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LIVING IN FRANCE

April in France, taxes, and dining out: 6 essential articles for life in France

What changes in France in April, not one but two tax-related articles you need to check out, how much you need to earn to be considered ‘rich’, how to write an ‘attestation sur l’honneur’ … and the trick to gourmet dining on a budget — they’re all in this week’s must-reads from The Local

Published: 31 March 2024 08:00 CEST

April in France, taxes, and dining out: 6 essential articles for life in France

(Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP)

From a day off from work and practical jokes to extended café terraces, plus changes for motorists and spring festivals to enjoy – here’s what is happening in France in April.

What changes in France in April 2024

Tax season is approaching in France so here’s our guide to what foreigners in France need to know about the 2024 French tax system – from making your first declaration to claiming tax breaks, via the rules on foreign bank accounts and second homes.

The bumper French tax guide for 2024

Speaking of taxes… From giving to charity to setting up a private pension, hiring a cleaning or childminder, there are lots of things that will earn you a tax break in France – provided you remember to declare them on your annual tax declaration.

10 tax breaks you could benefit from in France

While it is a wealthy country (the 7th largest economy in the world) France is not a particularly high-wage society – so how much money do you need to be considered wealthy by French standards?

How much money do you need to be considered rich in France?

At some point during your time in France, you will likely have to write an ‘attestation sur l’honneur’ – here’s what this document is for and how to write one properly.

How to write a French ‘attestation sur l’honneur’

If you’re feeling fancy and want to splash out on something special you might pick up the Michelin guide to find a restaurant, but did you know that there’s also a listing for restaurants that serve delicious food at lower prices?

‘Bib Gourmand’: Where can you find France’s bargain Michelin-grade restaurants?

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Préfectures, property and Euro 2024: Essential articles for life in France

We don’t normally do politics here – the ‘Essentials’ newsletter is supposed to be practical and we usually leave that political sort of thing to editor Emma Pearson and her election bulletins.

But there are some things we can’t ignore. And one is that there’s a snap-election coming up, and there’s a possibility that Marine Len Pen’s far-right Rassemblement National party could do well. So – from visas to cartes de séjour and French language tests – here’s a look at some RN’s policies that could affect foreigners living in France, or hoping to move here someday.

What a far-right prime minister could mean for foreigners in France

There are several things to consider before buying property in France. You may want to visit the area during different seasons to be sure that you enjoy it rain or shine, and you will want to consider how much you would end up paying in property taxes, as well as whether or not it will be a main residence or second home.

And then, there are the extra hurdles for foreigners purchasing property here. Here’s a look at some of the restrictions and challenges you will want to be aware of beforehand.

What restrictions are there on foreigners buying property in France?

Many foreigners have experienced problems with their local préfecture – from long delays in processing applications to difficulty getting appointments and problems in making contact with préfecture staff.

If you’re a non-EU citizen living in France then you will need either a visa or a carte de séjour (residency permit) – and in the early years most people will need to regularly renew their cards – this means that you will have to interact with their local préfecture, or sous-préfecture. Here are a few tips to make the process a little easier on the blood pressure…

Top tips for dealing with delays or problems at your French préfecture

A football tournament kicked off on Friday – you may have heard something about it. From TV schedules to bars, cafés and fan zones, here are your options for watching all matches of the Euro 2024 football tournament in France.

How to watch the Euro 2024 tournament on TV in France

If you are buying or selling tickets to events such as concerts, matches or festivals in France, then there are some rules to be aware of, especially as the Olympic and Paralympic Games approach.

The rules for buying and selling tickets in France

From strike action to Olympic disruