, this is not a guarantee name and status, address, activity and Siret major projects, unless you have experience in number. The 14-digit Siret number includes a building projects, it may be best to employ nine-digit Siren showing that the business is someone to deal with the contractors. registered, and the Numéro Interne de A project management company (entreprise Local contractors Classement shows where it is based. générale) will take responsibility as maître Ask to see the artisan’s assurance décennale d’ouvrage and will sub-contract as necessary. can be good for document – this gives 10-year insurance cover Some contractors will act as an enterprise neighbourhood – and check the date on it is current. générale and undertake the whole project. Assurance dommages-ouvrage is a legal As anywhere, France has excellent artisans relations (the local requirement for major works and will get the and high standards of workmanship but also community does notice work or renovation completed if there is a bad and unreliable cowboys. The best way to problem with the builder. This is taken out by avoid this is to get reliable references and and appreciate it) but, the maître de l’ouvrage before work begins. inspect some of their completed work. as anywhere, France For a high quality builder you could check The new RGE scheme gives some assurance the tens of thousands of artisans under the as artisans who have gained the label face has both excellent Qualibat, Qualit’EnR or Qualifelec labels. having work checked by independent artisans and unreliable They have agreed to abide by codes of conduct. professionals who will look at both the work These agencies also police the new Reconnu done and the advice given to clients to ensure cowboys Garant de l’Environnement (RGE) label that it meets quality standards. gives access to tax credits and loans.

56 u Moving to France Guide 2018 experts i chez nous

Checking the credentials of the professionals you need for your new life From notaires to accountants, lawyers to estate agents, choose help carefully

Notaires she has been asked by the buyer to find a Gestion de Patrimoine, are able to offer property – called a property finder) and looks independent financial planning advice on a The notaire is a legal professional and primarily after the seller’s interests. wide range of matters and should have several state official who does not appear in court or Major estate agency chains are represented accreditations including Compétence Juridique have involvement in contentious matters. in most of the larger towns but it is still a very Appropriée, which requires advanced They have an oval brass shield outside their fragmented and localised activity. university qualifications in a subject such as offices and provide assistance in civil and Agents charge 5%-10% but fees are law or gestion du patrimoine (wealth commercial transactions and are mandatory negotiable. They are usually paid by the seller, management). in real estate transfers, company creation, unless otherwise agreed. The rate is not fixed marriage contracts etc. They also prepare by law and is negotiable, dependent on Accountants leases and wills. market conditions. A dvice that in the UK would be the In addition, they collect the frais d’acquisition domain of accountants is, in France, given by on transactions. Better known as notaires’ either an expert-comptable (accountant) or a fees, these are mostly local taxes plus stamp Architects & Surveyors conseil fiscal (tax adviser). Some avocats will duty. They vary by the type of property and by During land transactions you will work with the architecte and géomètre (land give tax advice and notaires will often advise the department but someone buying an older surveyor), both of whose functions differ on tax matters within the areas with which house for €200,000 could pay around €15,400 slightly from their British counterparts. An they deal (but they will not become involved on top for notaire fees. architect’s stamp is obligatory on planning in proceedings). The expert-comptable will Of this, the notaire receives €2,440 and most applications. Full property surveys are not deal with all normal accounting matters and, of it is departmental droits de mutation which customary prior to purchase and UK-style if he or she is also a commissaire aux comptes, are, in most of France, 5.8% of the paid price. surveyors are rare. Valuation surveys are done can act as auditor of a company, but not if Notaires can also charge a separate fee if by an expert immobilier but an architect can they prepared the accounts. asked for advice unrelated to the transaction. do a type of property survey. Problems are Notaires often act for more than one party usually mentioned in the sale deeds and the Avocat and their impartiality means they cannot numerous diagnostics that must be completed. As for the avocat, the nearest British advise one party over the other. equivalent is the barrister. Traditionally A single notaire, often the seller’s, may deal Financial advisors the avocat’s role was limited to court with the complete transaction but if a buyer Good financial planning before leaving proceedings, but in recent years their role in prefers to have their own advice then they can the UK can make a big difference to your life giving general legal advice has grown. appoint another notaire to work with the in France – and ease problems linked to tax, Unlike the UK system, in which a barrister seller’s. The two notaires then split the fee. ISAs, insurance, pensions and QROPS, and can only be retained via a solicitor, the client You can find an English-speaking notaire by inheritance. in France has direct access to an avocat. going to notaires.fr/en. Look for a financial adviser with knowledge Apart from conducting legal proceedings, of both UK and French requirements. In the in which his or her presence is generally Estate agents UK search register.fca.org.uk for advisers obligatory, an avocat can be asked for any The agent immobilier is very similar to registered with the Financial Conduct legal advice or the preparation of certain their UK equivalent. Authority and in France check the ORIAS contracts, especially, but not only, if there is a If you choose an estate agency which is a register at orias.fr contentious aspect to the issue. Fees are fixed member of a professional body such as Advisers on the ORIAS register with an with the client, and are generally lower than national federation of estate agents Fnaim this AMF logo beside the name means they are in the UK. In any disagreement over fees, the ensures a certain amount of probity and authorised by the French regulator. The main court may be asked for a ruling (taxation provides a guarantee of the security of any accreditation is Conseiller en Investissements d’honoraires). funds entrusted to the agent. As in the UK, Financiers (CIF). An Avocat specialised in tax matters is called the estate agent acts for the seller (unless he or Those describing themselves as Conseiller en an avocat fiscaliste.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 57 chez nous i building Getting quoted for your work

You should aim to get at least two or three quotes (devis) for any major project – and they should be thorough in specifying the work to be done and start and finish dates. A description and specification of the project (cahier des charges), as detailed as possible, should also form part of the contract. If you decide to make alterations to your plans, it is advisable to obtain a new devis before any work goes ahead, so that you are not surprised by possible cost increases. Be sure that any stage payments, which are made as work progresses, do not exceed the value of the work completed. This is so that if the work is not completed by your contractor, you can bring another in to finish the project without ending up facing too great a loss. Also be aware that in order to qualify for green tax credits (see Rules for Green Tax Credits and 0% Interest Loans on page 54) your work must be carried out by professionals accredited under the Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement (RGE) scheme. Planning The Safer option

I f you want to buy and renovate an old farm include a farmer or winemaker, a mairie, or a permission or other rural business, the local farm agency body such as a national park authority. MAIRIES have legal deadlines to complete Safer (Société d’Aménagement Foncier et Someone with a rural property to sell can planning applications of two months for an d’Etablissement Rural) may be involved. contact Safer directly, (it has priority on sales) individual house or annexe and three months These not-for-profit bodies work under the and buyers can also go to it. Safer looks for for other projects, unless a historic site. agriculture and finance ministries and help candidates through local papers, mairies and An architect is mandatory to draw up plans maintain agriculture and rural trades and on proprietes-rurales.com for houses over 150m2 and to apply for the protect the environment – mainly by buying If you see a property on its site, you complete permis de construire at the mairie. Frequently, and then judiciously reselling rural property. a form describing what you would do with it. the builder arranges this through an architect Last figures, for 2016, show Safers bought The site has an English version. they know. In such a case, the property owner 10,500 properties totalling 93,800 hectares of Buying through Safer involves fees of about is known as the maître d’oeuvre and the land including 1,230 where it used its public- 6-12%, however, there is a tax benefit as you builder as the maître d’ouvrage. interest right to take over the sale. This land are exempted from land registration fees Notice of the permis has to be posted on the was then sold to whoever it judged to have a (usually 4-8%) if you agree to maintain site of the planned construction or property project in the public interest. Buyers could agricultural use. for two months before work starts to give notice of the work and allow any objections. Those who want to do the work themselves also need to check first if it requires planning Septic tanks and waste water consent. Some minor kinds of work need a lighter formality called a déclaration préalable You may not really want to think about Septic tanks are basic treatment plants for de travaux – a declaration of planned work, what happens to all your waste water when it waste water and solids from kitchens and which is tacitly accepted if the council does not disappears down the sink or you flush the loo, bathrooms. Unless the property you want to object within a set period (usually a month). but septic tanks and, to a lesser extent, cesspits buy is in a town or village that has mains It is essential to keep receipts for payments are common in rural France. drainage, it is highly likely that your property for work or materials (which must be in the Use of the latter – simply a storage tank for will be equipped with such a system. property owner’s name) since these may be waste that requires regular emptying, called Your fosse will be inspected by your mairie required to help settle capital gains tax liability fosse d'aisance in French – is now forbidden every four to six years, but you should check if the property is a second home and is sold. unless a lack of usable space rules out the it in between. Your mairie or the Service However there is also an option of a general installation of a septic tank (fosse septique or Public d'Assainissement Non Collectif allowance of 15% of the property cost as long fosse toutes eaux). Fosses septiques are being (SPANC) can offer help and advice on the as it has been owned for more than five years. phased out in favour of micro-stations. proper maintenance of your tank.

58 u Moving to France Guide 2018 internet i chez nous

PLUGGING IN: INTERNET AND UTILITY COMPANIES

Checking internet speed is vital in rural areas

HIGH-SPEED internet access is now seen as internet’. It lists suitable operators but is a funded to supply 9m more. one of life’s essentials alongside basic utilities commercial site, so there may be other options. Local councils had reacted to the being left such as water, electricity and gas but the ability Most households access internet through out by setting up their own ‘booster’ services to to get cheaper ‘triple-play’ offers of broadband copper phone cables lignes fixes owned by get rid of the zones blanches (confusingly, internet, TV and telephone can be a problem Orange. This can give connections of up to ‘black spots’) in many communes. in more remote areas. 20Mbs – and is being improved with new This is seen in Dordogne, where the council That is not to say France is badly connected, VDSL2 connections at 95Mbs, but both have a launched an ambitious €165m programme to 97% of homes have internet access but ‘access’ major problem in supplying homes farther lay 300km of fibre optic cables and build an does not mean good internet. The government from the exchange. entirely new digital network. The first 61,000 says 15% of homes do not have good speeds. ADSL becomes impractical beyond 4km, as homes will be connected in two years.. The France Très Haut Débit programme speeds are too slow, while high-speed VDSL2 This fits in with the government plan for new already in place will cut this to 6% by 2020, and runs out of puff before 2km. very high-speed networks (Très Haut Débit) the government is promoting radio, satellite, The France Très Haut Débit plan is looking at with fibre optic cabling being key – although 4G and better landline technologies to give all new ways of using the 4G mobile signal is seen homes in France good speeds of 8Mbps as a way to end zones blanches for both internet (download a film in an hour) by 2020 and and mobile phone coverage. 30Mbps by 2022. Radio, satellite, 4G There is no 4G signal in 10,000 of the 35,000 Today about 22m households have broadband and better landline communes – meaning one million people – and 6m have high-speed 100Mb internet – but the centres of all communes are said to although a total of 10 million are eligible for technologies are being have a 3G signal for voice and internet. 100Mbps speeds if they want/can afford it. promoted to give all Ironically, given the demand for the services, This will rise to 33m by 2022, with the 19m in one of the problems has been finding agreed urban zones having it by 2020. homes good speeds of sites for the masts... More than 40% of people live in rural areas and, 8Mbps by 2020 and Annoyingly, too, having broadband internet due to geography, some have difficulty accessing available does not mean that there is increased ADSL – broadband via a phoneline. 30Mbps by 2022 competition as Orange and SFR have led the Over-75s make up the majority of those without way in fibre optic installations and the two internet and while a survey showed 76% of 60-69 several key technologies: fibre optic (FttH – other operators Bouygues and Free have been year olds had a computer this fell to 43% for the Fibre to the Home), modernised cable FttB lagging – and Free, especially, is known for its over-70s – and many saw no reason to have one. (with fibre optic to the building and coaxial hard pricing tactics. cabling to the home), improved copper When looking at a new home you must network (such as VDSL2), radio technology q&a I want to continue working check the quality and speed of the internet Long Term Evolution and satellite. in marketing when I move to France, connection. You can see the picture in your After being unwilling to invest in rural areas working via the internet. What internet area with an interactive map at observatoire. with little chance of return, the main internet speed do I need? This is called télétravail francethd.fr providers such as Orange, SFR and Bouygues and if you work by video (eg Skype) you Websites degrouptest.com and ariase.com are have been brought back into line by the would need 1.2Mbps download, but useful for checking what services may be government and telecoms agency Arcep. 8Mbps allows group videos. French law on available. For a phone line in Manche, Now, they are to supply access to 3-4m of the télétravail specifies minimum download Normandy, Degrouptest ruled out ADSL, 13m homes and businesses in rural areas with speed of 2048kbps and upload of 512kbps. saying speeds were ‘slow, look at satellite communities’ own local initiatives being part-

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 59 chez nous i telecoms Connexion tip Satellite broadband, Wifimax, FRANCE PUBLICISES special numbers for calling the emergency services as a free call or text message: WiMax and other internet sources 112: This is the key one being the A CHEQUE for €150 is being offered to go to/from the satellite, called latency; the Europe-wide 112 which is available 1.5million households as the government dish parabole needs a clear line of sight to the from all phones and through all offers help to get high speed internet access in satellite in space – and speeds plummet once European telecoms firms. black spots. the download limit is hit. 15: SAMU (medical emergency) A website is being set up for people to It needs extra equipment and can be register and claim aid for equipment that will expensive to install so the €150 could be a 17: Police help get satellite that is available at up to boon for those who get it. 18: Firefighters (pompiers are also 20Mbs across 100% of France, radio service Some councils give grants and in Manche, paramedics and can respond WiMax that gives up to 25Mbs and Wifimax Nordnet works with the authority so users quickly to heart attacks etc) at 20Mbs and the new LTE service using 4G. pay nothing if they cannot use ADSL or Satellite internet is operated through two Wifimax. In Dordogne, the SMO Périgord 114: For deaf/hard of hearing – but it satellites, Eutelsat KA-SAT9A and SES Numérique offers €200 for equipment and uses text messages so can be Broadband Astra 3B, with a host of companies €200 for installation those outside the invaluable to call for help without offering access at different speeds and service council’s NR-ZO or NR-MED action areas. making a noise (as in a burglary) prices broadly in line with ADSL or cable Check your area at tinyurl.com/dac96g 115: SAMU social (domestic violence/ costs. A comparison of offers can be found at Wimax and Wifimax are community care for homeless in winter) tinyurl.com/yba2zy6n solutions with services over a few kilometres. It can also be used to make phone calls – Wimax subscribers use an aerial to use a 116000: Missing children saving on line rental – and the service can be microwave radio system. It can also give TV 119: Social services (mistreated suspended if your property is a holiday home and phone. Wifimax is glorified Wifi, has children) and only used occasionally. similar speeds and works across about 6km. It has disadvantages: the signal takes time to Ask at your mairie for information. 191: Aeronautical emergency 196: Maritime emergency/coastguard Landline telephones 197: Terror/kidnapping hotline Mt os landlines, or lignes fixes, are provided by Orange, the name for France How to stop Télécom landline services since 2012 and, since 2013, for the whole company. It has more than 23 million customers. cold callers and Cable companies such as SFR/Numericable also offer landlines and the numerous Orange go ex-directory rivals can also use the company’s lines to offer services under what is known JUST AS householders can stop unsolicited as dégroupage. You do not need to pay for an sales and marketing leaflets being dropped in Orange landline to get a broadband contract. their letterboxes, calls should be blocked Landline-only contracts are available – but using a free government-run website called are not as cheap as would be expected. Phone boxes have virtually vanished from Bloctel – although results are mixed. Orange has its ligne fixe deal at €17.96/ streets, except in zones blanches with only You sign up to Bloctel at bloctel.gouv.fr Click month offering calls charged at 1.4 or 2.8 3,000 left at the turn of the year – down from on Consommateur then Inscription to sign up centimes/minute – but many subscribers go 15,000 in January 2017 and 300,000 in 1997. with your email address and give numbers of for a €44.99 unlimited calls deal to French There will soon be only 350 of them in the phones you wish protected from calls. landlines and mobiles that also offers free whole country and even here they will only be However, 47% of the nearly three million international calls to landlines. kept until mobile phone companies set up subscribers say they still get cold calls. There is also a €55 installation fee plus a cover. Most outlying homes have a landline. While some were from companies they had further possible €69 if a technician is needed However, many communes have opted to had dealings with – these still have a right to to visit the home. keep the box – minus the handset – and some call – far too many of the estimated 6,000 Landline numbers have 10 digits: a zero have turned them into libraries or swapshops. firms are ignoring fines of up to €75,000. followed by a digit from one to five, that shows Orange has an English-speaking helpline on Orange itself offers a free liste orange or liste the area being called. 09 69 36 39 00, while several English-language anti-prospection where landline users keep Numbers for landlines based in Ile-de- firms also offer telephony services that can their details in the phone directory but stop France start with the 01 area code and the rest include unlimited broadband and, optionally, them going in the company’s marketing files of France is divided as the map above shows. television including UK TV channels. supplied to marketing companies. Sign up at Mobile phone numbers also have 10 figures Pages Jaunes (the Yellow Pages) has tinyurl.com/OrangeList. and start 06 or 07, freephones are 080 (other departmental phonebooks, called bottins or You can also be ex-directory by opting for 08 numbers are surcharged) and internet annuaires, but more people now use its liste rouge. Register at tinyurl.com/BlockRouge phones start 09. website at pagesjaunes.fr and give an email and contact number.

60 u Moving to France Guide 2018 chez nous i mobile phones Connexion tip FRANCE has a national number – 33700 – to help tackle spam calls, messages and SMS to your mobile. If you receive a spam SMS you can forward it to this number. You will get a response text asking for the number that the SMS came from. It costs the same as a normal text message. If you receive a unwanted message, usually asking you to call a premium rate number, you can notify authorities via SMS, again to 33700. This time send the message spamvocal followed by the number that left the message eg. spamvocal 0899123456 Mobiles and smartphones FrANCE has some of the lowest phone and Leclerc. These piggy back on the networks For basic 2G coverage, all operators cover contract charges in the world, driven largely of big operators but offer basic calls, texts and more than 99% of the population, with by the arrival of Free Mobile which brought mobile internet from a few euros a month. Orange and Free giving very good quality contract costs tumbling. Some pay-as-you-go SIM deals offer rolling cover over 90%. British residents in France have also been credit report des minutes but it may be limited All offer 99% 3G coverage but Free lags as it boosted considerably by the EU ruling ending for just one month. Nevertheless, this can be has 8% of just ‘good’ cover. Orange leads in roaming charges. They can use French phones a good way to find the best network for your 4G population cover with 92%, SFR on 91% in the UK just as if they were in France with area as there is no long-term commitment. and Bouygues 90%. Free is on 82%. free calls from the forfait contract – and vice You can keep your number when you switch All town centres are now said to have a 3G versa, although users should beware of over- to a contract or different operator, but make signal for phone and internet use. use and exceeding operators’ fair-usage limits. sure they are aware you want to do this. Users of messaging services like Whatsapp, Free’s deal has no set contract period and its Consumer watchdog UFC-Que Choisir Skype or Viber can benefit from the Euro rules success sparked a rush by telecoms operators monitors the 4G network and warned that it and continue using them in both France and Orange, SFR and Bouygues to introduce is not spreading as well as companies claim. the UK with no roaming charges. similar low-cost spin-offs to compete, with Telecoms regulator Arcep’s map of 4G Some people opt for a dual-SIM mobile Sosh, Red and B&You. coverage – clickable at monreseaumobile.fr – phone which are very popular in the Far East Now these are leading the market with deals shows what is available but it has urged where people use separate SIMs for phone offering ultra low prices and top-level telecoms companies to reflect more accurately and internet usage. However, they are rare services. Top level, that is, apart from having the reality of their coverage of the country. and are often not sophisticated. to be managed online. Arcep says Orange 4G and SFR covered 65% These mean you can be reached on either Many other operators make up what are of the land area in July 2017 (up from 35% your French or your British mobile number, called Mobile Virtual Network Operators and 21% in April 2016) while Bouygues is on for example, and some allow users to take a (MVNO) including Virgin Mobile, La Poste 61% from 31%. Free is on 48%, up from 26%. call on one card while talking on the other. ‘Ping call’ scams and surcharged numbers pneho SCAMS are just as common in France a text with the word ‘spamvocal’ and the the call charged at landline tariff – for as elsewhere and ‘ping calls’ can cause concern number to 33700, the industry alert centre, or numbers starting 0806, 0807, 0808 and 0809 where the phone rings once then stops or text noting the details on the site 33700.fr messages asking you to call a certain number, Telecoms regulator Arcep has made all calls PURPLE for paid-for services to numbers which is most often a high-cost call. to 0800 numbers free but its colour code starting 081, 082, 089 where the call is charged Two ways to tackle the problem have been system makes it easier to understand costs on at landline rate while the caller is told the cost set up, with a telecoms industry alert centre special 08 or 3 numbers, as it separates out the of the ‘service’ if they continue the call. Phone for users to signal the number and by the cost of the call and the cost of the service. operators can charge for the cost of the call or industry regulator limiting tariffs for the duration, not both. Charges per call surcharged numbers with simplifying costs. GREEN for free calls to free services (from should not exceed €3 and those by duration Anyone who receives a ‘ping call’ inciting both landlines and mobiles, on any contract) should not be at more than €0.80/min (except them to call a 10-figure number starting 08, a on numbers starting 0800 up to 0805 for directory service numbers starting 118). six-figure number starting 118 or a four- To find the cost of a special number, type it figure number starting with 3 or 10 can send GREY for calls where the ‘service’ is free and in to the site infosva.org to get more details.

62 u Moving to France Guide 2018 utilities i chez nous Changing your energy provider F RANCE’S ENERGY market has been open for years but half the population do not know it is easy and free to choose a new supplier. In 2016, the last year for which there are figures available, only 16% of users changed supplier. You may switch at any time, without giving a reason but may need to pay fees specified in the contract. If you do not change supplier contracts renew automatically, in what is Gas and electricity suppliers called tacite reconduction. Find suppliers The energy market is open to competition, gaps, no extra cost and no set contract period. fournisseurs by entering your postcode at so you can choose whoever you want to The national grid and gas distribution energie-info.fr and different tariff calculations supply your electricity and gas (fournisseur), network are run by Enedis/RTE and GRDF mean you can choose for your needs. although mains gas is not obtainable in all and they do meter-reading and maintenance. Direct Energie is the No1 challenger to EDF areas and bottled gas is widely used. If the gas and electricity are connected when and Engie. However, while the previous monopoly you move in to your new home, you can read Anyone changing from regulated electricity suppliers 84% state-owned EDF (Electricité de the meter and give your provider the numbers. or gas tariffs to other market-price options can France) and 33% state-owned Engie (the old However, they may be cut off if the property return to the regulated contract at any time. GDF Suez) still dominate a host of new has been empty for a while. These tariffs may not be the cheapest, but are suppliers are also active. Gas is usually disconnected for safety stable as they are set by the state. There are just under 30 different suppliers reasons. Reconnection and the mise en service If you do switch providers, your new supplier ranging from Alterna and Antargaz to Sowee should take about five days. needs the 14-figure point de livraison and Total Spring. EDF has an English helpline on 05 62 16 49 (electricity) or point de comptage-estimation Engie and EDF offer electricity and gas at 08 or 09 69 36 63 83 (both go to the same (gas) number: this is on the electric meter, prices set by the state (tarif réglementé) while service) but if it is not picked up it may revert previous gas bill or, when moving house, can be the others offer supply at the tarif réglementé to a French answer service. found by giving details of the former owner. or at the market price, which may be cheaper. Engie has assistance in English on its website Find suppliers in your area by typing your at particuliers.engie.fr/en.html including how postcode at energie-info.fr under Comparateur to contact the company by email, if you prefer. Being green d'offres and then estimating your consumption It has no English helpline details published. ON ONE day in May last year, France got 71% (a big all-electric house will use 9kVa, a three- Cheap ‘social’ energy tariffs are available for of its electricity from nuclear power, 14% from room electric heated flat 6kVa) residents on low incomes who are eligible for hydro, 6% from gas, 4% from solar, 3% from Changing supplier is simple: pick a supplier, income-based benefits such as the Couverture wind, 1% from biomass and 1% from coal. contact them and sign a contract with them Maladie Universelle Complémentaire or Aide More normally, it gets about 77% from nuclear and they will organise the changeover; no au Paiement d'une Complémentaire Santé. and just over 18% from renewable sources (with 12.5% hydro power). France has several ‘green’ electricity suppliers Getting smart with meter reading in a market that was started by Enercoop SMART meters that measure a household’s can check their usage online, setting alerts if (enercoop.fr) and gas, too, is also available from the likes of eKWateur. electricity and gas use and communicate the usage or costs go above normal. Enercoop offers 100% renewable energy information directly to the energy supplier However, the energy mediator said that while sourced from local energy suppliers while are being installed across France in a it was easy to see where Enedis would cut its most others match consumers’ needs with controversial roll-out much criticised over costs it was not so simple for the customer and green energy production. cost and data protection concerns. he called on the company to rethink its website If you use the comparison function at In all, a total of 35million green Linky smart and perhaps use apps to make it easier to use. energie-info.fr putting in green sourced-energy meters will be installed by 2021 along with GRDF on the other hand, says that customers as your priority, you will probably find there 11m orange Gazpar meters with the new should be able to cut bills by at least 1.5% by are numerous offers in your area: energie-info. technology expected to simplify billing. checking their usage and that gas suppliers fr/Comparateur-et-outils Both electricity distributor Enedis and gas should be able to cut their tariffs. France is Europe’s fifth sunniest country but distributor GRDF say the cost of the meters Since first installations started in 2015 while solar has gained a foothold it is still only 1.6% of normal electricity production. will not be passed on to customers, as savings Enedis has fitted 8m Linky meters with about Grants are available and anyone fitting will cover the investment costs. 28,000 fitted every day while Gazpar, which solar photovoltaic panels to use the energy Savings will come from a reduction in billing started first installations in the middle of last themselves can receive up to €390 for four fraud as well as efficiency improvements, with year, has covered 700,000 customers. panels. Those aiming to sell-back all the no need to send out meter readers and the You can check when Linky will be installed power produced can see feed-in tariffs worth ability to change or reset connections. in your area on the map at tinyurl.com/ 18.7centimes/kWh while those opting to The meters use digital wireless technology FitLinky and check for Gazpar installation at sell their surplus production will be getting to process the meter reading and customers tinyurl.com/FitGazpar 10centimes/kWh.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 63 chez nous i postal & tv TV, satellite and English channels There are a number of firms that specialise in enabling you to receive UK TV in France and you can use a satellite dish and a Freesat box to receive up to 180 TV and radio channels. Until 2014, many people in France were able to pick up the BBC and other UK broadcasters without any special effort but lost their signal when the broadcasts moved to a new Astra satellite with a more narrowly focused beam on the UK. UK broadcasters said they do not have copyright for people to view programming in Europe so this was not a priority. Postal services and getting mail Equipment suppliers suggest a 1.25m dish will R oyal Mail will redirect mail from the UK offices while both registered (recommandée) still get signal in the south of France and 1.8m to EU addresses by airmail for £292.99 for 12 and recorded delivery (recommandée avec towards the Pyrénées. months (up to a maximum of two years). accusé de réception) services are available. The French TV licence (Contribution à The postal service in France is generally Chronopost is a 24-hour delivery service for l’audiovisuel public or ‘redevance télé’) costs €138 quick and reliable. Letters posted with a red letters and parcels. last year and is paid by all those with a TV and prioritaire stamp generally arrive the following When sending official correspondence, such who pay the taxe d’habitation. Those who day. La Poste has 17,000 points de contact as cancelling contracts or dealing with official watch TV on a computer do not pay. including 9,254 post offices and 7,829 local bodies, using recorded delivery is sometimes a All French digital terrestrial (TNT) TV offices and relais poste with shopkeepers. contractual obligation and is often highly channels are now in HD and digital and satellite Opening times vary, but they are usually recommended. If the postman (facteur) cannot TV has been gaining ground, with many people open on Saturday mornings with smaller ones deliver a registered letter or parcel, a note (avis receiving TV, often with some English-language shut for lunch (Mon-Friday). There is no letter de passage) is left to say it can be picked up at a channels, as part of an internet triple-play delivery on Sundays but Sunday parcel delivery post office within the next 15 days. package, either by ADSL broadband or by has been started in several large cities. Post boxes are yellow and personal mailboxes optical fibre. There are numerous tariffs and delivery must conform to an approved type with the There are many different operators for this, speeds. These include: addressee’s name (and anyone else who would led by Orange and in paying TV the market Prioritaire (next-day delivery): €0.95 for 20g receive mail, or even an association). leader Canal+/Canalsat is coming under Lettre verte (two days): from €0.80 Mail can be redirected to another French pressure from both beIN Sports and SFR. Ecopli (four days): from €0.78 address (Réexpédition) for €51.50 a year or to Satellite has many original language films and Mail to the UK and EU countries is €1.20. the UK for €141. foreign stations, including some from the BBC, Prêt-à-Poster pre-stamped envelopes and Like elsewhere, La Poste is open to and ordinary TV channels can have programmes ready-made parcel boxes can be bought at post competition and there are several rivals. in English as many French people also like to watch TV in its original version. Many channels have a multi-langue option. Films are always, if not originally in French, dubbed into French. Water and sewerage Meanwhile, online streaming Video on Demand services, such as Netflix, Canalplay Water is supplied either by the locality from invoiced annually or semi-annually and the and Zive are also popular. its own resources, or by a private water firm tax authority may act as collecting agent for a Local French TV news is available on France retained by the commune. This means prices locality. 3, which has stations in each region. can vary between different communes for The invoice also contains, in areas where Radio is mainly on FM as plans for digital what is essentially the same product – although there is a sewerage system, a charge for waste radio using the DAB+ standard have been hit much of France pays less than €3/m3 some can disposal. However, not all properties are by delays. However, 2018 should see some pay as much as €6/m3. connected to public sewers and many people advances with the speed-up of DAB+ services Despite the fact people have a long-standing have to use – or, when redeveloping a property, in major cities and main roads. habit of drinking bottled mineral water in have to install – a fosse septique or septic tank. Many national stations cover most music, chat France, tap water is clean and safe to drink, and These must meet certain standards and are and intellectual needs, plus classical music a lot more environmentally friendly. subject to checks by a body called SPANC. stations. Average household water consumption is A certificate of conformity must be included Local stations offer good coverage of local 40m3 per year per person and the average in property sales documents. news. France has no dedicated English-language person using 16 litres a day. Domestic use Water leaks on the consumer’s side of the FM radio station, partly due to the legal represents 33% of the 33.5billion cubic metres meter are the consumer’s problem – and may obligation for private radio stations to dedicate of water abstracted every year and drinking become costly. 40% of their playlists to French music. water makes up almost 18%. In most areas it is rare to have hosepipe bans, Visitors to the Côte d’Azur may be familiar All domestic supplies are metered and although this happens in drought conditions with Riviera Radio, an English-language station charges vary substantially. Water is usually as has been the case over the past year. broadcast from Monaco.

64 u Moving to France Guide 2018 banking i money

5 MONEY Opening a bank account Account, cheques, cards and paperwork Opening a bank account is one of the first tion to your account. Banks are often closed by Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne. things you need to do if you buy or rent a on Mondays, but open on Saturday mornings. The latter two and the Crédit Agricole run along property in France, or plan to work here. If you are moving from the UK, you will regional lines. The largest in terms of branches, The good news is that French banks are probably want to keep a UK bank account. It however, is La Banque Postale, which operates regarded as safe, passing European Central is also possible to open a UK account from through 10,000 post offices or – for simple Bank ‘stress tests’ evaluating their vulnerabili- France with half a dozen leading UK banks, matters like depositing and withdrawing cash ty in case of economic crises. Also unless you though this may be only of a basic, no-frills – at 7,000 ‘relay points’ in local shops. It has a live somewhere very remote, high street banks kind. Note that all overseas accounts used in a reputation for reasonable fees, though busy are widely accessible and staff are usually calendar year must be declared as part of your branches and queues can be a drawback. helpful. However in the internet age, they have annual French tax return. There can be large Internet banks tend to be cheap and may offer often reduced the number of tellers. Some fines if you are found not to have done this. better rates on savings. Pure internet banks banks have also been reducing their cash A current account is a compte courant or include Boursorama Banque, ING Direct, points recently since more payments are being compte chèques. Banks also sell a range of Fortuneo Banque, and Monabanq. Ones with made by card, especially contactless ones. investment, insurance and other services. close links to high street banks also operate, as You are likely to pay fees for banking services All bank account holders receive handy well as ones run by insurance companies. and increasingly that includes one just for hold- Relevés d’Identité Bancaire (RIBs), print-outs Traditional banks also have online facilities. ing an account – frais de tenue de compte. Other of your bank details (there are also some in Orange has started its own bank which can fees include ones for having a cash card, replac- chequebooks) that you need for formalities. be opened and run from your smartphone. ing one, withdrawing money from a different It is straightforward to open an account, Orange Bank includes all the usual features, bank, or making a transfer (some accounts though do be prepared to sign or initial a pile including a card and authorised overdraft and offer packages at a monthly fixed rate). of paperwork. You will need photo ID such as the possibility of having a savings account Costs of high street banking have generally a passport, and proof of address such as a with interest. In 2018 Orange states it will also been rising in recent years and are on average utility bill less than three months old, a tax start offering consumer loans and mortgages. around €200/year. Rules require them to pub- bill, house deeds or rental agreement. If you AXA Banque says its free online service Soon licise the cost of 10 common transactions and are in the middle of a move, you can get an (soon.fr) is especially suitable for people run- while those charges rise with inflation the attestation from the notaire. ning small businesses (who are required to costs of other, unpublicised, charges have If you are not a French tax resident you can have a dedicated account for work). It can be tended to rise more. However the law makes it open a compte non-résident. managed on a smartphone app and has no fees relatively easy to compare banks and they French bank accounts typically come with a for everyday transactions or for having a card. have to use the same expressions to refer to debit card, known as a Carte Bleue, which are Most large banks have UK branches and services and charges. An official comparison widely used across France. Cheques are also some UK ones operate in France. Although, as site including about 150 banks is available at still used regularly. Note that a chèque bancaire their approach is not necessarily more ‘British’ tarifs-bancaires.gouv.fr is an ordinary cheque as opposed to a chèque than other French banks, it is not essential for Internet banking is inexpensive but even de banque - a banker’s draft. expatriates to go out of their way to use a with a high street account it is possible to Big high street names include BNP Paribas, British bank, some have English-speaking avoid charges mounting up by paying atten- Crédit Agricole and Société Générale, followed staff, particularly in areas popular with expats.

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Moving to France Guide 2018 u 65 money i savings Savings accounts France has various types of savings account households and on going to press was only availa- (comptes d’épargne). Basic ones with income tax and ble to those whose taxable income (revenu fiscal de Connexion tipS social charges payable on the (usually low) interest, référence) for 2015 (on their 2016 tax statement) Compte-Nickel is a popular are called livret d’épargne classique, while ones known was no more than 19,275 for a single person or no-frills, low-cost deposit as super livrets, offer attractive starting rates but 29,567 for a couple. It offers a tax-free rate of account which may be ideal which typically drop after an initial period (the high 1.25% with a ceiling of 7,700. The LEP can run for second homeowners or rate may also sometimes be dependent on maintain- alongside a Livret A but is for French residents anyone wanting straightforward ing a certain account balance for a set period). Some only. A person may only hold one such account, banking. Available at certain other types of account benefit from interest free of and there is a limit of two per household. tabacs (shops selling social charges and/or income tax but have ceilings on cigarettes, stamps etc), it deposits. The term livret, meaning a savings book, Plan Epargne Logement is open to everyone over 12 dates from the days when accounts came with a People who want to save to buy a home can who has a French address and EU passport. The account manually-updated booklet showing sums deposited. look at the long-term Plan Epargne Logement cannot become overdrawn which allows you on closing it, to obtain a loan for and includes internet banking Livret A a home purchase at in theory a favourable rate and a Mastercard debit card. THESE are a popular way to save because they are (though there may be no particular advantage at Accounts can be opened in tax and social charges free even though they have times when rates are generally low) and with a minutes with proof of ID and a lost part of their appeal as interest rates have state grant of up to 1,525 (based on a percentage mobile phone number. The only dropped – they are currently 0.75%. of the accrued interest). charge is an annual €20 fee. The government-set interest rate may be revised The initial deposit is 225, you must pay in at See compte-nickel.fr using a formula as a guide, usually in February and least 540/year, and total deposits are limited to A similar option is Anytime August. Each person, including children and 61,200. Unlike, eg. a Livret A, the starting inter- (anyti.me), which also offers non-residents, can hold one Livret A account and est rate continues for the life of the account. a debit card but is managed the maximum deposit is currently 22,950. You can There are penalties if you withdraw money in the entirely over the internet. withdraw up to 500 from cash machines (800 first four years (and this also triggers the closure of It offers both personal over the counter) per seven-day period. With inter- the account) and you cannot pay in after 10, though and business accounts. net banking you may also move money between a interest is paid at the same rate for a further five Supermarket chain Carrefour also now offers C-zam, another Livret A and other accounts with the same bank. years before the PEL switches to a standard taxable cheap online bank account, saving account. However the interest rate has which you can open at stores or dropped over the years, being currently just 1%. online at compteczam.fr Livret de développement There is also an account called a Compte Epargne durable et solidaire Logement which has similar advantages to the PEL If you go overdrawn you are ‘in Similar to the Livret A, it has a minimum and which allows withdrawals at any time, however the red’. However, if you are in  credit, you are not ‘in the black’ deposit of €15 and a limit of 12,000 with tax- its interest rate is just 0.5%. You can only deposit up but ‘dans le vert’ (in the green). free interest of 0.75%. It is not available to non- to 15,300. You may have both a PEL and a CEL if residents. You may have one of these as well as a they are held with the same bank. Any two people may open a Livret A. Unlike the other kinds of account mentioned joint account. For a married above, a PEL or CEL are subject to social charges on couple there are two options: the interest (but not income tax). “M ou Mme X” – a compte joint, Livret jeune or “M et Mme X” – a compte FOR 12-25-year-olds. Interest rates are set by par- collectif. The latter requires ticipating banks but must be equal to or exceed that Shares accounts both signatures for a cheque to of the Livret A. The maximum deposit is 1,600. There are two main accounts for holding a be valid and it may be frozen on share portfolio, the Plan Epargne en Actions, which the death of one holder and it Livret D’Epargne Populaire has tax advantages but is limited to European can take months to unblock. This savings scheme is aimed at low-income shares, and the Compte Titres. Protection for your money Law on expat accounts European rules require banks part of the same group. A LAW is in force since 2016 oblig- Not every bank in a given country to have deposit guarantees of at least A higher level of 500,000 is in ing UK banks to offer basic accounts must comply, but UK ones include: 100,000 per customer, and if a place to protect ‘exceptional and to anyone within the EU, regardless Barclays, Clydesdale and Yorkshire French bank was to fail, the Fonds temporary deposits’ in the last of where they live. Banks, Co-operative Bank, HSBC, de Garantie des Dépôts guarantees three months, such as if you had The UK Payment Accounts Regu Lloyds Banking Group (including to refund savings up to that limit. just sold a house and had a large lations 2015 removed discrimina- Halifax and Bank of Scotland), However, any savings above that sum in your account due to this. tion ‘against consumers legally resi- Nationwide, Royal Bank of Scotland would be lost until the end of The main guarantee relates to dent in the EU’. This was the UK’s (including NatWest and Ulster the liquidation process – and as savings and current accounts; there response to an EU directive. Bank), Santander and TSB. bank customers are considered are others for shares and for money The law also set swift deadlines The UK’s Money Advice Service low priority creditors, there is little held in assurance vie policies, both for switching accounts to banks in says “you can usually apply for a chance of further reimbursement. with ceilings of 70,000. other EU countries and aimed to basic account in person, by post, by The deposits are covered per The UK has an equivalent com- clarify the criteria and definitions of phone or online”. ID and proof of bank, per depositor so couples with pensation scheme which guaran- accounts and services to help peo- address may need to be sent by post joint accounts will have 200,000. tees savings up to £85,000 per per- ple understand what they are com- if applying online. Basic accounts The ceiling also applies to son (or a million pounds for ‘tem- paring when looking at different do not include savings ones and do accounts held with banks that are porary high balances’). accounts from different banks. not have an authorised overdraft.

66 u Moving to France Guide 2018 INSURANCE (1) Protecting what’s yours

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(1) Non life insurance provided by Pacifica for property and belongings held in France, life insurance provided by Predica for residents in France only. Companies regulated by the insurance code, subsidiaries of Credit Agricole Insurances. The events guaranteed and the conditions figure in the contract. The insurance contracts and their options are provided by PACIFICA, the insurance company, subsidiary of Crédit Agricole SA. PACIFICA: Company regulated by the «Code des Assurances». Limited company with a consolidated capital of 252,432,825€ untied funds. Head office: 8-10 boulevard de Vaugirard - 75724 Paris cedex 15.352 358 865 RCS Paris. The events guaranteed and the conditons figure in the contract. (2) A loan is a commitment and must be repaid. Check your ability to repay the loan before making the commitment. *Free access by internet (excluding fees charged by your own service provider) Local costs apply when phoning within France from a fixed line. CheckONE with your serviceSTOP provider when SOLUTION calling from abroad. CA Britline is a branch of the Caisse Régionale de Crédit Agricole Mutuelwww.britline.com* de Normandie - Head Office: 15, esplanade Brillaud-de-Laujardière - CS 25014 - 14050 CAEN CEDEX 4 - Cooperative company with variable capital, registered as a credit company - 478 834 930 RCS Caen - Insurance brokerage company registered under matricule Nr 07 022 868. CA Britline is a member of the Guaranteed Fund for deposits, the Guarantee of Investors warranties, and Guaranteed Fund for investors. CA Britline is controlled by L’Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution: 61 rue Taitbout - 75436 Paris Cedex 09. money i assurance vie

France’s favourite way to save

When it comes to savings, a very popular option in on your tolerance for investment volatility, from non-relatives are taxed at 60% with virtually France is an investment structure called assurance low risk to more dynamic, or a mix in order to no allowance. vie (AV). While this literally means life assurance, the achieve a balance. Note, however, that money paid into an AV, literal life assurance element of most policies is mini- It is also possible, with some AV providers, to after the age of 70, is subject to inheritance tax mal, the AV is merely a ‘wrapper’ for holding chosen appoint a stockbroker or fund manager (creating after e30,500 for the whole estate (so not per funds which allows you to reduce or eliminate tax. your own private fund) allowing them to trade beneficiary) at rates depending on the relation- The investment is whatever you put inside the AV stocks, bonds, futures, investment trusts or what- ship of the beneficiary to the deceased. This is to – in theory almost anything. ever is within the mandate given. avoid people making excessive use of the policies As well as potential returns often being signifi- to avoid inheritance tax being payable. cantly better than alternatives there is no ceiling as What about tax? Money in a normal savings account, in com- to how much you can put into an AV, compared to a Generally, income tax is only payable on parison, is subject to inheritance tax under the limit of e22,950 for a Livret A (see page 66). an AV when money is taken out, permitting it to usual rules. There are inheritance tax advantages, especially if accumulate gains tax-free. When you take money you have complicated family circumstances, but the out, much of the withdrawal (especially in the Fees main reason people use them is to reduce tax affect- early years) is deemed as return of your own V arious fees can be levied, the most coming them while they are alive, such as income tax. money and so is not taxable. This therefore can mon being the frais sur versement (or d’entrée) – AVs can be taken out via intermediaries such as have a positive impact on reducing your income the insurer takes a fee each time money is put on banks, insurance companies or financial advisers. tax bill. Naturally if the amount that is assessable the policy. Variable from 0-5%. There may also They can be either French-based, or based in anoth- to tax is reduced, so is the amount assessable to be fixed frais de dossier when you open the AV. It er country (Luxembourg is often used) though in CSG (social charges), which is applied to invest- is worth comparing providers. Generally, you get the latter case it is best to use a provider with a ‘fis- ment income at a rate which rises from of 15.5% what you pay for but if you are paying significant cal representative’, appointed to liaise with the to 17.2% from January 1, 2018. fees you need to understand why. French tax authorities. A French authorised adviser On going to press, if you make withdrawals will easily be able to tell you if your investment is after eight years there is a tax allowance on any Access to your money compliant in France. gains of e4,600 for a single person or e9,200 for usually, you can access your money whenever a couple. After this sums can either be integrated you wish. In many countries exit fees are applied What can it be invested in? into other household income for tax declaration but this is rare for French investments. The valeur The most popular fund within an AV is a or you can opt for a deduction at source, which is de rachat represents the money available to you to fonds en euros – ‘fund in euros’. It is guaranteed so just 7.5% after eight years, as opposed to 15% take out. S ome contracts also allow the possibility the value never falls and generally these must pay from four to eight and 35% before that. of turning all or part of the contract into a life- a minimum amount each year, normally higher These rules are however changing in 2018 with time income (rente viagère). than bank interest. It then pays a bonus once a regard to new deposits. A new ‘flat tax’ rate of year, which once added may not be removed. 30% combined tax and social charges will apply Who might an AV suit? The returns (around 2%) are not necessarily instead to withdrawals before eight years and also Anyone with money to invest, living in exciting, due to the significant guarantees, but are to withdrawals after eight years in the case of France may use an AV, although which one will often higher than deposit-based savings. Despite those investing e150,000 or more. suit you depends on your situation and needs. some fears that returns on them may drop fur- An assurance vie is rarely invested in cash so is ther in coming years, experts say they remain a What about inheritance? not to be used for emergency money. The Livret A safe bet if you are risk-averse. A n AV is a good way to leave money, especially to has the benefit of simplicity, being tax and social Nearly all French-compliant av structures will people who would otherwise have to pay high charge free, and quick to access, so people are often have a version of this. The main difference with rates of inheritance tax, such as stepchildren, as it advised to place money in these up to the limit the fonds en euros, compared to another, is that is outside of the estate and not subject to the usual allowed and then to consider an AV, which is best the social charges are payable on the profits on an inheritance rules. AV is exempt from any inher- suited to longer-term savers. annual basis, even if no withdrawals are made. itance tax below certain ceilings. This does not mean that it is assessable to a tax E ach beneficiary has an allowance of e152,500, Choosing an AV that other funds are not; it just means that using so the more people you leave money to, the more Issues to bear in mind include whether regu- this fund the charges cannot be deferred. will be inheritance tax free – for example, five lar payments are required; choice of funds – in Other fund options are mostly linked to the beneficiaries with equal shares means a tax free case your needs change; fees, especially frais stock market in some way (so normally come sum of e762,500. Above e152,500, per benefi- d’entrée; where funds are based; what happens if with no guarantees) called unités de compte. ciary, up to e700,000 of taxable income (after the you leave France; and does the provider offer any A common approach to investing in these standard inheritance tax allowance) tax is 20%, support on issues such as declarations for tax or funds is to choose a profile (fonds profilés), based and beyond this 31.25%. By comparison, gifts to the effects of French marriage regimes.

68 u Moving to France Guide 2018 Making your savings work for you.

With bank-beating exchange rates*, we’ll make sure you get the most out of your savings when sending your money abroad.

Whether you’re buying foreign property, transferring a pension overseas or moving money home, we’re here to make sure you always get a great deal.

+33 (0) 422 326 240 [email protected] currenciesdirect.com/theconnexion

*Fees and exchange rate data for banks taken from the International Money Transfer Index™ (IMTI™).

© Currencies Direct Ltd, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AA, United Kingdom. Registered in England & Wales, No.: 03041197. Currencies Direct Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority as an Electronic Money Institution under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011. Our FCA Firm Reference number is 900669. FR17597EN

FR17597EN - Connexion back cover advert v2.indd 1 03/01/2018 17:04 money i banking

Cheques and cards Useful vocabulary Cheques are increasingly being supersed- ing and withdrawal limit and are relatively Compte non-résident – A French bank ed by bank cards so some firms no longer secure. New ones (with a ‘waves’ symbol) usu- account for those who do not live in France accept them or set a minimum value. There are ally have the option to use them for ‘contactless’ Compte courant/d’épargne– current no cheque cards but shops usually demand payments and the maximum payment level account/savings account e e photo ID such as a passport or driving licence. recently rose from 20 to 30 for new cards Virement permanent – a standing order If you write a cheque you should ensure you Certain banks now have new ways of author- Prélèvement automatique – a direct debit have the funds to cover it. Bank accounts ising a cash machine withdrawal via internet or should not be allowed to go overdrawn unless using smartphone apps instead of a card. Relevé d’Identité Bancaire (RIB) – a piece of by prior arrangement (see below). As long you Apps for paying using smartphones exist (eg. paper containing your bank details stay in credit, no charge is made for cheques or Apple Pay, Lyf Pay, Lydia, and Paylib) but are Un banquier – a banker or bank manager for processing them for personal accounts. only acceptable in a limited number of shops. (the latter is also directeur de banque) Post-dated cheques are illegal and if you are Un conseiller – your personal advisor asked to pay for something with multiple When buying online, security procedures Relevé de compte – bank statement cheques with the same date on the promise that vary by card issuer. Some ask for passwords, Découvert – authorised overdraft they will not be cashed until agreed dates, bear others send a text message to your mobile in mind that the bank is obliged to honour phone with a code to be used. This is the bank’s Dépassement – unauthorised overdraft them all if they are presented at once. checking procedure, not the website’s. Frais bancaires – bank charges Paying in a foreign cheque can involve delays If you use a French account to withdraw and charges. To transfer money to or from a euros from a cash machine elsewhere in the bank abroad, arrange an inter-bank transfer euro zone there is no extra commission charge In distance selling, where the card itself is not (virement bancaire) or speak to a currency if you use a bank in the same network and used, bank customers should be reimbursed in exchange specialist, which is often cheaper. providing your card is authorised for interna- case of a fraud. The same applies for a lost or Larger transactions can be made by banker’s tional use. If you use a card outside the euro stolen card (with a possible excess of up to draft (chèque de banque) or bank-certified zone you will have to pay a fee and may get a e150) – unless you were negligent. cheque (chèque certifié), for which charges are weaker exchange rate. Moneo debit cards can be ‘loaded’ with credit made. Unless you request a credit card, bank Internet or telephone credit card transactions and used for small purchases. cards are usually debit cards. Cartes à débit in France are usually secure, however for some Banks were ordered to slash the fees they levy différé make automatic payments but only debit online purchases you may instead click to pay on retailers for card payments which cause your account at the end of the month. by secure payment service Paylib, which has many smaller shops to accept them only for Cards generally come with an upper spend- been described as a kind of French PayPal. higher sums. Overdrafts Problems? French banks all offer agreed overdraft facil- In general, using an overdraft is linked to inter- Any problems should, first, be taken ities – un découvert – but they are typically more est payments on the basis of an annual percentage up with your conseiller (advisor), if you cautious than UK banks and agreed limits are of- rate, on a pro-rata basis. have one. If this brings no solutions then ten smaller. French overdrafts can be inexpensive if it is a contact the customer relations depart- French banks are not obliged to offer overdrafts small sum, compared to certain UK ones with a ment by sending a lettre recommandée and may restrict this to just a few hundred eu- fixed daily fee. avec avis de réception – a recorded deliv- ros. In practice, however, as long as you have a Overdrafts are intended to be used for less than ery letter. If problems cannot be resolved, stable income going into the account, your bank three months – one that lasts longer would be ex- each bank has an independent mediator is likely to offer one. A découvert is different to a ceptional and the bank should offer a formal loan whose details are given on your account dépassement, or an unauthorised overdraft. instead. If you do go over an agreed overdraft lim- documents. This is free. The mediator The right to be overdrawn should be stipulated it, expect to face penalty fees at a higher rate. has two months to make their report on in a written contract and will be limited to a cer- Penalties may not exceed €8 per transaction, or each matter and banks usually follow tain number of days per month, quarter or year. €80 per month. their advice.

70 u Moving to France Guide 2018 currency exchange i money Currency exchange Sending money between countries

THE YEAR 2017 while less dramatic than 2016 still saw major movement in the pound to Transferring money via your UK bank euro rate, often linked to perceived progress or otherwise in the Brexit talks, and we can expect will hinge on what happens in the ‘second income drop of nearly a third. much the same in 2018. phase’ of the talks. The lesson to learn is to be prepared. Even Its outlook remains uncertain and likely to be Investors see the prospect of a ‘cliff-edge small increases or drops in the value of the again affected by the negotiations, especially if Brexit’ as bad news for the pound, however if pound against the euro translate into significant there are indications that the UK and EU are the exit deal is wrapped up and an agreement wins or losses when moving large sums. moving towards a mutually satisfactory deal or is made on a ‘transition period’ the opposite Many expats who move to France have on the contrary if there are renewed fears the effect is predictable. sterling investments and accounts in the UK or UK will crash out with nothing in 2019. All this means it is important to keep an eye continue to receive income from there, such as During 2017 the calling of the snap general on what the currencies are doing, and to plan state or work pensions or rental income. election saw the pound’s value reach the year’s carefully if you have major expenses coming Whether it is a matter of regular payments – highs of just under €1.20 to the pound, but the up involving transferring money. for example transferring your pension or poor result for the Conservatives, left weakened However, currency fluctuations are nothing paying a mortgage – or needing a lump sum to with a reduced majority, saw it slump. new to Britons in France. They had been used buy a house, you need the most cost-effective It then proceeded to drop ever lower as, in to levels of €1.40-€1.50 to the pound until the way to transfer money to and from France. the late summer, the talks seemed to drag on economic crisis sent the value plummeting, While arranging a transfer with your bank with little progress on crucial issues such as reaching almost parity with the euro in 2008 might seem the simplest option, it is not what Britain is willing to pay for the ‘exit bill’. and leaving many expat pensioners with an necessarily the cheapest, so we recommend The pound to euro rate hit a low of around shopping around, especially before making a €1.08 in late August before Theresa May’s transfer of a large sum such as the deposit – speech in Florence which commentators then Arranging a bank and then balance – for a house purchase. The deemed to have improved the atmosphere and transfer might seem same applies for regular ongoing transfers, like which helped fend off fears of ‘no deal’. your British pension or mortgage payments. At the end of 2017 indications of some the simplest option, When moving money, costs fall into two progress on the money aspect saw a rise to over but it is not necessarily main categories: charges and the exchange rate €1.13, which was, however, well down on €1.17 and you should examine both. A variety of FR17600EN - Connexion banner v2.pdf 1 10/01/2018 15:51 at the start of the year. Moving forward much the cheapest charges can apply, both for the sender and the

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Moving to France Guide 2018 u 71 MONEY i CURRENCY EXCHANGE Pension direct payments

Some people choose to have a pension paid directly from the provider into their French bank account. This is possible whatever kind of pension is involved whether state, work or private. Financial adviser Michael Annett said: “If a pensioner asks for the payments to be made by their pension company in euros, the company may not want to assume the costs of the currency exchange, but if the pensioner simply provides their French bank account details as the receiving account, then the payment is made by the Photo: CRT Bretagne/Jean-Patrick Gratien Bretagne/Jean-Patrick CRT Photo: pension company in pounds and the recipient. Different providers levy a variety of there is no fee for Halifax, Lloyds or Bank of exchange occurs automatically in the charges and fees so it may not be immediately Scotland ‘basic account’ customers sending banking system and usually no transfer clear how much the transfer will cost. money within the EU (‘basic’ accounts are ‘no fees or commission is involved. Beware ‘hidden’ charges where some frills’ ones which people resident outside the “What’s more, the general rule is that if companies state they are commission-free but UK in the EU have the right to set up). a French bank receives regular pension offer an inferior exchange rate, which can Depending on the bank, they may levy a income directly from the payer of that result in you getting fewer euros for your commission (up to 2% of the amount) for pension, then they do not normally pound. The main question to ask when international transfers and/or a transfer charge. charge receipt fees [although you should organising a transfer is: “How many euros will The bank sending the money will apply its double-check your bank’s policy on this] I get for my pounds, after all charges?” own exchange rate if you request to send a sum but the pension payment has to be made Practical issues also come into play such as of money in euros. Depending on where you by the payer of the pension to qualify for the speed of the service, how easy and are sending the money there can also be up to that exemption.” convenient it is, whether you can do it all another 0.5% bank receiving fees, charged by Mr Annett said that this is often a online, safeguards, and whether the method is the bank in France receiving the money. These simple and cost-effective option for the suited to regular payments or one-offs. fees are also called beneficiaries’ fees in the case specific case of regular pension income You can arrange transfers to France via your where you are sending money to a third party although, of course, you would still need British bank, just as you can ask your French as opposed to your own French account – ie. to check the exchange rate used. bank to move euros to the UK. Most people go they are levied by the bank of the person into for this option for transfers. To do this, you whose account the money is arriving. need the BIC and IBAN numbers of your In some cases, where you are paying a third French account, which are printed on your party and you do not want them to have any relevés d’identité bancaire (RIBs). Depending beneficiaries’ fees, you can arrange that the fee q&a What is peer-to-peer on the bank’s policies, you can arrange the charged to you by the sending bank will cover currency exchange and how do I know transfer by telephone, internet or in person. this. A typical case would be when making a it is a safe way to transfer money? For payments to a euro zone country like transfer to the bank account of a family It is a relatively new, internet-based France, if the payment is in euros (i.e. rather member, said financial adviser Michael Annett method of currency exchange. Peer-to- than in pounds, with the exchange applied at of Pelican Consulting. He added that French peer exchange firms cut out banks and the receiving end) customers of UK banks are banks typically levy a fee for receiving a foreign brokers by connecting people looking now invited to use a SEPA (Single European transfer apart from where they are receiving to buy each other’s currencies. Lower fees and an official ‘mid-market’ rate of Payment Area) transfer, which is fast, with regular pension payments directly from the exchange mean it can be a good option guaranteed next day delivery into the receiving pension provider (ie. not passing through the when exchanging smaller amounts. account (unless sent after a designated cut-off pension holder’s bank account in the UK). time in the afternoon, UK time). EU rules say There can be exceptions to the rule depending Some firms offer incentives for referrals to friends and family – for example, for receiving banks should only apply such charges on the bank, he said, such as for transfers of every three invited friends who make a as would apply inside the country itself. very large sums or in the case of certain transfer over £200, you might get £50. Policies on international transfers vary in international banking groups where they are terms of fees and limits. Barclays for example, transferring to a French branch. You should check any companies you allows transfers of up to £50,000 online a day Banks may offer an exchange rate that is use are authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, with passporting for ordinary account holders which is now free significantly poorer than the interbank rate rights across the EEA. They should use for a SEPA transfer in the EU (but you pay £15 (the rate you see quoted in the press) and trusted bank accounts and banking to arrange a transfer over the phone). Halifax which they usually set at the start of each day. partners for any transfers and keep will let you send up to £100,000 a day online, at They set their rate at a level to ensure that customer money separately from their a fee of £9.50 for ordinary current account exchange rate fluctuations that may occur own ring-fenced operational accounts. holders (but only £5,000 by telephone) but during the day will be accommodated for.

72 u Moving to France Guide 2018

Using a currency transfer specialist Who are they and how can they help? Checking credentials

Yuo should do some research before choosing a currency firm. Here are some points to bear in mind. Several firms regularly advertise in The Connexion.

n Money transfer bodies in the UK have to be FCA-registered. You can check which ones are fully approved at www.fsa.gov.uk/register/ Larger ones are called an “authorised payment institution” and smaller ones are listed as a “small payment institution.” The larger ones must safeguard your

Photo: Pixabay Photo: money – that is, they must keep it Using a currency exchange company can be the best choice for international payments – separate from their own funds, so that a cost-effective alternative to a bank transfer. whether these are small or large transfers, or if the firm goes bankrupt your money Advantages may include cheaper transfers one-off or regular payments. Our expertise would be safe. Small payment institutions and the option to set up regular payment helps you maximise how much currency may also choose to safeguard schemes, sometimes with “locked in” agreed arrives overseas.” customers’ funds. exchange rates. To make use of a currency specialist you need Being authorised means the firm has People will generally think of using one of to have bank accounts in both countries. An agreed to abide by an EU directive on these firms when they want to transfer larger agreement is made – eg. via the specialist’s their terms of business, including amounts, said Mark Bodega, a director of website – for the transfer of a given sum at a obligations to provide certain information HiFX, one of the larger currency specialists. given rate, the client then transfers the money to customers before they commit to They can help with transfers in both to the specialist, who transfers it to the client’s using the service. This includes whether directions between France and the UK. bank in France. They can also transfer from they safeguard the money, exchange “Traditionally people will use a firm like your UK account to other third parties as long rates and details of any charges, how the ours on occasions like buying a property in as they have a destination bank account. transaction is carried out and how long France or when transferring larger sums of There are no charges directly levied by most the money will take to arrive where it is £5,000 or more,” he said. However people are of the larger currency specialists as any going, how long they will take to correct increasingly using such firms to save time and commission charges, transfer fees or bank a transaction in the event of a mistake money on smaller transfers too. receiving fees involved are paid by them. and your rights to cancel a transaction. How much you can transfer varies The firm is able to make money based on depending on the firm, for example HiFX the fact they receive a more favourable n Do they have direct access to SWIFT? allows people to transfer from £50 to exchange rate in the currency markets than This is the world’s largest payments £300,000 online at rates that update every an individual does and they share the benefits and settlements network for domestic few seconds according to market trends. of this with you. and international trades. Direct access Mr Bodega said: “People use currency Mr Bodega said: “The banks’ spread on the ensures the client benefits from faster transfer companies for a variety of reasons – exchange rate – ie. the difference between the payments and enhanced security. they may use them for regular payments, such price they buy foreign currency at compared as paying monthly mortgage payments, to what they sell it to you at – is so wide that n Are they members of any industry transferring pensions from the UK to France, we can afford to offer a better exchange rate bodies? repatriating rental income or being paid a and include all the fees within that, because n Are they trusted by corporate clients as salary in the UK and transferring that to currency is all we do. We don’t avoid those well as private ones? France. Ad hoc payments might include charges – we have to pay them.” topping up a French bank account, Where a fixed rate has not been agreed, n Can you obtain written or verbal maintenance money to cover bills for a currency firms calculate exchange rates with testimonials from satisfied customers? property in France etc.” reference to the actual interbank rate at the Pippa Maile, head of the France team for time of exchange, he said, as opposed to the n Do they have a minimum value for the another firm, Currencies Direct, said: banks’ system of setting a rate at the start of sums you can transfer? “Currency exchange is our core business - each day. He said this could help them to set we’re here to make money transfer abroad more favourable levels because they do not n Do they offer an online service? simple. Currency exchange companies offer have to factor in possible fluctuations.

74 u Moving to France Guide 2018 transfers i money Avoid cash machines

Experts recommend you avoid what bank cards from British banks for payments in might seem the simplest way of getting money France, which can avoid or reduce high bank from your UK bank while in France – taking machine fees, card use fees and poor exchange money out of a French bank machine using a rates associated with using ordinary UK credit British card or using such a card to make or debit cards. payments in France. ‘Prepaid cards’ are another option – allowing You will be charged cash machine withdrawal you to load the card with a set amount of euros fees or payment fees and may receive a poorer so avoiding cash machine fees. You also tend than usual exchange rate. It is often better to to get a better exchange rate than if exchanging arrange a transfer and then take euros from cash and you can top up the card in France by your French bank account. Of course, this is telephone or internet. unavoidable if you’ve just moved here and are Generally, however, these options are more waiting a few days for your account to be set up. suited to visitors or holiday home owners than

Photo: Coenen/Wikipedia Photo: Some Britons opt for specialised ‘overseas’ to permanent residents. Regular payments

T he larger, more established currency over £300 in bank charges and fees to receive make the transfer each month, but those who companies run regular payment services to their pension abroad. are on tight budgets often prefer the peace of enable Britons living in France to manage Regular payment plans allow customers, if mind of this fixed rate.” their currency payments via direct debit and they wish, to fix or ‘lock in’ an exchange rate, A regular payment plan is set up for between protect themselves against currency typically for up to 12 months. six months and two years and operates by fluctuation by arranging a payment plan with This protects you from negative exchange direct debit – it happens automatically. a fixed exchange rate. Banks typically do not rate fluctuations. When you set it up you make a contract that offer regular payment plans. Mr Bodega of HiFX said: “People living on you will use the service for the term agreed. Currency specialists HiFX say each month, pensions or with tight budgets don’t like the You can then arrange a new fixed period the average retiree living abroad who transfers uncertainty of fluctuations. afterwards. their pension from their UK bank is charged “They sit there at the end of every month These plans also make sure you never miss a between £10 and £30 per transfer, depending wondering what their pension is going to be payment when it is due, such as a French on their bank. worth this time. mortgage payment. On top of this many banks outside the UK “Sometimes rates may move in their favour You can arrange for the payments to be levy receiving charges. This means in a typical and sometimes against them, so people who made directly from your UK account via the year pensioners living abroad may be paying can afford to speculate will often just want to currency specialist each month.

One-off currency payments

You can make one-off payments using telephone and ask what the day’s exchange currency specialists once you are registered rate is, to see if it is a good day to make the with them. transfer (or, in an online transaction, you will Registration is free and they will typically see the rate offered before finalising). provide you, as a registered user, with Transfers can be made both from or to the information to help you monitor exchange UK without either French or British bank rates. You can then telephone the firm (or use charges. their online service) to make the transfer. Some firms also offer possibilities of using You have to be properly registered with the the fluctuations of the exchange rates to your firm so they meet regulatory requirements on advantage by either telling a firm to make the money laundering (for example: the account trade when the rate hits a preferred (high) sending the funds must be in your name). level – called a take profit order – or There is no obligation to use the service alternatively to do it if it drops to a certain after registration and you can simply level, to limit losses, called a stop loss order. Photo: StockSnap/Energiepic.com Photo:

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 75 MONEY i CURRENCY q&a Your questions answered Using a crystal ball to predict 2018 exchange rate movements

i PLAN to sell my French property in 2018 hit stumbling blocks the pound’s poor and will need to send the money back to performance is also likely to continue. the UK. What is likely to happen with the All in all, it appears fairly safe to assume EUR/GBP exchange rate? that the EUR/GBP exchange rate will keep strengthening. However, we cannot discount YOU will want the EUR/GBP exchange rate the pound bouncing back in 2018. For one to keep strengthening – and there are a thing, if Brexit negotiations progress couple of reasons why it might. positively, optimism in the UK’s long-term Economic data from the eurozone was fairly economic outlook will improve and give the What are solid in 2017, leading to an pound a boost. For another, increase in the number of the Bank of England might people pushing for the start increasing interest rates. Forward European Central Bank to start Slowing UK inflation tightening monetary policy. If scuppered the odds of the Contracts? it does start winding down its bank adjusting borrowing expansive quantitative easing costs in the short term but its This is a ‘buy now, pay later’ agreement, programme over the next few policy setting committee which allows you to lock in a rate, even if months, the euro is likely to remains divided on the issue. you do not have all the funds available, for surge in response. If the number of policymakers a one-off payment you plan to make in the With President Trump’s plans to ‘make voting for an immediate adjustment rises future. For example: if you know that in a America great again’ failing to get off the then so will the pound. few weeks’ or months’ time you will be ground and US inflation not picking up as There is quite a lot on the horizon, so you selling a property or shares, you can fix much as forecast, the US Federal Reserve may want to discuss options such as forward the rate now for a point in the future. may well reconsider raising borrowing costs. contracts (see left) with a specialist. With It can relate to several payments but it is Such an action would broadly weaken the US information to hand, you can feel more for ad hoc ones unlike with a regular dollar, driving the euro higher in the process. confident knowing you are moving your payment plan. Of course if the UK’s EU exit negotiations money when the timing is right. Should the exchange rate worsen you will not be affected (but if the exchange rate improves, you will not be able to alter the contract either). Forward contracts are one of the The basics of your transfer set-up popular services typically offered by WHAT FACTORS should I be looking at to currency exchange firms. assess the best way to transfer money? You will usually be asked to provide a deposit to secure the contract. You will ONE OF the first things to ask yourself is the be required to send the remaining reason for transferring funds: buying a balance on the agreed pre-determined property, paying bills, sending a pension or

date in the future; however if you need to simply sending funds to friends or relatives? StockSnap/Martin Vorel Photo: extend the date due to unforeseen Then think about the frequency with which circumstances this is often possible you will need to transfer; will it be a one-off (though there may be a, usually moderate, transfer or regular payments? Ask yourself tailored service and competitive rates. fee involved in doing so). when you will need the funds; do you require Once you have chosen your service Some banks also arrange forward the currency for a specific time of the year or provider, you will have to decide the type of contracts for money transfer for their do you have some flexibility? transfer that you will go for. This is where the customers, but this is in some cases Finally, consider personal circumstances initial assessment and the guidance provided limited to people with special accounts that could impact your transfer requirements. by currency experts will help you to find the such as ‘private banking’ ones and is not The next step will then be for you to service most adapted to your needs, as well as generally offered as a standard service by consider your options, which start with the the right time to transfer. And you will often most ‘high street’ banks to current choice of the service provider. The solution have the possibility to choose your transfer account customers. may appear simple – just use your bank? method, such as by phone, online or via a For example, Barclays Private Bank In reality it could actually cost you a lot dedicated mobile transfer app. offers forward contracts of up to 24 more to take that route, as high-street banks In short, making the most of your money months. often offer poor exchange rates and tend to when transferring overseas can simply be charge commissions. Whereas alternatively, achieved by being prepared, staying aware of currency transfer specialists provide a options and obtaining expert guidance.

76 u Moving to France Guide 2018 mortgages i money mortgages The mortgage market, types of loan and how to apply

buyer’s market: financing your purchase DESPITE STERLING’S relative weakness As UK banks will not offer a mortgage income ratio. In the UK, a buyer’s eligibility is against the euro and rising prices in some areas, secured directly against a French property, the determined by a multiple of earnings eg. five good-value property and low mortgage interest first decision for those moving to France is times salary, whereas France limits total annu- rates mean it is still a good time to buy. whether to take a French mortgage, or refi- al loan repayments (taux d’endettement) to With fixed-rate mortgages being offered at nance their UK home as a second mortgage or 33-35% of net household income. This rates below 2% and some as low as 0.76%, the equity release to buy a French home. includes other outstanding loans such as cars, notaires’ profession remains upbeat, stating in If you find yourself with income or debts white goods etc. For retirees moving to France, a recent bulletin that “as long as rates stay low between two currencies you run an exchange there may also be a restriction that the mort- and prices remain reasonable in certain areas risk. Should the value of the pound rise higher gage must be paid by age 75 or 80. and for certain properties the rates will be a against the euro, you could have trouble pay- The margin between fixed-rate and variable stimulus: we are in an optimistic market ing back a UK mortgage. However, should the rate loans (variable rate generally starts lower) where people are saying that they can and euro rise, you may find it easier. has narrowed in recent years and this has should buy while the rates are low and before If you are not buying your French home out- helped to make fixed-rate deals more attrac- prices go up”. right then conditions at the moment make a tive. (This is because variable rate loans are In particular, many rural areas typically pop- French mortgage a good deal. Note that banks often more interesting at times when fixed ular with British buyers still offer great value usually require a deposit of at least 10% of the rates are high, and the borrower hopes to ben- for money especially compared to prices in property’s value (on top of notaire and agency efit from a subsequent drop.) As fixed-rate the UK (The Connexion newspaper’s directory fees) though 100% mortgages are possible if the loans are popular, lenders offer a range of section showcases a selection each month). buyers’ finances are in excellent shape. options but the majority have early-redemp- The year 2017 saw year-on-year volumes of If you already have a bank account here you tion penalties (you could try to have them sales of homes continue to rise, following on could speak to your French bank and take a removed as part of your bank negotiations). from 2016 which already saw the highest mortgage in euros (a crédit or prêt immobili- Fixed-rate deals may therefore come at the number of transactions for 10 years for older er). It has the advantage of working with peo- expense of flexibility. (non new-build) properties. ple who already have an idea of your finances. For variable-rate loans, however, you should The PTZ interest-free loan for first-time buy- Other options include brokers and financi- be aware that the rate shown on loan offers as ers continues to give a boost as, although it was ers who can help with information in English. taux annuel effectif global (TAEG), the reoriented towards new-build a few years ago, Competition between banks and brokers is so-called ‘real’ interest rate of the loan factor- it is also open to eligible buyers of older prop- high and it is worth shopping around. Speak ing in the basic rate plus other borrower’s erties requiring renovation. Initially this was to several mortgage providers, banks or costs, uses in its calculation only the loan just in rural areas, but it now applies every- finance houses or have a broker do this for you. interest rate for a set initial period. It therefore where if the renovation cost is 25% or more of The biggest obstacles to getting a loan are cannot be completely relied on across the the total cost of buying and renovating. France’s debt laws and the allowable loan-to- whole life of the mortgage. Going for brokers BOTH in France and the UK there are brokers They can also highlight international differ- ker has an agreement with as not all brokers specialising in property finance who can pro- ences, such as the charge for frais de dossier will cover every bank. vide information to make your choice of (the cost of preparing the offer). The lender will typically pay a percentage of mortgage easier. Brokers can also give advice on market the mortgage amount to the broker and the Brokers, or courtiers en prêt immobilier, can trends and can react quickly to changes in broker may also charge a fee to the client. find different types of mortgages and give demand and the moods of the banks. You should make sure you know in advance specialist advice on matters such as how the A broker can compare rates of several banks what the broker’s costs will be, how this relates lender wishes to secure the loan. easily. You can ask for a list of banks your bro- to your purchase, and who pays.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 77 money i mortgages Applying for a mortgage

Connexion advisers say you should look may ask for additional ones) are: property loan, but banks can no longer force into organising your mortgage early in the borrowers to take their own insurance con- property search as this will strengthen your n Your last three payslips or proof of pension tracts, although they will not necessarily make hand when it comes to the buying process. income and your last three bank statements it clear to you that you have other options if Getting a mortgage is often a central clause in you do not raise any objection to taking the the compromis de vente (preliminary sale agree- n Your last tax bills one offered by the bank or its partner. ment) and having this available gives peace of If you do opt for the lending bank’s own n mind when you find the right property and is a Identity documents (passport or recently insurance, you have 12 months to change your powerful bargaining tool when it comes to translated birth certificate) mind and find an alternative, more competi- negotiating with the seller. tive, cover elsewhere. Insurance can be can- For the seller, it shows you are a serious buyer n Proof of current residence celled in writing to the insurer or their repre- and that you can move quickly to tie up a sale. (eg. a recent utility bill) sentative, no later than 15 days before the There is no need to tell the seller what level of anniversary of your signing the contract. n borrowing has been agreed, just that you have A completed health questionnaire What is more from January 2018, the law is it in place. improving, so you will now be able to change The lender’s decision-in-principle generally n Plus, later when you come to confirm the your insurance every year, by cancelling with comes with a time limit (usually three months offer, the compromis de vente. two months’ notice before the anniversary but this varies). That being said, the lender date of the contract. You need to identify a knows you now and, if nothing has changed in Bear in mind that if you are self-employed new insurer/policy offer which offers equiva- the market or your finances, should be willing getting a mortgage can be more difficult than lent guarantees to those in your current con- to extend the agreement. for employees, because you are deemed a great- tract (but presumably at a better price...), You can get a rough idea for yourself with er risk. The bank will need reassurance of your obtain written agreement from your bank, the many mortgage calculators available financial stability, for example your business and then give notice in writing. online. Work out what your deposit can be, should have been running for around three Insurance is liable to be higher depending on work out your ability to fund monthly repay- years and the bank will want to see accounting health, eg. if you have weight problems and take ments and work out your best loan length and documents for the two previous years (as well medication for multiple conditions it is likely to the calculator will come up with a maximum as balance sheets for the current year) showing cost more than if you are in perfect health. loan amount possible. it is profitable. If you are a newcomer to France If the bank refuses an alternative policy it Mortgage brokers Meilleurtaux offer a but have been self-employed doing similar must explain why in writing and these reasons ‘barometer’ of typical rates across large areas work abroad that may be acceptable. must show that the proposed contract is not, like ‘south west’ or ‘west’ which confirms that, The sector you are in will also play a role – if in fact, equivalent. Policies should cover you though there are slight regional fluctuations, you are a professionnel libéral in a lucrative sec- in the case of death or injuries preventing you rates are currently competitive: typically tor, one year of activity may be enough, for from working and paying back the loan (be around 1% for 10 years and still well under example, but for some sectors, like being in the aware that definitions of disability and injuries 2% for 25 (www.tinyurl.com/taux-barometer). performing arts, it can be difficult to get a loan may be different from the UK). Rates are open to negotiation – perhaps by at all due to a perception of instability. Formalities for the mortgage will be arranged up to 0.4% – especially if the borrower will The lender will send a contract by post, giv- with the bank by the notaire dealing with the look at transferring their savings accounts and ing the repayment timetable, the interest rate purchase and contained in the sale document. buying the bank’s insurance policies, such as and any penalties for early settlement or I n the worst case scenario, for someone who their multirisques habitation property insur- missed payments. By law you must wait 10 cannot meet the mortgage payments, there is ance or their car insurance. days after the contract arrives before you can no provision in law for the lender to repossess However, debt levels and income are still the respond (the legal period of reflection) but the property and they must ask a court to key assessment criteria. Lenders will look at once you have signed there is no cooling-off order a forced sale by auction, the reserve price your financial profile, the amount of deposit period. If on the 11th day you accept and being fixed at the amount owed to the lender. you have available – this may give access to return the contract signed and dated, then the The borrower may get little or nothing. If the reduced interest rates – and will give an terms are considered agreed and you are firm- borrower is frank and makes an effort to pay, ‘agreement in principle’. ly bound by the contract. banks are usually tolerant of difficult situa- Key documents they will want to see (they It is compulsory to have life insurance for a tions and only seek forced sales as a last resort.

78 u Moving to France Guide 2018 mortgages i money mortgage types MORTGAGE types in France vary from the UK counterparts in various details, however finance houses and banks offer: fixed interest loans, fixed payment loans, variable rate capital and interest loans, capped-rate mortgages, interest-only loans and buy-to-let mortgages. On top of this, for certain age ranges, finance houses may also agree for loans to be repaid on a sliding scale which reduces with time. n Fixed interest rate loans (prêt à taux fixe): From the first day of the loan until the end, you will pay the same sum each month, whether the mortgage period is five years or 30. However: the interest rate is higher than for a variable mortgage and you face a penalty payment called indemnités de remboursement anticipé if you decide to or need to pay off the loan early. A good broker may be able to find a fixed- rate loan offer without penalties but you need containing, for example, a 20% deposit. pushes rental programmes. to be sure the rate is reasonable. Others, called dual phase, will have the inter- Those that do, will impose restrictions such as est-only period set at five years then revert to only lending against a reduced property value n Fixed payment loans a standard capital and interest model. and, even then, offering only 85% of that value. (prêt à mensualités constantes): As is obvious, the capital has to be repaid at Future rental income is only recognised at the Like fixed-rate loans, you always know what some time and, depending on your circum- margins and at much- reduced rates. your repayment rates are going to be; the dif- stances, you may need to sell the property. One finance house only takes into account the ference is you do not know when your repay- Borrowers who have property in the UK or unfurnished, long-term rent that can be ments will end. obtained on a property – even though this is As the interest rate changes, the length of much less than the seasonal weekly rent. your repayment period is extended or reduced Useful to reflect the change while keeping the same n Leaseback mortgages repayment amount. (crédit-bail): The interest rate is lower than for a fixed-in- vocabulary Connexion has seen a number of problems with terest loan and there is no early-redemption Crédit/prêt immobilier: crédit-bail deals where clients buy a property in penalty (frais pour remboursement anticipé). A mortgage a holiday or ski complex which is then managed Taux fixe: by another firm which rents it out on a seasonal n Variable rate loans Fixed rate mortgage basis for a pre-agreed income stream while (prêt à taux variable): Taux variable: allowing the owner some restricted access. These are generally cheaper than fixed-rate Variable rate mortgage Problems can arise if, for example, demand for loans but the gap between these has reduced Taux d’endettement: rentals drops and the firm wants to reduce the as interest rates fell. You should be able to pay Ratio of debt to earnings. Your total debt rents to lure custom, resulting in income levels off the loan without any penalties – although payments cannot exceed 33% of your net that do not cover the mortgage. do double check this is the case. household income In other situations, owners find that they can- Euribor: not gain possession of the property after the n Capped-rate mortgages European interbank lending rate on which initial rental period – usually nine years – as (prêt à taux révisable capé): loan interest is calculated they have entered into a commercial contract for Similar to the above, the capped-rate loan will Taux annuel effectif global (TAEG): the rentals and the leaseback firm has a statutory float between set limits so that repayments A loan’s ‘real’ interest rate, factoring in all right to obtain renewal of the lease. cannot swing to very high levels. It may have your costs such as frais de dossier charges If you go ahead with this, do read the small and insurance a time limit before switching to a simple vari- print and it may be advisable to try to obtain a able mortgage. Courtiers en prêt immobilier: signed document from the company waiving Mortgage brokers renewal rights. n Interest-only mortgage Frais de dossier: (prêt in fine): Bank fees for preparing the offer n Bridging loan Although not as widely available as in the UK, (prêt relais): finance houses that have experience of the This may be available, depending on the expat market may offer this type of loan but elsewhere, may see banks offering up to 80% lender, for up to two years to allow you to sell will impose tighter conditions. mortgage after getting evidence of other assets your original property. Such mortgages are good if you want to keep valued at more than 120% of the loan amount. It will not cover the total value of the old your repayments to a minimum and have seri- property – and the percentage will depend on n ous tax advantages, especially for those in the Buy-to-let mortgages: how the lender sees the risk. over-40% bracket. These are much more popular in the UK than in Repayments are usually only made on the Finance houses will want the loan to be tied France and few French banks have them, interest, with the capital being recovered on to a savings or an assurance-vie investment although that may change as the government the sale of the property.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 79 money i mortgages

q&a What happens if I want to pay off part of my mortgage? What charges can be incurred and will it mean I reduce my monthly payments or the length of the loan? Generally speaking, on a 25-year fixed-rate mortgage you would be looking at a penalty of six months’ worth of interest on the amount redeemed. To put this into context, for a mortgage of €100,000 at a rate of 2%, a €10,000 repayment would incur a €100 fee. It may be possible to waive this, but it would depend on the flexibility of the lender. It is sometimes possible to negotiate no fee or a reduced fee while discussing your mortgage with the bank. Obtaining offers from more than one bank can help put you in a stronger position to negotiate. Note however that variable rate mortgages are often much more geared towards making lump sum repayments than fixed-rate ones. Lenders often set minimum redemption amounts of around 10% of the initial loan, meaning if you want to redeem part of a €200,000 The five stages of your mortgage mortgage, you would be required to redeem at least €20,000 at a time. HERE are the steps to getting and using your mort- where to set up your currency account. You can When it comes to paying off a gage to buy your house: expect to make at least two large payments: a lump sum you will then have the 1: Set your budget: Look at what you can fund 5-10% deposit with the compromis de vente and the option to reduce the term or the with your own money – this can make a consider- final payment once the deal is agreed. (See our monthly repayments. Most French able difference to the interest rate you are able to chapter on currency exchange). lenders have a default option and obtain – and how much you can reasonably repay 4: Find your property: Once you have found what impose a term reduction, but it is each month, bearing in mind the French banking you want, you need to move to agree the mortgage possible to change this to reduce restrictions on the ratio of debt you are allowed. and should make sure a ‘clause suspensive’ is your outstanding capital and there- 2: Get an initial mortgage approval: Start speak- included in the compromis de vente (pre-sale con- fore lower your monthly payments. ing to brokers, banks/finance houses etc, gather tract for purchase of the property) to safeguard the documentation they need and obtain a provi- your deposit if you fail to secure the mortgage. sional statement on what they may offer you for a 5: Agree final mortgage details: Once the mort- purchase in the price range you are looking at. gage offer is agreed, the law stipulates a 10-day CONNEXION tipS 3: Decide how you are going to transfer money: cooling-off period. Once this has passed and the Remember to sort out build- If you need to exchange money into euros you documents are signed and returned to the lender ings insurance in advance of must look at this early in the procedure and decide they will then send details to the notaire. completion of the property purchase. The notaire can ask for a copy of this, as you are Precautions for the future responsible for the building from the moment of signing. It BUYING a home also means looking to the future. chapter on inheritance for more details and our can be easy to forget this if you You will have to decide how the property will be helpguide on French Inheritance Law. are abroad and fly in just for owned, because a mistake in the purchase may be You may wish to consider adopting a communal the signing. costly, or even impossible, to correct. marriage regime which allow the property to pass to The main considerations are: the surviving spouse or otherwise acquiring the One source of free advice if you n Who will succeed to the property on the death property jointly so each spouse owns half or asking speak French is the ADIL net- of the owner(s). the notaire to insert into the purchase deed what is work. They can give tips on the n Which structure will give the best tax treatment. called a tontine, a clause specifying that the surviv- buying process and eligibility for In considering the first point it must be remem- ing spouse is treated as the sole buyer. state help such as interest-free bered that French inheritance laws, like those in Transfers from one spouse (or pacs or civil part- loans or local grants. most continental countries, are different from ner) to another are free of tax, though this does not If making regular transfers those in Britain, whether England and Wales, apply if you are living together informally). from sterling to pay a euro Scotland or Northern Ireland. However on the death of the second spouse then mortgage think of using a cur- EU rules have granted more flexibility in the way tax will be due on the whole value of the property. rency exchange company as the that assets can be bequeathed but this still does not A mortgage on the property is deductible from savings can be considerable. change the way that they will be taxed. See our its value for inheritance tax purposes.

80 u Moving to France Guide 2018 our story

Rugby brings Kiwi family to Grenoble The Claxtons, Grenoble Names: Johnny (40) and Jaimee (39) Claxton How have you settled in? trated when I can’t communicate with people. and Mackai (eight), Carlos (six) and Lily (14 This is always hard as I have to navigate a new But every day I try to use a new phrase whether months). Mrs Claxton answered our questions. country, figure out where to shop and how it’s at the boulangerie or with the teacher. Also, to get things done while dragging three kids there have been some tough times for me as When did you move to France? along. Not to mention the heatwave after we a mother, watching my kids feel sad or lonely. June 2017 arrived with temperatures reaching 38C. Personally, the hardest thing has been starting After a few weeks of school we are in a lovely again in terms of friendships. Where do you work? routine and life is what we wanted it to be. Johnny is head strength and conditioning How have you managed with the language? coach for Grenoble Rugby. I write a blog about Have you made friends easily? Every day I try to learn something new and use living abroad with kids. Grenoble is such a friendly place. I found a Kiwi it – it’s all I can do. I am having three French cafe in town owned by a New Zealander and lessons a week and Johnny gets a tutor through Where did you live before moving to France? his French wife. They have made phone calls to the rugby club. We left New Zealand in 2012 and went to Dub- the doctor for me and helped with my French, lin for 20 months, then we moved to Swansea and mums at the school have been incredibly What do you miss most about before coming to Grenoble. welcoming. However, Johnny and I are firm be- where you lived previously? lievers that if you really want to experience local My dear, sweet, wonderful friends, my routine What research did you do before the move? life, you must meet local people. of life and being able to easily ask for what I One of the benefits of the professional rugby in- want and know where/how to find it. dustry is that you often meet people who have been where you are going. So we relied heavily ‘After a few weeks What three tips would you give to upon our friends who were already living in anyone planning on moving to France? other areas of France and also reached out to of school, we are in 1. From my perspective as a mother: find local foreigners at our new club. a lovely routine and people who can help you navigate school enrol- ment, after-school activities, school meals etc. Were you a regular visitor to France before? life is what we 2. Start learning French before you arrive and No. We had previously spent two days in Paris practise, practise, practise. Go to the same and we holidayed in Sérignan Plage (Hérault) wanted it to be’ places when you first arrive – boulangerie, su- in 2014. Johnny had visited Grenoble and oth- permarket, café – people start to recognise you er French cities on rugby trips but I had never What has been the most enjoyable and it gives you been to Grenoble until we moved. aspect of your new life in France? more confidence The ‘food, glorious food’ and the fact that eating to practise. How did you find a place to live? is a real experience here and is something to be 3. Walk around My first priority was understanding the school appreciated, not rushed. We love looking out your local area as system, then finding the school we wanted the over the city every morning and across to the much as possible. kids to go to. From there we researched suburbs ever changing landscape of the Alps. The faster you get that would be suitable and then used online es- to know your new tate agents to find properties in those areas and And the toughest? city, the more con- Google Maps to get a feel for them. Most definitely the language. I get quite frus- fidence you have.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 81 money i mortgages

Mortgage questions and answers Free up capital for home improvements Buying outright

CAN I release equity in my house to do some home improvements? WE HAVE the funds to buy a house in France outright, but would you advise keeping the WHEN YOU apply for a mortgage you can apply for extra to carry out home improvements. When money in the bank and taking a mortgage? the mortgage starts, the amount sent to the notaire will be without the funds for the work. Once you have a signed receipt/facture to show that the work has been carried out then you sub- IT depends on your circumstances, but if you buy mit this to the bank. They will then release the funds (called déblocage). a property and use your funds then you can leave Your monthly mortgage payment will increase proportionally from that point (and until the yourself with a shortfall if you are faced with re- whole mortgage is paid off). pairs to your property etc. You generally have three years to draw the extra funds you requested. After the three years the If you have enough cash to purchase the prop- availability of the funds falls away. You only ever pay for the amount you have actually borrowed. erty outright then an alternative is to take a mort- If you want to do home improvements to your home after the purchase, you can apply for a loan. gage and invest your money in an assurance vie. It is unlikely that this will be linked to your home, it will be a personal loan. However, the pricing For example, if you borrow €100,000 at 1.5% structure of personal loans is different depending on what you are borrowing for – for example, the and invest €100,000 in AV with an average rate rate for home improvements will be much lower than the rate for, say, buying a TV. of 2.5%, you are earning 1% more on your money than you are paying out. When you use the funds Can I remortgage? Zero per cent loan to pay off the mortgage you are left with a profit. IF I have a fixed rate with 20 years left do I DO ‘zero per cent’ mortgages exist? Insurance for smokers have to stay with that lender? THERE is the prêt à taux zéro (PTZ) inter- DO SMOKERS pay more for mortgage insur- YOU ARE free to remortgage at any time. You est-free, state-assisted loan. Eligibility and ance than non-smokers? will usually pay penalties to come out of your how much you can borrow is means-tested current mortgage. Your new lender will help and depends on income, family circumstanc- WHEN you apply for mortgage insurance the you to establish how much you will pay for any es and the area where you wish to buy. It fi- health questionnaire will ask if you have been a redemption penalties and calculate the poten- nances part of a purchase, complementing a smoker in the last two years (including electronic tial savings you will make. standard mortgage. An advisor at one of the cigarettes). If you answer ‘yes’ most companies ‘Adil’ agencies said candidates for it must not will need to know the number and type of ciga- have owned a main home on French territory rettes/cigars per day. If you are a non-smoker you in the last two years. will be eligible for a discount on the premium. If you stop and have been a non-smoker for two years some companies will review your policy Must I declare cancer treatment? and premiums. If allowed, they will issue an an I am in remission from breast cancer; does that mean I cannot have life insurance? amendment to the terms and conditions. This change must be accepted by the lender. When you complete the medical questionnaire you must include all relevant information, said an insurance expert from English-speaking insurance specialist AXA Agence Internation- al (axa-in-france.fr). Once the underwriter has considered this, you may face a more in-depth Is a medical required? questionnaire in which you may be asked to have medical examinations or be asked for further information from your doctor. The insurer will then advise you if any illnesses are excluded and I AM 50, will I have to take a medical? if there are any changes to the quoted premium. Some companies accept certain illnesses more than others, for example one insurer provides a specific diabetes questionnaire where as it will be DEPENDING on the company you may be automatically excluded by another insurer. asked to have a blood test as standard once you However, a recent law gives a cancer survivor the right to ‘be forgotten’ – le droit à l’oubli – after are over a certain age. However generally, it de- a period of time after treatment has finished. This varies on the type of cancer: one year for breast pends more on the results of the health ques- cancer for example, three years for stage one testicular cancer and six years for stage two, up to a tionnaire than your age as to whether you maximum of 10 years. This is cut to a maximum of five years for under-18s. must have a medical or not.

82 u Moving to France Guide 2018 tax and inheritance 6

tAX Fiscal residency Liability to French tax depends on whether or not you are considered Everyone is expected to make a Fr e n c h fi s c a l r e s i d e n t . an income declaration in France If you are, you must declare your worldwide income to France an- One of the big differences between France and ways to pay, including spreading out payment in nually. This is not necessarily for the UK is that every household must make an instalments over the year. it to actually be taxed (especially annual income tax declaration in May or June. The avis will include social charges contributions where, in the case of some kinds of People living out of France but with income from sociales (if appropriate) which are levied on many income, it has already been taxed a French source such as renting out a French home kinds of income and help fund French benefits gen- elsewhere), but it is so France has must also make a declaration. erally. These are different to cotisations sociales, the whole picture of your finances However, only around half of people in France deducted from work income to fund personal ben- and, for example, knows what tax actually pay income tax. Compared to the UK, efits such as a pension, healthcare, family allowance bands to apply. France draws more funding from levying ‘social etc. There is no specific declaration for these. charges’ (often likened to UK’s National Insurance). While this can be a complex Obtaining the right income tax forms and filling Local property taxes are another common kind of area for some, for most it is just a them in, or declaring online, is your responsibility tax. Everyone living in France currently pays taxe question of whether France is now and there can be fines for not doing so. d’habitation (with the exception of exemptions or their ‘main home’. You should note also that French income decla- reductions linked to age and/or income) and prop- If there are grey areas, tax law rations are per foyer fiscal (household) and not per erty owners usually pay taxe foncière. Eligibility to looks at factors like whether you individual. In most cases the declaration is straight- pay depends on residence or ownership on January forward, though if your affairs are complex you may 1 and it is advisable to contact your tax office to spend more than half the year in want to take professional advice. Connexion pro- make sure they have your details, although this France, if your family is located duces an updated guide to the process every spring. will usually have been given to them by the notaire here, if most of your economic Many people opt to declare online and this has you bought your home through or your landlord. interests are centred here, been gradually becoming obligatory, starting with President Macron has promised to cut taxe whether you run a business here high earners and moving down through the income d’habitation bills for most residents of France by a etc. If unsure, take professional levels year by year. An avis d’impôt (tax assessment) third this year, with exemption for 80% of house- financial advice. is then sent in the autumn and there are various holds by 2020. This is not for second homes.

Talk to the people who know 0800 668 1381 Freephone UK International Tax Advice 0 805 112 163 Freephone France Investments [email protected] Estate Planning www.blevinsfranks.com Pensions

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 83 tax and inheritance i income tax

It may occasionally happen that two countries Income tax consider you meet their residence requirements, 2018 tax (though tax treaties are supposed to avoid this). If FRANCE plans to go ahead with an ‘at-source’ your life straddles two countries you may wish to bands and deduction system by 2019, with deductions taken take professional advice in both to avoid problems. off salaries and pension payments. This will bring Note that a French tax resident may still need to the French practice closer to the UK’s, though pay UK tax on certain kinds of UK income. Some the parts some have expressed doubts on the need, arguing may be taxable in both countries, such as UK div- Income is declared per household that the current system is familiar and effective in idends (though France generally gives a tax credit and is taxed according to bands: the collecting tax and avoids extra work for firms. against French tax for the UK tax paid); others, first part of the total income is not As a transitional measure, it is planned that reg- such as British government service pensions or taxed, the next part is taxed at a low ular incomes for 2018, such as salaries and French income from UK rents, are taxable only in the UK. rate etc. However, tax is lowered for pensions, will in effect not be taxed – they must be Residents of France with UK income benefit larger families by the application of a declared in 2018 but will benefit from a tax credit. from the same tax allowance as UK residents. calculation called the family quotient It is planned that when people do online returns Non-residents are liable to French tax only on which uses a figure called the parts. in spring this year they will find out immediately income arising in France, as well as, for example, The more children and adult what rate will be applied to their income in 2019 capital gains tax on sales of French properties, dependants (eg. disabled relatives who (others will find out when they receive their avis wealth tax on French assets (if they are valuable live with you), the more ‘parts’ the d’imposition tax statement later in the year). enough) and succession tax on land and buildings family has. The result is larger families As of 2018 a ‘flat tax’ at 30% is levied on many in France or other assets situated in France on the have the lower band rates applied to a kinds of investment income, such as interest and person’s death. proportionally larger amount of their dividends, and withdrawals from assurance vie Tax is usually paid in three instalments in Feb- income, thus lowering their tax. This (however for policies held more than eight years ruary, May and the autumn, based on what you is because they have less disposable the current lower rate still applies for AVs holding declared the previous year, with an adjustment to income (however, the financial benefit less than €150,000). It combines income tax and the final instalment once your latest declaration that may be gained is subject to a cap, social charges and for many it will represent a tax has been lodged. There is also an option to pay in so has only a limited effect for high- cut. Those on lower incomes will be able to remain monthly instalments. If paying for the first time, income families). in the usual system if it benefits them. you need to pay in full in the autumn following the The bands are applied after At present there are no plans to do away with the declaration, once you receive your avis d’imposi- application of allowances and rebates need to fill out a tax form each spring declaring tion (tax assessment). If you have paid instalments such as expenses for work, for income received in the previous financial year this will show what, if anything, is left to pay. children, students and the elderly and which, in France, is the same as the calendar year. There are many payment options, such as cheque, various tax credits are then available to On the first occasion you must fill in a paper bank transfer, online or by smartphone. further lower the amount, eg. for eco- form, which can be found via the search box at Tax for residents is worked out using bands (see friendly home renovations, equipment impots.gouv.fr or from your tax office. In following right). Non-residents are usually taxable in France helping older people to stay at home or years, forms will be sent to you or you will be able on their French income at 20% (it can be more if for paying for services at home. to file online. There is one main form everyone fills the ordinary bands would result in a higher overall in (or equivalent boxes online): the 2042. Addi rate). If you think your overall rate would have been The 2018 tax bands are: tional ones may be needed, depending on the less if you had declared all your worldwide income No tax for the first €9,807; kinds of income you have, and totals from other to France, you may request this, supplying proof. 14% on income to €27,086; forms may have to be carried onto the 2042. The taxpayer may contest a bill if he or she disa- 30% to €72,617; If you have bank accounts abroad opened, closed grees with it. If there is a dispute over the amount, 41% to €153,783 or used during the tax year, you are asked to notify the tax must usually be paid or security given for and from there 45%. these to France as part of the declaration. it whilst it is reviewed. If a person is found to have There is also currently an additional Married people or civil partners living together under-declared, penalties are charged. Penalties surtax for high-earners, from €250,000 fill in a joint declaration. are also applied for late declaration or payment. It for a single person or €500,000 for a Non-residents’ tax is dealt with by the Centre des is often possible to find compromises in discussion couple, additional to normal income Impôts des Non-résidents in Noisy-le-Grand. with the tax authority and tax advisers can help. tax, at 3-4% of taxable income. Social charges - another tax Online IN ADDITION to income tax there are various social property capital gains of non-residents. This (as well as declarations charges, sometimes criticised as just a way to boost the them being levied on these income types, and on in- coffers while avoiding being seen to raise income tax. vestment incomes, of British retirees in France whose compulsory The main one is Contribution Sociale Généralisée healthcare is paid for by the UK) was subject to an EU (CSG) which was introduced in 1991 as a temporary challenge, but France found a way around it. for some arrangement to help fund the social security system. It CSG has risen by 1.7% this year, taking total social DECLARING online is obliga- is offset slightly by the fact that part of it is deductible charges on investment and capital income to 17.2%. tory in 2018 for those whose net from income declared in the next year’s tax form. This applies to French rental income and property declarable 2016 income (revenu Others include: Contribution au Remboursement de capital gains. CSG is also levied on French salaries and fiscal de référence) was more la Dette Sociale, Prélèvement Social, Contribution Addi- certain pensions and the increase means a rise in so- than €15,000 (unless you do not tionnelle and Prélèvement de Solidarité cial charges from 7.4% to 9.1% on pensions. However, have internet access). The last three are levied on income from capital only. those with small pensions who benefit from a lowered However, the penalty for not These are collected with income tax (apart from rate of CSG will not be subject to the rise. doing so is low (a €15 fine after those for employed work income, deducted at source). If you receive a UK state pension, this and any other the second offence). In 2019 As well as being paid by people fiscally-domiciled in UK pension income should be exempt as your health everyone will be asked to do it. France, they are levied on French rental income and costs are paid by the UK via the S1 system.

84 u Moving to France Guide 2018 Think you will pay too much tax in France? You may be surprised.

The French tax regime provides opportunities Talk to the people who know for tax efficient investing, and how you hold your assets can make a significant difference 0800 668 1381 Freephone UK to how much tax you pay. 0 805 112 163 Freephone France [email protected] Blevins Franks specialises in reducing tax on invested capital, pensions, wealth and www.blevinsfranks.com inheritance, and has saved our clients a substantial amount of tax over the years. Contact us to find out how we can help you.

INTERNATIONAL TAX ADVICE • INVESTMENTS • ESTATE PLANNING • PENSIONS

Blevins Franks Group is represented in France by the following companies: Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited (BFFM) and Blevins Franks France SASU (BFF). BFFM is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK, reference number 179731. Where advice is provided overseas, via the Insurance Mediation Directive from Malta, the regulatory system differs in some respects from that of the UK. Blevins Franks France SASU (BFF), is registered with ORIAS, registered number 07 027 475, and authorised as “Conseil en Investissements Financiers” and “Courtiers d’Assurance” Category B (register can be consulted on www.orias.fr). Member of ANACOFI-CIF. BFF’s registered office: Parc Innolin, 3 Rue du Golf, CS 60073, 33701 Mérignac – RCS BX 498 800 465 APE 6622Z. Garantie Financière et Assurance de Responsabilité Civile

016-fr Professionnelle conformes aux articles L 541-3 du Code Monétaire et Financier and L512-6 and 512-7 du Code des Assurances (assureur MMA). tax and inheritance i wealth tax

wealth tax Switching FRANCE is one of the few countries to levy of this year there will be no specific wealth tax a tax on wealth, formerly called impôt de sol- declaration in June for certain taxpayers; it will systems idarité sur la fortune (ISF), now impôt sur la be declared in all cases along with the income fortune immobilière (IFI). The change relates declaration in the spring, in specific boxes. WHEN moving to France from the to the fact that certain kinds of wealth have Property values sometimes present a prob- UK, the timing of the notification of been removed and it now focuses on property lem, however a service called Patrim, availa- change of tax residence can be important after a reform by President Macron. ble via your personal space at the official tax or you might find yourself being subject- The threshold for paying this is €1,300,000 website (impots.gouv.fr) can help by showing ed to tax in both countries on the same and, if eligible, it will be levied on the value of prices that similar homes in your area sold for income until the position can be sorted, property owned on January 1, 2018 at increas- recently. There is a ceiling system limiting the which can take a while. ing band rates from 0.5% to 1.5% (there is no effect of wealth tax in some cases.I t states that Switching to make sure you are not tax on the first €800,000). New arrivals have the wealth tax, income tax and social contri- taxed at source in the UK on incomes a five tax-year grace period (starting from butions cannot exceed 75% of a person’s taxa- like pensions and interest, involves fill- the full tax year after they become French ble income for the previous year. ing out HMRC’s France individual DT tax domiciled) in which their assets outside Another tax aimed at the well-off is the exit form (DT stands for double taxation). France are exempt from French wealth tax. tax on company shares. This applies to those It can be found with an internet search, Wealth tax is levied on net household wealth who have been resident in France for at least six on HMRC’s site and both French and (assets minus liabilities), especially land and years out of the previous 10 and who transfer English versions should be completed. buildings, however there is a 30% reduction their residency abroad. The forms should be sent to your local against the value of a main residence and prop- It is based on unrealised capital gains on the French tax office (service des impôts des erties rented out professionally are exempt un- day preceding departure. It applies to holdings particuliers) together with a letter that der certain criteria. The aim is to tax ‘unproduc- by yourself or other family members of at least states that you (and your family) have tive’ luxuries. 50% of shares (or similar rights) in a company taken up French residence at the address Any outstanding debt not repayable within (whether or not French) or if the value of the on the letter. the next 12 months can be deducted, as can lo- investment exceeds €800,000. If the taxpayer State the date and send this record- cal property taxes and your tax liability for the moves to another EU state the tax is set aside ed delivery with proof of receipt (lettre previous calendar year. until the shares are sold and it is not payable if recommandée avec avis de réception). The onus is on the individual to declare wealth the shares are not sold within 15 years. It is not This is a safeguard for declaring your and there are penalties for failing to do so. As levied if the move is for professional reasons. main home as being exempt from French capital gains tax from the date you arrive. The French tax office will retain the Capital gains French copy and will certify that you are CAPITAL GAINS are, as a general princi- is exempt on a sale, provided it is sold within a resident of France for tax purposes and ple, taxable as income but there are many 12 months of ceasing to be the principal resi- send the English copy to HMRC. exceptions. dence. Note that the form also provides for a Special rules apply to land and buildings, The tax is applied to the difference between claim for repayment of UK tax in cases to shares, and to capital gains arising from a the selling price and the acquisition price but where payments of income have already business. A person’s principal residence, in subject to a number of deductions. been made with UK tax deducted from it. which they have lived for at least 12 months, See pages 101-105 for more on this.

86 u Moving to France Guide 2018 tax and inheritance local taxes and VAT THESE are payable annually on residential prop- mitted to increase taxe d’habitation by up to 20% erty. The main ones are taxe d’habitation (which on second homes. Also due to housing pressures CONNEXION TIP in cities, the VLC of building land was increased also includes the TV licence fee) and taxe foncière. If you need factual help with tax (not Thetaxe d’habitation is payable in the autumn by in recent years for the purposes of this tax in some financial advice) you can call a help- the person occupying a property on January 1 of areas (automatically in many larger towns) and on the year, and the taxe foncière is paid by the person a decision of local councils in other areas. line on 08 10 46 76 87 (local call owning the property on the same date. Taxe fon- There is good news for all but the 20% most well- rate from a landline). You can also cière is levied on unbuilt land as well as buildings. off households, with the announcement of one ask questions in your personal space Local taxes largely benefit the commune in which third off taxe d’habitation in 2018, plus another at impots.gouv.fr or call into your tax the property is situated plus any inter-communal third in 2019 and exemption from 2020. This aims office. The tax office is called the bodies. Taxe foncière also goes to the département. at boosting people’s spending power and reducing centre des impôts or service des They are based on official notional annual rent- a tax that President Macron sees as largely ‘unfair’ finances publiques, however, the al values called VLCs. These are being overhauled as it is not directly proportional to people’s means. section dealing with the public is the (though this will have no impact in 2018) but the service des impôts des particuliers. government states this is just to make sure that val- THE VAT system is similar to the British one and ues of homes relative to each other are still fair. the basic rate is the same: 20%. An intermediary Professional tax experts include Tax demands are sent in the autumn and the tax rate of 10% affects restaurant meals and hotel or avocats fiscalistes and experts- is payable two or three weeks later, though you can campsite stays, transport, home help, museum vis- comptables (accountants). apply to pay in monthly instalments. its, some home renovation and non-reimbursable You may also wish to take advice On a sale of property taxe foncière is usually ap- medicines. from a financial advisor with ex- portioned in the same way as the council tax in A low 5.5% rate is levied on many foods and pertise in helping expats. The main the UK, the buyer paying a pro rata share from drinks, gas and electricity, school canteens and accreditation for financial advisers the time of completion of the purchase. This is not books. It also applies to cinema tickets and certain done for taxe d’habitation. There are reductions kinds of home renovation, for energy efficiency. is Conseiller en Investissements and exemptions available for both taxes depending A few items like newspapers and reimbursable Financiers (CIF) and firms can be on age, income and any disabilities. Normally your medicines have an ‘ultra reduced rate’ of 2.1%. checked using the search facility at tax office will automatically allow any that apply. VAT is supervised by the customs authority (Di- orias.fr. Ones called Conseiller en Mairies in areas with housing pressures are per- rection des Douanes). Gestion de Patrimoine Indépendant (CGPI) are able to offer independent financial planning advice on a Inheritance tax wide range of matters.

INHERITANCE TAX (droits de succession) is pay- There are various deductions to be applied to able on the death of a person who is fiscally domi- inheritance tax in France depending on the ciled in France on his or her worldwide assets and, relationship between the parties. for other people, on their assets in France. On going to press, allowances and rates are:- The tax is also applied to lifetime gifts, although Useful vocabulary there are certain exemptions, especially for gifts to Direct heirs (eg. children and parents): children and grandchildren. Up to €100,000 can be inherited tax-free and then Whereas UK inheritance tax is levied on the tax is payable on amounts above this at: Niches fiscales - approved ways to overall value of the estate above the tax allowance Up to €8,072 5% invest, entitling you to reductions in amount, French inheritance tax is levied on the €8,073 - €12,109 10% tax. They are often created to encour- value of the share the legatee or heir actually re- €12,110 - €15,932 15% age certain behaviour, such as investing ceives and according to his or her degree of rela- €15,933 - €552,324 20% in small businesses or insulating your tionship to the deceased. €552,325 - €902,838 30% home. A beneficiary who does not wish to pay the tax €902,839 - €1,805,677 40% may decline the assets and they then rejoin the rest then... 45% Revenu fiscal de référence - your most of the estate. recent approved taxable income figure, There is no tax on assets passing from one spouse Brothers and sisters required for various administrative or civil partner to the other on death, but on the Inherit up to €15,932 tax-free, then rates are: tasks. Found on your last avis d’impo- death of the survivor, the whole of the remaining up to €24,430 35% sition income tax statement along with estate is subject to tax. then... 45% your numéro fiscal (a 13-figure tax ID A n inventory and valuation of the estate has to number) and a numéro de télédéclarant, be prepared to support the declaration to the tax Other relatives used in making online tax declarations. authorities. Where real estate is involved, they will Up to €7,967 tax-free for nephews and nieces; usually accept a fixed 5% of the value of the prop- Up to €1,594 for more distant relatives: Contributions sociales (or prélève- erty to represent the value of the contents. The in- ments sociaux) - taxes related to fund- heritance tax declaration is prepared by the notaire ... then tax is payable at 55% ing the welfare system, from which you dealing with the deceased’s estate and submitted to do not derive direct personal benefit. the tax authority by him after signature by benefi- More distant relatives and unrelated people ciaries. Up to €1,594 is tax-free but amounts above this are Foyer fiscal - your ‘tax household’, Once it is accepted, the notaire pays the tax out taxed at 60%. that is yourself and anyone else who of the estate and withholds it from sums distributed you make a joint declaration with, (for non-cash assets, beneficiaries pay themselves). UK properties of a French resident remain sub- such as a spouse. If the valuation is not accepted, a discussion with ject to UK inheritance tax as well, however UK tax the authorities ensues. paid would be deductible from the French tax bill.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 87 Are you looking to run a business in France? Do you already run one? Let us help you to find clients

Pages 152 to 161 show some of the businesses who also Written business features for extra advertise in The Connexion newspaper’s business directory. emphasis / business introduction The Connexion is France’s English-language newspaper and is These features offer advertisers the chance to tell readers about sold at newsagents throughout the country and by subscription their business in a news-style article. Examples can be seen on direct to readers’ homes both in France and in the UK. The pages 152-161 of this guide. business directory is a dedicated section of the newspaper ONLINE ADVERTISING OPTION which comprises a comprehensive listing of English-speaking businesses and services available throughout France whether Clients can choose whether to have their advert published in they serve the whole of the country or just a specific region. print in The Connexion newspaper and / or online at our website, connexionfrance.com. We offer a 50% discount to the pricing The directory is an excellent means for small businesses to reach of the second option for clients who choose both the online and the English-speaking home-owning market in France with print option. some 96% of Connexion subscribers owning a home here and offers the following benefits: An annual presence DIRECTORY Use these pages to find English-speaking tradespeople and firms across France. For your security, we check that all French businesses listed in this section are registered. Entries are run for 12 editions, so for a whole year. The listings are arranged geographically by the 5 landline telephone zones of France.

P23 All of FranceP25 North FranceP25 South East France P26 South West France P26 Classifieds P29 Property Extremely competitive pricing All Tel Codes Tel Codes 01 - 03 Tel Code 04 Tel Code 05

COMMERCIAL FEATURE Prices start from just e165 HT for the year, a monthly equivalent Taking the paperwork and pain out of a left-hand drive vehicle purchase their premises – meaning there is need to visit the area (easyJet and Ryanair fly into also provides a car sourcing service – At Gary Automobiles near worry about translation and paperwork nearby airports), Gary can come to collect meaning if they do not have the vehicle Lyon, convenience and quality issues. Gary will issue your new carte you from the airport or train station, as you want in stock, they will find it for you. are assured for customers grise directly from his well as arrange For further recommendation, here are e buying a left-hand drive car office and can even reservations or some previous customer comments: of 13.75 HT. arrange your French advise on local “Gary Automobiles made the whole motor insurance and Lyonnais hotels. process as painless as possible.” ARE YOU looking to buy a left-hand drive transfer your no Another part Colin Edwards vehicle for your new life in France? claims bonus. of the service “I have used Gary Automobiles to source Gary Automobiles is an English-owned “I remember how hard offered by Gary and deliver a new car in France. Since I motor dealer based just outside of Lyon in it was to understand the Automobiles is don’t speak French it was a delight to deal the Rhône-Alpes, specialising in the supply French paperwork and that they do not with Gary himself.” Tom Wall of quality new and pre-owned, left-hand red tape when I made the put people under “Gary’s personal and English-speaking Very focused advertising drive, French registered vehicles to expats move over to France in pressure to make service has been really helpful and taken moving to France. 2001. I am happy to assist a purchase. They the hassle out of buying and keeping a car The company has been operating in fellow expats and take understand the in France.” James Greig France since July 1 2003 and customers that burden away,” says Gary. logistics of moving abroad, so if they have only ever deal with Gary personally. Reassuringly, they are fully French a suitable vehicle in stock they we will keep Gary Automobiles EURL Convenience for the customer is a key registered company with Siret / Siren / and it until you are ready to collect – with no Telephone: 0033 4 74 43 89 51 element in the company’s ethos, which is TVA numbers and only supply vehicles with time limitations. Mobile: 0033 6 84 85 04 61 Advertisers can choose to have their advert placed in an ‘All of why Gary Automobiles now has the facility European specifications. Part exchange with your right hand drive Email: [email protected] Gary at his office near Lyon to register your vehicle in your name at For customers wishing to stay over and vehicle is also available, while the company www.gary-automobiles.com The Connexion January 2018 France’ section if the services offered are available throughout Just Kitchens is Growing www.connexionfrance.com Michael Staines opened his COMMERCIAL FEATURE 01-02-03-NORTH first showroom in France in enthusiasm and can now help expand the 2007, selling and installing business, while maintaining the personal Directory the country, or can focus on a particular region of France if Hacker, German made service of a family run enterprise. it is this experience and the large choice of 25 “The work is never dull, every customer style, colour and materials that results in very kitchens and appliances. Now is unique and every kitchen is individually positive customer satisfaction. ten years later he is joined by designed to meet their needs. Seeing projects And a final word from Tim: his son Tim, who has recently through to completion from the customer’s “i feel very lucky to be able to work with initial ideas is very satisfying”. Dad in his business. i services are offered only locally. Regions are determined by obtained a French The kitchen is an integral part of the home in the various stages of likeeach being project involved and i Baccalaureate Professional in and often the focus of family life, especially proud of the work we do. Creating nice new ’m Carpentry and Fitting. here in France where meal times are so kitchens for people seems to bring a lot of important. Michael’s experience is invaluable happiness all round and what could be better MiChAEl and having worked in all types of property, than that!” now has two showrooms the second, in Marciac, opened in 2013. The ranging from chateaux, rural farmhouses, telephone code so 01-03, 04 and 05. range has also been extended to include new designer built homes to gites and town Neptune kitchen furniture is on display Neptune, an English brand who produce centre apartments, he understands the at the mielan showroom and Hacker beautiful solid wood, hand painted kitchens. challenges of each. kitchens can be seen in m Michael has been fitting kitchens for “Some rooms can be quite dark, so colour arciac. over 25 years and is passionate about his and lighting is all the more important. Older Visit the website for more information: work. he is delighted that Tim has the same properties often have uneven floors surfaces www.justkitchens.fr and walls that aren’t straight, which means Dedicated category placement the furniture and worktops must be adapted”. 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Siret No: 50066265500017 T el: + 44 20 3002 0669 Email: [email protected] contact us now www.connexionfrance.com Inheritance LAW French and EU rules and making wills

French inheritance law is more restrictive than British law when it comes to who you can leave your property to. The French system Notably it is protective of children, who UNDER French inheritance law, freedom to opposed to the UK, where the estate is taxed as have a guaranteed share of the estate value dispose of your property by will or by lifetime a whole after a fixed allowance, at a fixed rate). that must pass to them. gift is limited. If you have children or grand- Barring the EU regulation option, a person However, an EU regulation gives expats children they are entitled (as a minimum) to who dies while fiscally domiciled in France living in France the opportunity to distrib- share up to 75% of the estate. These are the will have their moveable assets (shares, money ute their estate according to the laws of héritiers réservataires (‘reserved heirs’) In the in banks...) and French real estate subject to their country of nationality if they wish. absence of children a surviving spouse has a French succession law. Non-French real estate This affects Britons and other nationalities guaranteed quarter share. will be passed on according to the law of the who move permanently to France and Civil partnership couples have the same rights place where it is situated. However, French those who live in the UK but own a French as French pacs partners which are in some lawyers may still consider your estate as a holiday home. However, it does not change respects more limited than those of spouses – whole, for example, if your choices in leaving anything with regard to inheritance tax. they can only inherit by will and have no auto- UK-based real estate break the French rules More than two years on from the intro- matic rights. However, they are exonerated on how much of the whole estate should be duction of the EU law, experts confirm all from inheritance tax, as are married people. left to whom, it is possible that an heir who has been going as planned. British expats It is important to note that: ‘lost out’ could seek to be compensated out of have been able to opt for UK law and n People living together without any other assets over which the French courts have Britons in the UK have been able to do the formalities face 60% inheritance tax on control (ie. ones in France). same for second homes. This is the case items left by will Where a spouse (or pacs or civil partner) is with other nationalities too. n Stepchildren do not have any automatic living in the family home at the time of death, However, it is important to note that rights and also pay 60% inheritance tax he/she has the right to occupy it for a year. If it alongside the regulation, all the usual The restrictions of the ‘reserved heirs’ system is rented, the rent is a charge on the estate. This French inheritance planning mechanisms may to some extent be avoided by an option for right does not apply to people with no legally remain in place and are often preferable. UK law under the EU inheritance regulation recognised partnership. For married couples, if A Brexit will not affect inheritance (and by certain optional French mechanisms), the survivor asks for it, the right continues for procedures, laws or taxes. Inheritance however this does not affect rates of tax. the survivor’s lifetime and includes furnishings matters are governed by rules of private In France, inheritance tax is levied on the unless the deceased cancelled this by will. In international law, as modified by the EU recipient’s part of the estate after an allowance such a case the estimated value of the lifetime regulation. The UK did not adopt this but amount and at a rate which depend on the residence may be deducted from the surviving France did, so a Brexit will not affect its person’s relationship to the deceased (as spouse’s share of the estate. application to French property.

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Moving to France Guide 2018 u 89 connexion tip If you are going to have a tontine clause over your home (a way to protect the rights of the surviving member of a couple) you need to do this at the start, when the deeds to buy are drawn up. Bear this in mind if you are a couple thinking about the future, as if you decide afterwards that it would have suited you, it will be too late.

Héritiers réservataires and options

Under the héritiers réservataires rules of into a life assurance policy, as the payout is seen French inheritance law, a person’s estate must as being outside of the estate for inheritance tax be broken up as follows: French law does not purposes. Where the person wanting to adopt recognise any is French the application is made to the nearest n An only child receives half the estate tribunal de grande instance. In this case adults relationship with can in theory be adopted if they consent. How- n Two children share two thirds ever, lawyers have told Connexion that French stepchildren and, if courts would be unlikely to allow an adult of a n Three or more children share three they inherit, they are nationality such as Britain, that does not recog- quarters nise adoption of adults, to be adopted, unless taxed as being they had dual British-French nationality. If a child dies before their parent but leaves surviving children (grandchildren or great unrelated, at 60% grandchildren of the deceased) they share Previous marriage what their parent would have had. the pacte de famille (family pact). Where there are children involved, the per- Drawn up by a notaire, this can be used by THERE are a variety of legal arrangements son making the will may use it to specify what families to agree in advance on some matters whereby couples may aim at better protection is left to their spouse, which may include the relating to who will inherit, such as allowing for for a survivor, including, as mentioned, special quotité disponible (the part of the will that you an heir to waive all or part of their legal inher- provisions in a will. For example, there is do- are free to leave to anyone), a usufruit (lifetime itance share in advance to the benefit of others. nation entre époux - a lifetime gift of usufruit use, including the right to rent out the proper- that takes effect on the giver’s death, which can ty but not the right to sell it) over the whole be useful in the case of children from a previ- estate, or a usufruit over three quarters of the Stepchildren ous marriage. estate and the rest in full ownership. Advice on these can be obtained from a There are also specific rules where there is FRENCH law does not recognise any relation- notaire. Other legal strategies include chang- no will, notably where there are children from ship with stepchildren and, if they inherit, they ing your marriage regime; including a tontine the marriage. In this case the spouse can are taxed as being unrelated, at 60%. clause in the contract of purchase of a French choose either a usufruit over the whole estate, This problem is commonly solved by adopting property; and buying through a holding com- or a quarter absolutely. them in order to create a legally recognised re- pany – société civile immobilière (SCI). However, if the deceased had children from lationship. However, under the rules of private These may all be subject to provisos and of a previous marriage, the survivor only has the international law, adoption is governed by the varying usefulness, so you would be well-ad- automatic right to a quarter share. national law of the person wishing to adopt, so vised to take professional advice, especially None of this applies to pacs or civil partners the nationality of that person is the key. where children from a previous marriage are or to partners with no official legal link to the British law limits adoption to minors so if the liable to try to contest them. An avocat, for deceased. For unmarried partners, a will must person to be adopted is over 18 the procedure example, may be able to advise as to how wa- be made if they are to inherit anything. will not work. In such a case a better way to ter-tight the various options could be with re- One inheritance planning option is called leave money to stepchildren can be by paying it gard to possible litigation.

90 u Moving to France Guide 2018 tax and inheritance i marriage Marriage, your home, your children There are options to circumvent rigid laws In France every marriage is subject to certain rules on how property is owned by the spouses within the marriage. Ordinary British marriages would be treated as coming under the séparation des biens regime, where, in the case of property purchase, ownership will be according to pro- portions in the title deed. These will vary according to how much financing each person put in. It is possible to convert the marriage regime of the parties, either for their whole estate or, if they reside outside France, just their French estate, to that of communauté universelle – universal common ownership. This in effect disinherits children of the first spouse who dies, in favour of the surviving spouse, and this is the only way this can be done.

SCI option The tontine Lifetime gifts

You may look at the option of holding Tish is an arrangement whereby a As an alternative to making a bequest, property through a specially-formed compa- couple can own a house jointly, with owner- you may decide to make a gift during your ny of a type known as a société civile immo- ship going directly to the survivor on the lifetime. In order to enable people to pass on bilière (SCI). This may be especially relevant if death of one of them. It is little used by their French property more quickly to young- the home is a holiday home and you are not the French but often appeals to the British, as er generations, French law encourages this. French-resident. it is the closest French law arrangement to the This early transfer of property can avoid The shares in the home are treated as move- English joint tenancy. problems and arguments between heirs after able property and therefore are in theory not Any two people can buy using one, you die. subject to French law if you are not a resident however this does not affect inheritance tax Lifetime gifts that exceed permitted allow- of France. However, hon. avocat Gérard Barron rules. ances attract tax as inheritances do – but these from Boulogne-sur-Mer said in some circum- To avoid the likelihood of the arrangement allowances are renewed after 15 years. stances this could be legally contested by peo- facing a successful legal challenge in the It is possible to make a gift to anybody, none- ple who are disinherited by the arrangement, future, there should not be too great an theless it is necessary to take into account the especially if it is transparently clear that this age difference between the people rights of the héritiers réservataires. was the only reason for buying in this way. concerned since there is meant to be If someone makes lifetime gifts which are to There are a variety of other potential pluses uncertainty over who is more likely to the detriment of reserved heirs then the heirs to buying this way – as well as drawbacks. die first. can contest this after the donor dies. How your estate is taxed

F RENCH inheritance tax is, unlike its British counterpart, levied on the person inheriting rather than on the estate as a whole, and at a rate connexion tip applicable to the relationship, if any, of the inher- If you want, you can make a will itor to the deceased. very informally in France. For direct heirs (children or parents), qualifying inheritance is taxed according to ascending A testament olographe just bands, starting at 5% and ranging up to 45% after needs to be handwritten and say €1,805,677. At the other end of the scale, unrelat- it is your will, followed by clear ed people are taxed at 60%. instructions as to what goes There are a number of deductions to be applied to who – and it does not need before the taxable amount is calculated which witnesses. Doing it in French also depend, in most cases, on the relationship can avoid complications. between the parties. For example, in the case of gifts or legacies Although you do not actually to children, this is €100,000 but for unrelated peo- need to, you can get a notaire ple it is €1,594. to officially register it, which makes sure it will be found. See page 87 for more information.

92 u Moving to France Guide 2018 WILLS i tax and inheritance Different types of will Whether you choose the inheritance You can find English-speaking notaires at laws of the UK or France to govern your notaires.fr/en which has a search function estate, it is advisable to have a will drawn up in including a language option. Click first on French, in a recognised French format. There ‘directories’ on the left. Useful are four types of will recognised in France. The notaire can go to the testator’s home to do this if they cannot visit due to illness. vocabulary 1. Holograph will - testament olographe Communauté universelle - a marriage This is the most common kind. It is written 3. Secret will - testament mystique regime which allows for a survivor entirely in the testator’s own handwriting, Handed to the notaire in the presence of two to inherit the whole estate of the signed and dated. It does not need to be made witnesses, or another notaire, in a sealed enve- deceased in front of a notaire and there is no need for lope. It gives the flexibility of a holograph will witnesses. It should be written, ideally, on a and the security of an authentic will. Droits de succession - inheritance tax single sheet of paper (both sides). Usufruit – right to lifetime use It can be written in English but it is advised 4. International will - testament international Nue-propriété - residual ownership that you do it in French, using the correct Can be made in any language; it does not have of a home someone else owns via French expressions. This will avoid the need to be hand-written. The testator declares it is usufruit for translation and the risk of errors. his/her will in front of two witnesses and a Réserve héréditaire – part of an A notaire can check the terms, retain a copy notaire and he/she signs it in front of them. estate to which a child or spouse in their archives and officially register it at the Based on an international convention, it was – the réservataire héréditaire – is FCDDV, a central archive of documents. meant to suit those expecting to travel and live in different countries, but is not widely used. entitled to by law 2. Authentic will - testament authentique Tontine - an arrangement allowing a Drawn-up by a notaire in accordance with the Wills may be revoked at any time prior to the couple to own a property jointly so testator’s instructions expressed to him or her maker’s death. An example of wording can be whole ownership goes to the survivor in the presence of two independent witnesses found in our French Inheritance Law help- Notaire - a lawyer with a role similar or another notaire. This will gives greater secu- guide, which is available from our website to a family solicitor in the UK, with rity against possible challenges. Usually the connexionfrance.com expertise in drawing up legally-bind- only requirement to be a witness is to be an An option is to have a French will for French ing documents adult and to understand French. A married assets and an English or Scottish one for couple cannot be witnesses of the same will. British ones. Here, it is advisable to take advice Quotité disponible - the part of a A will of this kind can be made in front of from a notaire familiar with international suc- person’s estate that they are free to an English-speaking notaire and can be in cessions and/or a solicitor with knowledge of leave to anyone they chose by will English with English-speaking witnesses. French law to check that they are compatible. EU regulation Clarifications and questions AN EU law, referred to as the EU succession is married for the second time wants to leave regulation or ‘Brussels IV’ allows expats to everything to their second spouse and nothing choose – by way of a clear statement in a will to children from the first marriage (a French – the inheritance laws of the country of their tontine clause can also help here but only re- nationality rather than those of the country in lating to real estate and it must be made at the which they live, to govern their whole estate. time of purchase). It may also suit people who The UK and Ireland opted out of the regula- wish to leave substantial amounts to stepchil- tion, however, which originally raised ques- dren as opposed to biological children. Brexit tions at to whether it applied to UK residents is not expected to prevent Britons benefiting. owning property in France. Connexion subse- While the idea of the regulation is simple, quently had confirmation from a notaire with absolute certainty over some aspects may not responsibility for international affairs at the emerge until later when courts dealing with profession’s governing body, that it applies inheritance disputes come to examine it. both to UK nationals living in France, and Making use of another country’s law with re- those living in the UK with French property, gard to French property is also liable to cause and that notaires should be aware of this. additional complications for the notaire in- The regulation contains a default rule that, volved in the practicalities of passing it on. where no choice of law is made, the law of the Lawyers, therefore, have told Connexion that, country of residence applies to the whole es- unless your personal circumstances mean tate. However, some lawyers think it is pref- French rules make it impossible to carry out erable that Britons in the UK do not rely on your wishes, it may be simpler not to choose this alone if they wish UK inheritance rules to another country’s law. apply to their French estate and they say that Bear in mind that although the EU law will it is better to make your wishes clear in a will. affect who you choose to inherit your estate, it Choosing a more flexible law, such as that of will not affect how it is taxed.Y ou may there- the UK, is most likely to help in more complex fore still wish to get financial advice on the family situations such as where someone who most effective means to pass on your assets.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 93 tax and inheritance i Q&A Your questions answered Stepchildren’s rights

I AM a Briton living in France with a French wife. I have stepchildren in the UK (from a previous relationship; so, not my wife’s). Can I confirm they would have no claim on my inheritance if I was to die?

BARBARA Heslop, of Heslop and Platt, solicitors and French law specialists, replies: Your former stepchildren have no claim to in herit from you on your death. French law and inheritance tax apply different rights, allowances and rates according to the re lationship between the deceased and their natu ral or adopted children and stepchildren. Natural or adopted children have a ‘reserved share’ and if there is any share of the estate left over, it could be left to stepchild / stepchildren by a will – but a stepchild has no legal right to your estate. The reserved share is calculated on how many children you have and whether or not you are still married: one child is entitled to at least

half of your estate; two would share at least two Wikipedia Daniel Stockman

thirds, and if you have three or more children Photo: they would be entitled to at least three quarters. taxable in France on this basis if they have been drafted by a notaire under which you each leave A surviving spouse would be entitled to at least resident in France for six out of the last 10 years. a life interest (usufruit) to the survivor. a quarter of your estate. The applicable rates of inheritance tax for in Given they are more than five years old and as If you have no natural or adopted children, in heritance from an aunt to a niece or nephew they create a tax liability for your grandchildren the absence of a will, your French wife will in are pretty high: there is a tax-free allowance of which you had perhaps not fully understood, we herit between a half and the whole of your estate, €7,967 and inheritance tax is then charged at recommend you make new wills. depending on whether you die before either or 55% above that. We understand that under your will the legal both of your parents. With a surviving parent or If the beneficiary has been resident in France ownership (nue-propriété) goes to your children parents, your wife will inherit all of your estate for fewer than six out of the last 10 years, then (their right in French law) with usufruit for your if you make a simple French handwritten will they are not subject to French inheritance tax. husband, and in his he leaves his share to your naming her as sole beneficiary. However, in actual fact a double tax convention grandchildren (who are not his blood relations), Natural/adopted children have an inheritance comes to the rescue for inheritances from the subject to your life interest. tax-free allowance of €100,000 and, after that is used up, they pay inheritance tax of from 5% to UK. Under the terms of the 1963 UK and France As he has no children he can leave his share to 45% depending on value. There is no inheritance Tax Treaty, where the deceased dies domiciled anyone he wishes, (assuming no tontine clause in tax payable between spouses. in the UK and has no property in France, then the purchase deed and that you have no French Outside of the reserved share, you can make there is no inheritance tax in France. marriage contract). a will leaving the remainder to a stepchild but If the deceased did own property in France, If he dies first, the usufruit to you as survivor is the tax-free allowance is just €1,594 then tax is then it would be assessed for French inher exempt from inheritance tax; but an age-linked applied at 60%. itance tax, and the tax paid in France could be value is attributed. The EU Succes sion Regulation means non- offset against the equivalent tax for the same If, for example, you are 71-80 this is 30% and French nationals with assets in France can elect asset paid in the UK. the grandchildren’s share is 70%. the law of their nationality over French law, You should note however that if your sisters As they are not his blood relatives they face avoiding forced heirship, but French inheritance were to make a lifetime gift to French resident 60% inhertance tax on assets over €1,594. tax still applies. beneficiaries rather than a bequest the situa You are French-resident so your worldwide es tion is different, as there is no double tax con tate will be assessed for French inheritance tax. vention in place and French gift tax would ap On your subsequent death, your estate passes to Dual nationals ply, paid on the same scales as inheritance tax. your children; your grandchildren already have the other part. MY SISTERS in the UK want to put my dual If you die first, your husband has a life interest, nationality sons in their wills as their main Usufruit will your sons inherit the nue-propriété (with usu- beneficiaries but are concerned that they fruit valued as before). Your sons each benefit may have to pay high French inheritance WE HAVE a French usufruit will signed five from €100,000 tax-free and then sliding-scale tax, as they would if they inherited from years ago but are not sure of our situation. inheritance tax from 5% to 45%. aunts in France. My husband wants my grandchildren to in- When your husband dies, your grandchildren herit his share: can he do this? He has no inherit his share. Your children have already in IT IS understandable that they are concerned. children. If he dies before me, do all pro- herited your share. If a French tax resident receives an inheritance ceeds go to me and then to my relatives in they declare the value that they receive on a déc- future or would his will dictate matters? Follow the latest tax and legal developments in laration de succession, and it is then assessed for The Connexion every month. Subscribe at www. French inheritance tax. A person is treated as IT SOUNDS as though you have French wills connexionfrance.com

82 94 u Moving to France Guide 2018 pensions i tax & inheritance

PENSIONS What happens when you move Kzenon - Fotolia

Photo: Photo: countries?

UNLESS you have already retired or are about to after Brexit is unknown and would depend do so, many expats give little thought to their UK UK reforms on any future agreement between the UK pensions, nonetheless it is worth spending time and EU and/or France once the UK has left. working out how your move to France may affect THE UK’s Pensions Act 2014 created a new With regard to uprating, UK state pensions you when you come to draw your pension. UK ‘single-tier’ state pension at a slightly high- are currently frozen for pensioners who live pension rights is an area which raises many ques- er rate than the previous basic one – and it outside the EU (or EEA/Switzerland) in a tions, whether for state or private ones. Some of came into force in April 2016 (the former country with no social security agreement the most frequent questions we receive at our of- State Second Pension, a top-up which was on pensions. Connexion discovered that fices are answered in the following section. variable on earnings, was abolished). there was a France/UK agreement before the At the same time, the number of years to UK entered the EU but that has been consid- pay in for a full UK state pension rose from ered ‘largely superseded’ since then. 30 to 35. Paying in for fewer years means a At values at the start of 2016 before the proportionally lower pension. State Second Pension was abolished, a maxi- The new rules also state that no pension is mum amount of this could have added up to payable if you have paid in for less than 10 a total state pension of £276 per week (for an years. However the EU reciprocal pension individual). However voluntary payments, rules will at present resolve this problem for such as those made by some expats, only people who have spent time working else- counted towards the basic pension. where in the EU (see page 100). Under the new system the ‘single-tier’ pen- It is not yet clear if this will still be the case sion was £155.65/week as of April 6, 2016. for people taking their pension after Brexit. Transitional arrangements meant people This matter, like the issue of whether UK who paid into a ‘second’ pension would still state pensions for expats in France will con- get extra to account for this, if the total pen- tinue to be uprated annually (for those arriv- sion that they had accrued under the old sys- ing after Brexit), remains to be agreed in the tem was greater than the single-tier pension. negotiations between the UK and the EU. The single-tier pension has been applicable However, both parties have agreed to pro- to people reaching pension age since April tect EU pension rights for expats established 2016. State pension age is also set to rise, legally and stably before Brexit happens, from 66 to 67, between 2026 and 2028. including for future contributions and up- However, it should be noted that some rating. This is, though, on the understand- people will not get the full single-tier pen- ing that a final, overall exit deal is put into sion, now £159.55 per week for 2017-18, a treaty and accepted by EU leaders and the even if they have 35 or more years of NI con- European Parliament before the UK leaves. tributions. People who ‘contracted out’ of the The position for Britons coming to France SSP (or SERPS as it was known before) for

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Moving to France Guide 2018 u 95 tax & inheritance i pensions Topping up a uk pension from France

GIVEN the number of paying-in years for a full state pension has risen, you may wish to consider making top-up ‘class 2’ N.I. contributions (NICs) if you are working in France, or ‘class 3’ if you are not, the former currently being £2.85 a week and the latter £14.25. This is especially the case if you know your record is far from 35 years and your UK pension is an important part of your financial planning. You may pay slightly different rates if you pay NICs by April 5, 2019 to make up for gaps between April 2006 and April 2016. Paying top-ups can be done with annual payments or by direct debit every month. You can also fill in some gaps for earlier years. The DWP is advising that people weighing up whether or not to make top-up payments obtain a state pension statement which gives an estimate of what they are already entitled any length of time will find their single-tier three from non-occupational schemes and to. If it is already at or near the full ‘single tier’ pension is reduced. This is because while con- there is no limit to the number that may be pension, there may be little point. See www. tracted out you would have paid lower Na- paid from occupational schemes. gov.uk/check-state-pension tional Insurance (NI) contributions and your There is also more flexibility for annuities. However plans by the UK to abolish class 2 employer would have received an NI rebate. For example it is now possible to have an an- NICs from April 2019 look set to complicate If in doubt about what UK state pension nuity that decreases, which could help bridge matters, with workers likely to pay five times rights you may have built up so far it is best to an income gap, perhaps before state pension more if they are given no option but class 3. obtain a pension statement. See:www.gov.uk/ benefits begin. Normally you must make voluntary contri- check-state-pension French residents can take advantage of the butions within six years of the end of the tax The UK also introduced new rules with re- flexibility and, provided you are in the French year for which they are being paid; but if you gard to private pensions in 2015. tax system, you can claim exemption from UK pay more than two years after the end of the These essentially gave more choice about tax under the terms of the double tax treaty relevant tax year, ‘higher rate’ rules apply. how and when people could take benefits between the UK and France. However, you This means the amount goes up to the highest from certain types of pensions. will be liable to French income tax on the pay- annual rate between the tax year you are con- Most of the changes apply to ‘money pur- ments received, although in certain strict con- tributing for and the tax year when you pay. chase’ pensions (where an identified fund is ditions, it may be possible for any lump sum However there are currently extensions. For built up and the amount of benefits to be paid benefits to be taxed at a fixed prélèvement rate. tax years 2006-7 to 2015-16 those considering from it in retirement is not guaranteed but de- If France is responsible for the cost of your top-ups have until April 5, 2023, to pay. pends on the value of the pot). French health cover you will also be liable for There are also extensions to ‘higher rate’ rules. People with deferred pension benefits in social contributions at 9.1%. The former pen- Until April 5, 2019 the rates payable remain at funded defined benefit plans (where an em- sion assets will also become part of your estate the 2012-13 levels if paying for 2006-7 to 2010- ployer promises a specific benefit in retire- for French inheritance purposes. 11 (2009-10 for class 3), after which at the rate ment, based on earnings and years of paying Therefore, it is advisable to seek independ- from the year that the contribution covers. in) wishing to make use of the changes must ent financial advice from a professional famil- As of the current UK tax year, the six-year first transfer benefits to a money purchase iar with both the UK and French rules. This limit for voluntary NICs is back in place. scheme. Members of unfunded public sector should include examining whether or not a As mentioned above, the UK intends to abol- schemes are not allowed to transfer their pen- transfer of your pension benefits to a QROPS ish class 2 in 2019 and will probably require sions anymore to a money purchase pension could be in your best interest (see page 99). expats to pay class 3 to top up years from 2019- fund. 20. Certain low-income self-employed people Under these new rules you have complete in the UK, who also pay class 2, would join freedom to draw down as much of your UK other UK self-employed people in paying class pension pot as you wish. People are able to 4, which are variable on earnings. HMRC says, take all of it as a one-off lump sum or as sever- however, that expats who have UK earnings or al separate lump sum payments. profits of more than £6,000/year may also be ‘Small pots’ rules apply for pots valued at less able to access UK pension benefits via class 4 than £10,000. People are allowed to take up to (or class 1 for employees) instead.

96 u Moving to France Guide 2018 Protecting your French dream

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TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. • Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 Paris • R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) « Société de Courtage d’assurances » « Intermédiaire en opération de Banque et Services de Paiement » Numéro d’immatriculation 07 025 332 – www.orias.fr « Conseiller en investissements financiers », référencé sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers » tax & inheritance i pensions Your questions answered? Will I receive my UK state pension automati- I have contributed to pension plans with ? cally if I move to France before I retire? different insurance companies. What will Retirement Yes, because, unlike the French pension sys- happen to these? tem, you do not have to make an application Again, there is no reason why you will not re- to be paid your UK state pension. You should ceive these benefits after moving to France but age in France be sent a claim form about four months before you may have difficulty having the payments AT the end of 2010, France increased the you reach the UK state pension age. paid to a French account. legal age of retirement (which is the earliest If you do not receive a letter by three months If you do retain your benefits with the insur- date that someone can retire) from 60 to 62. before state pension age, you should contact ance company or companies, you will be faced It also upped the age at which you can re- the International Pension Centre (visit gov. with choices, including whether or not a pen- ceive a ‘full’ pension regardless of the contri- uk/international-pension-centre) or call them sion should be paid to a surviving spouse and bution period from 65 to 67. on 0044 (0)191 2187777. also if you wish your pension to increase dur- French state pensions are proportionate Alternatively, a claim form can be down- ing payment. Transferring the ‘pot’ may also to length of paying-in, but where you retire loaded from tinyurl.com/pensionform be a consideration, particularly if you have before this ‘full’ age without the complete several separate small entitlements and you standard number of quarters there is an ad- I have built up private pension rights in wish to amalgamate them. ditional reduction as a penalty. several UK employers’ schemes. What will The new ages were phased in but were fully happen to these? I am moving to France – will I be taxed by implemented by 2017. There is no reason why they should not be France on my British state pension? However there are a few exceptions with the paid to you while living in France. The rules Yes, however as a non-UK resident an ordinary retirement age being lowered to 60 for some, of each scheme will set out your benefit enti- British state old age pension should not be for example, those who started work before tlement and any benefits that may be paid to taxed in the UK. the age of 18, as well as mothers of three or your surviving spouse. However, it may be the Also, if you have the British state pension you more children and older unemployed peo- case that the pension scheme is only prepared should not be charged French social charges on ple. Some further reforms included: to pay your pension to a bank account in the this income. To ensure this you should supply n Gradually increasing the standard number UK. If so, you will then have to make arrange- your French tax office with a copy of your S1 of quarters to be paid in, rising to 43 years ments for your pension to be transferred to health form as proof that the UK pays for your by 2035. your French account, as and when you need healthcare. n Reforms affecting workers in physically it. Clearly, you will wish to obtain the best ex- If you have a British government service pen- hard jobs which will mean they earn points change rate possible. sion then this is taxed in the UK and should that can be used to ‘buy’ an early retirement, Depending upon the type of pension not be taxed by France, although the income is a switch to part-time work (at the same scheme, you may also wish to consider trans- still declared to France so the French authori- salary) or professional training with a view ferring your benefits to a pension scheme ties know your full income and can take it into to a change to a less physically demanding more suited to your life in France. account in calculating tax on any other income. job.

The French pension system Useful IF YOU work in France, either as an employee the amount of social charges that you and any or by setting up your own business, you will employers paid on it. vocabulary automatically start building up French pension There is a third tier of pension provision com- Le régime général de la sécurité sociale - rights. The French system has two obligatory prising a number of non-mandatory schemes, the ordinary state pension system for most pension tiers: which are set up on a collective or individual employees, as opposed to the self-employed, n The basic pension (retraite de base) basis. For example: farmers, civil servants and some other pub- n Theretraite complémentaire n Some employees may be members of a col- lic sector workers, like rail workers, who be- Everyone who makes pension contributions in lective company retirement savings scheme, for long to different regimes. The self-employed France is eligible to accumulate these. example, a plan d’épargne pour la retraite collec- are set to be transferred to it over 2018-2020 However, the method of calculation of the tif (Perco) or a plan d’epargne retraite populaire as part of a reform by President Macron. benefits and the contributions payable vary ac- (Perp). cording to the status of the individual (whether n For the self-employed, optional products are La retraite de base - basic state pension, you are salaried or self-employed and if the lat- available that are approved under the Loi Made- built up by accumulation of trimestres ter, which category of self-employment you fall lin, which means that contributions to them are (quarters) worked. under). deductible from declarable revenue. Pensions are calculated on the number of n Anyone can pay into a Perp on an individual La retraite complémentaire - a top-up part quarters (trimestres) worked, not the number of basis. to a state pension, calculated by a system of years as in the UK. Another difference is that the The number of people covered under the third points. For employees this is managed by a basic French state pension varies not only ac- tier is increasing with the development of this body called Arrco, for cadres (executives) cording to the years of paying in, but also (with- form of savings, which is encouraged by tax ad- the body is Agirc. in certain ceilings) the level of salary and hence vantages.

98 u Moving to France Guide 2018 pensions i tax & inheritance QROPS: The way to move your pension abroad?

IN 2006 the UK introduced legislation making n The trustees of the QROPS must comply with should be carried out. This should be in accord- it possible for UK private pension benefits to be HMRC reporting rules. Any payment made to ance with guidelines set out by the UK Finan- transferred to a Qualifying Recognised Over- a member or their dependants, relating to the cial Conduct Authority (FCA). seas Pension Scheme, or QROPS, provided that benefits previously transferred from the UK Having said this, many UK final salary the overseas scheme meets certain conditions pension scheme, must be reported to HMRC, schemes now have large deficits. Even if pen- (the official term is now ROPS, as ‘qualifying’ during the ten-year period from the date that sion liabilities of such schemes are transferred was dropped but ‘QROPS’ is still widely used). the benefits were transferred out of the UK. to the UK Pension Protection Fund, members Transferring UK pension benefits is a special- may still not receive their full expected entitle- ised area of financial planning and for residents What are the benefits of QROPS? ment. Arising out of this, an increasing number of France obtaining advice from a French-reg- Since many jurisdictions have more flexible of expats are choosing to transfer their pension ulated financial advisor is advisable. Such ad- pension rules than the UK, members can ben- benefits to a QROPS to avoid this risk. visors would usually be designated as a CIF efit from significant advantages. For example: Everyone’s personal situation is different and (conseiller en investissement financier) regulated n The potential to pass on the member’s re- attitudes to investment risk vary from one per- by a professional association accredited by the maining pension assets to nominated benefi- son to another. If you have already left the UK Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). ciaries on death, with minimal or no death duty permanently, or intend to leave for at least ten They could also typically be designated as a payable, where the beneficiary is not resident years, it is worth having a full expert appraisal courtier d’assurance (COA) by ACPR, which in the UK. By comparison, a tax charge at the of your situation to determine whether or not relates to insurance brokerage (for example recipient’s marginal rate of income tax can be QROPS is suitable for you. With the exception if the money being transferred to the QROPS applied in the UK, where the member is aged of occupational pension schemes, this does not will be invested in an insurance product) and so over 75 at death, regardless of the country of depend on your pension benefits having come would be listed on the database at www.orias.fr residence of the beneficiary into payment. In fact, if you are already taking Regulatory credentials should be printed on an n A wider choice of acceptable investments of- ‘income drawdown’ from a SIPP, this does not advisor’s business card. fered, compared to UK pension plans exclude you from exploring the QROPS option. You should check that the scheme proposed is n Investing the transferred fund offshore re- It is also worth noting there have been many in the overseas pensions list that can be found at lieves the fund of the payment of UK taxes regulatory changes to UK pensions over the gov.uk by searching for: ROPS within it years. It is frequently the case that changes can However the UK government says it is not n The underlying investments and income have an adverse effect on retirement planning. able to guarantee that they all meet the rules. payments can be denominated in a choice of More changes to UK pensions legislation are With these provisos, transferring benefits to currencies, which can reduce exchange rate risk likely, for example restriction of the maximum a QROPS can provide certain advantages to n Potential to receive a larger amount of pen- amount of tax-relieved contributions and re- expatriates. However, a full analysis of the UK sion commencement lump sum compared to duction of the Lifetime Allowance, as part of benefits should be carried out and compared to the UK, if the member meets UK-non-resident plans to reduce the country’s budget deficit. the potential benefits offered by the QROPS. criteria (i.e. ten complete tax years of residen- Hence it may be worth researching a transfer cy outside the UK for benefits transferred from under the QROPS provisions if you believe What conditions must a QROPS meet? April 6, 2017) your pension may be adversely affected by any n There is no longer a requirement that non- n Depending upon the jurisdiction where further changes in the UK tax rules. EU schemes must use at least 70% of the funds the QROPS is set up, income payments may transferred to provide the member with an in- be made without the deduction of local taxes, How are QROPS affected by the come for life. Instead, the pension scheme must meaning that income will only be taxed in ac- UK’s private pension reforms? be regulated as a provider of personal pension cordance with the law of the jurisdiction where For those expats who have already transferred schemes and must be established in country or the member is resident pensions to a QROPS or are thinking of doing territory with which the UK has a double taxa- so, UK legislation provides for the UK pri- tion agreement or a tax information exchange Are QROPS suitable for everyone? vate pension reform to follow through to such agreement. Otherwise it will not meet the QROPS may not be suitable for everyone and schemes, subject to the QROPS complying with QROPS conditions. much will depend upon the nature of the UK specific requirements set down by HMRC. UK pension benefits transferred to a QROPS pension benefits being considered for transfer However, regardless of the QROPS jurisdic- are now subject to an Overseas Transfer Charge and the person’s attitude to investment risk. Age tion, it then falls to those jurisdictions to make of 25%, in certain situations. However, this will also plays an important part. For example, a the necessary changes to their own internal not be the case if during the five year period UK Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) be- pension law. Malta has taken this step and so its from the benefits being transferred, you are fore age 55 could provide the same benefits as a QROPS are able to provide the same flexibility continually resident in the EEA and the QROPS QROPS but for a lower cost. Once the member as UK money purchase schemes. is also in the EEA during this period. Any pos- starts to draw benefits however, the QROPS is In any event, the taxation outcome of some- sible future impact of Brexit on these rules is as very often a better option than a SIPP. one fully cashing-in their pension fund (wheth- yet unclear. An important part of deciding whether a er while still in a UK pension arrangement or A QROPS must meet the following conditions: transfer of UK pension benefits to a QROPS is from a QROPS) is likely to be a sufficient deter- n The member cannot receive retirement ben- in an individual’s best interest is to carry out a rent for anyone actually considering this. So, for efits from the scheme before age 55; full review of their personal and financial situa- someone who has left the UK, a QROPS should n Membership of the scheme must be open to tion. Furthermore, in cases where a final salary continue to be a viable alternative to retaining people who are resident in the country where pension scheme and other types of guaranteed UK pension benefits, particularly as the advan- the scheme is established; benefits are involved, a full transfer analysis tages of a QROPS have not changed.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 99 tax & inheritance i pensions THE EU SYSTEM

Rights when you have worked in several EU states

IT IS a principle of EU law that European cit- rules are different. For example, in the case of n Country A : izens who use their right to free movement of a person who works for 10 months in Belgium, Theoretical Pension x 15/40 labour in the EU should not be disadvantaged. nine months in Germany, 15 years in France = 37.5% of the EU Pension As a result, EU regulations provide for the and then finishes his career working seven n Country B : coordination of social security systems and years in Italy, as the final country Italy takes Theoretical Pension x 20/40 the aggregation of periods of insurance for the over the responsibility for the payment of the = 50% of the EU Pension accrual, transfer and calculation of basic state pension relating to the periods in Belgium and n Country C : pension rights. They apply in both the EU and Germany. France must also pay a pension. Theoretical Pension x 5/40 in the wider European Economic Area. In the EU, the pension body of the country = 12.5% of the EU Pension For EU regulations to apply, the person must in which you live should coordinate your en- Without this system, each country’s pension have been subject to the rules of one or more titlement to state pensions from the EU – the would be separate with possible results includ- countries where EU regulations exist and: Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Vieillesse (Cnav) ing that no UK pension would be payable if n Be a national of a member state of the EU or if you were an employee in France. If you have you paid in under 10 years and a French pen- Iceland, Lichtenstein or Norway; or never worked in France, it is the pension body sion might be worth less because of the penalty n Be a stateless person or refugee resident in a for the country in which you last worked. (or higher penalty) applied if you are deemed state where EU regulations apply; or to have not paid in for the ‘full’ usual period (or n Be a national of the EU or Switzerland sub- How is pension entitlement calculated? are deemed to have fallen short of it by more ject to Swiss rules or the rules of a member If you have been insured in more than one state than would have been the case). state; or system, two amounts will be calculated by each n Be a ‘third country’ (non-EU) national legal- country: Are my pensions from all countries ly resident in a member state of the EU (except n A pension according to the rules of the coun- calculated at the same time? Denmark or the UK since January 1, 2011) and try concerned, called a ‘national pension’; and Pensions from schemes to which the EU reg- have been subject to the rules of at least two n A pro rata share of the whole ‘EU pension’. ulations apply will be calculated at the same member states of the EU. The result of this calculation is not a separate time, unless you only want your pension from pension, but your real pension entitlement one of the countries to be calculated or you are National schemes vary from country to from the country under the EU rules, which not eligible to retire in all the countries at the country. The EU provisions are not intended to allow for the fact you have also worked else- same time. When you later claim a pension in harmonise them but to ensure people do not where in the EU. another country, any country already paying a lose any benefits. They establish common rules In France’s case, for example, it means you pension will review your status and the appli- which must be applied by all national authori- may avoid penalties for not having paid in for cable rules. The amount of pension that you are ties, when applying national rules, as follows: the full standard amount of trimestres. already receiving may be increased. However, n To provide for ‘aggregation of periods’, which When the EU pension is calculated, all peri- if the periods completed in the other country means periods of insurance, employment or ods of insurance in the EU are added up to de- or countries have already been taken into ac- residence completed under the legislation termine the ‘theoretical’ amount of full pension count, your EU pension will not be recalculat- of one country are taken into consideration, in the country doing the calculation. The result ed by any country already paying a pension. where necessary, for entitlement to benefit un- is then proportioned, according to the actual der the legislation of another country; and period of insurance in the country. For exam- How will Brexit affect this? n To determine which countries have to pay. ple, Ms A spends: During negotiations up to the end of 2017, both n 15 years paying in in Country A the UK and EU have agreed that expatriates’ Who pays the pensions? n 20 years in Country B existing rights concerning social security (in- In every country where a person has been in- n 5 years in Country C cluding pensions) should be protected. Provid- sured (ie. has paid contributions), their insur- The theoretical pension is calculated by each ing this survives through later negotiations, it is ance record is preserved until the state pension country, as if she had worked the full 40 years reasonable to assume there will be no change to age of that country. If the person has been in that country. The amount is then prorated the current rules at least for expats established insured for at least one year in a country, the based on the actual period worked in the coun- in France before Brexit. However, until full country must pay him/her a pension. try to determine that country’s share of the ‘EU agreement has been reached on all aspects of If insured for less than a year, however, the Pension’, as follows: Brexit, there remains some uncertainty.

100 u Moving to France Guide 2018 Capital capital gains tax i tax & inheritance Gains Tax (CGT)

CAPITAL gains tax - impôt sur les plus-values in French - can be complex, especially for CGT may be payable on holiday expatriates and has been subject to several changes in recent years relating both to rates and rules. The good news is that you do not homes and investment properties have to pay it on your main home in France if you are a permanent resident. French property holding company (SCI). The rate of basic CGT is 19%, however to You may, however, have to pay it on other French tax on property capital gains breaks work out the CGT payable you need to first properties, such as a house you keep in the UK down into two main parts, firstly a tax at 19% know your capital gain, then make any allowa- to rent out which you subsequently sell and that is officially a form of income tax and is ble deductions for length of ownership (see the it can also be payable on profits on so-called what would in everyday terms be referred to table page 103) before applying this rate. moveable assets, such as shares. as CGT (impôt sur les plus-values). Full CGT exoneration (social charges take Residents of the UK with a French holiday Secondly there are the social charges longer) takes 22 years. home may also have to pay French CGT when (prélèvements sociaux), that are applied on For example if you bought a home for they come to sell the property – it depends on various kinds of income in France and are es- e100,000 and it is now worth e150,000, you how long they have owned it for. sentially another kind of tax. have made a e50,000 capital gain, however CGT is payable when you make a profit from These are applied even if the sale is by a this is subject to expenses that can be added to selling something that has increased in inher- non-resident. the purchase price and deductions that can be ent capital value as opposed to, say, income This was challenged by the EU in 2015, which taken off the sale price. you can make from it by renting it out or in viewed it as inappropriate because they do not For example for renovation work you can ei- interest from an investment. benefit from French social security and these ther add a fixed 15% to the purchase price (if While it is best known in the context of various charges went to fund the system or to you have owned the home at least five years) or homes or land it can also apply to moveable pay off social security debt. the real value of eligible home improvements assets. However the most common situation However the charges were maintained but (you need to be able to prove these with re- where you are likely to have to pay this tax is France redirected the funds raised from some ceipts). Work must have been done by a firm, when you sell a second or holiday home locat- of them with the aim of getting around the with materials it supplied – usually, but not ed in France. rules. New legal challenges are being mounted necessarily, a French one. It will not apply if you are French resident and with regard to this but probably nothing will So-called fiscal representatives used to have are selling your main home which you live in (of change again in the short term. to be involved in sales in France of non-res- which you can only have one). CGT applies to In terms of property, there is also a third tax idents’ property, though this is no longer the second homes, including ones owned through a that can be payable on ‘high capital gains’. case for non-residents in other EU countries. Making your life in france less taxing

* The Kentingtons service is exclusive to individuals with a minimum of €250,000 in financial assets. Kentingtons SARL, RCS 500 163 282 DRAGUIGNAN, Conseil en Investissement Financier (CIF) –Conseil en Gestion de Patrimoine Certifié (CGPC), Catégorie B, référence sous le numéro F000116, association agréée par l’Autorité des marchés Financiers, conforme article L.541-4 du Code Monétaire et Financier, Assurance Responsabilité Civile et professionnelle conforme à l’article L.541-3 du Code Monétaire et Financier. ORIAS 08038951 Garantie Financière et Assurance Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle conformes aux articles L 512-6 et 512-7 du Code des Assurances. Head Office: Z.A. les Esparrus, 83690, VILLECROZE

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 101 MtF Ad 186 x 272:Layout 1 12/11/2014 20:00 Page 1

Making your Move to France less taxing

France: 0810 23 84 23 - UK: 08451 23 84 23 Email: [email protected] - Web: www.kentingtons.com capital gains tax i tax & inheritance CGT bill adjustments This table shows accumulated reductions, applied to a capital gain, for length of ownership, for CGT and social charges, starting with one full year of ownership Year CGT Social charges 1 0% 0% 2 0% 0% 3 0% 0% 4 0% 0% 5 0% 0% 6 6% 1.65% Social charges and deductions 7 12% 3.30% You should make sure you do not forget to amount to 17.2%. They are applied to the same 8 18% 4.95% factor in the social charges in estimating the capital gain (after the same adjustments for 9 24% 6.60% capital gains tax you will have to pay – and expenses etc) as for the main CGT but have remember that a different set of exonerations different allowances for length of ownership. 10 30% 8.25% applies to them, so you are only free of them after For both the social charges and for the main 11 36% 9.90% 30 years, not 22 as for the main part of the tax. part of the tax, there is a deduction that is These have been subject to controversy in applied to the net capital gain before the percent- 12 42% 11.55% recent years (as explained on previous page) but age is then applied to arrive at the CGT or for 13 48% 13.20% are still being levied. social contributions payable. 14 54% 14.85% There are several of these, of which the best For the reductions applicable see the table right known are CSG (Contribution Sociale Général- for the full list, year by year of ownership. As you 15 60% 16.50% isée; 9.9%) and CRDS (Contribution au Rem- can see, there are no reductions applied until a 16 66% 18.15% boursement de la Dette Sociale; 0.5%) and they full six years of ownership. 17 72% 19.80% 18 78% 21.45% Large capital gains 19 84% 23.10% THE GOVERNMENT brought in an additional nus the usual (CGT) allowance for length of 20 90% 24.75% layer of taxation for large property capital gains. ownership. 21 96% 26.40% La taxe sur les plus-values immobilières It is roughly 2-6% (depending on the size of the 22 100% 28% élevées applies to gains of e50,000 or more gain) and is worked out by the notaire using rath- and is applied to the total capital gain mi- er complicated formulas. 23 37% 24 46% 25 55% Building land 26 64% 27 73% BUILDING land (terrains à bâtir) is subject to based on the local planning rules (as opposed the same reductions for length of ownership as to eg. farmland or a garden attached to a 28 82% buildings under the latest rules. house). 29 91% Building land refers to a piece of land on However the extra tax for large capital gains which construction could be authorised, does not apply to it. 30 100%

Example of working out of CGT Declarations THE MAIN form for declaring property capi- HERE IS an example of a Purchase price: e81,633 tal gains is the 2048-IMM, available at impots. capital gains tax calculation, e Purchase costs (real, or a fixed 7.5%): 6,122 gouv.fr (or 2048-M for selling shares in an based on the main elements, Renovation costs (real, or fixed 15%): e12,245 SCI). The forms can be found via the main as described in the sections Net purchase price: e100,000 search box. above: Net sale price (minus certain sale costs): e150,000 If selling in France then the notaire takes Property owned for 10 years charge of lodging this. Capital gain: e50,000 It should be accompanied by the payment of Taxable gain for CGT: e35,000 the tax and by copies of bills etc proving associated costs you wish to be taken into account Taxable gain for social contributions: e45,875 (if not using the allowable fixed percentages). e e CGT: 19% x 35,000 = 6,650 If you are a French income tax payer then the Social contributions: 17.2% x e45,875 = e7,891 amount should also be mentioned on the main Combined tax payable : e14,541 annual tax form (or the equivalent box on the online declaration).

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 103 tax & inheritance i capital gains tax

Exemptions that may CONNEXION tips Remember to factor in the sometimes be applied social charges in estimating the capital gains tax you will APART FROM the exemption of CGT after 22 full main home. Applies only to sales by French tax resi- have to pay. years’ ownership a number of other situations can dents, who have not owned their main home during Also, remember that a different give rise to exemption. the four years (12-month periods) preceding the sale. set of exonerations applies to These exemptions include: The sale proceeds must be used, within 24 months, to them, so you are only free of n Your main home is exempt from any CGT or so- buy a main home (usually situated in France, though them after 30 years, not 22 cial contributions on the sale. From time to time pol- it could also be in the EEA or another country with as for the main part of the tax. iticians have suggested removing this exoneration which France has signed a relevant agreement). but there are no plans to do so at present. Note that There are certain exceptions, notably where you own if you live outside France and have a home in France, your current home but bought it with a bridging q&a I recently sold this home is considered a second home in France. loan that the sale of the other property will help to a few UK shares that my The tax authorities can require evidence that you pay off. father had bought for me have spent some time in the home as your genuine years ago, raising a modest main residence for them to consider it as such – it n Exemption for people who are state pensioners or sum. I do not know what my would be wise to at least have made one tax return are holders of a disability card for a serious disability. father paid for them - do I while living in it to benefit. Your main residence is In the case of disabled people, they should be totally have to declare this gain? the one which you ‘habitually’ live in and usually unable to work due to disability and possibly in need Yes, to find out the value when where you spend most of the year. of help to carry out ordinary daily acts. your father bought them for If you move before having sold your home (eg. you To qualify you should also not have paid wealth tax you, the best option is to write put it on the market while you rent elsewhere) the in the year two years before the sale, and you should to the registrar (those sending tax offices allow a certain leeway, referred to as “the have a French net taxable income (revenu fiscal the dividend warrants or the normal amount of time” – usually about a year. de référence) – relating to income for the tax year share certificates) of the shares In this case you should not have rented the prop- two years before the one of the sale – below certain and ask them. erty out or have given it to friends or family to use. limits. At least then if the fiscal authorities here ask for However the French tax authorities have taken the confirmation of the cost then n view that this leeway only applies if the property in Exemption for people living in retirement or you have some official proof. question is in France. disabled people’s homes, who sell their former The other ways are either to While different local tax offices reportedly take dif- main home (only applies to French tax residents). ask a stockbroker, or consult ferent views, tax experts advise that if you plan on The home should have remained unoccupied, they the London Stock Exchange selling your former UK home in the short term, it should sell it within two years, and there are certain website, though finding values is better to do it before a definitive move to France income ceilings. of more than five years ago is (though of course if you have owned it for 30 years not easy. there would in any case be nothing to pay). n Exemption for former residents of France See opposite page for more who sell a property in France after they leave. It on gains tax payable on n Exemption for the sale of a second home, whether benefits citizens of EU and EEA countries, under shares held as investments. it has been rented out or not, if you do not own your conditions.

104 u Moving to France Guide 2018 capital gains tax i tax & inheritance DIFFERENT SITUATIONs British cgt FROM April 2015 declarable capital gains started French residents been abolished. accruing in the UK for non-residents (who were Non-residents must also pay the social previously exonerated). This does not mean that n Sale of French main home – no tax or social contributions. Despite this policy having people in France, who also have to declare any contributions. being attacked by the EU, and despite France UK capital gain in France, will pay CGT twice having to pay refunds on the charges to non- – the UK tax paid will be used as a credit against n Sale of French second home – French residents who had them levied in 2012-2015, French tax. CGT and social contributions, subject to the they remain payable. In France you declare the gain in full – based exemptions and reductions mentioned above. on the difference between the purchase and sale Both types of tax are payable immediately and cgt on gîtes prices minus allowable deductions and relief this is done through the notaire in charge of – however you will only declare any gain since the sale. THE TAX situation for gîtes can be complex April 6, 2015, to the UK. but essentially depends on whether the gîte is It is possible to do the UK calculation taking a n Sale of second home outside France – effect integral to your main property or separate. market value in April 2015. will depend on the nature of any tax treaty If the gîte is part of your home, such as a con- You can alternatively calculate the entire gain with the country. verted garage, then it is likely to be considered since you bought the property then pay tax on In the case of a home in the UK, French CGT simply part of your principal residence and so the period from April 6, 2015 pro rata. and social contributions are payable as if the exempt from CGT. UK gains will be taxable after £11,300 at UK home was in France and British CGT may also This is also likely to be the case if the income tax bandings (18% or 28%). be payable (see right). was declared for tax on your personal income If you spend a lot of time in the UK you may be The gain should be declared (in euros, at the tax declaration. able to take advantage of ‘Principal Private Res- exchange rate on the date when the sale took idence Relief’. place) and paid to your French tax office using Rules on this state that you will not pay Brit- form 2048-IMM within one month of the sale. ish tax on a property that you and/your spouse Due to the UK-France double tax treaty, the live in for at least 90 days a year. If this may apply UK is meant to “get the first bite” at the tax, you might like to take professional advice as to and UK tax paid would be available as a tax whether and how to qualify for this. credit off French tax. The sale is to be reported to the UK and tax The upshot is that you should not suffer full paid within 30 days of the day after the sale. If capital gains taxation in both countries. you are in the UK’s self-assessment system you also need to mention the gain in this and there is an option to pay as part of this. More details Non French residents of how to declare to the UK are available here: tinyurl.com/UK-CGT The sale must addition- n Sale of a French second home – In the case ally be reported to France on form 2048-IMM. of most non-residents there are tax treaties in place whereby France levies its CGT (and social contributions) and then if there is also tax payable in the home country the French tax paid can be offset against that country’s tax Shares APART FROM property sales the other – for example, a Briton selling a French holiday main occasion on which capital gains tax home should make a French declaration may become payable is on selling shares and payment and then make a British one, held as investments (nb. shares in property applying for a credit for the French tax and ownership companies – SCIs – are subject social contributions (ie. any actual British tax to property CGT, either as for a normal should only be payable if some is remaining house sale, or, if the SCI pays corporation after deduction of the amount paid in France). tax and not income tax, then under rules Photo: bit.ly/GîteLaPlanchotte Photo: The French sale is done by a notaire. for businesses). Formerly an “accredited fiscal representative” Another issue is whether or not you had a The requirement to declare and pay had to be involved as well for non-residents, declared business, with a Siren number, in French CGT in this instance will mainly but this requirement has now been abolished which case it is more likely the tax office will apply to French tax residents as, with minor for EU residents. want to assess a capital gain on that part of the exceptions, non-residents are exonerated property used as a business. from French CGT on sales of shares. CGT percentage rates However, you should be aware that if the In practice where French residents own part of your home that is used for B&B is phys- French shares these are often held in spe- for non-residents ically separate to the main house you need to cial accounts called compte titres or Plan be careful of how the notaire draws up the sale d’Epargne en Actions. Non-residents selling French homes now pay document. In the case of shares held via French the same rates of CGT as French residents. If there is a hint of the existence of two institutions you should receive an an- Residents of non-EU (or non-EEA) countries separate buildings, the tax office may nual statement before income tax time, formerly paid CGT at 33.3%, however this rate seek to assess to capital gains tax that part of detailing any gains or losses that may be was criticised by top administrative court the the property that they see as not being the declared. It is these figures, which will Conseil d’Etat and the government has now home. already have had relevant allowances removed it. A former 75% rate for places on However, whether this is applied, depends applied, that you will need to declare. a list of “non-cooperative” countries has also on the property’s layout and size.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 105 OUR STORY

We did it! Oliver Ellis and Lucy Ellis-Howell, Aveyron

When did you move to France? Purchased house June 2015, moved March 2016

Why did you make the move? We’ve always loved holidaying in France and exploring the countryside (in our converted ambulance campervan!) enjoying festivals, nature and food all over the country. We started getting into yoga around 2010 and somehow our love of France, desire for a simple life and new found connection with yoga came together as an idea to build a yoga retreat in the French countryside. Our yoga Where do you work? We work from home, and held our first small scale yoga retreat in summer 2017. We’ve been retreat has busy renovating and landscaping up to this point but now we’re ready to really put all of our focus into developing a business here. its natural home in What did you do before moving to France? We both trained as dancers and taught dance for beautiful Aveyron about 12 years in the UK before transitioning into other jobs. In the three years preceding our may not have viewed as we thought we wanted I think it’s the pace of life – we can choose how move, Oliver was working as a stonemason/ a big barn to convert. It’s turned out brilliantly we spend our days. And we’re so close to nature builder on a castle renovation near Bath and as we’ve been able to move here to a fully here, living in a woodland, growing our own Lucy had been working as a Creative Producer functioning house and use the surrounding food and practicing yoga in the open air. Oh, in children’s theatre since 2010. woodland as the setting for the yoga. and the weather helps!

Where did you do your research prior to the What attracted you to the region? And the toughest? move? Aveyron as its pretty remote and the transport We miss our friends Oliver spent hours combing property websites. links are not as good as other areas in France, and family. Getting In terms of the practicalities of moving, we but it SO BEAUTIFUL! And we could afford to know a new didn’t actually do that much something here that social system has research and in some ways we would be twice the price been tricky at times leapt before we looked! ‘We’re so close to further south or west. and getting our heads around the Were you a regular visitor to nature, living in the How have you settled French tax system etc has been a challenge. France before your move? woodland, growing in? Yes, Oliver came to France a It’s taken a while but How have you managed with the language? lot with his family growing up our own food and we’ve been here 18 Not too badly! We’re both still learning and and we did a ski season in The practising yoga in months and now it feels building our vocabulary and confidence. Aravis in 2005. We’ve taken a like home. number of holidays in France the open air. The What three tips would you give to anyone in the last 10 years or so visiting weather helps!’ Have you made friends planning on moving to France? the Drôme, Hérault, Lot and easily? 1. When searching for a property, explore lots Charente to name a few. Yes, the agents Tony and of different areas and be open to changing your Hanneke who sold the house to us have become plans. We might never have ended up here if How did you find a place to live? good friends and have in turn introduced us to we’d stuck to our original idea! We eventually found the brilliant Tony & other people who’ve moved to the region and 2. Don’t expect anything to happen quickly, Hanneke Herbert at Eric Mey Immo in Mur de friends from their community. especially in rural areas… Barrez. We first saw a barn with them that fell 3. Embrace the local culture and use local through, but they totally got us and our dream What has been the most enjoyable aspect of services so that they survive. and suggested we see La Tomasserie, which we your new life in France? And talk to your neighbours!

106 u Moving to France Guide 2018 INTRODUCTION i healthcare

7 healthcare French system is excellent but CONNEXION TIP very different to the British one When we talk about healthcare HEALTHCARE is often seen as one of the best or near to, the top of the tables for areas like life rights in France, we are aspects of life in France. expectancy and low numbers of ‘avoidable’ deaths. referring to the right to have The subsidised or free system, known as la Sécu, Differences from healthcare in the UK include care funded (often refunded is run by the Sécurité Sociale, which is also respon- the fact that you are expected to take more initia- after an upfront payment) by sible for state pensions and family benefits. tive – for example booking your own specialist and the state as opposed to the It started after the Second World War, based on hospital appointments and collecting and keeping right to go and have a consulta- people paying in according to their means and get- your own X-rays and blood test results. tion or treatment. ting out according to their needs. And by and large Also many common health procedures, such as In fact there is nothing stop- it works – the WHO has called France’s health sys- visiting a doctor, require an upfront payment ping you visiting doctors and tem the best in the world and people generally have before some or all is reimbursed. This was sup- paying entirely out of your own good access to GPs and specialists and the tests, posed to change by the end of 2017, but on writing pocket if you want to. scans and hospital treatments they need. this had been put off (and it is unpopular with This is not to claim all is perfect, especially in many doctors, who prefer the current system). One The letter of the law, however, some rural areas where there can be relative doctor of the first things you should do once you are in the states that a person is not a shortages compared to Paris or the Riviera. French health system is to find a local GP who will legal long-term resident if they The system appears in good shape for the future be your médecin traitant (personal GP), which will have no form of healthcare with the government saying it is close to closing ensure you are reimbursed at the best rates. cover, whether via a private poli the trou de la Sécu (‘social security gap’) – the Most people have a ‘top-up’ insurance policy for cy or from the state. annual social security system deficit, including the healthcare costs that the state does not repay. In most cases in France there is healthcare – after years of ballooning debts. It is State healthcare rights are meant to be closely no strict difference between also making headway with clearing the underlying linked to residence – this is known as Puma (Pro public and private healthcare – accumulated social security system debt. tection Universelle Maladie). However (depending most ‘private’ clinics are run So proud is France of its health expertise it on income level) you may have to pay an annual fee under the usual state scheme of launched a campaign to invite people from neigh- if you have no rights from work or are a state pen- payments and reimbursements. bouring countries to use its hospitals and another sioner of another EU state. Also, the right of new- Completely private doctors and to ‘export’ its know-how under a ‘French ly-arrived early retiree expats to the state system clinics are rare. Healthcare’ label. That know-how keeps France at, cannot be guaranteed in the first five years.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 107 healthcare i getting cover

HOW TO get cover IF you are a national of another EU country n State pensioners contributions and organise reimbursement of (including Britain) you can rely on your Euro A British state pensioner is entitled to member your healthcare costs, but as mentioned, this is pean Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for up to ship of the French system through the S1 form expected to change in coming years. three months. This allows EU travellers the (an EU scheme) which you can obtain from the For employees your cover comes via contribu same healthcare rights as residents, although UK’s Department of Work and Pensions and tions taken off your salary. Note however that this is for conditions you are already being take to your Cpam. TheU K then pays for your the rules state that those with very low annual treated for or problems arising during the trip, membership of the standard French healthcare incomes from part-time work may be required not deliberate ‘health tourism’. scheme and for a spouse and/or dependants. to pay a ‘Puma’ contribution as well (see below), If you plan to make France your home, you which may be at a reduced level. will want to join the French system (if eligible) n Students and it is advisable to apply after about six EU students are covered in France for their n Dependants weeks. Employees and state pensioners are course duration with an EHIC but may take out A spouse, civil (or pacs) partner (or even in some affiliated to a local body calledCaisse primaire a top-up insurance policy. Other foreign stu cases a long-term unofficial partner living with d’assurance maladie (Cpam), whereas self-em dents under 28 are eligible for healthcare if they someone in the system for over 12 months and ployed people are usually affiliated to the pay an annual fee (e217 for 2017-18). genuinely dependant on them), may join Puma Régime Social des Indépendants (RSI). by being attached to their partner’s healthcare However with the RSI set to be abolished over n Self-employed or employed caisse. Dependant minors are covered by their a two-year period starting in January 2018, the If you are starting a business, cover is currently parents’ healthcare cover, though it is possible for Cpams are expected to soon play a larger role. by one of several bodies which will collect your them to join independently from the age of 16. Early-retirees EARL Y retirees (ie non-workers below state some workers may have to pay (generally at a retirement age) are not automatically eligible for reduced level) if they only work part-time. state cover and official rules state that you must The cotisation is based on 8% of (non-work) buy a comprehensive private health insurance income over a ceiling, which in 2017 was €9,807. policy with cover that is roughly equivalent. Workers can be asked to pay a cotisation if The rules say early retirees are not entitled to income from work is below a certain figure (set legal long-term residency in France unless they at €3,923 for 2017 income). have alternative – private – healthcare, though Adjustments are made to the calculation so Emergencies people may apply for state cover if they can show that it is comparatively reduced for people with there are unexpected reasons making it hard for earnings near to the threshold as opposed to EMERGENCY treatment is available at them to obtain a comprehensive private policy. those with only half this work income who pay the casualty section of a hospital This changes after five years’ residence, at 8% on other income in full. (urgences) or, if on-the-spot assistance which point EU citizens are deemed ‘permanent For those on the lowest incomes a free ‘top-up’ is necessary, from the Samu (Service residents’ and can then access state healthcare insurance scheme called the CMU-C is available d’Aide Médicale Urgente) a mobile para under Puma due to their status as legal residents. (there is also a benefit, the ACS, helping those on medical service with its own ambulanc Having said this, for several years now early-re fairly low incomes to pay for top-up insurance). es which is contactable on 15. tirees appear to have had little difficulty being If both members of a couple are ‘inactive’ Similar help can also be obtained accepted into the French system, since the pro (early-retirees) then they pay a cotisation worked from the fire brigade (pompiers – 18). cessing of their applications was centralised. out based on their income as a couple, and not The pompiers state they are the best However people accepted into French health individually, however each person pays half of port of call for all life-threatening care may have to pay an annual cotisation if they the cotisation (unless they request a different emergencies as they have more do not have rights from work or as retirees, and share out). ambulances than Samu and all of their ambulances carry defibrillators. Official government advice is to always call them in cases of electrocution, burns Effects of Brexit and road accidents. EFFECTS on expats’ healthcare would be one of which is one reason expat campaigners have been In any case if you call the pompiers the matters to be agreed in Brexit negotiations. demanding that the rights negotiated be ‘ring- your call will also be transferred to a On writing, both sides had agreed to maintain fenced’ from the rest of the exit deal. Samu doctor to see if it is necessary the key elements of the system for Britons liv Otherwise, British expats not in the French sys for them to attend. ing in France on Brexit day - eg. the right to S1 tem through work or having a French pension If in doubt you can call the general forms for British pensioners in France. However would probably be eligible to join Puma if they emergency line 112. what would happen if there is ‘no deal’ is unclear, are granted long-term French residence rights.

108 u Moving to France Guide 2018 reimbursement i healthcare the reimbursement system The HEALTHCARE system is the Hollande presidency are reimbursement-based, meaning intended to rein in the price of T op-up insurance that, generally-speaking, the prosthetics, while at the same patient pays the cost of a visit or time fixed tariffs for routine Many people take out a top-up to reim- treatment then reclaims a set treatments are expected to rise burse the difference between the cost of treat- percentage afterwards. to compensate lost income for ment and what is reimbursed by social security. Reimbursements are usually dentists. However, the Health This assurance complémentaire is often called done using a carte vitale. Ministry says the changes have been put off a mutuelle, after the word for ‘friendly societies’ This card is issued to everyone in the French until January 2019, pending discussion with that offer many of these. It is not obligatory to health system. It sends details to your state dentists’ unions, Cpam and mutuelles. have such insurance but it is recommended as healthcare body and you are reimbursed with While you are generally free to choose which the non-reimbursed part may be costly, espe- a bank transfer, usually within days. doctors and hospitals to use, you are advised to cially if you need regular care or a hospital stay. If you have top-up insurance and have no- register with a personal GP, known as your mé- Policies can be inexpensive, though costs rise tified its details to your Cpam, then this will decin traitant, and use them as a first port of call with age and depending on how extensive the make an automatic pay-out too. for problems unless there is a good reason not to cover is (but not depending on health condi- Note however that buying medicines from (eg. if you are away from home). If you do not do tions). Low-income people who obtain the pharmacies does not usually require up-front so – for example you go straight to a specialist – CMU-C do not need one. Employees should payment. You present your carte vitale (and a reimbursement is lower. be offered a partly-subsidised one via their card from the top-up if you have one) and the Doctors often practise alone and medical work. pharmacist reclaims the cost on your behalf. centres are rare, although more are setting up. The level of top-up (and what is covered) This system is called the tiers payant and it was Out of hours there is a duty GP (médecin de varies. Policies often refer to percentages of meant to be being extended to doctor visits, but garde) for each area for emergencies (a new cover. In this case, 100% reimbursement means this change had been put off on going to press. number can help you find one, as well as giving reimbursement up to the tarif de convention; People with long-term illnesses for which some advice over the phone: 116 117). There is 150%, 200% etc means costs of going to sector they have 100% state reimbursement (affections also SOS Médecins for home visits (tel: 3624), 2 doctors will also be covered more fully (or de longue durée: eg. diabetes, severe high blood available 24-hours a day across most of France. completely); which is useful as some charge pressure, Parkinsons, cancer and Alzheimers) Check your area is covered at: tinyurl.com/ well above the standard fee. However, you are benefit from it for care related to the illness. SOSMedecinsMap. not reimbursed any more than what you paid. Maternity care is also reimbursed 100%. If tests or X-rays are required they are done Top-up policies may be obtained from vari- Each medical act or treatment, including den- at laboratories or in hospitals on referral. You ous sources, including big French and interna- tal and optical, has a basic set value, called the organise these yourself and take the results to tional insurance firms, various smaller friendly tarif de convention. Reimbursements are based your doctor. You will also be expected to keep societies and firms specialised in helping on a percentage of this eg. 70% for doctor and X-rays between visits. The work of nurses (in- English-speaking expats. dentist consultations, 80% for hospitals and a firmiers) and physiotherapists (kinés) is reim- As for early-retirees looking for a comprehen- variable amount for medicines. For a GP visit bursed at 60%. Costs for glasses and contact sive policy, these can be obtained mainly from you are reimbursed 70% of a fixed e25, which, lenses are often high but online sales are mak- larger insurance firms or the expat specialists. after deduction of a e1 health tax gives e16.50. ing this more competitive - and mutuelles often In theory it should give roughly equivalent If a patient chooses to use a ‘sector 2’ doctor have good cover for glasses. cover to that of the state, although some people who charges above the basic rate any state re- Certain more costly procedures called actes opt for ‘hospital only’ ones. imbursement remains the same – this is where lourds, whether done in a surgery or hospital, Note that despite these policies being called a good top-up can help. are 100% reimbursed, although in some cases ‘private’ you do not use different facilities to In dentistry, reforms planned since late in minus a set e18 fee. people who are covered by the state. Pharmacies Phciarma es are everywhere and (though this has been debated). Shops how vital and effective it is deemed to identified by a green cross. Pharmacists called parapharmacies (or equivalent be. Non-prescription medicines can can give advice on minor health prob- supermarket sections) may stock now be bought at online pharmacies. lems - and are even trained to identify non-medical items like diet products, A list of approved ones is at: ordre. whether a wild mushroom is edible. personal hygiene products, vitamins pharmacien.fr/ecommerce/search Supermarkets are not allowed to sell and bandages. Some pharmacies open outside nor- medicines, even common painkillers The amount of state reimbursement mal hours on a rota system - see

Photo: Wikimedia/The Supermat Photo: and other non-prescription medicines for a medicin e can vary, depending on www.3237.fr or call 3237 (e0.35/min).

Free, confidential support for English-speaking people, throughout France, touched in any way by cancer. For support, advice or to find the nearestAssociation to you: Helpline 0800 240 200 [email protected] www.cancersupportfrance.org

Volunteers are needed in all areas. Contact your nearest Association for information

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 109 healthcare i doctors

Useful vocabulary Mutuelle or assurance complémentaire: A voluntary top-up health insurance policy Tarif de convention: The basic fixed state tariff for a medical act of which the state refunds a percentage Médecin traitant: Your personal GP Ticket modérateur: The part of treatment that is not refunded by the state Remboursement: The refund paid by the state La Sécu: Informal word for the state social security reimbursements system La participation forfaitaire: A e1 charge paid on a visit to the doctor, prescriptions and other medical acts to fund medical research. Puma: The system whereby long-term, legal residents of France may access French state healthcare, sometimes by paying in an annual cotisation (fee) if they are not workers or are old-age pensioners. FINDING a DOCTOR Carte vitale: ONCE you are in the system you will want to female doctors and ones who accept or do not A health card which carries your social find a good local doctor who can be your accept reimbursement with a swipe of a health security data. Used when visiting health médecin traitant (personal GP). card (in theory most doctors now accept this). workers and pharmacies It is quick and easy to designate a certain Many French doctors traditionally practise Hors parcours: doctor and equally simple to change to anoth- alone, from offices that are often part of mixed Health treatment sought without referral er if you wish. residential and commercial blocks, although from your médecin traitant. The opposite Often they will be able to help you directly more and more are now grouping together is treatment within the parcours de soins or guide you towards specialists or hospital with others. President Emmanuel Macron Ordonnance: treatment. However you may also do your said in his election campaign that by 2022 he Prescription own research into services as clinics and spe- wanted to double the number of multidiscipli- Loi Madelin: cialists are more accessible than in the UK nary ‘maisons de santé’ (community clinics A law that allows the self-employed to de- where the GP has a greater ‘gatekeeper’ role. with several medical services under one roof). duct the cost of ‘top-up’ mutuelles from tax Many doctors in France will speak some Doctors outside the hospitals are called Dépassements (d’honoraires): English, especially in cities, however there is libéral (meaning a professional working in A surcharge on top of the basic state no official way to search on the internet, or private practice) and their services are some- tariffs; charged by ‘sector 2’ doctors otherwise, for an English-speaking doctor. times, slightly confusingly, described as soins There are a few services specifically aimed de ville (‘town care’). at the English-speaking community, however, In recent years there has been discussion of q&a I was treated for cancer 10 such as the American Hospital of Paris or the so-called ‘medical deserts’ – a lack of doctors years ago but have since been well. Institut Hospitalier Franco-Britannique, also in certain rural areas as cities attract more What is the ‘right to be forgotten’ ? in Paris, which is run by the Hertford British young professionals. Hospital Charity. Riviera Medical Services is a The problem also concerns facilities like This relates to a requirement to declare partnership of doctors who speak English and emergency units and maternity wards but espe- any cancer treatment when applying for are based across the Alpes-Maritimes. cially revolves around the frontline services of loans and insurance. The emergency home call-outs service SOS GPs and local specialists. Speaking about the The typical case in which this right will be useful is in the medical questionnaires Médecins (3624) also says you may ask for an problem recently Health Minister Agnès Buzyn that are used before a person can have English-speaking doctor. promised a ‘wide-ranging action plan’. The the obligatory borrower’s insurance when Otherwise, you may need to ask around. minister also said she wanted more use made of taking out a loan to buy a home. ‘telemedicine’ – that is, services at a distance, The Cpam site annuairesante.ameli.fr can Before a recent legal change, people who help you find a doctor but you cannot search such as monitoring patients’ conditions using had recovered from cancer usually were by languages spoken. It is a directory of doc- internet-connected equipment at home. either refused, or had to pay punitively tors (professionnels de santé) and clinics/hos- Around 9% of the population are said to live high levels of surcharges for insurance pitals (établissements de soins). in a poorly-served area for access to GPs and and/or have certain conditions excluded If you choose un professionnel de santé you the problem is made worse by an ageing pop- from the insurance. may then search by at least one of the follow- ulation of doctors. In most towns, however, You do not have to mention the illness ing: name, specialism or medical act (or scroll access is good. after a set period from the last treatment. down clickable lists) plus location. You may It varies according to cancer type, but then also specify a sector (the main ones being Want to know more? cannot be more than 10 years. President sans dépassement, also called secteur 1, and We publish a 48-page guide to healthcare in Macron promised to reduce this to five. honoraires libres) and specify either male or France. See connexionfrance.com

110 u Moving to France Guide 2018

healthcare i hospital

Hospital stays

The state health system pays for hospitalisa- non-reimbursed part of the hospital fee and tion in a public hospital or a clinique privée any dépassements d’honoraires (fees above the CONNEXION TIP conventionnée (private clinic that has signed basic rate) practised by sector 2 doctors in the an agreement with the state) at a rate of 80% hospital who treat you, plus the €18 fee for A new single number for calling an out (or 100% if you must stay longer than a month). certain procedures classified as actes lourds of hours doctor has been launched on However on top of this there is a part of the and costs of any extras you ask for eg. a private 116 117. daily costs that is not reimbursed for each day room or telephone or television supplement. It was being trialled in three regions you stay longer than 24 hours, the forfait hos- during 2017 but was meant to be rolled pitalier (€20/day, or €15 in psychiatric wards). n Click on maps at this website to zoom in out nationally by the end of the year. This is reimbursed only by some mutuelles. on hospitals and clinics in your area to find You or your mutuelle still have to pay the out about them: scopesante.fr It is available after 20.00 on weekdays as well as at the weekend and on bank holidays. cover outside France It is meant to provide medical advice, as well as help with finding out of hours O NCE part of the French system, you will long as it is of a kind provided by the French medical services or arranging for a home need the French EHIC when you travel abroad healthcare system. Prior authorisation is need- visit if necessary. in the EU (including to the UK even if you are ed only in more complicated cases where the British). It is called Carte Européenne d’Assur- treatment is of a very expensive kind or re- It does not however replace 15 as the ance Maladie (CEAM) and you can apply for quires hospitalisation. Even then, permission number to call in medical emergencies. it via the agency you are affiliated to for health may only be able to be refused in limited cases, ameli.fr is run by the Cpams and remains cover (Cpam or RSI etc). such as if the treatment is quickly and easily a good source of information about pro- You may also apply via the Cpam website available in France or there are doubts about cedures and reimbursements etc. ameli.fr if you have an account on the site, by the qualifications of the doctor. calling 3646 or using machines at Cpams. Where a treatment is of a kind requiring au- If you set up an account on this site you However if you are a pensioner with your thorisation your Cpam should be able to take can also use it to track details of your healthcare via an S1 form you need a British a ‘reasonable time’ to reply. reimbursements if you are registered EHIC. British cards are valid for five years Note that the UK in recent years has aimed with a local Cpam. whereas French ones are valid for two years. to be stricter on asking to see EHIC/CEAM Early-retirees using comprehensive insur- cards when expats are back in Britain on vis- ance are not entitled to EHICs/CEAMs, so its, so do remember to take one once you are CONNEXION TIP consider when taking out the policy whether a French resident (and if you are a UK state SOS Médecins (tel: 3624) is another it is operational outside France. If not, good pensioner take a copy of your S1 and/or proof option if you have a health problem out travel insurance is important when travelling. of drawing a pension, as British pensioners re- of hours. It is also often possible to make a deliberate tain the right to use the NHS). choice to go to another EU state for healthcare, Without this you may be asked to pay for This network has doctors across much of though it is best to check with your Cpam first, certain treatments, though not just for a GP France. They will come out quickly and to ensure it will reimburse it. If so, this will be visit, which remains free for all. although they usually charge more than up to the usual French rates for the treatment. If you are asked for payment, you may be for a normal GP visit, you are reimbursed Under EU rules, you may in principle seek able to claim back a refund from Cpam on at the usual 70% rate for the visit. healthcare abroad without permission as your return to France.

100 112 u Moving to France Guide 2018 insurance i everyday

insurance What you need, how 8 EVERYDAY to get it and how to LIFE cancel it The basics The basic insurance policies you are likely to need are for your home does not agree, he or she may appoint their own expert to negotiate with and possessions, potentially some form of health insurance and, if you the company or do so through an avocat (lawyer). Negotiating yourself drive, for your car. Your main contact is through local agents who advise is possible but requires determination. and arrange contracts – but also exist to sell their associated insurers’ An expert will also be appointed for most motor accidents but, except products. A courtier – broker – however, is independent of specific firms. in serious cases, these are usually easier to settle. Developing a relationship with one agent rather than always shopping It is important to note that many kinds of insurance are tacitly renewed around can mean having a helpful contact if there is a problem or claim. each year and there can be strict limits on when and how to cancel – Large insurance claims, particularly for burglary or damage to your however new consumer laws now make it possible to cancel at any time home, can take a long time to settle. The insurer will appoint an expert after the first year for home and motor policies, while new mortgage in- (assessor) to investigate and assess the amount. If the insured person surance rules were put in place in 2017. Natural disasters: floods and hurricanes Mos t home insurance policies include cover constantly says it will get faster. often include a provision for an expert to visit for natural disasters (catastrophes naturelles). Once the status has been declared, poli- your property to assess it if you are away. A typical “multirisques” policy will include cy holders have a limited 10-day window to You will need to supply a description of damage from earthquake, flooding, drought, start their claim, although insurers recom- the damage, a list of all the lost or damaged landslide and surging waves – and an insurer mend you do not wait for the declaration and items and proof of ownership and their value cannot refuse to cover you for this, unless you instead lodge the claim as soon as you become (receipts and photographs). live on land which is considered not fit for con- aware of damage. The French federation of You must not throw any damaged items struction or in violation of planning laws. insurance companies FFSA states 10 days out: the insurer may call an expert to visit and However, insurers will only process claims refers to calendar days starting from the day assess the validity of the claim. If you need to once a state of natural disaster has been declared after the publication of the status. carry out any urgent repairs or cleaning, you by ministerial decree (arrêté interministériel). A claim can be started by telephone or fax should take photos first. This clearly defines the zones affected and the and the supporting documents can be sent after Wind damage is not considered a natural nature of the damage. It can take months for the the 10-day deadline if the case has already been disaster and is covered by the garantie tempête FR17600EN - Connexion banner v2.pdf 1 10/01/2018 15:51 status to be granted, although the government opened. Special second home insurance policies (storm damage) part of your insurance policy.

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Moving to France Guide 2018 u 113 everyday i INSURANCE

q&a We want to set up a business and run it from home. Will this affect our home insurance and, if so, how? This depends on the type of business, the amount of space taken up by materials related to it, usage etc. Other questions may include: Will customers visit the property? Is stock stored there? What equipment is used? The effect and cost on any home insurance is on a case-by-case basis, as everyone’s needs are different. HomE insurance HOME insurance requirements vary accord- trical goods and valuables, decor etc as well If you let your ing to whether you own or rent. as responsabilité civile (civil liability) cover Cover is meant to compensate you for re- for harm caused to others due to your fault; home long-term pairs to the home or for replacement of dam- carelessness or negligence caused by children IT IS generally enough to have civil liability aged items – usually minus a deduction for living with you, by someone working for you cover in case the tenant or neighbours are vétusté (wear and tear) though some policies (a babysitter or gardener), your pets or your harmed due to a fault in the building. specify comme neuf (“as new”). building, eg. if a tile falls onto someone’s head. If it is a flat, check you are not doubling Compensation will be within a maximum val- Cover for theft and legal cover (if you need up on what is covered in the building insur- ue set in the contract (which will adjust for infla- help due to a conflict with a neighbour or a dis- ance taken out by the management syndic. tion) and there may be caps for certain kinds of pute with a workman) may be included or of- There are other options, especially if renting item (eg. valuables, electronic equipment). fered as options. out for short-term holiday lets, and it is ad- It is advisable to take photos of contents and visable to discuss these with your broker. You email them to yourself or store them online. If you own the home may also want to consider insurance against Make sure the objects are clearly visible; get OWNER-OCCUPIERS are not obliged to unpaid rent. yourself in the photo to show ownership and fix have insurance. Typically, however, they take the date by holding a copy of The Connexion. out at least a multirisques habitation policy If you live in a flat If you are burgled, insurers want proof of covering both the fabric of the building and IN COPROPRIETE buildings (divided into ownership: if you do not have receipts then its decor and personal items. separate homes, with some shared communal photos are a fall-back. areas) the syndic takes out a policy for the communal areas and If you rent your home the building fabric. THE TENANT is responsible for any damage The cost will be in- he or she causes to the building. It is a legal re- cluded in its charges. quirement to be covered for “risques locatifs” It will include civil li- (technically this is not the case for furnished ability for communal rental, but it is still advisable). areas and sometimes This covers problems such as fire damage, includes it for individ- floods and explosions. It does not cover the ual owners’ properties tenants’ goods. An additional element for as well as with regard damage to other people’s property – recours to harm to neigh- des voisins et des tiers – is usually included. bours and tenants (eg. Policies called assurance multirisques habita- due to a leak or faulty tion also include your furniture, clothes, elec- maintenance).

114 u Moving to France Guide 2018 insurance i everyday Other kinds of insurance Mortgage insurance Banks require people taking out mortgages to have assurance emprunteur (borrower’s insurance) Useful to cover them in case of death, invalidity or inca pacity to work – and often strongly encourage tak vocabulary ing out insurance offered by a partner of the bank. Courtier : By law they must allow you to change your An independent insurance insurance within the first year of the loan if you broker find a cheaper one with the same guarantees but they reportedly often quibble over this latter as Expert: pect. A new development came into law in 2017 An assessor for an insurance – you can change to a new company for your mort firm, used for larger claims gage life assurance policy within 12 months from before the insurer agrees how the mortgage offer letter. This will be expanded in Ski insurance much they will pay January 2018 to enable you to change provider af MAINSTREAM insurers say the same guarantees Vétusté: ter the first year on the anniversary each year. may be included in common policies or on your Expected wear and tear due Insurers, meanwhile, may now terminate con credit card – but a separate ski insurance may give to age, use, being out of date tracts if the policy holder does not declare that peace of mind as mountain rescue bills can be etc. Used in assessing value of they are participating in a new sport that might high. Depending on how often you go, you can just damaged goods pose ‘a particular risk’ to their health or safety. pay for it with your ski pass (limited to the station - domaine skiable), or it might be worth investing Assurance multirisques: Legal protection in a longer policy. Comprehensive insurance ASSURANCE protection juridique (legal protec cover for vehicles or homes tion insurance) may help if you end up in a legal Dependency insurance Sinistre: dispute. It may allow for occasional legal advice MO RE and more people are considering pri An accident or incident as well as helping you to pay lawyers’ fees when vate insurance to cover expenses that arise from to report representation is necessary. The CréditA gricole ageing, such as home help or care homes. It comes and Société Générale, for example, offer optional in addition to state help, like the allocation person- Un tiers: legal protection insurance to bank account holders nalisée d’autonomie benefit. It typically offers capi A third party which includes use of a helpline for advice. It may tal pay-outs or monthly allowances if you become Avis d’échéance: come into play in situations such as purchasing dependent. Cover and premiums vary according Cancellation notice problems, work, landlord or neighbour disputes. to policy and level of dependency. Bris de glace: Assurance scolaire Broken windscreen WHILE schools cannot require insurance for Dommages corporels: participation in core activities, including trips Physical harm / injury out during class hours, the government advises Quittance: parents to have such insurance. It is obligatory Receipt for extra-curricular activities and trips. Assurance scolaire can cost from about e10 a year. Parents’ Assurance responsabilité civil: associations like PEEP and FCPE are one source of Third-party liability insurance advice. They may recommend certain policies in Franchise: partnership with some large insurance firms. Pet insurance Excess ASSURANCE animaux de compagnie is intend There are two key elements: ed to help reimburse veterinary costs, which can L’assuré: be high and hard to budget for. Like mutuelles n Responsabilité civile (cover for damage your Policy holder for people, reimbursement may be at different child might do to objects or people) percentage levels depending on premiums. Less expensive policies may focus on surgery n Accident corporel (if your child is injured) while others will also include more routine medi q&a Why is motorcycle cal care in the case of illnesses and accidents, med The first is often covered by home insurance, insurance so expensive? The number of claims for icines and tests, and matters like fees for a pet’s though not all will cover damage outside the home motorcycles – and the amounts accommodation at the vet’s, transport etc. Extras and they will usually have an excess. As for the sec involved – is much greater than may also include help with searching for a lost pet. ond, the insurance should complement your state cars in percentage terms. The There may be age restrictions on a new policy healthcare and mutuelle. policy price probably reflects that. A motorbike remains one and existing conditions may not be insured. Policies may also offer help with matters like of the most dangerous forms home tutoring, childcare, or meal costs if the child of transport and you are twice Death (or funeral) insurance cannot attend school. School insurance also pays as likely to die as a result of an S ome insurers provide cover for funeral costs, a capital sum in the case of accidents causing accident on a bike than in a car. funeral arrangements and other support services. incapacity or death.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 115 87 everyday i insurance Motor insurance It is usual to insure the vehicle not the driver

q&a Can a person with a UK provisional licence drive in France? Absolutely not. A provisional licence is only valid in the country in which it has been issued. It will only become ‘international’ once a driver has passed their test and has been issued with a full licence. If, however, the driver has a French provisional licence, it is easy to insure them on your existing policy. It is simply a case of adding a clause to include them.

I nsuring a UK- registered vehicle SOME companies will only issue a temporary cover note while your car is on foreign plates, some will not insure you at all and others do not ask the question. Legally, you must register your car in France once you become resident

here. # However, if you have a claim while on foreign plates then there may be some differences compared to an accident involving a French-registered car. For example, if the car is deemed a VEHICLE insurance is compulsory and rang- A driver with a long accident-free record can write-off then the process of selling the wreck is es from tiers collision (third party insurance) to earn up to a maximum 50% no-claims bonus slower as it cannot be automated by the assessor tous risques (comprehensive). and most companies will accept your British or the holding garage. Variations include third-party plus theft and no-claims history, as long as you provide proof. If the car has been stolen in France, then the some policies will cover items in the car. Insur- The French discount system is called coeffi- French authorities may require you to theoreti- ers will want to know where the vehicle is kept, cient de réduction-majoration (CRM). cally re-register the car here, so it can be entered if it is used for work and details of the habitual The discount percentage given refers to the into the French database of stolen cars. driver (conducteur principal). They will want to amount left to pay. A new policy is given the be notified of any changes. level 100 and there is a discount for each year Drive less and Premiums may be more expensive than in the of claim-free driving: 5% for each of the early UK, on the other hand pay-outs are often better, years but reducing steadily until after 13 years of cut premiums with fewer exceptions and lower amounts of ex- claim-free driving there is just 50% to pay. MOST firms have an option for those who do cess. They depend on variables like vehicle type, In the UK your no claims bonus is a count not use their car often, setting a maximum an- the place where it is kept and the age and record of the number of years in which you have not nual mileage of around 8-10,000km and giving of the main driver. made a claim on your policy. The amount it is a reduction of up to 25%. Under most policies anyone may drive with worth varies from one firm to another, but, say, If you feel you will exceed this you must notify the owner’s consent. However, there may be ad- a bonus of five years or more could give a 60- the company so you do not invalidate the insur- ditional excess amounts that apply dependent 75% discount. In this case, you should make ance or suffer a reduction for any future claims. on who is driving at the time of any accident. sure the French insurer knows your UK bonus Companies offer different levels; perhaps This may apply, for example, if the driver is un- is more than the equivalent of the French 50%, starting from a 5,000km limit, and some do re- der 25. Check with your insurance firm. so you should get the 50%. imbursements if you drive less than the allow- Your insurance agent will issue a cover note All or part of the discount can be lost if the ance during the year. until your insurance certificate arrives. This con- insured person is responsible for accidents (sin- sists of a “green card”, which has international istres) - but if you have had the maximum (ie. Breakdown help validity and must be signed by the policy holder. 50%) no-claims for three years or more you IT IS usual for breakdown assistance and A windscreen sticker, called une vignette, gives only lose discount if you are responsible for two replacement car hire to be offered as part of your basic insurance details and must be displayed accidents or more in a three year time-span. insurance policy rather than paying for a sepa- (for motorcycles on the front mudguard). For tous risques there is usually an excess. rate assistance scheme.

116 u Moving to France Guide 2018 CUT OUT AND KEEP BILINGUAL ACCIDENT FORM Your insurance company will supply you with forms like this, called a Constat Amiable d’accident Automobile, which you should Your insurance company will supply you with forms like this, called a Constat Amiable d’accident Automobile, which you should complete and sign with the other party involved directly following a road accident. The form is used by insurors to determine complete and sign with the other party involved directly following a road accident. The form is used by insurors to determine what happened and, although not obligatory, most insurance companies highly advise that you use one. what happened and, although not obligatory, most insurance companies highly advise that you use one. We have translated one here to help – keep it with your real one in the glove compartment and consult as needed. We have translated one here to help – keep it with your real one in the glove compartment and consult as needed. CONSTAT AMIABLE D’ACCIDENT AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT REPORT 1 Date de l’accident Heure 2 Localisation 3 Blessé(s) même léger(s) Date of the accident Time Locality Lieu : Injury/ies even if slight 1/2 Pays : Exact location oui non Country yes no 2/2 4 Dégâts matériel à des Damage to property 5 Témoins : noms, adresses et tél Witnesses: names, addresses and tel. numbers véhicules autres que A et B objets autres que des véhicules other than vehicles A and B damage to other property oui non oui non yes no yes no VÉHICULE A VEHICLE A 12. CIRCONSTANCES VÉHICULE B VEHICLE B 6 Preneur d’assurance / assuré (voir attestation d’assurance) Circumstances 6 Preneur d’assurance / assuré (voir attestation d’assurance) Details of insuree (see insurance certicate) Mettre une croix dans chacunes des cases Detail of insured (see insurance certicate) NOM : ...... utiles pour préciser le croquis NOM : ...... Surname A * Rayer la mention inutile Surname Prénom : ...... Put a cross in each of the relevant boxes B Prénom : ...... First name to help explain the drawing (below) First name Adresse ...... * Delete as appropriate Adresse ...... Address Address Code postal : ...... Pays...... 1 * en stationnement* / à l’arrêt 1 Code postal : ...... Pays...... Postcode Country Parked / stationary Postcode Country Tél. ou email ...... 2 * quittait un stationnement / ouvrait une portière 2 Tél. ou email ...... Tel. or email *Leaving a parking space / opening a door Tel. or email 7 Véhicule vehicle 3 prenait un stationnement 3 7 Véhicule vehicle A MOTEUR VEHICLE REMORQUE TRAILER entering a parking space (at the roadside) A MOTEUR VEHICLE REMORQUE TRAILER Marque, type Make, type 4 sortait d’un parking, d’un lieu privé, 4 Marque, type Make, type ...... d’un chemin de terre ...... emerging from a car park, from private grounds, N° d’immatriculation N° d’immatriculation from a track N° d’immatriculation N° d’immatriculation Registration number Registration number Registration number Registration number ...... 5 s’engageait dans un parking, un lieu privé, 5 ...... Pays d’immatriculation Pays d’immatriculation un chemin de terre Pays d’immatriculation Pays d’immatriculation Country of registration Country of registration entering a car park, private grounds, a track Country of registration Country of registration ...... 6 s’engageait sur une place à sens giratoire 6 ...... entering a roundabout or similar tra c system 8 Société d’assurance (voir attestation d’assurance) ( see insurance certicate) 8 Société d’assurance (voir attestation d’assurance) ( see insurance certicate) Insurance company 7 roulait sur une place à sens giratoire 7 Insurance company driving on roundabout NOM : ...... NOM : ...... Name 8 heurtait à l’arrière, en roulant dans le 8 Name N° de contrat : ...... N° de contrat : ...... Policy N° même sens et sur une même file Policy N° # N° de carte verte : ...... Hit the rear end, driving in same direction N° de carte verte : ...... N° insurance certicate in a same lane N° insurance certicate Attestation d’assurance ou carte verte valable Attestation d’assurance ou carte verte valable 9 roulait dans le même sens et 9 Period of insurance validity du from : ...... au to : . . . . sur une file différente Period of insurance validity du from : ...... au to : . . . . Agence (ou bureau, ou courtier) : ...... going in the same direction but in a dierent lane Agence (ou bureau, ou courtier) : ...... Agency or broker Agency or broker NOM : ...... 10 changeait de file changing lanes 10 NOM : ...... Name Name doublait overtaking Adresse : ...... 11 11 Adresse : ...... Address Address ...... Pays : ...... 12 virait à droite turning to the right 12 ...... Pays : ...... Country Country 13 virait à gauche turning to the left 13 Tél ou email ...... Tél ou email ...... Tel. or email Tel. or email reculait moving backwards Les dégâts matériels au véhicule sont-ils assurés par le contrat ? 14 14 Les dégâts matériels au véhicule sont-ils assurés par le contrat ? Is damage to the vehicle insured by the contract? 15 empiétait sur une voie réservée à la 15 Is damage to the vehicle insured by the contract? oui yes non no circulation en sens inverse oui yes non no encroaching upon a lane reserved for tra c going in the opposite direction 9 Conducteur (voir permis de conduire) Driver ( see driving licence) 9 Conducteur (voir permis de conduire) Driver ( see driving licence) 16 venait de droite (dans une carrefour) 16 NOM : ...... coming from the right at an intersection NOM : ...... Surname Surname Prénom : ...... n’avait pas observé un signal de priorité ou Prénom : ...... First name 17 un feu rouge. 17 First name Date de naissance : ...... Failing to stop at a red light, or to give priority when appropriate Date de naissance : ...... Date of birth indiquer le nombre de cases Date of birth Adresse : ...... marquées d’une croix Adresse : ...... Address State the TOTAL number of spaces marked with a cross Address ...... Pays : ...... Pays : ...... Country A signer obligatoirement par les deux conducteurs Country Ne constitue pas une reconnaissance de responsabilité mais un relevé des Tél ou email ...... identités et des faits servant à l’accélération du règlement Tél ou email ...... Tel. or email Must be signed by BOTH drivers Tel. or email Permis de conduire n° ...... Does NOT constitute an admission of liability, but a summary of identities and Permis de conduire n° ...... Driving licence n° the facts which will speed up the settlement of claims. Driving licence n° Catégorie (A, B...) ...... Catégorie (A, B...) ...... 13 Croquis de l’accident au moment du choc 13 Groups (A, B...) Sketch of the accident Groups (A, B...) Permis valable jusqu’au ...... Préciser : 1. le tracé des voies - 2. La direction (par des flèches) des véhicules A, B - Permis valable jusqu’au ...... 3. leur position au moment du choc - 4. les signaux routiers - 5. le nom des rues (ou routes). Driving licence valid until Indicate : 1. The layout of the road - 2. using arrows the direction of the vehicles A , B - Driving licence valid until 3. their position at the moment of impact - 4. any road signs - 5. names of the streets or roads. 10 Indiquer le point de choc 10 Indiquer le point de choc initial au véhicule A initial au véhicule B par une èche par une èche Indicate with an arrow the point Indicate with an arrow the point of initial impact of initial impact

11 Dégâts apparents au 11 Dégâts apparents au véhicule A : véhicule B : Visible damage to vehicle A: Visible damage to vehicle A:

14 Mes observations : My remarks: 14 Mes observations : My remarks: 15 Signature des conducteurs 15 Signatures of the drivers

A B Conform ément à la loi informatique et libertés du 06 janvier 1978, un droit d’accès et de recti cation des informations vous concerna nt vous est ouvert auprès des entreprises d’assuranceq destinataires du présent constat. 105 105 105 everyday i insurance

q&a If our home was broken into while we were away on Cancelling insurance holiday – and we did not find Most insurance contracts have had a tacit re- nual renewal date, the échéance, and send a lettre out until we returned a fortnight newal clause to ensure no lapse of service (or, recommandée avec accusé de réception (recorded later, could we still claim, or would have we missed the deadline? more cynically, no chance of escape). delivery letter with receipt slip) within the con- While you should normally declare a However in the case of certain insurance poli- tractual notice period (generally no later than claim within five days, if you are away cies (car/vehicle, home, specific goods - but not two months before the échéance). La Poste offers from the property and unaware, then mutuelle health insurance) this has changed in an option to send an LRAR online. Phone calls you just need to let your insurer know order to give people more choice and, it is hoped, are not acceptable, nor emails, and ordinary let- as quickly as you can on your return. lower prices. ters may not be acknowledged. Renewal still happens automatically but poli- If you find you have taken out insurance on cy-holders can cancel their policy at any time af- something that would be covered under another ter the first year. The cover will cease one month contract (ie. a television that would be covered Health after a cancellation letter is received. It is also pos- under household insurance, or travel insurance sible for a new insurer to cancel the old contract for a specific trip when you already have general for you. cover) you have 14 days from purchase to write to insurance Where this does not apply and you wish to the provider to cancel it. Any refunds should be THE MOST common kind of health insur- change policy then you need to check your an- sent to you within 30 days. ance is assurance maladie complémentaire, also known as une mutuelle. People who are in the French state healthcare system use a mutuelle to top up the part of healthcare costs that is not reimbursed by the state, for example 30% of a GP’s fee for a Your questions answered routine visit. It is not obligatory. I HAVE been involved in an accident ONE OF my trees fell during a storm. It However, expats may need a comprehen- with a driver in a foreign car. It was not has not damaged anything but needs to my fault so why did I have to pay the be removed. Will my insurance pay for sive private policy in their early years here excess on the claim? this? if they are not working and are below the If you are involved in an accident with a Generally, if there is no damage caused by state pension age. This policy is as a re- driver who has insurance with a company the falling tree then this is not covered on a placement to state healthcare cover until that is not in the convention collective multirisque habitation policy. However, it is you are eligible to enter the system. nationale des sociétés d’assurances then you possible to enhance your policy so that it will need to pay the excess and your insur- provides more cover for your garden which The state reimburses medical acts and ance company will pay for the repairs to includes plants and trees. medicines at a set percentage of a fixed of- your car. In this case the removal would probably ficial price called the tarif de convention. In You pay the excess, then the whole be covered. If you do not have the enhanced many cases, this does not represent the full amount is claimed back from the other garden cover then it is often possible for fee charged to you. On top of that, the state insurer. Once the claim is paid out by the a local company to come to remove the other insurer both you and your insurer tree for free or little cost, as they can often refunds only a percentage of that tariff. For will be reimbursed. However, always check sell it as firewood and will be happy to different kinds of service, both the percent- your policy. take it. age reimbursed and the tariff can vary. Spe- cialists, for example, cost more than GPs. I HAD an accident and a passing car I bought my holiday home without a Note that because the tarif de convention stopped to help and arranged for my car mortgage but I’d like to add a pool and is low for some kinds of care, for example to be taken to a garage by a breakdown a new kitchen. I don’t want to use savings so what can I do? glasses, even a mutuelle may not result in truck from a local garage. I have paid the IF YOU do not have a mortgage on your hol- you being refunded the whole cost. garage but why won’t my insurance refund me when I’ve sent the receipt iday home, you can get a home improvement This leads to apparently confusing state- to them? loan by releasing equity in your house. The ments such as a mutuelle that is said to pay If you have assistance included in your poli- minimum amount is €75,000, and is depend- 150% of costs, but which in some cases cy, it is really important to inform the assis- ent on the loan-to-value against your property still may not reimburse the full real cost tance service as soon as you can when you value and affordability. to yourself (it just reimburses 150% of the have an incident. Your assistance service will tarif de convention). arrange for the breakdown service to come I READ on a forum that you can get an to you. If it has already been arranged then advance, like a loan, from an assurance For more information see our chapter on you can give them the information and clar- vie assurer. Is this true, and if so, how healthcare or order our specific healthcare ify if they will pay for it. If you break down does it work? helpguide via www.connexionfrance.com or have an accident on an autoroute or You can withdraw funds from your assur- rocade (bypass) then it is normal for the When choosing your mutuelle check to ance vie or you can take a loan against your police to arrange the recovery of your vehi- see which benefits are offered and what you cle. You should still call your assistance ser- funds. This means that you won’t have to actually need. vice to advise them that your vehicle is being pay tax on any profit made on the with- Basic policies will focus on essential mat- recovered. This opens the file with them so drawn amount – ters like hospital stays and medicines, oth- that they can pay up to the approved limit so it can be beneficial depending on your ers will then add extra protection for dental on your policy for the recovery. circumstances. or eye care matters.

118 u Moving to France Guide 2018 working i EVERYDay

Working How to set up, social security and where to find help

FOR many people, moving to France means maximum turnover limit or face moving to starting a new way of life and, sometimes, a more classic business regime. This year the a business – as a language teacher, carer or ceiling rises from €82,800 to €170,000 for trade, Seeking running a B&B or gîte, for example. You can resale, accommodation and food businesses, improve your chances of success by being aware and from €33,100 for service providers (such as work of the rules and, of course, by learning French. artisans or professions libérales) to €70,000. Some people are also coming to take up a However, these rises have not been matched IF YOU are coming to France to job but for those aiming to start a business it by any change in the VAT threshold so some start a job with a new employer, is important to understand one of the most micro-entrepreneurs face a new system. they should be able to help you important rules: you cannot begin a business Until this year, there were two types of understand France’s working rules. without registering first under one of the small business – simple micro-entrepreneur or However it is useful to know some country’s business regimes. those on the régime réel with more complex basics if you will be looking for a job. To do so means deciding what type of business administration, social charges and taxation – When you come as a jobseeker, you plan: commercial, artisanal or providing you should immediately register at a professional service, as each has a separate your nearest Pôle Emploi (job centre) registration body, the chambre de commerce where you may continue to receive et d’industrie, the chambre de métiers et de You cannot live unemployment benefit from another l’artisanat or the social charges body Urssaf. in France and EU country for three months if you Once registered, you will be assigned a nine- were drawing it before arriving. figure number for your business called the start a business You cannot claim French unem Siren which is assigned by the national statistics ployment benefit if you have not agency Insee and must appear on your business without being worked in France. documents, estimates and invoices. registered You may seek work for up to six In 2009 France transformed its reputation for months after which, unless you can being overly-bureaucratic (but did not wipe it under a regime prove you have good prospects of a job, out completely) by creating the simple small you may have to return home if you business regime called the auto-entrepreneur, cannot support yourself financially. like a sole trader or self-employed business. but now those who exceed the VAT thresholds The Pôle Emploi will help in your job It was a simple and affordable way to start a will fall into a third, intermediate, business search and you can also check the pan- business, pay social charges (similar to National type which maintains simple admin and social European Eures employment site. Insurance in the UK) and, perhaps, test the charges but has more complex taxation. There are about 10 different types of water for a full-scale business. A key attraction Bringing some micro-entrepreneur businesses work contract: the commonest is the was only paying social charges on real earnings into the VAT system also reduces the problem long-term contrat à durée indéterminée (unlike some other business set-ups). of their charges undercutting those operating (CDI) held by 85% of employees Its popularity prompted changes, extending under other business models (especially and the temporary contrat à durée some of its advantages to other small business in building) who complained of ‘unfair déterminée (CDD). A CDD can be set-ups, effectively merging auto-entrepreneur competition’. They now have the same rules. renewed, but only twice. with the classic micro-entreprise regime. Some micro-entrepreneurs must pay the CFE A third contract is the contrat de They are today combined into a single micro- business tax, while trades (artisans) must do a travail temporaire (CTT) for agency entrepreneur regime – with all involved using short set-up course. work such as office temping or skilled the ‘pay-as-you-go’ social charges typical of the Registering at the chambre de métiers et de or unskilled building work. It is done auto-entrepreneur. These are levied monthly or l’artisanat or chambre de commerce et d’industrie through an agence intérim and the quarterly as a percentage of actual turnover. also opens up access to support, as they are often worker is employed by the agency. All micro-entrepreneurs are subject to a helpful and may have English-speaking staff.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 119 EVERYDAY i WORKING What qualifications do you need to work in France?

EU CITIZENS do not need a visa or states that only certificates that have carte de séjour permit to live or work in been submitted for a validation process France – however, they should not ar- before Brexit will have their equivalence rive without work (or without plans to recognised for use afterwards. look for work) and/or without savings For work that is ‘regulated’ or pensions and thus become a financial you will have to contact the liability on the state. Citizens of non-EU relevant body supervising the countries do require these documents. profession in France. While it used to be hard to find work The regulated professions are in many sectors with non-French quali ones that are subject to precise fications, it became easier to have UK qualifications and/or need you qualifications accepted due to EU rules to register with a specific body. governing the recognition of professional In some cases, they may be qualifications between member states. limited to a maximum number You may wish to obtain a ‘certificate of per area. The term covers more equivalence’, which gives an evaluation jobs than in the UK: including of how a qualification compares to the panel-beaters, hairdressers, and equivalent French one, so a potential even chimney sweeps (for employer can assess your level of quali a list, see www.ciep.fr/ fication. There is a fee for this. The profession-glossary). body dealing with this is Enic-Naric Some professions remain (ciep.fr/en/enic-naric-france). open only to the French, such This is now all the more recommended as certain civil service positions in view of Brexit, because the exit deal or working as a huissier negotiated so far on going to press (bailiff).

CONNEXION tip Useful vocabulary If it does not suit you to set up Centre de formalités des entreprises (CFE): Cotisations: your own small firm, using an The starting point for setting up a business: this Payments made towards social security benefits umbrella company (portage can be a chamber of commerce/trade or a branch such as health cover, pension, family allowance etc salarial) could be a suitable of Urssaf, depending on your type of activity. alternative – and two out of CDI/CDD: five French people see it as a CFE also stands for the cotisation foncière des Contrat à durée indéterminée and contrat à durée way to try entrepreneurship. entreprises, an annual business tax déterminée – common employment contracts Worker can accept freelance Insee: PME: or contract work without National statistics body. The Institut national de la Small and medium sized companies – petites et registering as self-employed. statistique et des études économiques collects and moyennes entreprises (SME in English). publishes information about the French economy You are legally classified and people, and carries out the census Cadre: as an employee and your A management-level employee. In job descriptions ‘employer’ (the umbrella Urssaf and RSI: the term gérant can also describe a manager company) issues and chases The two main bodies which deal with social invoices, deals with insurance security contributions – although the RSI is due to Chambre de commerce et d’industrie / and pays your social charges. be removed in 2018 de métiers et de l’artisanat: Offices which take registrations for different Siren and Siret – unique numbers for your business business regimes and help with formalities, q&a Do you have any provided by Insee for the use of tax and social training and advice advice on finding seasonal security authorities agricultural work? Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés/ Infogreffe: ANEFA is the agricultural EURL and SARL: All businesses must be registered and the jobs agency: www.anefa. The two most common forms of limited company information provided is kept on this register. You org/emplois-saisonniers. in France. The former has just one partner. can check infogreffe.fr for registered businesses The resources linked to here and businesspeople include its own seasonal job Micro-entrepreneur: listings (‘bourse d’emploi’), Formerly auto-entrepreneur, this is the simplest SMIC: the Pôle Emploi’s seasonal sole-trader setup, assessing social charges based Thesalaire minimum interprofessionnel de jobs section, a contacts guide on actual turnover but without deduction of croissance is the minimum wage – up 12 centimes by department, and a link for expenses. per hour from January 2018 to €9.88/hour. grape picking (vendanges).

120 u Moving to France Guide 2018 OUR STORY Retirement to Brittany brought lots of pleasure but difficult challenges Mark Bennett, Morbihan

When did you move to France? Have you made friends easily? Melanie, my late wife (pictured, top), and We have made a few French friends, mainly I moved to Billio in the Morbihan (56) in close neighbours and many acquaintances. I January 2010. have a season ticket for Vannes Rugby Club and I have a group of French friends from the Why did you make the move? region who I meet for matches. We were both retired, we had had a sailing boat nearby in Vannes for three years. Mel What has been the most enjoyable aspect of leaving and, since arriving, with a couple of had lived in France for five years in the early your new life in France? one-on-one courses. 80s, both her children were born in France. Living in a very pleasant and accommodating She was a francophone house with a (too) large garden in a small and What do you miss most about where you friendly rural community. lived previously? What did you do before moving to France? My extended family, bitter beer and English I was a partner in a large veterinary practice And the toughest? pubs in Dorset and my local rugby club. in East Dorset. As you can probably imagine the most difficult I am sure that if I were to return to the UK thing I have had to deal with and to talk there would be many things about la vie What research did you do prior to the move? about was my wife’s death in February 2016 française that I would yearn for as well. Our research was based on existing knowledge I am just about to submit my dossier for of France and Brittany in particular having my application for French nationality to the visited both in our boat and on car based ‘Integrate, integrate Préfecture in Rennes – this is a belt and braces holidays. and, what’s more, move to mitigate the effects of the disastrous We found Vannes particularity attractive decision taken by the UK electorate in June although I now live in rural central Brittany. integrate. If you don’t, 2016. I can’t bring myself to say the word Melanie’s past experience of the country was life becomes difficult Brexit, oops I just have. obviously very useful. and the urge to return What three tips Were you a regular visitor to France before home becomes would you give to your move? anyone planning Yes, as above. overwhelming’ on moving to France? How did you find a place to live? of a grade 4 brain tumour. Once diagnosed, 1. Do it! Mainly by searching on the internet and the medical support was marvellous, she 2. Don’t just learn visiting houses in person. had surgery followed by radiotherapy and a smattering of mild chemotherapy. Her stay in hospital was, French, learn to talk to people and once you What attracted you to the region? under the circumstances, well managed and find that you can manage to make people We were attracted by the rural charm of Billio, as pleasant as possible. Her frequent trips to laugh, not necessarily with crudely translated the proximity of our boat in Vannes and the Rennes for treatment were stress-free. English jokes that never work, you will begin ambience of the village. to feel at home. How have you managed with the language? 3. Integrate, integrate and, what’s more, How have you settled in? Very well I hope. Mel was fluent, I developed integrate. If you don’t, I can see from looking We settled in well, mainly I think because we my O Level French initially with evening around me that life becomes difficult and the could communicate well. classes in the UK for three years before urge to return home becomes overwhelming.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 121 EVERYDAY i SELF-EMPLOYMENT Self-employed: Which business set-up is best?

When going into self-employment you will main business type plus additional sidelines. need to decide on your business set-up type. This affects the bodies you deal with in terms of CONNEXION tip The simplest is trading as an unincorporated support and social security contributions. SOLE traders no longer face business, as a micro-entrepreneur or under the Properly set-up businesses are allocated Siren losing their home if the firm réel regime, which are both forms of entreprise and Siret business identification numbers by fails. individuelle (sole tradership). Insee and checking these (eg. at infogreffe.fr) is In the micro-entrepreneur regime, turnover one way of making sure a businesses is legitimate They formerly had to sign a is declared as part of your annual income tax (although it is not an indicator of the quality of déclaration d’insaisissabilité declaration and a fixed expenses deduction service or skill offered). Be wary of any business in front of a notaire to stop is applied to it (71% for buying and selling saying ‘Siret en cours’ (being processed). This their home being seized: now or for holiday letting, and 50% or 34% for procedure should only take a few days and no this is automatic. services, depending on business type). It makes business should be operating without one. accounting easier but it may not be suitable if When setting up, the best course is to take The restriction stays even if you have a lot of expenses. professional advice, for example from an part of the home is being used Under the réel system you deduct ‘real’ expenses accountant – for taxation and set-up methods for business purposes and from your income, backed up by receipts. – or a lawyer (notaire or avocat with business continues even if the property There are also differences in how social charges law expertise). You may also find local bodies is sold as long as proceeds are are paid. Micro-entrepreneurs pay monthly that help people set up or network with other invested in a new main home. or quarterly at a fixed percentage of turnover entrepreneurs, such as pépinières d’entreprises A déclaration may however for the period. On the réel you pay based on a (‘business incubators’) and ‘co-working’ schemes. still be used to protect other percentage of declared annual income, with Pôle Emploi can advise on eligibility for official estimated charges when starting out. schemes such as Créapass (Ile-de-France) non-professional properties. Other options include different forms of the or Nacre, which help support people who The EIRL (see opposite) is limited company. have ideas for starting or buying a firm. another tool for protecting Businesses have to be registered as working A good general source of information and help is non-professional property. in a defined sector, although you can have a www.afecreation.fr. Self-employment categories

Businesses are split into three main categories for self-employed people – and each has its own registration body called the centre de formalités des entreprises (CFE). The various classes of business are treated differently for tax and social security purposes, with profits declared separately on your annual tax declaration. The categories are:

Commerce (the person running the business is called un/une commerçant/e) – buying and selling. Their CFE is their nearest chambre de commerce et d’industrie.

Artisanat (un/e artisan/e) – trades and crafts. The CFE is the chambre de métiers et de l’artisanat.

Profession libérale (un/e professionnel/le libéral/e) – providing a professional service. A wide-ranging category, ranging from traditional professions such Photo: Centre d’Enseignement de la Dentelle au Fuseau au la Dentelle de d’Enseignement Centre Photo: as accounting or law, to a variety of other jobs – like being a personal trainer, consultant, translator APCE and the Chambre Nationale des of tax and social security authorities. The APE or a freelance journalist. Anyone working in a Professions Libérales (www.cnpl.org) can help code, meanwhile, defines the type of activity and profession libéral is registered with the local branch decide which category your business type falls indicates which social security bodies will deal of Urssaf (Union de Recouvrement des Cotisations into. Alternatively, you could ask at the local CFE. with you and your business. de Sécurité Sociale et d’Allocations Familiales) – see If they do not deal with it, they should be able to Registering your business inevitably produces facing page for more information. tell you which body does. an initial bombardment of letters and paperwork. When you register your business, the CFE will Be aware that, even if they look official, some Note that while anyone operating a business forward all your relevant details to other official of these letters may be scams. under the micro-entrepreneur scheme is also bodies, such as the national statistics body Insee, Letters demanding money to appear on affiliated to a ECF , they can often carry out their which provides your all-important Siren, Siret and certain registers or lists may be suspect and you set-up formalities online or by post. APE numbers. should not make payments unless you are sure You can set up a small business at the following The Siren and Siret give a unique identity and what it is for. If in doubt, do an internet search official website: www.guichet-entreprises.fr geographical location for the business for the use or ask at your CFE.

122 u Moving to France Guide 2018 STARTING A COMPANY i EVERYDAY

setting up a company Foreign If youR intended business is likely to be substantial, you may wish to separate it from your personal life by incorporating it. businesses However, a word of warning, incorporating your business into a limited liability company does not As an alternative to forming a French necessarily mean that you will escape personal liability if it fails. company, it is possible to operate If a company is unable to pay its creditors, they or the official liquidator may seek to have the through a French-registered branch of managers or shareholders made liable for those debts if they can be shown to have been negligent or an overseas company. The bureaucratic reckless. It is advisable to take specialist advice on the options available to you and it is obligatory and tax treatment of a branch is like that to set up an SA through a notaire. The main kind of limited liability companies inF rance are: of a French company, but the costs may be lower and time delays shorter. If you choose this option, you will, however, SARL EURL have to file accounts in both countries. Société à Entreprise unipersonnelle One thing you cannot do is live in France and run a business here responsabilité limitée à responsabilité limitée through a UK-based company alone. THIS IS the most common kind of French THIS is a limited liability company set up and It is important to know the French company and has at least two shareholders. owned by a single person, though it is otherwise regulations that govern your specific There is no minimum capital requirement and similar in nature to the SARL. There is a choice business, and the French business world no board of directors. between income or corporation tax. in general – such as invoicing. The company is managed by one or more Invoices may be written in English if gérants, who can make decisions on its behalf. EIRL appropriate, but translations must be It is usually subject to impôt sur les sociétés Entreprise individuelle provided to official bodies on request in (corporation tax) rather than personal the case of checks being made. income tax, although there are exceptions. à responsabilité limitée They should include details such as THIS is different and gives limited liability Siren/Siret number, company capital, without the owner having to form a company. the company type (SARL, EURL, micro- SA This is undertaken by a sole trader under one entrepreneur, etc), registered address, Société anonyme of the existing set-ups making an additional VAT number (if applicable) and the Literally translated as ‘Anonymous Society’, declaration at their CFE. details of the type of services and goods this is a JOINT-STOCK company, suitable You declare which of your assets are business provided along with the cost. for more extensive operations. Its capital is assets and, if real estate is involved, you also The bill should show pre- and post- divided into shares and it must have at least need to approach a notaire for advice and to VAT charges and the VAT rate. seven shareholders and a share capital of at complete the registration process. least e37,000. It has a board of administrateurs (directors) and (usually) a président-directeur général (managing director). It must have an q&a How can I obtain a licence to open a ‘micro bar’? auditor. Its shares may be freely transferable Y ou will need a licence for the sale of alcoholic drinks – une licence de débit de boissons. To sell and it may be quoted on a stock exchange. only beer and wine a Licence III suffices but for strong distilled drinks a Licence IV is needed.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 123 EVERYDAY i SELF-EMPLOYMENT The micro-entrepreneur scheme Starting as a micro-entrepreneur is the been changed. Earnings over €82,800 or €33,200 firms, 34% for the professions libérales and 50% simplest way to create a business in France. for the categories above, must be billed with for other services. This income is then taxed It is a popular option for those who operate VAT, meaning more complex accounting. under the usual annual income tax bands. smaller businesses, being simpler to run The government has not clarified how this Most micro-entrepreneurs will not be VAT- on most levels, from start-up to accounting to new system will work in practice and the auto- registered, simplifying accounting and meaning paying social charges and tax. entrepreneur federation Fedea is calling for you can charge customers less but it also means It comes from a merger between the former some leeway in the first year while this is done. not deducting VAT from business purchases. auto-entrepreneur regime and the micro- Under this status, you are assessed for social The system, therefore, best suits firms with few entreprise into a single micro-entrepreneur charges based on turnover (not profit – the expenses and little VAT paid on items you need regime. Both now use ‘pay-as-you-go’ social status does not allow for expenses), at monthly to buy to run the business. charges typical of the former auto-entrepreneur or three-monthly intervals. New micro-entrepreneur businesses are exempt system, which is known as le micro social. If your turnover is more than €20,700 or €8,275 from the cotisation foncière des entreprises (CFE) The set-up procedure is aimed to be completed for the categories previously mentioned you business tax in the year of set up and it will only online. While a micro-entrepreneur business may must declare this, your chiffre d’affaires, online. become payable if turnover exceeds €5,000. use a trade name commercially, it is registered Tax for micro-entrepreneurs can also be paid Micro-entrepreneurs in artisan or commerce under your own name for the purposes of tax throughout the year at a special low rate of 1% businesses must register at their chambre de méti- and social charges. for commerçants, 1.7% for some services (includ- ers et de l’artisanat or chambre de commerce and The scheme is limited by turnover and those ing artisans) and 2.2% for professions libérales. also have to pay a small levy as a percentage of regularly taking in more than the ceilings must Alternatively, you can declare your earnings on turnover towards these chambers’ running costs. move to a classic business regime, the régime réel. your annual income tax declaration. (You need There is also a 30-hour training course, called a Turnover ceilings for 2018 are about double to note your micro-entrepreneur income as part stage de préparation à l’installation, that is aimed those of 2017, at €170,000 for buying and selling of your return each year anyway, but this is in a to prepare micro-entrepreneurs for the practical or e70,000 for crafts/trades and the professions different box if tax has already been paid on it). side of running a business. Those in trades need- libérales designation but there is a complication In this case, micro-entrepreneurs benefit from a ing professional insurances should give details of in that the turnover baselines for VAT have not fixed expenses deduction of 71% for commercial these on their invoices and estimates. How social charges are calculated

IF YOU create a micro-entrepreneur business social security cotisations (charges) are paid at regular intervals on a pay-as-you-earn calculation – if there is no turnover there is usually no charge due (but small businesses must shut down or change to régime réel after two years with no turnover). Social charges pay for health, family benefits, retirement pension, invalidity or death benefits and professional training. Your family are also covered. Charge for micro-entrepreneurs depend on your business activity. Those involved in sales or as a restaurant etc will pay charges on 13.1% of their turnover; artisans will pay 22.7% as do self-employed professionals and those offering services. In addition, micro-entrepreneurs pay a small sum for professional training (which can offer €1,000 of job- related training a year) which varies from 0.1-0.3% depending on business activity. In the régime réel, social charges are calculated on percentage rates applied to real declared annual income (minus expenses and costs). The income used is that from the previous year, with a fresh calculation during the year once the full details are known. However, from the start of 2019, start-ups will be helped in their first year with an exemption from social charges, called une année blanche, for businesses with a turnover of less than €40,000. Social charges in the régime réel are made up of a raft of different sections, many with different rates and different earnings limits, making for complexity. Cotisations for a given year are based on what you earned in the year two years previously and this can put a strain on businesses in the third year. The key issue is cash-flow and remembering to set aside profits in the first and second year.

124 u Moving to France Guide 2018 social security i work

The rsi and urssaf IF YOU are registered as self-employed in France medical carte vitale if you do not already have one. you will come into contact with various bodies that If you already have one you just need to update it at q&a Is there a French manage and collect social security payments related a pharmacy. version of the term ‘white to healthcare, family benefits, pension, or compen- van man’? sation for work lost through illness etc. URSSAF calculates and collects social security coti- Someone whose job it is to You will receive regular payment demands from sations. In the case of self-employed people in com- drive a van might be a chauffeur them (appels à cotisations) but they may also give merce and trade it does this under the guise of the livreur (delivery driver), but it help and support should you find yourself in need. RSI. You should not really notice them in this case, is more likely you are thinking For the self-employed, the RSI (Régime Social des unless there is a problem. If you work under a tra- of the connotations of an Indépendants) is a key body and it is closely associ- ditional set-up, cotisation demands are in monthly unsophisticated, conventional man ated with Urssaf (Unions de Recouvrement des Coti- or quarterly instalments based on the most recently with narrow-minded opinions, in sations de Sécurité Sociale et d’Allocations Familiales) declared year of income. which case beauf would fit the bill. which is the overall payments collection agency. Once you have made your annual income dec- It comes from beau-frère (brother- They are the main funding bodies for the social se- laration for the previous year in the spring of each in-law). There is also a noun la beauferie, for related behaviour. curity system, known to many as the sécu. year then your payments for the year under way are A problem has been that RSI has never functioned immediately readjusted, taking into account any re- well – the Cour des Comptes state auditors called it a funds or extras that may be due. catastrophe industrielle – and a rethink was ordered. Urssaf is also the registration point (CFE) for The two agencies were partially merged in 2008 people in one of the professions libérales. Self- and now, 10 years later, that is being pushed to its employed people in this category will deal with final end with RSI being absorbed into Urssaf and its Urssaf for family allowance, but the RSI will manage work shared with relevant agencies such as Cpam for their healthcare payments and cover. A third body, health, Carsat for pensions and Urssaf for payments. usually Cipav, deals with their pension. Merging such organisations is not done overnight Combating fraud is also an Urssaf function and and a two-year timescale has been laid out with the it may check on firms to make sure they and any RSI continuing as before in the interim. employees are properly registered and that correct declarations are being made. THE RSI organises and provides social security cover for self-employed people in commercial or trade During 2018 people linked to RSI will receive up- businesses plus auto- and micro-entrepreneurs. It is dates on the changes that affect them, such as new the main social security body that these people have contacts (interlocuteurs), and over two years they contact with, with regards to social security cover. will be transferred to other agencies in what is called Although it will not be your first contact when reg- a régime général such as Urssaf, Cpam etc. istering your business, the RSI sends your attestation The changeover will be complete by December 31, de droits document for health cover rights, showing 2019, and the aim is for a one-stop shop that deals your social security number. It will then send your with clients and the agencies in the background.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 125 OUR STORY

Rural life and clear skies suit stargazing hosts Sue and Andre Davies, Charente When did you move to France? How have you settled in? and in my experience – well deserved! The July 2015 Never want to live anywhere else. The language is a barrier – it makes things that bit countryside is glorious, and I feel much more more difficult. Money is always an issue – bills Where do you work? at peace here. We have got involved with lots of come thick and fast. We don’t have any other We have a residential astronomy centre run as a activities with both French and British locals, income (e.g. pensions) and all our capital is in the chambre d’hôte and gîte. from a small choral group to a drum group, yoga, business, so we have to make our income to live. twinning committee, local college partnership Why did you make the move? and French classes. How have you managed with the language? Sue: We love the country and the lifestyle, and Day to day is not a problem – can be stressful it is the perfect setting for our business. Both ‘I feel much more at dealing with bureaucracy or complex issues. originally country folk, we longed to get away peace here. We have Keeping on working at it though and read daily, from the town and to have land and live in a listen to radio, TV and spend time each day with small community. got involved with lots of a French neighbour. Also getting out and mixing We didn’t have any other family responsibilities activities with in our French community helps. and both worked with short term contracts at universities so didn’t have permanent or safe both French and What three tips would you give to anyone jobs. In our early 50’s we still had good health British locals’ planning on moving to France? and the energy to start something new, so the 1. Research and learn the language first. timing was just right. Have you made friends easily? 2. Don’t sink all your capital into a house – keep Yes it has not been a problem although our a healthy contingency fund – you will need it! What did you do before moving to France? business means that we have people here all the 3. Be scrupulously realistic and take off the rose- University researchers and lecturers. time so we don’t get much chance to get out and tinted glasses. For example, do not buy a house about. Also, when we do get a day off we can’t in the middle of nowhere in rural France if Where did you research prior to the move? wait to spend it together without others! you have spent your life in a town or in a busy Online, magazines, forums, blogs, books and workplace. exhibitions. What has been the most enjoyable aspect of your new life in France? one piece of advice How did you find a place to live? Having the freedom to run the business as we for settling in? Years of research to find the right place – rural, choose and not working for anyone else, and the Get involved with dark skies, south-facing, clear nights, ease of popularity of our business with the local market your community. access for UK visitors, close to a town, good was unexpected. For Andrew, having clear skies Go to fairs and fêtes, local community. We had a clear idea of the to enjoy the astronomy! Having land for animals boot sales, etc. even accommodation we wanted to develop so it was and an allotment is wonderful, and the weather if not your thing. easy to short-list potential properties. is fabulous. Don’t restrict yourself to the British community What attracted you to the region? or you will have a very narrow experience. Make Climate, airport, dark skies, ease of reach from And the toughest? the most of being in this beautiful country – the UK (flights; not too far to drive). French bureaucracy has a shocking reputation enjoy the food, culture, people, activities.

126 u Moving to France Guide 2018 driving i everyday Driving How to stay in the right

Documents

Certain documents and safety items must be carried at all times when driving and shown to police on request. There are fines for failure to do so (and points are deducted for certain ones) – some fines can be lowered for prompt payment (paiement minoré).

The items are: n A valid and full driving licence for the driver. Fine: e11 or e135 if not presented in five days Pristine motorways, stunning scenic routes, on French roads in 2016, up 0.2% in 2015 but n Vehicle registration document or, for breathtaking mountain passes, plus potholes 12.5% down from the 3,963 in 2011. a French one, the carte grise/Certificat and priorité à droite – France has them all. Official figures show speed causes 25% of road d’immatriculation. Fine as for licence. Driving in France can be a pleasure: roads are deaths with one third blamed on alcohol. n Insurance certificate, with at least 3rd generally well maintained and most signs are When it comes to speed limits, there are party insurance (assurance au tiers). easily recognisable. general ones and reduced ones in rainy or Fine: e35 or e135 after five days EU citizens visiting France have the right to snowy conditions (these also apply at all times n UK-registered cars must carry a GB drive on the licence of their home country with to young drivers who have recently passed sticker or a Euro-GB numberplate no need to immediately exchange it for a French their test, who must show an A sticker on the n Driver and passengers must use permis de conduire or take a new test. back of the car). However you must keep an seatbelts. Under-10s should have Your car, too, as long as it is taxed and eye on signage, because limits can change specially-adapted seats for their size. roadworthy, does not need to be re-registered in suddenly, especially on motorways where some Fine: e135 France for short visits. If, however, you plan to stretches drop to 110kph (and Blvd n Speed camera detectors are illegal – stay for longer than six months, you will have to Périphérique around Paris is 70kph). both physical detectors and those re-register your car for French plates. This year the government decided to reduce using a database and satnav apart Many car insurance policies include cover for the main road speed limit in a bid to cut from those called outil d’aide à driving in EU countries for three months – but accidents. From July 1 the limit on main roads la conduite (driving aid), which do not check if you move to France permanently. (routes nationales) will fall from 90kph to 80. give a precise indication of camera French driving licences start with 12 points Elsewhere, the standard limits are: locations and do not differentiate and drivers lose points for offences – from one Motorways, 130kph (110kph in rain); dual- them from other ‘dangerous areas’. for simple speeding to six for drink-driving. carriageways, 110kph (100); other, 90kph (80); Fine: up to e1,500, six licence points You may continue to drive on a UK licence as built-up areas, 50kph (may start and finish and confiscation a permanent resident however, you must with town/village name signs) – but 20-30kph n A CE-marked fluorescent safety vest exchange it for a French one if you commit a near schools. On all roads speed should be no must be within reach inside the car. motoring offence and points need to be more than 50kph in visibility less than 50m. Motorcyclists must also carry a hi-viz deducted. Take care not to be confused if your car is in vest (Fine: €11) and wear it in case of The government has revealed plans for a miles per hour for the speedometer – ie. 80kph emergency or accident. Fine: e135 similar system of ‘virtual’ points for foreign = 50mph. Radar speed traps are frequent but all n A warning triangle, marked E 27 R. visiting drivers (in summer half of road offences fixed cameras should be preceded by warning It should be placed 30m from the car are estimated to be caused by drivers from other signs (however, they can be anything from a few if you break down (if safe to do so). EU countries) which is due to start in late 2018. hundred metres to several kilometres away). Fine: e135 Apart from the priorité à droite rule (see later) All EU drivers are liable for fines in other EU n Motorcyclists and pillions must wear and driving on the right, driving in France is countries. British, Danish and Irish drivers were crash helmets and gloves. Headlight little different from the UK with most of the exempt until mid-2017 but no fines have yet must be on at all times. Fine: e135 same offences and the same restrictions. been imposed. n Spare bulbs are not mandatory but a Most, but not all; so buying a book Cars bought in France are liable for a system defective light faces a fine of e135. summarising the Code de la Route (Highway of ‘bonus-malus’ rewards and penalties The lights must be masked if they do Code) is useful. depending on pollution rating. Electric cars are not dip to the correct side. But despite plans to cut the number of road eligible for a €6,000 bonus while CO2-emitting n An unused breathalyser kit. Fine: zero deaths to 2,000 by 2020, 3,469 people were killed cars have a penalty from €50 to €10,500 imposed.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 127 everyday i driving changing a licence EU citizens can drive using their own country’s licence if it is still in its validity period but if they break the law they should exchange it for a French one if the penalty involves any loss of points (offenders lose points off French licences), suspension or invalidation. The DVLA cannot replace a UK licence for a French resident. To exchange your licence for a French one you must live in France and contact the Service national en charge des échanges de permis et des permis internationaux in Nantes, or, for Paris, the Crepic service at the Préfecture de Police. It is done by post only. Send two completed, signed and dated forms, Cerfa n°14879*01 (include email or mobile THE ROAD NETWORK number) plus Cerfa n°14948*01 (both are online France’s motorway (autoroute) system is private companies under contract. They are at service-public.fr), a colour photocopy of your first-class and well-maintained but tolls, where indicated by the prefix A and have blue signposts, passport, a colour photocopy front and back of charged, are high and the péages can be routes nationales (maintained by the state) have your driving licence and the paper copy if you intimidating with a long line of different pay the prefix N and green signposts and routes have one (plus official translation), evidence of booths that can be hard to understand. Away départementales (maintained by departments) residence for the past six months (work contract, from the cities, traffic is relatively light on the are prefixed D (yellow signposts). Small local house ownership deeds or a rental lease), proof of autoroutes and drivers must balance the value roads are the responsibility of communes. residence (eg. a recent utility bill), three photos of a speedy journey with the cost of the tolls. Some A and N roads are also European routes, (two go on the Cerfa forms), plus a 50g SAE. You can calculate a journey’s cost at www. indicated by E plus a number. You will be asked to supply your driving licence autoroutes.fr, which shows a 858km Cherbourg- Note that if you are pulling a caravan then the for checking and, after about a month, you are Biarritz car trip will cost €37.40 in tolls on speed limit on autoroutes is limited to 90kph, or sent your new licence. The new French licence 766km of autoroute. Special tolls are charged for elsewhere 80kph, apart from in built-up areas. replaces your UK one. sectors such as the Fréjus and Mont Blanc A particular problem is the priorité à droite, Since 2013 new French licences have been valid tunnels, or the Viaduc de Millau (which costs which entitles a driver at certain junctions to for 15 years, after which they need renewing. A €10.10 in summer and €8 the rest of the year). have priority over another approaching the standard car licence is known as le permis B. They can be paid in cash, often thrown into a junction from the left. When a side-street basket, or by credit card or coins/notes in a enters a much larger and very busy road, the slot. Foreign bank cards, if they use chip-and- priorité à droite allows vehicles to enter the pin, should pose no difficulty. traffic flow without waiting for a large gap or a Breakdown Approaching the péage, those with an orange kind driver. T he advice of the firms that run the motorways T are for drivers with a télépéage windscreen The priorité à droite rule is most observed is, if you cannot reach a service station or rest badge for automatic payment so do not use inside towns, rather than in rural areas where area, to put on your hazard lights and park as far unless other symbols are shown. cars joining a major road from a side road are to the right as possible, leaving space to get out on Those with a green arrow are for all vehicles usually expected to give way to traffic on the the right-hand side and put on your yellow vest. and all payment types. larger road. The rule has also in many cases Do not attempt repairs yourself, even changing Motorways have frequent stopping places been over-ruled by signs or road markings a tyre. Only accredited recovery firms are allowed (aires de repos), where toilets, telephones, and telling drivers to give way. However sometimes to assist motorway breakdowns, so even if you picnic areas are available. Restaurants and such signage can be sparse, just too small or have breakdown cover, you should not call them filling stations are abundant but quality and over-complicated with a flurry of signs as you directly. conditions vary widely. approach a junction. Driver and passengers get out on the right hand Fuel at service stations can be €0.20 per litre A red triangle with a black cross in it however side and should climb behind the safety barrier, if more expensive than elsewhere and it may pay is a sign to respect priorité à droite. there is one. Find an emergency alert post to leave the autoroute to use a nearby The priorité à droite rule has been largely (usually orange and spaced every 2km). supermarket. The site www.jerrican.eu or the scrapped at roundabouts (the Arc de Triomphe Use this to call rescue services, who should smartphone application Refuel+ are intended is a major exception) with traffic already on arrive within 30 minutes. Using the emergency to help find cheap petrol near autoroutes. the roundabout having priority – indicated by point will identify your location. Alternatively, On the autoroute it is important to keep a a sign with Cédez le passage. Roundabouts with you can use a smartphone application, which safe driving distance. Markings on some no sign remain priorité à droite. also transmits locations, for example Vinci carriageways help – one mark is too close, two Pedestrian crossings always cause problems, Autoroutes or the SOS Autoroute. marks gives time to stop. especially for pedestrians (take care because Motorway breakdown services have set tariffs. Emergency telephones on motorways are at French drivers do not always respect them) Some insurance policies reimburse the cost of a 2km intervals, on orange posts. however, legally-speaking, pedestrians have motorway rescue. The fees can be found online Autoroutes are state owned and operated by absolute priority while attempting to cross. at: autoroutes.fr/fr/depannage.htm

128 u Moving to France Guide 2018 driving i everyday

Crit’Air CrA it’ ir stickers, used to control traffic levels when pollution is high, are set to begin in Annecy, Bordeaux and Marseille this year. In late 2017, Toulouse became the sixth city in France to impose them after Paris, Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon and Grenoble. Motorists whose vehicles do not have a sticker could face an on-the- spot fine of €68, but authorities have said there will be an unspecified period of grace to allow those who have not yet ordered theirs to do so. Stickers, which cost €4.18, must be ordered online at the official www. certificat-air.gouv.fr website. They re-registering and can take up to 30 days to arrive. insuring your car Is it correct that after 16 You can use an EU-registered vehicle on French the procedure and, once you have paid and had q&a years of driving you do not lose roads without needing to change to French your application accepted, you will receive your your no claims bonus if you have numberplates for six months but if you stay French Certificat d’immatriculation, also known an accident – but you will for any longer and you are considered to be living here, as a carte grise in the post. Take the carte grise to subsequent accidents? you need to re-register it online at the Agence a garage to get new numberplates made Thebonus-malus system reduces nationale des titres sécurisés (ants.gouv.fr) and get (motorcycles need only one, at the rear). insurance premiums if no claims are new plaques d’immatriculation. Numberplates are black characters on white in made. It starts at 1 (ie. your premium Companies can also act as a professionnel agréé the format AA-123-AA with a blue band on the is multiplied by this: it is the full to complete the formalities for you. left for the F (country) and Euro star symbol, amount). This figure then reduces by You need scans of the following documents: and a band on the right for the regional logo and 5% each year, three months before the department number. annual renewal date. n The Certificat de Conformité Européen You can choose any department and region If you drive for 13 years without a (available from the manufacturer – get it via you wish that you ‘feel an affinity with’ and there claim, you reach the maximum of the UK sales agent) were reports of people opting for the Corsican 0.5. Once at 0.5 for at least three years with no claim – so, after 16 years – ones because other drivers might think they you are allowed one ‘at fault’ claim n A completed Demande de Certificat were tough... without it hurting your entitlement d’Immatriculation – Cerfa 13750*05 There is no road tax in France but vehicles to 0.5. must carry an obligatory green insurance sticker Several insurers will guarantee to n The original registration documents, plus proving that the vehicle is insured. maintain your ‘no-claims bonus’ photocopies While on holiday or on short visits to France, at 0.5 for life but bear in mind this you can drive on your UK insurance, if European bonus 50 à vie is a commercial offer n The Quitus Fiscal from your local tax office to travel is included. If you stay longer, or become independent of the law and does show tax/VAT was paid on your vehicle. To get resident, then you must switch to a French policy. not stop an insurer from refusing to it, you need the original registration Drivers should carry a standard accident report cover you if you claim too often. document, the purchase document and the form, known as a constat amiable d’accident (joint Previously insurance contracts Certificat de Conformité Européen, proof of report of accident, which is provided by insurance would run on at the end of their term identity and proof of residence. companies – some also have apps for (to stop people driving uninsured) smartphones). In an accident, both parties fill in but this led to abuses. Now drivers n Proof of identity and proof of residence this form. See our bilingual version on page 117. can change their insurer when they wish, although the change only starts In a minor collision, you do not need to call the at the end of the current contract. n If your vehicle is four years old or more you police but you must do so if the road is blocked or You choose a new insurer and tell need a contrôle technique certificate (like an there is severe damage. them your present bonus and they MOT) dated within six months (not motor It is an offence not to help a person in danger will confirm your details and handle cycles, which have no contrôle technique) – an injured person – but it is just as important the formalities of closing the old to avoid further accidents, so you should first insurance and starting the new one. n A blank A4 envelope and a bank card or call the police, put on your high-visibility vest, Outside of the 0.5 bonus, if you chequebook to make any payments, which and put up your warning triangle on the road at make a claim your bonus-malus differ in each department. least 30m from the scene. figure will be multiplied by 1.25 if Only then should you help others if it is safe to you are responsible and 1.125 if you You must sign up for the ANTS website to start do so. are partially responsible.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 129 everyday i driving

Taking some driving lessons Current drivers feeling unconfident about taking the wheel in France, or learner drivers looking to pass their test here, can take some lessons at an auto- école. It is worth shopping around but prices are generally more expensive than in the UK (around €40-45 per hour, unless you buy a package of 10 or 20 lessons). Lessons are normally 45-50 minutes long and it is possible to seek out an English-speaking instructor if your French is not up to it. Otherwise, learning some key words will help: n le frein – brake pedal n l’accélérateur – accelerator pedal n l’embrayage – clutch n le volant – steering wheel n Le frein à main – hand brake n changer de vitesse – to change gear n Le rétroviseur – rear-view mirror Speeding and other offences FRANCE’S drink-driving laws are, to some Once a driver has forfeited all 12 points it is across the country but in 2018 mairies will set extent, tougher than in England and Wales. It withdrawn for up to six months. The driver their own fines. That means a reduction to €10 matches Scotland with a limit of 0.5g per litre has 10 days to hand it in at the prefecture. in Castres, but a rise to €25 in Brest and up to of blood against 0.8g in England and Wales. So When it is returned, it has only six points. €50 in Paris and Dijon, €60 in Lyon. anyone who has a drink, even with a meal, For minor offences only one point is lost and Hands-free mobile phone kits that require an before driving risks breaking the law. is regained after six months if there are no earpiece are illegal (those caught risk a fine and However, unlike the UK, drivers do not further problems. If more than one point is three points off their licence) while tinted necessarily face losing their licence as the lost, these can be recovered after between two windows are also banned. Windows must let in drink-drive limit is in two steps. to three problem-free years, depending on the at least 70% of the light. Motorists with between 0.5g and 0.8g in their offence. A court may order a two-day stage de Fines can be paid online at www.amendes. blood face losing six points from their licence, sensibilisation road safety course. Drivers may gouv.fr and many penalties are reduced if paid a e135 fine and having their car immobilised. also attend voluntarily – doing so can soon after receiving the penalty notice (usually A blood-alcohol level of more than 0.8g means recuperate up to four forfeited penalty points. called a PV, procès-verbal). This amende losing six points, a fine of up to e4,500, forfaitaire minorée reduced fine is marked on possible driving ban or invalidation, attending Speed cameras – real and fake ones – are a the avis de contravention notice. You have a safety course and a risk of two years’ jail. common sight. Police also have unmarked cars three days to pay if you are stopped by police, Refusing a blood test carries the same with radars behind their number plates to catch or 15 days if it comes by post. possible penalties as exceeding the 0.8g limit. motorists driving dangerously or too fast. A e68 fine for a minor speeding offence in an Repeat offenders face four years’ jail, a e9,000 Exceeding any speed limit by more than over-50kph zone drops to e45 if paid quickly fine, a driving ban of up to three years and the 50kph means a e1,500 fine (e3,750 for a repeat but rises to e180 if not paid in 45 days. confiscation of their vehicle. offence), a ban of three years, and could lead to The alcohol limit is reduced for new drivers, the confiscation of your car. If a foreign motorist Motorcyclists and cyclists cannot use and is set at 0.2g per litre of blood. cannot pay any fine on the spot, their vehicle earpieces or wedge phones inside their helmets On-the-spot fines are common and, as may be impounded and police may hold your (Bluetooth helmets are exempt). Motorbike/ elsewhere, police and gendarmes can use their licence while you go to a cash machine. scooter users and passengers must wear gloves. discretion regarding offences. In appropriate A court ruled in 2015 that driving in flipflops Motorcyclists in Bouches-du-Rhône, Ile-de- cases such as drink-driving, they have the could mean a €90 fine. It was due to a rule that France, Gironde and Rhône may officially ride authority to instantly withdraw a driving you must always be able to perform manoeuvres between lanes of traffic in an ongoing experiment licence for between seven to 28 days. quickly and comfortably, which police and (which 97.5% of bikers said they already do). Other offences can cost drivers up to six courts may interpret broadly. Some people have Cyclists who ignore red lights, fail to signal points off their licence, with a maximum of also been fined for putting on make-up or before turning or ignore one-way signs may be eight for simultaneous offences. British or eating or smoking. A specific law bans smoking fined, but it rarely happens. Under-12s must other EU drivers who lose points must where a child under 12 is in the car. wear helmets for cycling and their parents can exchange their licence for a French one. Parking fines were previously set at e17 be fined e135 if they do not.

130 u Moving to France Guide 2018 pets i everyday PETS

Bringing them here and laws on keeping them

The French love their animals. There are 63 the General Inspectorate of Finance found pet million pets for 65.5 million people here, the Dogs are regularly seen owners are paying a high price when they buy largest pet-to-people ratio within the European medicines from some vets, with mark-ups of Union. It means two out of three households in shops, restaurants 40% on some products, as vets, pharmacists and licenced farmers’ groups benefit from a have a pet. However, the number of dogs and hotels but are not monopoly on the supply of pet medication to (which go ouaf in French rather than woof) is the public. There are no controls on the selling on the decline while the feline population allowed to roam alone price of the products. (miaou, much like our English meow) (although a casual The study found owners can pay more than continues to grow. €40 for six pipettes of the flea and tick control Despite the popularity of pets (a puppy is a observer could be product Frontline, which vets can buy in for chiot, a kitten is a chaton), people are often less forgiven for not just €18. Distemper vaccine Eurican sells for sentimental about them than in the UK. In nearly €10 – but costs veterinary profession- 2014 the government changed the status of believing this) als €4.38. The IGF recommended that there animals from ‘mobile possessions’ to ‘living should be a clear separation between the sale beings blessed with sensitivity’. Pets were also not forget to register its identity on the French of animal pharmaceuticals and medical procedures. included in a recent government-led drive to National Register. Your French vet will have the It also said that prices should be made freely reduce antibiotic use. necessary paperwork to complete and send off available on the internet – as is the case for hu- Dogs are regularly seen in shops, restaurants on your behalf. Ask the vet to scan your pet’s man medication – so that pet owners can make and hotels but are not allowed to roam alone microchip when you have a consultation as it is an informed decision. (although a casual observer could be forgiven possible for the chip to move under the skin or Vaccinations are not compulsory but if you for not believing this). Stray dogs can be shot to be registered under someone else’s name by want to travel around France with your pet (to by the police. There is an association similar to mistake. Corsica or campsites, for example) or to board the British RSPCA, the SPA, which will take in For missing animals, Pet Alert was set up in it while you are away, you will need an up-to- and care for stray or unwanted pets and August 2012 and has helped to find more than date pet passport and vaccinations. There are investigate cases of suspected cruelty. It is 100,000 cats and dogs via Facebook. several recommended jabs: possible to adopt a pet rescued by the SPA. Each department has its own page where n For dogs: canine distemper, contagious members can post up missing or found animals canine hepatitis, canine parvovirus, for free. See www.facebook.com/PetAlertFrance leptospirosis, kennel cough and rabies Rules (required by kennels in France) and Dogs and cats in France must have a legible babesiosis. identifying tattoo in their ears or be fitted with Health n For cats: rabies, leucosis (FeLV), feline an electronic chip. There is a e135 fine for typhus, chlamydia and cat flu. Vets are not allowed to advertise that they animals found without either form of are English-speaking, so ask locally for recom- identification. mendations. Vet charges vary across France October 2017 figures showed that use of If you arrived in France with your pet signed but few owners take out pet insurance. It is antibiotics for treating cats and dogs dropped by up to the UK microchip registration scheme, do worth comparing prices. An investigation by 19% since 2005, exceeding government targets.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 131 everyday i pets Obligations for owners

The law in France says that everyone has the right to keep a pet. According to the SPA, a landlord is not therefore allowed to ban the keeping of pets. This, of course, does not remove the tenant’s responsibility for preventing damage to the property or nuisance to neighbours and does not necessarily apply to dogs considered to be of dangerous breeds which are regulated by strict laws. However, some landlords who do not want animals may find an excuse not to take on tenants who have them so it is preferable to find out their views first. Rules concerning noisy pets can also be strictly enforced and lead to police investigations, court cases and the animal being taken away. There are numerous legal obligations to familiarise yourself with when you own a pet or animal de compagnie in France. The responsibilities of animal ownership are taken seriously and your mairie will have exact information on guidelines relating to your commune. These are drawn up according to whether you live Bringing pets to France in a town, village or rural environment. To enter France, a dog, cat or ferret owner must have a veterinary certificate dating from You will be expected to be in control of must ensure that it meets the following within 10 days before departure, stating they your animal at all times. requirements: are in good health and do not present any Pets are generally well-loved in France n Identification: a microchip under the skin clinical sign of disease, especially species- but persistent nuisances are not tolerated. or a tattoo, if it is clearly readable and was typical contagious ones, before they can enter From dealing with unrelenting yapping to done before July 3, 2011 the country. physically restraining over-enthusiastic n A valid cover against rabies (first vaccination Horses must be microchipped and have an animals, the attitude is different. and boosters) equine passport and birds either need Contentious measures are frequently n An EU pet passport attesting to a valid vaccinating against avian flu or a 30 day in use: electronic anti-barking devices, rabies vaccination delivered by a quarantine or they must be isolated and tested dogs chained up for hours on end and government-approved vet (in the UK, a for the H5N1 antigen or genome. muzzles are the norm. If you cannot local veterinary inspector, in France a vet Other rules apply to endangered species control your pet, expect to be advised with the mandat sanitaire). The former UK listed under the CITES international to use such measures. “PETS” certificates are not valid for entry to convention on trade of endangered animals For your animal’s safety (and that of France. (www.cites.org). others if you live near a road or pathway), The passport also provides a record of other securely fence the perimeter of your land vaccinations but a valid rabies vaccination is and restrict your animal to an outbuilding the only requirement for pets from EU Member Looking or your house. You are liable for any States to enter France. damage caused by your pets if they have Pets less than three months old that have not escaped or strayed from your property. had a rabies vaccine are not allowed to enter after cats You are only allowed to keep a maximum France – but young pets will be allowed in if Unless you intend to breed cats and are of nine dogs – above this, welfare, they have been vaccinated but have not yet sure you can find good homes for kittens, you sanitation and the animals’ environment reached immunity. The animal is allowed to should have them sterilised. If they are not falls under the strict control of your enter France 21 days after its first full anti- neutered females will stray when in season departmental DDPP (Directions rabies vaccination. If your pet’s papers are not looking for males – also they are the ones that Départementales de la Protection des in order it may be repatriated, put into get pregnant! The price of a snip to neuter a Populations). They will want to ensure quarantine or put down – at your expense. male cat is around e50-60. In most cases that your animals’ well-being complies The EU has lifted the limit of five animals there will be self-dissolving stitches meaning with their regulations, and will make travelling together between countries as long no return vet trip. regular visits to ensure this is the case. as the journey is not for commercial purposes. If you intend to breed animals there is a lot This is regardless of whether your animals Rodents and rabbits, reptiles and amphibians of legislation you need to check beforehand. are a commercial proposition or pets.

132 u Moving to France Guide 2018 pets i everyday Holidaying Adopt a with pets guide dog While dogs are mostly banned from French For a pet ownership experience with a beaches the animal charity 30 Millions d’Amis difference, it is possible to become a host family has compiled a map of (at time of going to print) for a guide dog puppy. This initial period is very 154 plages which welcome pets at least for part important. of the day – as well as dog-friendly gîtes, When the puppies arrive, aged between two campsites and hotels (some 20,000 places in and three months old, they are very easily total). The map was made in a bid to reduce the influenced, and it is the family’s duty to introduce 60,000 cats and dogs that are dumped each year, them to the world and teach them basic often beside roads on the way to holiday resorts early morning or later when it is quieter. behaviour and commands. as families realise the problem of trying to find Few beaches will allow dogs in the water Although commands should be given in a space on a beach or park that is open to pets. alongside bathers but you can ask the maître- French, a lot of the meaning is expressed by the The dumping of so many animals overwhelms nageur in charge or check the signs. intonation and tone of voice. The puppy’s food animal shelters with thousands of animals Decisions on whether dogs are allowed on and veterinary bills are paid for by the school arriving every week during summer. The the beach or in the water are made by the local where the dog comes from. charity aims to show that people and their pets mayor and the main reason for objection is the You must have enough time to look after the can enjoy a holiday together. The map also lists risk to the European blue flag for clean water. animal as you should not leave the dog alone for animal-friendly restaurants. Gîtes are obliged Owners are asked to be on their best behaviour more than three hours in the day. You must also by law to allow pets to stay but they may charge and make sure to clear up and not leave dog live quite close to a guide dog school, as the extra for cleaning if a pet is included. mess on the beach. puppy will be monitored by a professional. There are, however, restrictions on taking a Find the list of dog-friendly beaches and Once the dog is a year old, they are transferred dog on a beach as they must be kept on a lead holiday accommodation at to the school to finish training ready for homing. or owners face an €11 fine. Some beaches are 30millionsdamis.fr/conseils/en-vacances See www.chiensguides.fr, click Le Chien Guide open for dogs only at certain times – generally Most entries provide contact details. then drop down to La pré-éducation.

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Moving to France Guide 2018 u 133 everyday i pets Dangerous dogs France has two categories of ‘dangerous’ dogs. Category 1 dogs, called chiens d’attaque, are described in official government guidance as non-pedigree dogs of the Staffordshire Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier kind (often called pit-bulls), and of the Mastiff or Tosa kind. You cannot bring these into France. Category 2 dogs are pedigree Staffordshire Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers or Tosas, or Rottweiler- type dogs whether pedigree or not. Government guidance notes state: “Category 2 does not include Staffordshire Bull Terriers, a smaller breed not considered dangerous.” A grey area remains where you have a dog of a broadly Staffordshire Bull Terrier kind but without a pedigree. It may be considered to be category 1. Owners of dangerous dogs must have a certificate of aptitude (attestation d’aptitude) for keeping a dangerous animal, delivered by an approved trainer, a behavioural test (évaluation comportementale) given by a vet, hold relevant insurance and a licence (permis de détention) for the animal, delivered by their mairie. Dangerous dogs must always be muzzled and held on a lead in public. Rabies and diseases Selling Rabies used to be endemic in France but To keep rabies at bay, it is essential to not thanks to a range of measures including import animals illegally into France or pets vaccinating both domestic and wild animals, anywhere else in the EU. Never touch animals New restrictions on the sale of cats it has been more or less eradicated. France was you are not familiar with and certainly never and dogs came into force in France in 2016 declared free of rabies (in non-flying species) touch an illegally-imported animal. in a bid to stop animal trafficking through in 2001 and there has not been a human case In summer 2017, dog owners in seven newspaper and online ads. of rabies contracted in France since 1923. departments were warned not to let their pets Anyone placing an advertisement to sell However, there are still occasional cases swim or drink from rivers and some lakes after puppies or kittens is required to register as because it is easy for people to bring non- around a dozen dogs were killed by toxic a breeder with their local Chambre vaccinated animals into France by road. cyanobacteria. Eight dogs died near Angers d’Agriculture and supply a Siren business Across Europe, cases of rabies in humans are where the prefecture said two types of algae, identification number. now very rare. Even in domestic pets, an oscillatoria and formidium, that grew on river The agriculture ministry estimates that average of only one case is reported a year. bottom pebbles had a particularly serious toxin 50,000 individuals sell their pets via a Since 2001, nine rabid dogs and puppies have that quickly paralysed respiratory muscles. classified ad each year. The restrictions do been illegally imported into France. In 2004, Owners were warned to not let pets walk near not apply to resale of an animal you someone took an illegally-imported rabid dog to, bathe in, or drink from affected rivers. purchased, or giving animals away for free. to a series of music and theatre festivals across Selling an animal without having south-western France resulting in 187 people q&a Is it true that you are completed the necessary formalities could receiving anti-rabies treatment. obliged to give you dog a name attract a €7,500 fine. It is vital to have your own animals starting with a certain letter? According to animal welfare group SPA, vaccinated against rabies every year. Every pet I t is true that if you have a pedigree dog animal trafficking is a real problem in is legally obliged to be identified by a and wish to register it as such with the France. For example, a Chihuahua bought microchip and it is also the best way to prove Société Centrale Canine in its Livre des for €250 in Slovakia can fetch up to €3,000 that it has been vaccinated. A rabies injection Origines Français (LOF), you are req in France. costs about e50, and can be injected alongside uired to give it an official name beginning Those guilty of abandoning a pet face a the usual vaccinations. with a letter which changes each year. It e30,000 fine and up to two years’ prison. depends on the year of the dog’s birth Your vet should put the sticker from the There are also heavy penalties for animal – for 2017 it is N. It began in 1926 with vaccination bottle in your pet’s health card A, moving through the alphabet, with cruelty. The police or animal officials have alongside their stamp/signature, in case you omissions for K, Q, W, X and Y. the right to enter your car or your property have to prove your pet is vaccinated. if they suspect a pet is in distress.

134 u Moving to France Guide 2018 school system i EDUCATION

9 Education

Smaller class sizes and homework at school

State education is free in France and is generally no point in pupils “falling further and further of good quality although it is subject to regular behind” but added that it should still be “rare”. HOW DO FRENCH political debate and pledges of reform. Regular On a wider level, Mr Blanquer has opened debate, unfortunately, means regular changes and discussions on the daily rhythm of school life, the CLASSES WORK? pupils in this 2017-18 session face the third major school week and the length of holidays, where Education is compulsory from timetable change in 10 years. France has 16 weeks holiday over the year against six to 16 but being in school is Back in 2008, President Sarkozy introduced the European average of 14.5 weeks. A key aim will not and 25,000 children (0.3% the four-day week, so pupils had Wednesday and also be a rethink on the baccalauréat. of pupils) are taught at home. the whole weekend off; then President Hollande French education tends to be more traditional The September rentrée starts restored a half-day at school, either Wednesday or in style and content than British and many pupils the school year. Children attend Saturday, and now President Macron has allowed seem to benefit from the structured approach. maternelle (infant) classes towns to decide the school week and a third of One pupil with experience of both UK and French from three to five while, at the them have gone back to having three days off. state systems, told Connexion French teachers older end, more than 50% of On teaching itself, the Hollande government are ‘brutally honest’ in marking and evaluation 17-21-year-olds remain in launched a ‘back to basics’ approach with a new comments and less ‘encouraging’. However, she felt full-time education or on curriculum for primaire and for collège (the she received a better all-round education in France. vocational courses. lower years of secondary school) with plenty of Most parents send their children to a state school Unlike the UK, children born reading, writing and arithmetic from the first year unless there is a particular reason not to, such as a in the same year start school of compulsory schooling to the fourth year of religious belief. Alternatives include low fee-paying at the same time. Also, schools secondary school, plus history and classic literature. Catholic private schools and more expensive generally do not require pupils In French, there was less learning of grammar private international schools. to wear a uniform (but some and more focus on using language while, in maths, It is possible to send a child to state or private infant schools have a smock). teaching had more everyday problem solving. boarding schools (internats), usually weekly, and Schooling starts in Much of this is being kept under President state fees are often quite low. maternelle, with PS for three Macron but smaller class sizes are being introduced Although the curriculum is centralised and the year-olds, MS (4) and GS (5) for some, along with homework being done in classic image is of all schools following a national then children move to primaire school and testing of French and maths knowledge curriculum with all the students doing the same where the first year is Cours in the first year of primary school. exercises in the same subjects at the same time all préparatoire or CP, then Cours Smaller classes of 12 or 13 pupils will apply in over the country, this no longer holds true. élémentaire CE1 and CE2, primary schools in REP+ priority areas where Teachers can legally experiment with new ideas Cours moyen CM1 and CM2. OECD criticism of France as “one of the world’s as long as the education authority is supportive. First year at collège is called least egalitarian” school systems were evident as Many different five-year experiments are being sixième and thereafter years progress was largely decided by social background. tried out all over the country, such as classic lessons are counted down to troisième Doing homework at school is also aimed to target in the morning and mixed subject schedules in the and the brevet test where some this failing so collège pupils who do not get home afternoon when boredom can lead to disruption. pupils will leave school at 15. support can get this after school. Pupils in collège Observers see changes with more “working from Others start lycée with also get four hours of free support sessions a week. the bottom to the top, to help all pupils improve”. seconde, première and the Similarly, preparation classes in maths and French In non-academic activities, some sport is included final year, terminale, with some will be offered to pupils heading to collège before but while the government says it wants more sport aiming for the baccalauréat, the September rentrée restart of all schooling. it and extra-curricular activities often take place which gives access to university However, bilingual classes and Greek and Latin outside school at parents’ expense. Most music and others the more vocational classes that were dropped in favour of more tuition, for example, needs to be paid for privately. CAP or BEP diplomas. interdisciplinary work will return with schools Mr Blanquer has said he does not want pupils ‘Streaming’ starts early but encouraged to reinstate these. to spend their non-school days at home and has efforts have been made to allow The practice of making under-performing pupils asked culture and sport ministers to work out more options – as well as to repeat a year was discouraged in the Hollande years a ‘Wednesday plan’ so pupils can do something offer more creative activities. but Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer sees “intelligent and useful” with their time. He said

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 135 EDUCATION i school system three stages of schooling in france, from primaire to LYCEE Photo: © Carlos Espejo/Flickr © Carlos Photo: the programme should be free and that state literacy and numeracy, with classes in French, numbers who opt for Bac S, seen as a hard, but agencies and local authorities should work to arithmetic, geography and history and the arts. more general award. offer quality cultural and sports activities. A language – usually English – is introduced The bac is graded out of 20, with 10 a pass. Specific religious instruction in state schools from age seven. In collège, from 11-15, the Scores of 12 or more receive a mention, that is illegal although study of elements of Islam curriculum includes French, maths, history, is an additional comment: ‘quite good’, from and Christianity are now included in history geography, technical education, art/music, PE, 12-14 or ‘good’ from 14-16. One student in 10 but Mr Blanquer said he wants to reinforce civic education, science, and languages. achieves 16 or more for mention très bien. secular teaching – and also reinforce the The brevet exam is taken at age 15 and then In addition to academic studies, students at authority of the school’s head teachers with pupils either leave school (if minimum age), or a lycée technique specialise in a technical or more use of conseils de discipline. continue at a traditional lycée, a lycée technique, applied science field, such as laboratory work, This would involve the “secular teaching of or a lycée professionnel, depending on interests renewable energy or even music and dance, religious facts” and would mean religion being and ability. They study for the baccalauréat with a view to higher vocational studies. mentioned, where appropriate, in literature, (bac), which is like the A-level and there are ‘Lycées pro’ teach practical skills for jobs such arts, philosophy, history and geography classes. different ‘series’ with L for literary studies, ES as building, farming or horticulture, or clerical The balance is delicate, especially regarding the for economic and social studies and S sciences. work. Students work towards a baccalauréat Holocaust, the Middle East and Darwin. In his call for reforms, President Macron has professionnel (bac pro), and still take classes in At the same time, civic and moral education said he wants the diploma to be “modernised” core academic subjects, a BEP (brevet d’études are being emphasised as republican values. to give it more “muscle”. It may also develop professionnelles), or a CAP (certificat d’aptitude In élémentaire the emphasis is on basic into a more ‘à la carte’ approach to end the vast professionnelle).

How to enroll your child in school Education is obligatory from the age of spring of the year of their sixth birthday. It At secondary level, children usually attend six and enrolling a child in a state primary should be done by the end of June – the last the nearest school according to the catchment school (école élémentaire) for the first time is month of the previous academic year – at the areas (carte scolaire) and this is usually arranged done at your mairie. You will need: latest. Your child will usually be allocated a via their primary school. place at the school nearest to where you live. Again, it is possible to seek a dérogation, n Your child’s birth certificate (it may need If the commune in which you live has more which in this case is done via the education to be translated into French by an official than one school, you can request a different authority for the area (académie). traducteur assermenté) one but the mairie must approve this. Preference is usually given to candidates n Proof of your identity It may also be possible to enrol the child according to a number of criteria such as n Proof of vaccinations - see facing page in a school in a different commune, although whether any necessary medical care can be n A recent utility bill showing home address this is not a right and will depend on demand obtained near the school, whether the child is and factors like whether any siblings of the disabled or has a grant for academic merit etc. The mairie will provide a certificat child already attend the school. However, there tends to be more flexibility d’inscription which you take to the school In cases such as this a dérogation at lycée, where the options available will play a with the first three of the above documents. (dispensation) must be sought from the greater part in the choice of the right school. mairie of the commune in which the school Private schools, such as Catholic schools are Children are first enrolled for school in the you would like your child to attend is located. not included in the carte scolaire.

136 u Moving to France Guide 2018 settling into school i EDUCATION back to school iN september: be prepared

From mid-August, the Back To School about these through your children’s school or should automatically receive it this year for (rentrée) sections of supermarkets are filled one of the parents’ associations, which are often children aged 6-16. Otherwise, contact your with parents and their children poring over part of one of the nationwide groups Fédération local CAF office or see more information at caf. notes and throwing everything from pens, des Conseils de Parents d’Elèves (FCPE – fcpe. fr under Allocation Rentrée Scolaire. rulers, highlighters, reams of paper, folders, asso.fr) or Fédération des Parents d’Elèves de If you have children aged 16-18 who have books and bags into their trolleys. l’Enseignement Public (PEEP – peep.asso.fr). received the ARS before, you can submit a They are buying items that conform to lists of declaration that your child is still attending equipment sent out by their schools at the end A back-to-school benefit called allocation de school to be considered for a payment. This of the summer term for the new school year. rentrée scolaire (ARS) is paid to families on request can be made online under the Mon Some teachers are strict about the precise moderate incomes to help with the costs. Compte field on the CAF website. equipment required (for example: a 96-page It is payable to the parents of children aged Qualification for payments for the school large jotter, a 96-page small jotter...). between six and 18 who attend school. In 2016 year 2016/17 were based on income tax returns Teachers are allowed to be this exacting but it was €363 for a child aged six to 10 on January for the year 2014. For reference, family income they cannot specify brands. The government, 1, €383 for a child aged 11-14, and €396 for levels for payments for the 2015/16 school year though, also wants teachers to reduce the young people aged 15-18. It can also be paid to were: for one child €24,404; for two €30,036; annual financial burden of rentrée on parents families with children who are apprentices and for three €35,668 and after that €5,632 per – as well as the weight of a pupil’s schoolbag. are aged under 18 (as long as the young person further child. Families earning just above these Schools should link to their list on the does not earn above certain levels). In this case levels may be entitled to a percentage of the homepage of their website but if you cannot families need to provide a document showing above payments. find it the government produces a national the person has this status for the year. Families with income of €14,831 or less (for template that covers most of the essentials at If you receive benefits from the Caisse one child), €18,253 for two children or €21,675 (this was for the 2017 rentrée) goo.gl/YjHqBT d’allocations familiales (CAF) and meet the for three, were eligible for further help in the You can order items on scoleo.fr, a national criteria for receiving the payment, you will form of national or local authority grants website run by parents. Look out, too, for local automatically receive it towards the end of (bourses), assistance with paying for school schemes that bulk-buy products communally August for the coming school year. meals etc. Applications are via schools, which in order to reduce costs. You can find out more If you have already received the ARS, you are able to advise. Must-have injections children need certain vaccinations Children born before 2018 will need before school and the number depends the first three jabs, against DTP, and on the age of the child. The jabs are: those born from January 1, 2018 will n diphtheria – diphtérie Given need all 11, although many can be n tetanus – tétanos together taken in combination. n polio – poliomyélite }as DTP Two in three of childr en have had These will be added in future years: eight of the jabs as they have long been n whooping cough – coqueluche recommended. Costs are covered by n bacterial influenza – haemophilus Assurance Maladie and mutuelles. n hepatitis B – hépatite B Parents of French-born children will n pneumonia – pneumocoque have a carnet de santé for records such n meningitis - méningocoque C as proof of vaccination. If not, ask n measles – rougeole MMR , given about a carnet de vaccination, but the n mumps – oreillons together and UK the Personal Child Health Record n called ROR rubella – rubéole } (PCHR) or ‘red book’, is also accepted. - Fotolia stuchin Photo:

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 137 EDUCATION i la rentree

Connexion tips INSURING YOUR child for school may be mandatory for trips and other external activities. Insurance covers your child for injuries (assurance accident corporel) or damage that they cause (assurance responsabilité civile). You can opt for cover for school time only (assurance scolaire), or to protect your children outside school, at home and away in the holidays (assurance extra-scolaire). Your child might be partially covered by your own personal liability (responsabilité civile) insurance, included in home ‘Our daughter is bilingual’ insurance policies, though not all cover incidents outside the Are you concerned that your child will struggle important for children to learn French before home but it is worth checking at school because they do not speak French? It is they start at nursery or school but it is important before getting a specialised a common and understandable concern among that they learn to understand and use at least one policy. You may already have newly arrived families. language from an early age. policies that would help in the Parents often worry about sending their children Parents should talk to their children in whichever case of a personal injury: to a local school when they do not speak French, language feels most natural as it helps distinguish check for assurance des but it is important to understand that most young between the languages. accidents de la vie or assurance children pick up the language naturally within A child with an English-language parent and individuelle accidents. months, while the school may provide extra one- a French-language parent should hear the two on-one tuition for older children – although this languages from birth. may be left to the family to organise. Most children learn French relatively quickly One parent told The Connexion: “Our daughter at school, though they may miss out on the q&a Do the French was three-and-a-half when we first moved here in vocabulary that fellow pupils learn at home. prefer to use state rather 2009 and knew a few French colours and numbers. Children learning two languages will often than private schools? “Luckily, at that age their brains are like sponges! mix the two in the same sentence, which is quite About 17% of children in We watched in fascination as her brain literally normal, and they can sometimes be a little behind France go private (compared rebooted – she spoke complete gobbledygook in developmental speech and language skills. to around 7% in the UK) and for about a fortnight – and then started speaking Often, parents become so concerned with how around 97% of these attend sous contrat schools that have French without thinking. their child is managing at school with French, that a contract with the state. In “Now, she is completely bilingual. We focus on it is easy to lose sight of their English skills. Be these schools, teachers are paid English writing and reading at home, which is a sure to encourage reading and writing in English, by the state. A few schools are skill that can slip away, and apart from homework, especially if they are to return to the UK. hors contrat (not contracted). leave the French to the teachers at school.” They have more freedom in Being bilingual offers huge advantages: there For more tips search ‘Starting school with the teaching and exams offered are obvious practical benefits but it has also no French’ at www.connexionfrance.com and are fully private in the British sense. been found to improve cognitive skills. It is not You will also find reader experiences. Pre-school and childcare options Children are not obliged to start formal break. Some children go home for lunch affordable and organised by the mairie. For education in France until the age of six, but but many stay for canteen meals run by the babies and toddlers, there are paying council most attend pre-school, or maternelle, from mairie, which cost extra. or private nurseries or crèches. age three (occasionally from two). You might also have to send your child to If you would prefer to use a childminder (a Classes are designed to prepare children for school with a snack (goûter) or regularly nounou or assistante maternelle) your mairie school, and they are taught skills including contribute to a communal goûter. can give you a list of accredited childminders basic language and writing skills, how to be a Children may wear a coloured smock or working in the area. student, how to express themselves physically tablier according to which class year they are The cost is tax-deductible and you can also and how to discover the world. in: Petite section (PS), Moyenne section (MS) be given a means-tested contribution towards The day includes naptime, story time and and Grande section (GS). the cost by local Caisse d’allocations familiales several breaks including a two-hour lunch After-school childcare, or garderie, is (CAF).

138 u Moving to France Guide 2018 UNIVERSITY i EDUCATION AFTER THE BAC: UNIVERSITY LIFE IN FRANCE AND STUDYING ABROAD

PASSING the bac gives students the right to For those with no offers, a commission go to university (depending on the availability d’accès au supérieur will propose alternatives. of places). However, increasing problems in French higher education is heavily state- Private and recent years, with students facing ballots for subsidised: an undergraduate degree costs the chance to continue their studies, forced a from just €184 – compared to £9,250 in rethink of the system of admission post-bac, England or Wales). Despite this, many young international the university admissions system. bilingual students from expatriate families The aim is to improve links between lycées head to Britain or other countries that offer schools and university to avoid problems where 60% English-language university education. MOST private schools, will drop out and where other students find Students from France (even UK nationals if usually Catholic, operate no further education available. using their right of residence in the EU) may under contract with the In terminale, the final year at lycée, students study in Scotland with fees paid by the Students state and are much cheaper will have two weeks of ‘orientation’ on what is Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). Similarly, than their UK counterparts. available and will have two teachers to advise Ireland does not charge fees but it is £4,030 per More than two million on their best options. year in Northern Ireland. children – or 17% of Previously students would list 24 universities The UK’s vote to leave the EU has created children – attend private and courses they wanted to attend in the some uncertainty, as UK universities currently schools in France (twice as order of preference, with most opting for their charge higher ‘overseas student’ fees to students many as in the UK). nearest université as others applied to the from outside the EU. The vast majority are run prestigious specialist grandes écoles. Away from the costs, another problem as sous contrat – which means For the 2018 university rentrée students will anyone applying with an ‘ordinary’ bac général, they must follow the national curriculum, register between January 22 and March 22 on rather than an IB (International baccalaureate) their teachers are paid by the government the parcoursup.fr website which has 13,000 or an OIB (Option Internationale du and the schools receive an agreed sum from different course options where universities say baccalauréat) may have to provide additional the mairie for each child. what the course will teach and what preferred proof of English language proficiency, meaning Compared to the UK, there is less of a class skills students should have (eg. being able to another exam. IELTS is the most popular (ielts. or social divide in France with regard to swim for the sports course Staps). org) but universities decide for themselves. attending a state or private school. The students list a maximum of 10 options As part of the Bologna Process of developing However private international schools, but in no order, although the possibility of EU international higher education, European and a few other schools, do not operate saying ‘any medicine course in Ile-de-France’ universities increasingly offer undergraduate under state contract and their full costs are is included. courses entirely in English, so it is possible to reflected in higher fees. They may teach in A new priority will be given to lycées’ class look at other EU states (See studyineurope.eu). English and prepare pupils for non-French councils, which consist of the head teacher, In France, the Centre National des Oeuvres exams like the International Baccalaureate. other teachers, a psychologist, parent and Universitaires et Scolaires (Cnous) uses regional These should be distinguished from the student representatives and, if needed social groups to help French residents prepare sections internationales in some state schools or health workers or other qualified staff. for university, whether in France or abroad (tinyurl.com/gsledp8). These (if they are The council will look at students’ preferences (etudiant.gouv.fr). A national and regional British or American-oriented) include some and give an opinion on their progress which body, it can help with grants, finding part-time teaching in English and some teaching of it passes to the universities to decide what to work and accommodation. British/American history and literature, but offer. They cannot refuse a place if there is one University-goers apply for means-tested grants they have restrictions on how much English available, but may ask students for extra study. to the area in which they sat their bac. Between is used. They follow the national curriculum Students should know the responses by May €1,009 and €5,551 is available to those studying and lead to a version of the French bac with 22 and will have to make a decision quickly in in France and may be available to eligible an option internationale. a bid to open offers to others. residents going to another EU country.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 139 EDUCATION i ADULT LEARNING Planning a holiday? Know your zones THE ACADEMIC year starts at the rentrée in September and continues until after exams in mid-June. Many children spend part of their holidays, especially in the summer, at state or council-run colonies de vacances in holiday areas or at local day centres. As well as public holidays, there are two-week breaks around All Saints’ Day (Toussaint) and Christmas, with a mid-term winter holiday in February (the peak time for winter sports holidays and a spring one around Easter. The Education Ministry says it has tried to align the holiday calendar as much as possible around the concept of five weeks of lessons followed by Adult education two weeks of holidays, which some experts say is the best rhythm for children’s education. Lifelong learning offers more than To alleviate holiday traffic and crowded resorts, education getting to grips with the language authorities are divided into three geographic zones, with staggered Learning French may be the priority for The Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers winter and spring holiday periods many new long-term arrivals in France – but the (Cnam – the.cnam.eu) in Paris offers a range of options for ongoing education beyond the usual adult courses that lead to a diploma through its The zones are: school years are varied. 195 regional education centres here and overseas. Zone A: Besançon, Bordeaux, Workers may be able to access some courses via It has courses in about 60 professional fields, Clermont-Ferrand, Dijon, their employers but other formal and informal taking in 450 professions from chemistry and Grenoble, Limoges, Lyon, Poitiers. courses are run at a local or national level. Your biology to law and psychology. Zone B: Aix-Marseille, Amiens, mairie has information on some education and The Centre national d’enseignement à distance Caen, Lille, Nancy-Metz, Nantes, training courses, while others may be organised (CNED – cned.fr) is a French equivalent of the Nice, Orléans-Tours, Reims, at a regional level by the Conseil Régional. Open University, operating under the Education Rennes, Rouen, Strasbourg More formal courses are organised by the Ministry that offers about 3,000 distance-learning Zone C: Créteil, Montpellier, Paris, Groupements d’établissements (GRETA – tinyurl. courses all the way up to post-graduate level. It is Toulouse, Versailles com/formation-cont), a national network of a popular choice among mature students looking public and adult education centres. You should to enter higher education. 2018 holiday dates: be able to find a branch in your department France also has a tradition of general interest Winter: via a simple internet search. It should be your learning. Contact the Association des Universités (Zone A) February 10-26 first port of call for adult education classes Populaires de France (AUPF – universitepopulaire. (Zone B) February 24-March 12 and information, although what is available in eu/) for details about the many more informal (Zone C) February 17-March 5 your area will depend on the resources of the courses that are available. Spring: department’s GRETA centre and local demand. The UK’s Open University is also an option for (Zone A) April 7-23 There are usually course fees, but they are distance learning and adult education. (Zone B) April 21-May 7 (Some generally affordable, and those on lower incomes Fees are paid on a module by module basis with northern school authorities start may receive some financial aid. an undergraduate honours degree requiring 360 on April 26 to return on May 14) The Association nationale pour la formation credits, done as 30- and 60-credit modules. (Zone C) April 14-30 professionnelle des adultes (AFPA – afpa.fr) offers The fee for a sample 60-credit module, in Summer: July 7-September 3 vocational courses for the out of work, or to BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences (Environmental Toussaint: October 20-November 5 develop and improve skills of those with a job. Science), is £2,864 so a 360-credit course costs Christmas: December 22- Jan 7, 2019 It works closely with job centres (Pôle-Emploi), £17,184 (spread over six years) – plus costs for set and offers courses across many disciplines. books, tutorial travel and optional field schools.

140 u Moving to France Guide 2018 care homes i retirement

Useful vocabulary EHPA – traditional retirement homes EHPAD – like EHPAs but for residents who need regular medical attention Maisons de retraite – Broad 10 term to describe accommodation for older people Cantous – accommodation for dementia patients Résidence autonomie – public care sector sheltered accommodation. In the private sector these are homes called Résidences-services séniors Planning ahead for later life Before moving to France, you may want to source. Your local mairie is a good starting It is advisable to visit a variety of homes, consider what will happen if you decide to stay point, as it should be able to supply a list of perhaps in a range of rural and urban locations in the later stages of retirement, when you may local retirement homes. (this may affect costs), before deciding so that need residential and medical care. The directory (annuaire) of www.pour-les- you can be in a position to choose which home You will need to speak reasonable French to personnes-agees.gouv.fr is a good resource. best suits your needs. cope with everyday practical, social and Simply click un établissement and put in your Try to spend at least a day in the home – medical matters, unless you move to an postcode and how far away you are willing to go. more if you can – to get a feel for how it is run English-speaking home, some of which do lesmaisonsderetraite.fr is another useful website. and to meet staff and residents. exist in certain areas of France. Various information points exist to advise Some homes offer residential care on an ad There is a wide choice of retirement homes older people. Some are called Clic (centre local hoc basis. This way you can avoid the stress of (maisons de retraites) offering various kinds d’information et de coordination). Visit the having to look at a retirement home as an and standards of accommodation and they official ‘personnes âgées’ help site (see above) option of last resort in case of emergency. exist in both the public and private sectors. and follow A qui s’adresser, top right. In all cases, it is advisable to ask to see the The choice can be confusing and complete Forward planning can ease the transition for home’s official accreditation and any residents’ advice is not always available from any one the future resident and their family. satisfaction questionnaires. R esidential care options There is a wide choice of residential care in which the occupant can furnish. Residents are no longer able-bodied and autonomous and France. In the public sector, homes come under maintain their independence while having require regular medical attention. The EHPAD the authority of either the health service or the access to joint paid-for facilities and services, must conform to strict levels of quality, hygiene, part of the mairie called the centre communal such as a restaurant or canteen, cleaning and safety and comfort. Some EHPAs do not offer d’action sociale (CCAS). A CCAS social worker washing, medical assistance and entertainment. in-house medical services but use freelance can talk you through the necessary steps to medical help from district nurses and GPs. finding a local home which suits your needs. Small residential units (petites unités de vie) Even in the private sector, most care homes are These take up to 24 residents in a local commu Unités de soins de longue durée (USLD) approved by the state social services body for the nity. They include apartment buildings and These are for people who need constant department, the direction départementale des homes called marpas (maison d’accueil et de medical treatment and supervision. Typically affaires sanitaires et sociales (DDASS). résidence pour l’autonomie). The residents live these units are part of the hospital system. Care offered varies according to the needs of independently in small flats but with residents and the degree of dependency. communal living areas. See www.marpa.fr Centres d’activités naturelles tirées Here are some explanations of terminology. d’occupations utiles (known as cantous) Etablissements d’hébergement Cantous house up to 10 residents suffering Sheltered accommodation pour personnes âgées (EHPA) from dementia (for example Alzheimer’s). (résidences autonomie or résidences-services) These, along with établissements d’hébergement They can be independent or located within a This type of accommodation appeals to those pour personnes âgées dépendantes (EHPAD), are larger retirement home and offer a secure who are independent and able-bodied but no traditional retirement homes for the elderly. The environment to residents who are encouraged longer want to live by themselves. Accom difference between the two is that the residents to take part in communal life, including modation is usually a studio or two-room flat of an EHPAD have dependency needs, so they helping with domestic tasks.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 141 RETIREMENT i CARE HOMES How costs are calculated Tyypicall , private homes charge 30% more than resident according to their dependency needs public sector equivalents. Location also plays a role n Additional costs Charges for laundry, visitors’ in setting tariffs. A home in a city will usually cost meals, television or telephone hire, hairdressing more than one in the country. or pedicures etc are optional. Sheltered accomm odation is charged for on a The average monthly cost is about €2,000/month monthly basis with separate bills for any catering (more in Paris, less in the provinces), not including costs. Costs for EHPADs are broken down into: the medical part, which is about €1,000/month for a n Accommodation Board and lodging and a typical EHPAD resident and is paid directly by their contribution towards any leisure activities or health caisse (eg. Cpam). Out of the accommodation events. This is at the resident’s expense but and dependency costs part will usually be paid by means-tested aide sociale is usually available in the resident from incomes like their pension and state homes (check to find out). part may be paid via benefits/state aid. n M edical care State healthcare covers this. You can compare dependency costs of homes via n Dependency care This covers costs linked to the the Comparer les prix et les restes à charge en EHPAD assistance required for the day-to-day care of the button at www.pour-les-personnes-agees.gouv.fr Financial help from France Under French law, descendants have a duty Ai de sociale A l’hEbergement the accommodation’s cost and your income. to support their parents and grandparents and This benefit may be granted by departmental are obliged to give financial help, dependent on councils and helps towards accommodation Alzheimer’s care their means. This is taken into account when costs in state-run or non-profit care homes. Thi s is included on the list of affections de considering eligibility for means-tested grants. longue durée (long-term illnesses) which Should children live outside France and are It is means-tested and available to those who: entitle the sufferer to 100% cover for all unwilling to help, however, it is impractical for n Are 65 or over, or over 60 and unfit for work associated medical costs under the social the authorities to enforce this rule. n Are in a home and need help with accom- security system. Spouses also have financial support modation costs as they have insufficient See www.francealzheimer.org obligations and, where they are able, this comes income to pay the fees before any requirement for children to help. Income tax deductions are available for people You should be willing to use 90% of your who live in a retirement home, regardless of age Alloc ation personnalisEe income, from all sources, for accommodation or family situation. These are based on costs D’autonomie fees, although you must be left with at least e96 related to dependency care, accommodation, Thi s benefit is to help with services needed per month. Any aide sociale can be recuperated board and lodging, once the benefits of APA by people who cannot live autonomously. from the recipient’s estate, or during their life if and, where relevant, of aide sociale have been It is payable to people living independently they come into more money. deducted. This tax reduction is granted to all as well as in homes, to cover some of the costs residents in EHPAD homes, whatever their age. of helping them to carry out their daily tasks, Ai de personNalisEe The deductible amount is equal to 25% of whether that is assistance from care workers au Logement expenses, with a fixed upper limit of e10,000, or special equipment and adaptations. R esidents who live in accredited sheltered which equates to a maximum reduction of For residents in homes it goes towards the accommodation may be entitled to APL from e2,500 per person per year. For a married or dependency part of their fees. the caisse d’allocations familiales to reduce their pacsed couple, the reduction is granted twice so Forms can be found at your mairie’s CCAS, rent or mortgage payments. In some cases it is the upper limit is e5,000 per couple. your departmental social services or Clic. If relevant to people who live in retirement For those staying in their own homes there is a you are already in a home and wish to apply, homes but is not usually combined with aide 50% reduction for employing people to help, the administrative staff should be able to help. sociale à l’hébergement. within ceilings which are higher for over-65s and In these cases the APA is paid to the home. are further increased for the severely disabled. It may be paid to: By moving permanently into a retirement To be entitled to APA, you must be: n The owner of the property home or accommodation offering long-term n In need of help with daily tasks n The management body which runs the care, and dependent on your level of income, you n Aged 60 or over sheltered accommodation may be totally or partially exempt from paying n Have your primary home in France and be n The mortgage company, if there is a loan local taxes due on your former main residence able to demonstrate that you have spent at on the property – on condition that you retain full rights to the least six months of the last year here property and do not let it out to third parties. To benefit, your main residence must be in The resident is exempt from taxe d’habitation The benefit is paid within a month of the date France and you must show that you have spent for their stay if its regulations include communal of notification of acceptance of the application at least eight months of the last year here. mealtimes, limited visitor access and access to and is paid monthly. The amount depends on I f you are a tenant, the accommodation must bedrooms by the home’s staff; that is to say where the applicant’s level of dependency, income be your main home and you must pay rent. the resident is not totally responsible and where and residential status. The amount you are entitled to depends on the institution manages the living space.

142 u Moving to France Guide 2018 COMMERCIAL FEATURE Let us take the stress out of health care worries Exclusive Healthcare SA is based in France and is totally manned by knowledgeable English speaking staff, who are fully integrated expats themselves. The company’s objective is to help clients in a language you will understand. We will guide you through the different combinations concerning the different French and private Healthcare schemes and offer personalised advice.

The helping Requests are received also from non-Europeans seven years we have been living in France. We have hand logo of much further afield. For non-Europeans we offer a greatly enjoyed living here, despite some bouts of ill Exclusive range of private policies and are able to supply a health which have been made so much easier thanks Healthcare recognized confirmation of insurance suitable for to EHC’. H & T Clements incorporates the visa applications and carte de sejour, new helpline and applications and also renewal requests. Getting to grips with and understanding how the individual customer care services. The helpline For those that fall into the EEC criteria, we offer a various systems function takes time. The background receives frequent demands for precise information selection of flexible, easy to understand, health of our customer service is to explain step by step the on the ever-changing regulations on how to affiliate policies for permanent residents, once the procedures that are relative to their situation. Each into the French healthcare system. formalities have been completed and they have case is different and there are many misunderstand- The procedures to follow can be very confusing obtained affiliation into the French healthcare ings based on hearsay or inaccurate translations of for people of all ages to say the least, and distressing system, and they in return have received a correspondence received either from the healthcare for those who do not know who to turn to for confirmation of their French social security number. provider or a through a claimreimbursement. advice in times of need. We take this into We currently offer six complementary policies Frequently asked questions are in relation to the consideration and offer guidance to the best of that run in tandem with the various French State care path and why at times one receives a lower our current knowledge on a case by case basis. healthcare statutory authorities: CPAM/RSI//MSA. reimbursement than expected. There is confusion with the deduction of medical franchises and with Testimonial: Testimonial: certain common phrases used in the healthcare 'May I express my appreciation of the excellent and 'Once again, thank you for explaining things to us. It is industry: efficient service your company has provided for the comforting to know that Exclusive is always there to n Why do I need a health cover policy at all, surely last 10 years.' Len C help us through the minefield of French bureaucracy!' my health cover is all covered if I am a OAP? Christine T n Will my medicines be free like they are in the UK? Healthcare research should be top of your list n Declaration de medecin traitant, what is the because, to reside permanently in France, you are Understanding the need for even a basic level of importance of this, how do I proceed ? legally required to have health insurance, either protection alone causes confusion as to why one n What is the teletransmision system? from the State or if this in not possible, then private would need additional cover for expenses over and How does it operate? health insurance. above the French state scale of reimbursement. We n What is a depassement d’honoraires? (specialists' The French social security code state that persons explain the various levels of percentages used for the excesses). who have their principal household or residence in medical reimbursements, as well as an in depth expla- n The importance of requesting a prise en charge France are considered as a resident. Household nation of the different guarantees on offer. It can be before an admission into hospital, to avoid paying means the place where persons normally live, that intricate. the hospital directly for medical expenses is to say their habitual residence, subject to their n What is a prise en charge? residence being of a permanent nature. The condition Testimonial: These questions form part of our ‘day to day’ of principal residence is satisfied when beneficiaries 'Hello Exclusve. My wife Jenny had an accident leading telephone calls and emails. Clients appreciate these are personally, effectively and mainly present in to an operation for 3 fractures to the ankle, I left a communications in clear English. France. Persons are considered to have their phone message with you that Sunday and on Monday principal residence in France when they stay there you called me, having already looked up her details and Testimonial: here for more than 6 months of the calendar year. only needing to know the hospital address. She came 'Thank you again for your kindness and courtesy to a The information we supply is broken into 3 home last Thursday and, having to keep her foot in somewhat garrulous if clueless old man’ T Kendall categories: plaster and supported, is now installed in a medical bed n For European Community e.g. old age pensioners prescribed by the orthoepidic surgeon as she cannot use ‘Thanking you once again for your help. The staff at in receipt of a state pension and certain active the stairs. An infirmier visits every day for an injection. Exclusive are very patient in explaining the system and workers. This is to say a Very Big Thank you for the prompt and always very helpful on the phone’ K M Ward n Early retired, not in receipt of a state pension, efficient way in which you took care of all the insurance called ‘inactive’. formalities, which took one of many worries away so Lastly, our policy administration and documenta- n Persons that are classed as employed or as effectively! We are both very grateful to you all.' J & D tion are in English. We also offer a claims interface in self employed (artisan/commercant/auto Schulten English for complicated client cases. entrepreneur). Being aware of the medical expenses before an For more information regarding our health Testimonial: medical intervention relieves the stress of the insurance plans, general enquiries or questions on 'Our thanks to all the Exclusive team whose members ‘unknown’, however, clients also need to understand sales or claims procedures, please contact our main have guided us through the French health maze for beforehand if they actually have adequate cover administration office: +33 (0)4 94 40 31 45 and speak seven years and who are so pleasant to deal with'. under their policy for some of the ‘hidden costs’ and to Johanna, Lyn or Pam. M Harries how to proceed with the reimbursements of these Or email: [email protected] expenses. Clients appreciate knowing where they For enquiries regarding planning a move to France, actually stand. the transfer of NHS rights or related issues: please We would like to take this opportunity of thanking contact our National helpline +33 (0)5 46 88 22 38 or you for all your help and advice in recent months, Testimonial: email: [email protected] particularly in respect of our application to re-join ‘I should take this opportunity to thank all of you at This helpline comes free of charge, without the CMU system’ C & L Moore ‘ EHC for the service we have received during the obligation, and standard telephone rates apply. RETIREMENT i FUNERALS AND REPATRIATION

death Useful vocabulary Certificat de décès – a document from a doctor stating that someone has died Déclaration de décès – official declaration of a death. A death must be registered at the mairie within 24 hours using the certificat de décès Acte de décès – certificate provided by the mairie to confirm a death Pompes funèbres – funeral directors Registre national des Refus – national register of people who have opted out of organ donation What to do if the worst happens Repatriation What to do when a loved-one dies is probably far funéraire or mortuaire with judicial permission. If you want to repatriate a body to the UK, from your mind when planning a move to France The placing in the coffin (mise en cercueil) the first port of call should be the British – however it is important to know the basics. usually takes place where the person died. The embassy or consulate where you will be given When someone dies, a doctor must make out a family can ask for permission from the mairie to guidance. certificat médical constatant le décès (also known as transport the body before it is placed in the coffin A relative or a formally-appointed the certificat de décès). This is needed if the person’s – to their home, a relative’s home or to a mortuary. representative must instruct a funeral body is to be transferred to a chambre funéraire (a An official déclaration de décès must be made director in France or the UK whether the private or municipal mortuary); if it is to be within 24 hours. If the death occurred in hospital, body is to be repatriated to the UK or buried transported before the coffin is sealed; or if the its staff will do this, otherwise you should register or cremated in France. If the deceased was remains are to be transported abroad. the death at the mairie. Take the certificat de décès, insured, contact the insurance company so This must show there are no medical or legal valid identification (such as your passport) as well that they can make the necessary matters of concern, that the person did not suffer as identification for the deceased. arrangements. Otherwise, any repatriation from a listed contagious illness and (if they are to The mairie will give you a document called the and burial costs must be met by the family. be cremated) that they did not have a pacemaker. acte de décès – ask for about a dozen copies. You In the case of a violent death, or if the cause If the doctor certifying death thinks an autopsy is need these for most subsequent formalities. is unknown, the coroner in the UK will hold needed, they will state on the certificate that the an inquest and may order a post-mortem cause of death may pose a legal obstacle to burial It is assumed in France that you want to donate examination even if an autopsy had already permission and a judicial enquiry will be opened. your organs. When a person dies, the medical been performed in France. Violent deaths, including road accidents, must authorities can use their organs for transplants Be aware that repatriation will require be notified to the police or gendarmerie. The body unless the deceased registered on the Registre somatic care (embalming) of the body, along may be transferred to an institut médico-légal, national des Refus or by telling their close family, with a special coffin. Registering the death of where an autopsy may be carried out. In such who will be consulted if someone is not on the a UK citizen with the British consulate is not cases, a body can only be transferred to a chambre register (see: tinyurl.com/Refus-don). compulsory but can be done for a fee. Planning a funeral The mairie will provide a permis d’inhumer livret de famille booklet (if the deceased had permission from the mairie. This person is (burial permit). The burial may not take place one) showing important life events, their usually, in order – the surviving spouse, parents until 24 hours after the death and no later than passport or identity card, their will and papers or children of the deceased, or the nearest six days (excluding Sundays and bank holidays). to do with family legal arrangem ents. relative, or the public (eg. the mairie) or private Unless the deceased made specific provisions, Plan for the burial – this usually takes place body paying for the funeral. you need to organise the funeral – choose the within six days or if the death took place abroad The certificat de décès and permis d’inhumer funeral directors (pompes funèbres) who will then within six days of the person’s body arriving are used to obtain authorisation for the burial. arrange the obsèques: cortege, placing in the in France. Cremation can be authorised (by the coffin, transport of the body etc. People have the right to be buried in a commune where the death took place or, if the A list of firms can be found at the mairie. Ask commune if: they died there, they lived there, or body was transported, where the coffin was for a devis (estimate) explaining services and they have a family vault there – but burial in sealed) on written proof of the deceased’s will, or costs, before signing a contract. You need to some communes needs authorisation by the by request from the personne ayant qualité pour contact the undertakers within 24-48 hours of mairie of that commune. pourvoir aux funérailles. the death. Burial in a cemetery requires the ‘person The medical certificate showing there are no Gather documents relating to the deceased responsible for the funeral’ (personne ayant medical or legal reasons preventing cremation, that may be needed for further formalities – the qualité pour pourvoir aux funérailles) to ask such as a pacemaker, is required.

144 u Moving to France Guide 2018 english-speaking CoMMUNITY contacts Animal welfare groups Other British community Association Acorn Cat Rescue committee of France Acceuil des Villes Françaises www.associationacorn.com (340 branches) avf.asso.fr/fr/welcome Tel: + 44 (0)5 53 81 30 44 The British Community Committee of Aquitaine Branch Royal Naval Epona Trust, Manche France has member organisations ranging from churches to cricket clubs, Association Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.eponatrust.org the Institute of Directors to drama clubs rna-aquitaine.com Tel: 02 33 61 88 41 www.britishinfrance.com EuroMayenne (for all Europeans Brantome Police Horses in the Mayenne department) www.brantomepolicehorses.com Royal British Legion Branches Email: [email protected] Tel: 05 53 05 86 80 www.euromayenne.org Royal British Legion Nord/Pas-de-Calais Tel: 06 73 71 96 52 LAARF (Les Amis des Animaux de Refuges Email: [email protected] en France) rblpasdecalais.free.fr FIBA (Franco-British International [email protected] Tel: 03 21 41 58 64 Business Association, based in Lyon) www.facebook.com/groups/LAARF/ Email: [email protected] Royal British Legion, Lyon www.fibalyon.org Les Amis des Chats, Tarn-et-Garonne Email: LyonLiberation.Secretary@RBL. Email: [email protected] Community Royal Air Forces Association www.les-amis-des-chats.com www.rblfrance.org/index_lyon.htm Email: [email protected] Tel: 04 74 85 49 95 Phoenix Animal Rescue Royal British Legion, Paris Royal Air Forces Association Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] (South West Branch) www.phoenixasso.com www.rblfrance.org Email: [email protected] Tel: 05 53 54 94 81 Tel: 01 39 28 90 28 sites.google.com/site/rafasudouest/home Tel: 05 46 95 38 89 Hope Association Religious organisations Email: [email protected] South African International Association www.hopeassoc.org Chaplaincy of Aquitaine of the Riviera (SAFI) Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] British Associations www.churchinaquitaine.org www.safiriviera.fr Tel: 06 07 04 07 77 Tel: 04 93 86 04 77 Association Franco-Britannique de la Côte des Isles Anglican Chaplaincy of WICE (Where Internationals Connect in Email: [email protected] Midi Pyrénées and Aude English - Paris) francobrit50.wordpress.com Email: [email protected] www.wice-paris.org Tel: 02 33 52 12 89 www.churchinmidipa.org Tel: 05 65 21 47 99 Theatre groups Bordeaux British Community Anglican Church in the Gard La Troupe Arlequin (AIKB) Brittany Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.bordeauxbritish.com Email: [email protected] www.st-michael-gard.com www.facebook.com/La-Troupe- Tel: 04 66 86 66 24 Arlequin-283105191709371/ British Association Nice Tel: 02 96 24 87 90 Email: [email protected] www.britishassociationofnice.com Christ Church in the Manche Les Rosbifs et Crêpes, Côtes-d’Armor Tel: 04 93 62 94 95 Email: christchurchinthemanche.magazine@ Email: [email protected] orange.fr www.facebook.com/Les-Rosbifs-et- www.manche-church.net British Association Monaco Crêpes-145502182162215/ Tel: 02 96 83 02 91 Email: [email protected] Christ Church Brittany www.bam-monaco.org Email: [email protected] Tel: +377 93 50 19 52 MADS Music and Drama Society www.churchinbrittany.com (Dordogne) Tel: 02 97 93 27 24 BritsNîmes Email: [email protected] www.mads-theatre.org Email: [email protected] Christ Church Lille www.britsnimes.com Email: [email protected] Théâtre Tricolore Association, Tel: 06 45 12 68 84 christchurchlille.fr Charente-Maritime Tel: 03 28 52 66 36 www.theatretricolore.wordpress.com Var International Aperitif Club (VIAC) Tel: 05 46 70 01 94 Email: [email protected] St Andrew’s Pau www.viac83.fr www.standrewschurchpau.org.uk Email: Women’s groups Tel: 06 48 46 93 21 [email protected] British and Commonwealth Women’s Association Franco-Ecossaise Sports and Cricket Clubs Association, Paris Email: [email protected] www.bcwa.org www.franco-ecossaise.asso.fr Cricket de l’Oust Tel: 06 24 32 68 20 Tel: 09 54 51 18 44 Email: [email protected] Dordogne Ladies Club International brittanycricket.weebly.com Dance and music groups Email: [email protected] Tel: 02 97 70 61 38 www.dlci.info Au Choeur du Lary (choir) St Aulaye Cricket Club North Eastern Dordogne Women’s Email: contact form at: Email: [email protected] Association (NEDWA) www.chorale-auchoeurdulary.fr www.st-aulaye-cricket.org Email: [email protected] Tel: 05 46 04 37 51 Tel: 05 53 91 32 57 nedwa.wordpress.com Ensemble Vocal Variations, Dordogne Eymet Cricket Club Women’s International Club – Email: [email protected] www.eymetcricket.com Languedoc-Roussillon www.variationsfrance.com Tel: 07 88 07 45 95 Contact – online form at: www.wic-lr.com

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 145 emergency and practical emergency practical EDF: Helpline in English: 05 62 16 49 08 From outside France: + 33 5 62 16 49 08 112: Universal European Emergency Cancel bank cards 08 92 70 57 05 Email: [email protected] Services number - works from all telephones CLEISS: Social security advice when moving FREE: 1044 including mobiles between countries: 01 45 26 33 41 SFR: 1023 15: Samu (for other urgent medical call- Consumer Watchdog body 01 45 66 20 20 outs) From outside France + 33 6 10 00 10 23 Internet fraud 08 05 80 58 17 Police / Gendarmes 17: Lost and found 3430 Emergencies: GOVERNMENT AGENCIES 18: Connects to the fire bri- Outside hours GP and pharmacy information ASSURANCE MALADIE: www.ameli.fr gade (Sapeurs Pompiers) but they deal with 3237: (0.35/min) English-speaking helpline 08 11 36 36 46 medical emergencies and should be the first Also available on www.3237.fr port of call in life-threatening situations 3939 ALLO SERVICE PUBLIC: 3939 Speaking clock 3699 3624: SOS Doctor 24/7 From outside France + 33 1 73 60 39 39 SNCF rail and traffic enquiries 3635 www.service-public.fr 08 00 23 13 13: Drug /tobacco /alcohol abuse Taxis (France) 3985 CAF: www.caf.fr; Tel: 08 10 25 84 10 114: Emergency calls (hearing assisted) Telephone enquiries 118 000 115: SOS Homeless Weather 08 92 68 02 + dept (eg 24 Dordogne) EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES 116 000: Missing children Weather and travel enquiries 3201 British embassies 119: Child abuse British Embassy (Paris) 01 44 51 31 00 197: Terror attack/kidnap alert UTILITIES Bordeaux consulate 05 57 22 21 10 3919: Women’s domestic violence/abuse Electricity emergencies Marseille consulate 04 91 15 72 10 Youth healthcare advice centre 08 00 23 52 36 09 72 67 50 + dept UK passport advice + 44 (0)300 222 0000 Red Cross 08 00 85 88 58 Gas emergencies 0800 47 33 33 (calls cost up to 12p a min from UK landline 196: Sea and lake rescue Orange orange.com/en/home (in English) - see French operator for exact cost) To report a fault online: www.1013.fr Anti-poison centres Other embassies Angers 02 41 48 21 21 (click on the UK flag) Bordeaux 05 56 96 40 80 English-speaking helpline: 09 69 36 39 00 Australian, Paris 01 40 59 33 00 Lille 08 00 59 59 59 UK Telecom: 0805 631 632 (Fr) Canadian, Paris 01 44 43 29 02 Lyon 04 72 11 69 11 Marseille 04 91 75 25 25 01483 477 100 (UK) Irish, Paris 01 44 17 67 00 Nancy 03 83 22 50 50 Other firms – French helplines NZ, Paris 01 45 01 43 43 Paris 01 40 05 48 48 South African, Paris Strasbourg 03 88 37 37 37 Bouygues: 1034 01 53 59 23 23 Toulouse 05 61 77 74 47 From outside France + 33 6 68 634 634 US, Paris 01 43 12 22 22 English-speaking Support groups Cancer Support France Provence Gard Tel: 04 66 81 18 58 Elizabeth Finn Fund (for Britons and Irish For advice in English and someone to talk to: Email: [email protected] people facing financial hardship) [email protected] Sud de France Tel: 04 68 69 01 37 UK Tel: +44 (0)20 88 34 92 00 National Help Line 0800 240 200 Email: [email protected] www.turn2us.org.uk www.cancersupportfrance.org Vendée Tel: 02 51 00 92 97 Soldiers, sailors, airmen and families Local groups include: Email: [email protected] association (SSAFA) Bordeaux and Region Tel: 06 52 67 94 50 05 53 24 92 38 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] English-speaking Cancer Association www.ssafa.org.uk/france Alpes-Maritimes Tel: 07 68 38 74 70 Geneva-based Geneva, Vaud and French Email: [email protected] border. [email protected] Bereavement Support Network: for those Charente Maritime Tel: 06 79 16 60 83 www.cancersupport.ch +41 (0) 22 791 63 05 grieving for a loved one and needing to talk Email: [email protected] Counselling in France Tel: 04 94 84 64 89 / 06 32 35 31 24 Charente Plus Tel: 06 45 35 32 30 For a qualified therapist near you or Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] counselling over the telephone www.bsnvar.org Dordogne Est & Lot Tel: 06 35 90 03 41 www.counsellinginfrance.com Email: [email protected] The British Charitable Fund, Paris: provides Dordogne-Riberac Tel: 06 43 67 86 11 Alcoholics Anonymous financial help to British residents in France Email: [email protected] Regular meetings (some in English) across Tel: 01 47 59 07 69 Dordogne Sud Tel: 05 53 54 46 67 France. For a list of local English-language Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] groups see: alcoholics-anonymous.eu or www.britishcharitablefundparis.org Gascony Tel: 05 62 31 63 40 aa-europe.net Alzheimer – Bergerac English Helpgroup Email: gascony-contact@ South-west – www.aafrancesud-ouest.com Tel: 05 53 27 30 34 /06 70 80 90 07 cancersupportfrance.org Cahors – AA 06 74 95 19 66 Email: [email protected] Languedoc Tel: 04 67 44 87 06 Email: [email protected] Some advisers speak English Email: [email protected] Carcassonne – www.aacarcassonne.com Nord Tel: 02 33 69 01 05 Riviera – 0820-200 257 SOS Help Tel: 01 46 21 46 46 [email protected] www.aa-riviera.org www.soshelpline.org

146 u Moving to France Guide 2018 UNDER THE HIGH PATRONAGE OF HIS SERENE HIGHNESS PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO

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LUXURY PRODUCTS • HAUTE HORLOGERIE • BESPOKE JEWELLERY GRIMALDI FORUM - 19•22 APRIL 2018 BUY TICKETS NOW ON WWW.TOPMARQUESMONACO.COM READER QUERIES i questions and answers your questions answered

Help, my Cpam is incompetent! Gone fishing I FIND my local Cpam office to be Another avenue for those with a grievance WHAT is a fishing association and do you need to inefficient and incompetent. Is there against a public body is the Défenseur des be in one if you want to buy a permit for a an ombudsman to whom one can droits (defenseurdesdroits.fr), an official department? How do I know where I can fish? address grievances? whose role is to investigate disputes between the public and bodies, and defend FISHING rights in France belong to the state on THERE IS a service called the conciliateur, people’s rights. To apply (free of charge) major rivers – fleuves – and navigable canals or to which aims to resolve problems between you need to at least have made a written riverside property owners elsewhere. If you want to patients and Cpams (local state health complaint to the Cpam as a previous step. fish in France, then you need a valid carte de pêche insurance bodies). Note that if you want to contest a specific (fishing card), delivered by one of some 4,000 fishing This is as opposed to the similarly named decision, whether or not you are seeking associations, which have obtained or rented the right médiateur de la Cpam, who intervenes in help such as mentioned above, you should to fish in a certain local area. They are technically called Associations Agréées de Pêche et de Protection du disputes between patients and health lodge an appeal with the Commission de Milieu Aquatique (AAPPMA). professionals. recours amiable (CRA) at the Cpam within These are grouped into 94 department-level At first, you should address your two months of the decision. federations and one national complaint with a réclamation (claim) If turned down after this, there are one. directly to the Cpam, whether by phone, in possible legal avenues to fight the decision, The simplest way to get a writing, in person, or via ameli.com. including the tribunal des affaires de sécurité card is order it at cartedepeche. If you are dissatisfied with the reply or do sociale, or if the problem relates to an fr. It allows you to fish in the not obtain one within three weeks, you incorrect (in your view) assessment of your territory covered by the may apply to the conciliateur by sending a category of disability, the tribunal du association, which should be letter to the Cpam, addressed to him/her. contentieux de l’incapacité. able to provide a map. Their role is to give their opinion and try You can also obtain advice on these issues You can go for your nearest one geographically, or one in to find an amicable solution. on 08 11 36 36 46 (English-speaking). an area that interests you. Apart from this, associations often have reciprocal agreements to fish in other areas Can I join the PUMA system? (for which you do not need to buy a separate card), for example between several associations, or among all I AM now 65 and have an S1 health form. I am covered as a dependant of my associations of a federation. wife who is self-employed in France but is thinking of stopping. Can I join the There are also agreements allowing you to fish Puma system and can my wife then be my dependant? P.T. across large parts of France across many federations for which you need to buy a slightly more expensive YOUR S1 means that you do not have to join ‘Puma.’ ‘Puma’ is a residence-based right to ‘interfederal’ card. healthcare which involves an annual fee if your income is over a certain level. The cartedepeche.fr site uses a system of three logos to show if an association offers the possibility of Instead you have a right to French healthcare, up to the usual standard reimbursement extending your fishing to other departments (showing rates, funded by the UK. For this you must apply with your S1 to your local caisse primaire a map of France), other associations (showing two d’assurance maladie (Cpam). Tweaks that France made involving ‘Puma’ in recent years circles), or is only for its own area (one circle). have not affected the rights of S1 holders as this is an EU-wide scheme.

to use artificial respiration or undertake surgeries, or instead to have Can I write a living will? palliative care which may reduce suffering even if it has the effect of causing you to die sooner than otherwise. I WOULD like to know how a ‘Living Will’ is dealt with in France. Doctors will respect your wishes within certain exceptions, such as if What does one have to do, who do I contact and does a they agree that they are inappropriate to the medical situation. professional, such as a GP, have to sign it? My children are A living will is called directives anticipées and the document must be aware that I do not want to be resuscitated but so far nothing is signed and dated, including your date and place of birth and full name in writing. (a procedure involving two witnesses is possible if you cannot write). A template with suggestions for how to complete it can be found at FRENCH law allows for people to make a ‘living will’ in order to clarify goo.gl/cbiQDh. It is in two versions, the first for someone who is their wishes should they find themselves terminally ill and unable to seriously ill and probably close to death, the second for people who are express themselves. in good general health. If in doubt about the contents you might also like This may concern such matters as limiting or stopping treatment if to discuss it with your GP. you are in a vegetative state, whether or not you would want to be Your living will may be lodged with him or her, or with your retirement transferred to intensive care to try to keep you alive at all costs, whether home or the hospital. It can be changed at any time.

148 u Moving to France Guide 2018 READER QUERIES i questions and answers

Citizenship test cultural query Beware forbidden fruit WHAT level of French cultural or laïcité (secularism) – that is the state’s WHAT IS the law when a fruit tree hangs over a your questions answered historical knowledge is expected for neutral stance towards religion, and public road and you want to pick some fruit? taking citizenship? separation of church and state – and fraternité, which includes the idea of social PICKING a fruit or two off a tree whose branches are PART of citizenship is demonstrating security, to which everyone contributes hanging over a public road is not uncommon, and is ‘integration’ – not necessarily that everyone and from which each receives according to sometimes tolerated by owners, but it is not legal must be the same or have a certain lifestyle, his or her needs. according to the law. The Code Civil says fruit still but you need to ascribe to certain values Theoretically, French people also have an attached to a tree remain a part of it and the ‘immoveable’ property of the owner. and have a basic knowledge of the culture obligation to answer the appel sous les On the other hand, article 673 and history of France and the rights and drapeaux (call to fight for France) if clarifies that fruit that has dropped parliament should pass a law reactivating it responsibilities of the citizen. off the tree becomes the property of This used to be defined as the level of a – though this is unlikely to happen today. the owner of the land it falls on – in child leaving primary school and was A basic understanding of central and the case of a neighbour’s garden, the subject to a multiple choice test. local government is also expected, such as neighbour, or if it is a public road, it is This has now been removed, and instead how long the president is elected for or how fair game to any passer-by. these factors are tested as part of the many communes there are. Collecting fallen fruit is known as interview that you have at the prefecture. You should also have a grasp of some key glanage – this user-generated map gives suggestions for Encyclopaedic knowledge is not expected events of French history from the painting places you may find it: https://fallingfruit.org but you are supposed to demonstrate of the Lascaux cave to Roman colonisation, According to the charity France Nature Environ nement, there is a law in Franche-Comté that says any certain ‘fundamentals’ which every French the Revolution and Vichy, or figures like crops left unharvested by owners after November 1 are adult might be expected to know. Joan of Arc or Charles de Gaulle. considered ‘abandoned’ and available to anyone. The same applies to culture, including The ‘values’ include democracy, freedom The charity also says that as a general principle in of thought and religion, equality etc. For famous artists, writers and scientists who France glanage of a few fallen fruits on fields and example, if you disagree with democracy or contributed to the reputation of France. orchards by hand after the harvest and in daylight is you think one gender is superior to another, You should also have some concept of the traditionally tolerated on unenclosed land, unless there you might be disqualified. place of France and French in the world. is a specific local law banning it. You should have an understanding of A non-exhaustive document giving

The cost of communal How to get a divorce in France I WANT to get divorced but do not The avocats.fr site run by official bar living in France know how to find an English-speaking body the Conseil national des barreaux divorce lawyer. I am British, living in has a ‘directory’ which includes the WHO is responsible for paying for work to communal France. option to include language skills in the areas in a copropriété building? search. Visit: www.avocat.fr/contacter- THE MAIN kind of lawyer you will need un-avocat/annuaire-avocats IN A co-ownership building such as flats with shared is an avocat specialised in droit de la For the best chance of finding someone, communal areas, it is the syndic (management body) of famille (family law). Using one is we would suggest searching by barreau the building that proposes the work that needs to be done obligatory, even if the divorce appears to (bar) area rather than narrowing it to a and it may either carry it out on its own initiative or, if the be simple and amicable because you need town or postcode, then pick Droit de la work will be costly, it should obtain several quotes and him or her to represent you in front of the famille as the specialism and English put them to a vote at the annual meeting of owners. juge aux affaires familiales. Where two from the languages list. Owners share the cost, in proportion to their share of people divorce by mutual consent they Note that various other sites come up the building (ie. owners of large flats pay more), but those may choose to be on an internet who oppose a certain decision, especially with regard to represented by search to find an ‘improvements’ as opposed to essential maintenance, the same avocat, avocat, but most may ask to pay over a 10-year period (with interest), otherwise it is are for specific called paiement échelonné. Exceptionally, if there is costly usual for each to legal groups as but urgent work to be done, the syndic may have it have their own. opposed to being carried out without prior agreement. If the spouses own real estate it will also an impartial, national, service. Because paying for costly works sometimes causes be necessary to use the services of a That does not, of course, necessarily complications, by law since January, co-owners have to notaire for the ‘liquidation of the mean you should not consult them, but pay into a fonds de travaux (works fund), once a year, as matrimonial regime’, involving bear in mind what you are looking at part of their regular payments to the syndic. calculating the correct sharing out of (looking at the Mentions légales section, This is intended to build up a savings pot which can be property. which can often be found at the bottom used for work on communal areas if necessary. A vote Lists of family law avocats are available of a web page, may help if in doubt). will still be needed to use it, but the aim is that voting for at the desk of the tribunal de grande To find an English-speaking notaire work to be done will seem less daunting if money is instance courts, however you can also visit www.notaires.fr/en/directory-french- already set aside to be used. look for one online. notaire

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 149 A French keyboard worrier

I HAVE a new computer which uses Windows 10. On my old one I opted to use the US International keyboard layout, thanks to a Connexion article, so as to do accents. However, it does not seem to be available on this new operating system. Is there a solution?

THIS layout is still available on Windows 10 but the location is slightly different. You need to go into ‘Settings’ from the Windows icon on the bottom left. This has replaced the old ‘Control panel’. Then choose ‘Time and Language’ and ‘Region and Language’. Click on ‘English’ and you should see a button called ‘Options’. Click on this and then click to ‘Add a keyboard’. Scroll down the list to find United States International and click to add it to your language bar, which should be visible in the bar at the bottom of your screen. The benefit of using US International is that it allows you to make all of the French accents easily without having to get used to a French keyboard. Everything is done by pressing one of a small number of keys: the one on the top left of a Qwerty keyboard with several short lines on it is used for grave accents, the apostrophe key (to the right of the keyboard near Enter) for acute We answer reader questions about France ones and for cedillas on C, and the ^ key (shift+6) is used for circumflexes. Shift+apostrophe gives the tréma (two dots) used on words like Noël. in every edition of The Connexion. Simply press one of these keys followed by the vowel you want to modify. Send yours to One slight drawback to the layout is that the @ and “ keys are swapped [email protected] compared to a British keyboard, so some people prefer a version called UK extended (see https://goo.gl/1obq1y for an explanation of this).

three pre-programmed in. If there are many handle data faster – usually five times faster Broadband speed around with the same channel selected this – than 3G, but it needs the local mobile will become congested and the service will network to support it. IS THERE anything we can do to get stop working. One way to overcome this is to So if you do not use your mobile for web faster broadband and can we find out if reboot your modem. browsing, downloading, video etc there may improvements are planned? Unfortunately after a while the same be little reason to upgrade. problem will be experienced. Your provider 4G can in ideal situations be as much as ten THE MAIN thing which determines speed is will be able to help you change your wifi times faster than 3G and the people who the length of the telephone line between your channel giving a more permanent solution. really appreciate upgrading are those that local exchange and your home – the greater it Local exchange improvements are often want improved video and music streaming. is, the slower the speed. taking place and your supplier can update you Web pages are also less prone to timing out However, there are things that could make on their service improvements. You can also and they have enhanced security. things better. First make sure you have the ask your mairie if there are plans as other However, before you splash out on an ideal location for your modem if using wifi. suppliers may be installing their own expensive new phone check that the coverage The wifi signal is sent out radially and equipment in the exchange. Such improvements in your area supports 4G. downwards, so the higher the location the will be overtaken by big investment in the Go to this web site to check your local better. In addition, the closer it is to the first national network being rolled out. By the end coverage: https://goo.gl/Brnk1M These new telephone point into your home the better. Do of 2018 new lines will be different with all calls networks cover a far greater area than 3G and not locate it near microwaves and other going over the broadband service and from late are more reliable, so for these reasons alone it kitchen white goods, TVs or mirrors, which 2020 existing lines will be upgraded. might be worth upgrading. However, if you can interfere with it. live in a rural area do not be surprised if 4G Use the modem’s security code to stop EVEN though 4G networks for mobile is not available. unauthorised people using it and slowing phones have been around for several It may come as no surprise that the industry your service down. years I am still unsure about what is already working on 5G, which could Where possible use an Ethernet cable to advantages they can offer me. Why become available as soon as 2020. connect devices to the modem as this will be should I upgrade? The future of the industry will be much quicker than wifi. Most modems will allow more about transformational technology that four pieces of equipment to be connected this 4G stands for ‘fourth generation’, which is the will mainly impact on industries rather than way. When you do use wifi disconnect it most recent form of mobile technology. domestic users. when you have finished as the more items The first thing to understand, however, is One of the main beneficiaries of this will be that are connected the slower the speed. that calls over a 4G network will not be companies developing automated cars that If necessary, see if the wifi band being used improved as voice has to be converted to a need a large amount of real time data to is congested. Modems have many wifi digital format. perform safely. channels but are typically sent out with one of Secondly, this new service is designed to Answers by Bob Elliott, UK Telecom

150 u Moving to France Guide 2018 READER QUERIES i questions and answers

Permis desk is closed Is hospital transport reimbursable? I HAVE to attend a clinic for cataract can also ask your Cpam on 36 46 (or the I WENT to the prefecture in Savoie where I live surgery and prior to that I will have English-speaking line on 08 11 36 36 46) with a query about my French driving licence several outpatients appointments. I or with a written message via the Ma and found a sign saying the licence desk is do not have transport or anyone who Messagerie option in your personal closed and everything is now done online. Are can take me and this is worrying me. space at ameli.com). all prefectures doing this? Also I see that new I am in the health service with Medical transport is usually reim- permis are issued for 15 years whereas our cur- Cpam and have top-up insurance and bursed at a rate of 65% of state tariff rent one was issued for five – what’s changed? also a war disability pension. How rates, however it is 100% in certain cir- can I obtain transport, including for cumstances, including (under certain MANY prefectures have post-surgery check-ups? I am 71. conditions) attending appointments closed their driving related to one of the serious conditions licence desks as related APPROPRIATE transport can be called affections de longue durée, or for services have moved refunded by your Cpam but it has to be people on low incomes who have the online, for example appli- prescribed by a doctor so you need to CMU-C. cations for replacing discuss this with the clinic or your GP. Transport for people with a French licences are now made via permisdeconduire.ants. Transport to a hospital for surgery or for military disability pension is reimbursed gouv.fr. One exception is if you pass a driving test pre or post-surgical appointments are at 100%, however an advisor at the in France, when the driving school may put in the included. Cpam English-speaking helpline said application for you. The doctor would agree on what will this would not apply to people with UK Applications to exchange a licence from another fit your needs, whether a taxi or an war pensions. EU country for a French one are done by post. Some ambulance. If you are using a taxi you For example, one approved driver in prefectures provide computer terminals that people must use one from a firm that has an the Alpes-Maritimes department said can use if they do not have a computer at home. agreement with the Cpam, this is called tariffs are fixed by the prefecture, and in Fifteen years is the normal validity period of cur- being conventionné – they will have a that area they are €2.08/km + €3 for rent car driving licences (permis B), which before blue ‘C’ sticker in the back window con- standard hospital trips. 2013 had no limit. We are not sure of the details in firming this. Many mutuelles often contain cover for your case, but it may be that you have a permis BE If you visit ameli.fr and click Rem medical transport, often up to 100% of allowing for the towing of a heavy caravan. Prior to boursements then Transport, you may standard tariff rates. last year these were only valid for five years before (depending on your department) find You obtain reimbursement by sending you had to take a medical – this is no longer the case. further information including, at the the prescription and a receipt for the bottom, contact details for taxis. You trip/s to your Cpam and/or mutuelle. The new digital identity processes Online translation tip I READ that you can now take your documents agency ANTS says photos do you have any tips for a translator on my own identity photos with your smart- that look ‘scanned or photocopied’ are computer to help improve my French? phone for official documents – is not acceptable. We cannot vouch for this really acceptable in France and Smartphone iD but it claims to offer the IF YOU want to translate text on websites you are visit- can you send them in digital format? benefit of not having to leave home to ing, then methods depend on the internet browser you take a photograph and says it will repeat use. Between the most popular ones Connexion consid- There is a mobile application which the process free if photos from one of its ers that Google Chrome tends to give slightly better offers to help you take your own identity (paid-for) services are refused. translations, but Internet Explorer has some features you photos on your mobile phone for official To be acceptable the rules say photos may find useful. purposes (French driving licences, pass- should be less than six months old, taken For Chrome, click the right-hand mouse button and ports, ID cards, cartes de séjour…), against a pale, uniform (but not white) then select ‘Translate to English’ to translate a whole but it is not officially endorsed by the background with the face centred, nei- web page; to translate back again to French click the government. It is called Smartphone iD ther too far away nor too close, with no symbol to the right of the address bar at the top of the (see www.identite.photos). head coverings and hair off the face. screen that looks like two pages, white and black. Then The government officially says the Only thin-rimmed glasses are permitted click ‘show original’. only photos acceptable are ones taken and there must be no reflections. In Internet Explorer you should right click and move in accredited booths or by professional If you want photos for a driving licence your mouse over ‘Translate with Bing’. On some pages it photographers. Suitable booths have an you may now attach a combined digital offers to translate the whole page (click on ‘Translate official ‘Marianne’ logo on them in blue, photograph and signature to an online this page’); in which case if you then select a passage of white and red and wording saying application, which you can do via cer- translated English on the page it will show you the origi- ‘Photos conformes’. tain accredited booths that say agrée ser nal French in a small box. To change back click ‘Go to Smartphone iD says it is run by a pro- vices en ligne ANTS (see https://goo.gl/ the original page’ at the top right. fessional photographer and says it will – QoR5rZ). You choose the appropriate Instead of translating the whole page you can translate a for a fee – check photos you have taken option in the booth, take your photo given passage of French text by selecting it then yourself via the application to make sure and write your signature with a stylus on right-clicking on the selection and moving your mouse they correspond to the government’s the screen – you are given a code num- over ‘Translate with Bing’. A translation is shown beside requirements, print them in professional ber which you can put in online when it in a small box. quality and post them back to you. It you make your application and the web- On the other hand if you just want to translate a also offers to simply email them to you site retrieves the images which have chunk of text, Google Translate: (translate.google.com) (either free, or at a fee if checked by been stored on a database. It is planned is popular (copy and paste text into it) but this one, by a them) so you can print them yourself, that this system will be extended to new German company, is also very good: deepl.com. however you should note that official other types of official photos in 2018.

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 151 DIRECTORY Use these pages to find English-speaking tradespeople and firms across France. For your security, we check that all French businesses listed in this section are registered

REGISTRATION cate and the card issued by the chambres de métiers which will list CONNEXION checks that French businesses advertising on these pages the competences of a firm. Being registered does not, of course, are registered with the French authorities. While not all firms choose to guarantee good service but it is an important first step in selecting display their siret number in their advert, they have all been verified. tradespeople. Unregistered businesses should not be trading in UK businesses are checked at Companies House. France and prevent any legal redress for poor workmanship. UK sole traders must have a UK billing address. Payment What is a siret? UNDECLARED work is illegal in France. If you are asked for cash, THE siret is a 14-digit number identifying a French business, which this should ring alarms bells. is issued by France’s national statistics body Insee. It proves that a There are tax breaks associated with many forms of construction business has been registered with the authorities. and other areas like home tuition, so it is beneficial to get receipts. You can check the number on www.infogreffe.fr (This site checks For some of these benefits the company chosen must be accredited - the siren - the first 10 digits of the siret). the firm itself should be able to advise you about this. However, while www.infogreffe.fr will list the occupation of a Any work costing more than 150 must have a receipt. For some firm, this can sometimes undersell a business, which may be able to services you could pay using Cesu (Chèque emploi service universel). carry out a range of tasks not mentioned on the site. This is an official government-sponsored way of employing people - Y ou can also ask to see a copy of the business’ insurance certifi- Connexion has a helpguide on this topic at www.connexionfrance.com

Bag a property bargain in the sunny south of France

you look for in a great place Freddy Rueda from Real Estate to live. You get the sunshine, Languedoc sees spring 2018 as a good quality of life, excellent food and wine, easy the ideal time to invest access to low-cost aitlines and so on. Freddy Rueda’s estate market will be better in 2018 “Since the sub-prime crisis, agency, Real Estate than 2017” said Freddy. “The prices have decreased by Languedoc, has been helping European economy is about 30% in this area and it clients find their dream picking up and Languedoc is looks like we have reached property in the Languedoc an area of Europe where lots the bottom. What is positive region in the south of France of expats congregate. about the market here is the since 1995. “Those who have travelled fact that there are not Specialising in the Hérault all around the world see it as enough houses in France to and Aude departments of a good balance of the things meet the demand of all the this beautiful wine- potential buyers and the producing region, the French also have a low agency’s goal is to help its personal ratio of debt. So international and local you don’t have the same clientèle in their search for problems here that other properties in all price ranges. countries (such as Spain) The agency prides itself on It’s also a good have experienced.” having one of the most time to benefit Freddy sees 2018 as a great extensive portfolios of “ time to invest in property in quality properties in the from very low Hérault and Aude. “I think region, from land to build that 2018 will be a good time on to village houses, and rates for those to purchase a property,” he from villas with pools to said. “Some vendors didn’t small châteaux. taking a mortgage sell in 2017 and will not see Freddy has seen an upturn many clients over winter “It is also a good time to as they have never been as in the market this year and as they have never time, so it may be a good benefit from very low rates good for a long-term believes the conditions of the been as good idea to place offers during for those taking a mortgage investment,” he added. French property sector make the first six months of 2018 it a safer place to invest than for a long-term before the market picks up Freddy Rueda from 04 67 36 34 28 other European countries. again - and in any case estate agency Real [email protected] “Overall in Languedoc, the investment before the end of the year. Estate Languedoc www.realestatelanguedoc.com

152 u Moving to France Guide 2018 Advertising Features Property agency specialises in finding you the perfect home Independent and local property agency Maisons et Manoirs specialises in finding the perfect home for its customers. They cover a large area: Gers, Haute- Pyrenees, Haute-Garonne, Tarn & Garonne, including the commuter zone around Airbus in Toulouse.

The bilingual, multi- perfect home. The team have national, multi-lingual all got family here and have team focuses on giving been through the system, fantastic service & guides the so we all know our areas customer through the whole very well,” said Sarah. We process. can recommend builders, Company founder Sarah Day bilingual notaires, the best Sarah Day founded Maisons et Manoirs said: “The customer leaves schools, restaurants and golf their car at the agency and courses.” She said: “This is what we Living locally and having wife standing here beside we take them around and Sarah, who has 20 years of do full-time. We spend an an office in town means we me. Now I’ve fallen in love explain about the area. We experience in property, has awful lot of extra time with are always bumping into again.” focus on quality properties her own real estate licence so our clients making sure our clients. We also have a in villages, country & towns the company is independent, they have everything they monthly “surgery” so buyers and have a mix of national & making it very competitive need. Buying property is the & sellers can come in & see international buyers & sellers on price. She is a member biggest thing you ever do, so us with queries or for advice. All the agents know their of real estate association you need that extra level of The company’s testimonials www.maisonsetmanoirs.com areas inside-out and are FNAIM, which provides service. I’m always happy to speak for themselves – when www.maisonsetmanoirs.fr happy to share their local regular training courses for call people back if they don’t Sarah was showing one knowledge. Team spirit is the team & ensures they are have free calls to France – I’ll couple the man said: “I’ve 00 33 (0) 6 08 89 12 79 important and we all work always up to date with laws do whatever I can to make it only ever fallen in love once 11 rue Général de Gaulle, together to help you find the & regulations. easy for customers.” in my life; that was with my 32140 Masseubew

MC Rénovation - Creative Living Space

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 153 Advertising Features www.connexionfrance.com Transport company delivers on price and service Have items from UK shops delivered to your door without paying a hefty fee or compromising on service, says Watson European I f you’ve ever tried to service, which could be very order something online and useful if you are moving to found it can’t be delivered to France but either haven’t France, Watson European found a new property yet or international transport can your new home isn’t ready help. for all your belongings. Have your items delivered With Watson European, to the family-run firm’s UK you can rest assured that your warehouse and then the belongings – and your stress team of friendly and reliable levels – will be looked after. drivers will transport them Andrea said: “For us, it’s the to your door. small things that make the Company owner Andrea big difference. Moving home Watson said: “If you want is often a stressful experience to order a new sofa or where the best-laid plans can Watson European can deliver items safely to your door with great service something from somewhere take a sour turn. Many of our that offers free UK delivery, clients remark how having the way. Its services include transportation, including advantage of our 20-plus why not get it delivered to our friendly staff available relocation services, from cars, vans, motorcycles years in road haulage? For our warehouse in Lincoln? at the end of phone is one of partial house removals of pre- and plant equipment. more information, please There is always someone the most reassuring aspects packed items to a complete Andrea added: “A wise man visit our website or get in available to accept deliveries of our service. Being there packing and delivery service once said ‘you can’t buy touch for a no-obligation and we will keep them safe to deal with the smallest of of a full home. The company’s experience’, so why not take quote.” and bring them straight to detail is what our job is all specialised vehicles ensure your door.” a b out .” your goods arrive in perfect The firm is also offering With weekly services to condition. Tel: Andy 0044 (0) 7876 504 547 60-days of free storage for and from France, the team is Watson European also Dave 0044 (0) 7515 722 772 people who use the transport there to assist every step of specialises in vehicle Email: [email protected]

Bilingual law, property and taxation support service Following over two decades in France and many years working for the Groupement Notarial in Carcassonne, Rachel Thomas-Bonnet now offers an advice service, called Perfide Albion, to English speakers with interests in France

TWENTY-five years ago In the past Rachel has been many pitfalls – I’m not young law graduate Rachel described as both a comfort afraid to tackle the tax Thomas-Bonnet decided blanket and a Rottweiler, authorities when things don’t that her future lay in France. but she says that she just look right.” Today, having gathered an does whatever it takes to get When it comes to Rachel Thomas-Bonnet runs Perfide Albion intimate knowledge of satisfaction for her clients. marriages and divorces, French life, she offers a Having spent seven years Rachel has supported many As her many clients, with handle my clients problems comprehensive “after sales working for the Groupement people through their divorce interests throughout the with feeling, and not make service” to English-speaking Notarial in Carcassonne, in France. Her steadfastness whole of France, rely on her them just feel as though I’m people living in France. where she carried out and objectivity provide for an incredibly wide range going through the motions.” “I can help with almost property transactions and a solid base during this of services and advice, her every aspect of French life, valuations for 11 notaires for difficult and stressful time. motto is: “Nothing’s too Contact Rachel with queries including buying a property, both a French and interna- This is also an advantage small or too big.” regarding any aspect of income tax declarations, tional client base, she is when dealing with litigation A quick look at the living in France – the initial court proceedings, etc.” she knowledgeable in all areas of of any kind, whatever its testimonials page on her consultation is always free. said. “Paying taxes, getting law and taxation. origins, such as a dispute website shows the apprecia- married and divorced, “Whether it is the purchase between neighbours, tion her clients have for the finding top-up health care, or resale of a French property, unpaid bills or a property help and support that she dealing with insurance liaising with the agent foreclosure. gives them. problems – I can take the and notaire so the process Thanks to Rachel’s wide “Thanks to over 20 years weight off people’s shoulders runs as smoothly as possible, network of notaires, barris- of living here, there really and do all the phone calling I can provide all the support ters, and other professionals, aren’t many situations that I and form filling.” Rachel is required,” said Rachel. when she is not able to haven’t experienced first 09 82 46 77 35 established in the Languedoc, “Equally if people aren’t provide one hundred percent hand,” she said. 06 62 78 39 77 but her client base stretches sure of the tax system, I can of the service, she always “This really does give me [email protected] from Ireland to New Zealand. guide clients through the knows a man who can. the insight and ability to www.perfidealbion.com

154 u Moving to France Guide 2018 Advertising Features Taking the paperwork and pain out of a LHD vehicle purchase

At Gary Automobiles near Lyon, convenience (easyJet and Ryanair fly into nearby airports), Gary can and quality are assured for customers buying come to collect you from the a left-hand drive car. airport or train station, as well as arrange reservations ARE YOU looking to buy a transfer your no or advise on local Lyonnais left-hand drive vehicle for claims bonus. hotels. your new life in France? “I remember how hard Another part of the service Gary Automobiles is it was to understand the offered by Gary Automobiles an English-owned motor French paperwork and red is that they do not put people dealer based just outside of tape when I made the move under pressure to make a Lyon in the Rhône-Alpes, over to France in 2001. I am purchase. They understand specialising in the supply of happy to assist fellow expats the logistics of moving quality new and pre-owned, and take that burden away,” abroad, so if they have left-hand drive, French says Gary. a suitable vehicle in stock registered vehicles to expats Reassuringly, they are fully they we will keep it until you moving to France. French registered company are ready to collect – with no The company has been time limitations. operating in France since Part exchange July 1 2003 and customers with your right hand only ever deal with Gary drive vehicle is also personally. available, while the Gary at his office near Lyon Convenience for the company also provides customer is a key element in a car sourcing service “I have used Gary “Gary’s personal and the company’s ethos, which – meaning if they do Automobiles to source and English-speaking service has is why Gary Automobiles not have the vehicle deliver a new car in France. been really helpful and taken now has the facility to you want in stock, they Since I don’t speak French the hassle out of buying and register your vehicle in your will find it for you. it was a delight to deal with keeping a car name at their premises – For further Gary himself.” Tom Wall in France.” James Greig meaning there is need to recommendation, here worry about translation and with Siret / Siren / and TVA are some previous customer paperwork issues. Gary will numbers and only supply comments: Gary Automobiles EURL issue your new carte vehicles with European “Gary Automobiles made Telephone: 0033 4 74 43 89 51 grise directly from his office specifications. the whole process as painless Mobile: 0033 6 84 85 04 61 and can even arrange your For customers wishing to as possible.” Email: [email protected] French motor insurance and stay over and visit the area Colin Edwards www.gary-automobiles.com

A swimming pool partnership made in stone

The AquaPierre pools by St Pools Piscines are lined with Pebbletec for a durable finish that is beautiful and easy to maintain As a civil engineer with Being a fluid material, it over 35 years of experience, allows for pool designs that Stuart Roberts is a Member flat plastic liners could never of The Institute of achieve – limited only by the Swimming Pool Engineers. clients’ imagination.” Formerly a resident Stuart has been using engineer with Gloucester Pebbletec since 2008 and is City, Stuart has designed and now a licensed applicator for built nearly 100 pools both France. He works in on a domestic and public association with UK-based scale. Based in the Dordogne Aqua Stone PF Ltd, who are since 2000, there has been a license holders for the St Pools Piscines uses Pebbletec liners with its steel-reinforced concrete pools constant demand for his British Isles and also its final wash when all the line with plastic-bag liner attracting clients. With his pools – never more than undertake application-only little nuances of the pebble pools and subcontracted design, guidance and since the launch of the to pool refurbs and are exposed,” said Stuart. assembled kit pools. What’s supervision of critical AquaPierre range. nonsupervised new builds in “Our previous application more, every square aspects, the client can build “My pools were originally France. As a qualified civil of GRP liners required a millimetre of the surface a pool that would qualify for GRP lined, but with the engineer and an approved smooth rendered mortar carries the Pebbletec a guaranteed application of application relying on Pebbletec applicator, his finish, so stepping up to Warranty and not just the Pebbletec. This reduces the nearperfect conditions I have pools do not involve any Pebbletec was fairly easy for joints and seams as with cost of a new build as now chosen Pebbletec,” said guess work or expensive us in terms of application. plastic liners. supervision fees are less than Stuart. “This is not just for overdesign and the But the product is more “If we can’t beat the price a full-build cost and the its strength and beauty, but finishings are to the standard precise and the washing of any other liner pool we’ll added bonus is that the because it can be applied in required backed by Euro requires expert timing. With certainly try to match it,” finished pool is of the the same conditions as Pebbletec . such high standards, St Pools said Stuart. “But if we are a standard to receive a traditional renders. “My son and partner, delivers an AquaPierre pool bit more expensive it is only Pebbletec finish. “The pool construction is young Stu, heads the lining that is beautifully different to because it should be.” still traditional steel team and I am proud to say liners or tiles.” Stuart’s qualifications are reinforced concrete, but that his exacting attitude is With such high quality very much recognised in 06 74 46 26 01 because the finishing is in a carried all the way from the materials and finishing, one France and his new system 05 53 91 45 18 reconstituted stone the pools formulation and production would expect the cost to be of inspecting AquaPierre [email protected] are virtually monolithic. of the mix, right through to prohibitive, but prices are in self-build pools is already www.aquapierre.com

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 155 Advertising Features Hearing aid care tips from the experts

opening at the end of your With 15 years of experience, the hearing aid. Always follow the Hearing Aid Repair Shop are instructions provided. experts in hearing aid care. To help What to do if things go wrong prolong the life of your hearing aids, Like any piece of technology, your hearing aid can read our top tips on how to clean sometimes go wrong for and maintain them. no apparent reason! If that happens to you, try using our troubleshooting tips to fix Cleaning your behind a soft, dry cloth or tissue. some common problems. the ear (BTE) hearing Don’t use any kind of cleaning aids solutions as they might My hearing aid appears to be Wash your earmoulds and damage them. And take care ‘dead’ My hearing aid is making a The sound is weaker than tubing every night, if you can, not to get your hearing aids whistling sound usual in warm soapy water and then wet. • It may sound obvious, but rinse them. The minimum you The tubing on your hearing make sure your hearing aid • The volume may be set too • The tubing on your hearing should wash them is once a aids will need changing is turned on high - try reducing the aid may be damaged - check week. Then leave them to dry every 3 to 6 months before • Make sure your hearing aid volume setting until the the tubing for splits or before fitting them back onto it hardens, splits or causes is set to the ‘M’ whistling disappears moisture and replace it if your aids. problems. Your hearing aid (microphone) setting • Your earmould may not fit necessary Don’t wash the hearing centre or dispenser can advise • Check that the battery is properly - check that you’ve • Your earmould may have aid itself. To disconnect you on how to change the inserted correctly, with the put it in correctly become blocked with the hearing aid from the tubing, or do it for you. + and - symbols the right • The battery may be wax - try cleaning it earmould and tubing, gently way round weak - try replacing it pull the plastic tubing from Cleaning your in the • Make sure the battery If your hearing aid still isn’t the elbow (the hooked part) of ear (ITE) hearing aids compartment is properly The sound is distorted working after following our the hearing aid. Don’t remove The entire aid should be closed troubleshooting tips, send the elbow - this is part of the cleaned with a dry cloth. Make • Try replacing the battery as • The volume may be set too it in to us for a free, no hearing aid and it could get sure that it doesn’t come into it may be dead high - try reducing the obligation quote. damaged if you remove and contact with any liquid. If • If you’re using behind the volume setting until the wash it. your hearing aid has its own ear hearing aids, clean your distortion disappears www.hars.co.uk Clean your hearing aids by wax pick, you can use this earmould as it may be • The battery may be email: [email protected] wiping them carefully with to remove any wax from the blocked weak - try replacing it Tel: + 44 (0)1635 48724.

Independent buyer’s agents across France “Although buyers are well protected in France from a legal viewpoint, the property listing system and lack of market transparency can make property hunting here a challenge,” explains independent buyer’s agent Sophia Mose of The French Property Finders. AFTER a career as a for house hunters that led to corporate lawyer in New York the emergence of this and London, Dutch-born relatively new profession in Sophia moved to France with France: no central property her family in 2005. She runs database for agents; no TFPF buyer’s agents represent your interests and ensure you don’t overpay. property search agency The automatic commission professional buyer’s agents in and English and have years “We organise the client’s French Property Finders sharing among agents; France. In Paris, the first of experience with extensive shortlist viewings and (TFPF) and with her team buyers usually list with chasseurs immobiliers local market expertise and accompany them, we covers southern Provence, multiple agencies; limited emerged in the late nineties invaluable contacts. “Once negotiate the price and assist the Côte d’Azur and the property details are and it is now an established clients find us, they throughout the entire Dordogne. TFPF’s partner provided; and actual prices profession. Buyer’s agents inevitably tell us that they purchase, and beyond. We buyer’s agents are based in paid are not publicly must hold the same real wish they had known about always continue to share our Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, the available. Also, agencies that estate license and professional us earlier and hadn’t wasted contacts and information Alps, the Gard, the Gers and list properties must obtain responsibility insurance as time and money looking on and remain the client’s the Ariege. the highest possible price for listing agents. They also must their own.” TFPF agents trusted local expert.” their client, the vendor. As a satisfy continuing education work with all vendor “Most of our clients had result of all this, house requirements and comply agencies and also look for been looking for a while hunters are unable to with the profession’s code of private sales and off-market Contact Sophia on without realising that determine fair market value. conduct. properties. They pre-visit +33 (0)652 36 06 64 independent buyer’s agents Because of these stumbling properties for clients and contact@ existed in France.” Sophia blocks, there was a strong The TFPF buyer’s agents are provide detailed and frank thefrenchpropertyfinders.com summarises the challenges need for independent all fluent in at least French reports with tons of photos. thefrenchpropertyfinders.com

156 u Moving to France Guide 2018 Advertising Features Complete solution to fosse septique problems There’s little worse than a smelly or blocked fosse septique, but there is a simple, ecological and cost-effective treatment, say Eco-tabs Europe founders Shelly and Tim Burns-O’Regan WITH costly emptying obic biological breakdown of charges and the potential to organic sludge, including oils smell or get blocked, fosse and grease. septiques can be a home- Store bought products that owner’s nightmare. are enzyme based liquify the But an innovative product solids for them to reform now exists which not only later. So you will still need takes away the need to to pump out your tank. Eco- empty your fosse, but also tabs degrade the solids and Eco-tabs are 100% ecological and mean you don’t need to pump out your fosse removes odours and reduces remove those pesky odours. blockages. Company founders Shelly and fragile ecosystem. pumping out, use two tabs buying the products neces- Eco-tabs are purely bacteri- and Tim Burns-O’Regan say: We also provide excellent and one bag of our Shock sary for your tank, we offer a al-based, not a combination “Our company is found- customer service and follow powder and watch the magic. Personalised Treatment Plan of enzymes like many com- ed on the core belief that up as fed back from our “Not only do the tabs which will recommend the petitive products. They help eco-friendly, non-toxic waste customers.” oxygenate the water, which ideal products for you. Visit: to increase overall system treatment products have An eco-tabs Clean out removes the odours, the www.eco-tabs.biz and click efficiency, reduce costly become a necessity in today’s Pack starts at 66€ ( exc TVA, sludge is eaten away by the on the link for a Personalised maintenance and eliminate environmentally sensitive p+p) for a standard 3000 litre bacteria. The result: a clean Treatment Plan. the need for toxic chemi- tank compared to the cost fosse which does not need cals and special handling of a pump out truck ranging to be pumped out… all that procedures. from 125€ up to 400€, this is remains is water.” For more information, The tablets work by a no-brainer. Eco-tabs are compatible visit the website or oxygenating the water in the “I was blown away by “Simply flush a tablet down for old septic tanks right contact Shelly on. fosse, removing hydrogen the service you the toilet each month to through to the new microsta- +33 (0) 635954593 sulfide odours, preventing maintain a healthy fosse sep- tion systems. www.eco-tabs.biz corrosion, and initiating aer- provide, brilliant.” tique. Or, as an alternative to To ensure that you are only [email protected] The best way to furnish your property in France

Furniture for France has many installation of all furniture ordered, this includes assembly years’ experience of supplying high of all oak beds and wardrobes as these come in sections quality furniture to its customers for ease of access to difficult staircases. All other items FURNITURE for France is order, such as sofa coverings, are solid, no assembly pieces. now in its fifteenth year of wood finishes and delivery Our deliveries are timed to supplying quality furniture schedules, ensures they are the hour on the agreed date to properties in France. kept informed every step of of delivery. The Furniture for The company specialises in the way. France face book page will providing clients with a cus- “With 15 years’ experience keep you up to date with all tomised service that offers and thousands of deliveries the latest news. Stylish Highcleare fixed cover sofa design good quality UK-sourced under our belts throughout Six new ranges of oak have furniture without the hassle France, we have encountered recently been introduced, different paint colours are to work through, but as the of arranging delivery and almost everything and put including traditional styles now available on all pine product has a life expectancy ordering furniture in the UK. that to good use when advis- in a rustic finish. With furniture. Wood samples can of over 15 years, it pays to Furniture for France works ing and helping customers competitively priced solid also be sent out to customers get it right,” said Mr Muir. with its customers all the find the right furniture for oak furniture it is no wonder if required. Furniture for France makes way from the initial enquiry their property in France,” Furniture for France had its “With delivery costs starting deliveries as far afield as through to installing the said the company’s managing best ever year in 2017. at just £59 for any quantity Geneva and Nice, as well as furniture in their homes director Brian Muir. In addition to the new oak of furniture, there really isn’t locally to customers in the Offering advice on all The delivery service offered furniture a choice of 12 a better or easier way to fur- Dordogne, the Lot, Charente aspects of a customer’s includes room by room nish a property in France,” and Limousin. said Mr Muir. Mr Muir added: “We Throughout 2017 sofas will continue to introduce continued to be the best-sell- great ranges of furniture for With delivery costs ing individual item for the delivery to our customers in “ company. Loose-covered France without compromis- starting at just £59, designs are always top of the ing on quality or service.” there really isn’t a list with the introduction of better or easier more complex fabric patterns and colours allowing cus- way to furnish a tomers to custom cover the 06 46 49 73 45 sofa of their choice. “This [email protected] New French inspired oak furniture designs being property in France process can take some time www.furnitureforfrance.co.uk introduced for 2018 Moving to France Guide 2018 u 157 Advertising Features Self-storage helps to ease the pressure of moving house

Are you moving between England and France? A&S Self Storage can help the process, reducing the pressure and your costs

A&S Self Storage would like to help ease your way across the water. The company offers short and long- term quality storage to provide a 'staging post' during the sometimes Often, goods can be stressful buying and selling process. carried as a ‘return load’, George and Diana Pelly founded the company almost 20 years ago, “thus saving on the cost basing their service on the principles of customer care and value. With a military background, they  The ideal new home may not be had experienced the highs and lows immediately available - storage can of international house moves and give breathing time and space; brought their knowledge and  The new home may require some empathy to their business. decoration or refurbishment; Increasingly, they have found their  All storage is in secure, self- storage facilities in Dover are ideally contained private rooms to which sited to help people relocate between only the customers hold the key. England and the Continent - in As well as those on the move, both either direction. They have built up a French and British small businesses number of links with removal firms store goods with A&S Self Storage who will transport the contents of taking advantage of easy access to the large houses down to single items. Storage is in secure, port of Dover and fast road links to George Pelly runs Dover-based “Often, goods can be carried as a self-contained private rooms the M25. A&S Self Storage 'return load', thus saving on the cost,” There is also 24/7 access available said George.  During the viewing stage, to help customers needing to move existing clients. When planning the 'house move valuable items can be stored; goods outside office hours. More information detailing the campaign', consideration of the  French notaires and British Visitors are very welcome during company’s storage facilities and following may be helpful: lawyers operate to different rules, the long opening hours - so that service can be found on the website.  Prior to marketing of the which can create delays, causing individual requirements can be property, it is often a good idea to an unexpected requirement for discussed face to face - and the staff www.doverstorage.co.uk de-clutter and spring clean; instant storage; are always pleased to meet new and 0044 1304 822844

Help, the non-profit group to such a beautiful country, whose purpose is to provide with gorgeous buildings and Feeling down? Call up SOS Help an empathetic ear to people fresh croissants everywhere experiencing exactly these But among all the clinking An English-speaking support service based in Paris, things. From 3pm to 11 pm of wine glasses, there are daily, anyone can call the line people who are feeling a SOS Help, provides daily support to those who are anonymously and talk about little down. whatever is on their mind, For those who feel they finding life challenging and need someone to talk to no matter how big or small. need some support, SOS So why does SOS Help pro- Help means that no one has vide this service? The SOS to cope alone. Help team are expats and have experienced first-hand 01 46 21 46 46 the difficulties of integrating. Skype “callsoshelp” They know that sim- www.soshelpline.org ply hearing the voice of someone who understands can sometimes be the most helpful solution when feeling worried, lonely, depressed or The SOS Help team even suicidal. “ are expats and have SOS Help was founded in 1974 by a group of American experienced first- and British health professionals, with the help of hand the difficulties Chad Varah, the founder of of integrating. They the Samaritans. SOS Help is a non-profit organisation know that simply and a branch of France’s SOS hearing the voice of Amitié Federation.

Photo: Craig Cloutier Photo: The listeners are trained by someone who It is easy to feel isolated in a country where you don’t speak the same language. SOS professionals to provide understands can Help is a non-profit organisations offering advice and support to Anglophones in France a quality listening service that is anonymous, sometimes be the MOVING to a different it any easier. From doing the matter of meeting new confidential, non-directive most helpful country can be one of the the shopping to navigating people. With a new language and non-judgmental. most stressful times in a public transport, each daily and culture, at times all this There are thousands of solution when feeling person’s life. task takes a little more effort can be a little overwhelming. Anglophones in France, so it Everyone speaking a differ- – and when you are ready to Luckily for English speak- comes as no surprise that so worried, lonely ent language does not make relax and socialise, there is ers in France, there is SOS many people would relocate or depressed

158 u Moving to France Guide 2018 Advertising Features Cancer Support France provides the full range of support We realise that cancer and its treatment is difficult enough in your own country but in a new land and in a strange language it can be very, very, complex indeed.

Can you imagine how you would cope if you had to face the diagnosis of cancer while living in France? Would you understand what the doctors are telling you? Where would you go for the information you needed to manage your illness in a way that is best for you? Cancer Support France is an organization that offers the emotional, linguistic and practical help and access to the information that you may need.

Originally set up in 2002, it is today a network of 15 independent associations throughout France that provides support for English-speaking people touched by cancer, whatever their country of origin, gender or religious affiliation.

CSF Aims to: • Provide you with support which is confidential and free of charge • Offer support to you, your family and your carers by telephone, in person or by email • Help you to ask the right questions • Accompany you to consultations and provide language Penny Parkinson, the national President, says: support if needed • Guide you to other sources of appropriate advice “CSF offers emotional and practical support in many and varied ways to English-speaking • Provide access to information in English about cancer and its people living in France who are touched by cancer. We support cancer patients themselves, but treatment in France also their carers, families and those closest to them. We are all volunteers, many of us speak • Visit you at home or in hospital when this is possible fluent French and vitally, we have extensive knowledge of the French health care system. Many • Welcome you to ‘Drop In’ days or support group meetings at of us have experienced cancer first-hand and understand the emotional effects of the disease an association near you and its treatment. All our volunteers are fully trained and abide by our strict confidentiality policy. Over the past 13 years, CSF has made a real difference to the lives of nearly 2,000 people and today, our network of affiliated, but independent, associations throughout France supports around 400. Our aim is to ensure there is no English speaker of any nationality in Call us if you need our help : HELPLINE 0800 240 200 France who needs us but who is not aware of us.” Avocat specialising in International Family Law helps Britons in France What are the consequences of Brexit on Family Law? What will happen to British nationals wanting to divorce in France? Me Aurore Cressent outlines the position

First of all, pursuant to in France seeking a divorce shall go through a article 3 of Brussels II Bis in France. In the same way, mechanism of recognition to EU Regulation, British French courts will have be set in the UK which will nationals will keep the jurisdiction over the no longer be bound by an opportunity to get a divorce children residing in France automatic recognition. in France, provided: on parental responsibility As far as divorce is - the spouses are habitually matters such as residence of concerned, the real change resident in France, or the children and contact for British nationals residing - the spouses were last rights, pursuant to article 8 in France will not come habitually resident in France, of the said Regulation. from Brexit but from the insofar as one of them still On child abduction cases, national reform of French resides there, or Brussels II Bis Regulation divorce which came into - the respondent is habit- shall not apply any longer if force on the 1 January 2017. ually resident in France, or the UK is no longer an EU Since that date, divorce by - the applicant is habitually member state and no mutual consent is no longer resident in France if he or agreement is found to decreed by the judge. Since she resided there for at least maintain the application of it is no longer a judicial a year immediately before the said Regulation. decision its enforcement the application was made. Practically, the Hague might be difficult to be Brussels II Bis EU Convention of 25 October obtained abroad. Regulation is part of French 1980 on Civil Aspects of Aurore Cressent who is an Law and applies without International Child Avocat specialised in consideration of the Abduction will be used and International Family Law nationality of the spouses. its provisions are similar to involving British nationals Indeed, even if the UK those of Brussels II Bis helps you to go through all comes to be out of this Regulation. your Family Law issues. For Regulation it will still apply Enforcement of French more details: http://www. to British nationals residing court decisions in the UK cressent-avocat.com/en Me Aurore Cressent specialises in International Family Law

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 159 Advertising Features ANIMALS - PETS FINANCE - INSURANCE PROPERTY SERVICES Chenil Les Mille Calins English Run Heslop & Platt BEAUX VILLAGES 5 Star accommodation for Dogs/Cats IMMOBILIER  Underfloor heated kennels Solicitors & French n  Qualified staff Thinking of selling your French home?  Top Quality food and exercise Law specialists n We would be delighted to  Only 45 minutes south of Caen meet you as soon as possible!  Convenient Ferry Access Providing quality, www.goldenwaypets.com n Voted Best Real Estate Agency, France and Best Real Estate Website, Telephone 02 33 37 49 19 professional and France for 2017 and 18 Emergency 02 33 38 41 32 Fax 02 33 38 44 16 efficient French legal n Immediate access to over 30 000 people looking for property in France!

advice in English n Access to thousands of YEW TREE HORSE registered buyers TRANSPORT Tel: +44 (0)113 393 1930 International pet Animal transport Freephone from France: Tel; +44 (0)1952 460607 [email protected] 08 05 69 23 23 Mobile; +44 (0)7802 355795 [email protected] www.horsetransport.uk.net www.heslop-platt.co.uk Deliveries all France www.beauxvillages.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT (34) motoring 28 years’ experience. For dailynews All your property management issues - big or small. GARY AUTOMOBILES [email protected] updates see www.hautlanguedoc.co.uk Specialists in supplying quality Tel : 04 67 97 81 33/06 80 27 14 48 connexionfrance.com New and Pre-owned Siret: 408 406 106 00018 French registered vehicles REMOVALS - TRANSPORT We buy LHD/RHD vehicles George White European Transport ARCHITECTS-SURVEYORS- Part-exchanges welcome Special rates to S/W France 13.6m/45ft trailer - Full/Part loads Removals/ ENGINEERS Unlike UK LHD specialists we materials/vehicles handle all the paperwork and Owner driver. RHA member re-register the vehicle in your Tel: +44 (0)7768 867 360 Plans and Planning Fr Mobile: +33 (0)6 23 03 85 59 name at our premises! [email protected] Permisions in Brittany www.georgewhiteeuropean.co.uk French registered, English owned company Mike Welby. www.welby.fr Tel 0033 (0)4 74 43 89 51 Moving 0296875737 [email protected] or 0033 (0)6 84 85 04 61 [email protected] to or EDUCATION - LANGUAGE www.gary- from

www.connexionfrance.com automobiles.com France? Sworn Court Interpreter & Translator Weekly services to & « Assermenté » - All Certified Translations Cambridge University & Institute of Linguists from France Prudence BENATAR Tel: 05 53 73 60 80 - Mob: 06 86 01 45 89 For unique and Full or part loads, [email protected] www.prudencebenatar.com french-themed 4 wks free storage, gift ideas 35 Years experience News, practical updates, reader questions reader updates, practical News, Certified translations Bar Member as required by Contact: CAF, Prefecture, Courts, Notaires see our shop at Anglo French Removals (Births, Adoptions, Marriages, Deaths – Divorces Tel: +44 (0) 1622 690 653 – Wills – Companies House documents…) connexionfrance.com Contact: 06 88 59 91 90 Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.anglofrenchremovals.co.uk

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160 u Moving to France Guide 2018 Advertising Feature UK Telecom gives an insight to the French market More than ever, a good internet access can be a range of services they offer support is free. and the quality of their Making Savings Every strong selling point. Most of us now buy goods customer support. Month: UKTelecom has a All domestic services have number of services online and bank online. We also keep in touch via to have faults investigated designed for expats and quickly, with a usual time that are not offered by other Skype, Facebook and so on, all of which needs a to repair taking no more companies. All customers than 4 days. If you want a can suspend their minimum broadband speed of 2Mbps. Bob Elliott faster response you can broadband when they are choose to take a business away. Orange offer a similar of UKTelecom gives an insight into how the French service at additional cost. service but only to second UKTelecom’s technical home owners. telecom market works so you can be sure you don’t support team manage this We also offer a special process, including the service for gite owners so end up buying in an area with slow or no broadband attendance of the engineer that we can deal directly access if that is important to you. at our customers’ home, with their customers if they and translating between have any problems such as House hunting is so much charges if you need to Do remember that the them and our customer any connecting their own more than finding a property change to a traditional location of your modem can issues of concern. However devices to the wifi. This you fall in love with. service. have a big effect on the it is important that means that the owner has Choosing the right location: Do make sure your line is speed of your wifi service. engineers are not called out no need to be involved. Once you know the general set up correctly from the We offer an information to a fault when the problem You will have left many area where you would like to outset. There is not much sheet to our customers is with either the modem or friends and family in the buy use this link to find out point being ex-directory advising them how to a telephone handset or UK and we give our what broadband speeds are (known as liste rouge) if squeeze the maximum speed internal wiring as they will customers a free low cost available in the general area: you ask for this after your out of their wifi signal. charge for their time and number for those dear to https://observatoire. line is installed. Your details How to get faults repaired costs. We go to considerable them to call, making big francethd.fr/ The colour will have already been quickly: As in the UK, there lengths to get the service savings on standard BT coded areas give ‘at a included in the printed and are several companies that live quickly and have a charges. glance’ indications of the on line directories! There use the national telephone range of remote diagnostic Another hugely popular general speed of broadband are a number of other line network to bring calls and tools we can use that often option is for invoices to be available. services that you can broadband to you. The fix problems. paid in either euros or If the property you are choose, some free and network itself is owned by Unlike other some sterling, whichever is considering has a telephone others cost 1€/month. Orange but the engineers companies our technical preferred. line use this address to find There are many other that maintain it are out the speed available: practical considerations and independent of Orange and Call: 0805 631 632 http://www.degrouptest. UKTelecom offers a new have to treat all telecom Call UK: +(44) 1483 477 100 com/ Remember that this is line installation companies the same, so France: (FREEPHONE) 0805 631 632 the fastest speed possible management service that your choice of company Email: [email protected] but the service is helps you every step of the should be based on the Web: http://www.uktelecom.net ‘contended’ meaning you way through the process, share access with others something that those with So if you need great telephone and broadband services UKTelecom offers you: nearby so at popular times little ‘technical French’ find n Good, honest and knowledgeable advice the speed will slow down. very helpful. n A free survey of broadband availability in your search area France is approximately Once your new line is n Management of the installation of your line and broadband service half way through a major active your broadband n Free technical support investment in its telephone service will be applied. You n And savings with a broadband service you can suspend when you are away network and this is then have to connect your n 15% of new customers each month choose us because we have been recommended to bringing faster speeds to new modem and telephone. them by existing customers! more areas. So if you still want that property but the broadband speed is hopeless speak with your chosen telephone provider as we all have advanced knowledge of when upgrades are going to be undertaken at local exchanges.

Getting connected: You will need to have an active telephone line and this will cost 59€ and the monthly line rental is 17.96€. However if you have 2Mbps speed or faster you can have all your telephone calls carried by your broadband and this will mean that you won’t have to pay line rental. Be careful when you speak to sales people as there are often examples of this service being sold to customers that have speeds too slow to support it, and there are steep cancellation

Moving to France Guide 2018 u 161 Advertising Features Kentingtons provide tax and investment advice to private individuals Kentingtons’ service is providing tax and investment advice, in combination, to private individuals who are moving from the UK to France and to those already living in France. Chances are, if you have consultants have legal capital in the UK or qualification and training offshore, you will be demonstrating “compétence voluntarily paying juridique appropriée”, or significantly more tax than appropriate legal you need to and will be knowledge, allowing us to unaware of all the generous offer quality guidance on investment options available French fiscal law. that work to your advantage This distinction sets us as a resident of France. apart from those who can Kentingtons are registered offer counsel on investment Kentingtons works alongside www.kentingtons.com in France as “Conseil en strategy, but are not the world’s leading financial Email : [email protected] Gestion de Patrimoine qualified to guide you on institutions to bring you a Tel : +33 (0)4 98 10 12 55 Certifiée”, basically a the financial consequences truly world class service, qualified adviser on ones of what they are advising. offering our clients strategies contact with our clients and placing a minimum, when worldwide assets. Kentingtons has clients from the very simple to the keep our response times to it comes to managing This means we can advise throughout France and in highly complex, from secure client requests to a capital, which is e250,000. on and assist with all the UK. We have offices in to adventurous. minimum, offering Our objective is to make personal financial matters, both countries and our Kentingtons also has a unrivalled service your life as simple as i.e. areas such as wealth tax, consultants visit areas unique ethos when it comes standards. We do not possible, allowing you to income tax, succession law, where we are not to service, which is that we achieve this by increasing relax knowing that your marriage regimes, capital represented locally. seek to minimise the our charges (indeed our financial affairs are legal gains tax and even As independent advisers of number of clients served by charges are significantly and in order and that it is guidance on the French our stature and experience, each consultant. This below the industry your money that is working health system. Our nothing is impossible; allows us to maintain good standard), but merely by hard, so you don’t have to.

Family business provides the A – Z of groundwork services in SW France SC ASPHALTE Groundworks is a family business which is based in SW France and has met clients’ needs for 20 years.

FOUNDER Stuart all types of groundwork and Cruikshank says “I have meeting client needs. Whether actually known the region for you are a house owner or a 40 years as my parents bought professional, we are one an old farm house here in contractor offering a wide 1978. A lot has changed in range of groundwork skills to that time, Les Landes and Les clients in south west France SC Asphalte Groundworks: Laurence and founder Stuart Cruikshank Pyrénées Atlantiques are including, resurfacing - tar up-and-coming with new and chip, garden paving, excavation of the land, digging beige tarmac. He concludes, “We also shopping malls, Sunday coloured gravel and chippings, and laying the foundations of The company’s expertise assist with smaller works such opening, Christmas red or black tarmac, asphalt. your house, install ducts, goes beyond this. As Stuart as urgent callouts when decorations and lights in the Digger work, excavation and cables, pipes, create a says, “We can also build your clients’ drains fail, small big towns. In one way it is a rubble infill. temporary access for gateway foundations and external building works and little sad to see the old bricklayers and carpenters, posts and install electric gates, doing those things which traditions being lost but it’s “We also undertake drainage install your sanitation (septic concrete slabs, erect fencing, finish work off - delivering the great for the younger work - pipework, septic tanks tank, grease tank, sand filter) concrete, aluminum, pvc etc. chippings for drives, installing generations to come and enjoy and drains, demolition and connect you to the mains the edging, putting up the area with its sea surfing, including site clearance, small drainage. They can also create “Major works we have shutters, gutters etc.” mountains, walking, skiing...” building works for example and landscape your garden, recently undertaken include SC Asphalte Groundworks edgings and pillars, together create, improve or renovate clearing and contouring land serves Dax, Orthez, Mont-de- Stuart continues, “However with the related garden work your paths / lanes / parking for building, laying drains and Marsan, Pau, Bayonne and the landscape is still the same; you would expect, tree and with borders of all kinds and putting in septic tanks, their surroundings. the houses are still cheap hedge cutting, and root undertake the drainage and resurfacing driveways, laying enough to buy and do up removal.” evacuation of water, lay the hard standing for cars, slowly and that’s why we have SC Asphalte Groundworks gravels of various colours, tar digging the hole for been successful over the last can landscape your property with black or coloured swimming pools and Web: www.sc-asphalte.fr 20 years by specialising in from A to Z starting with the chippings, black, red or even removing trees. Tel: 05 58 98 81 75

162 u Moving to France Guide 2018 Poole Portsmouth Plymouth

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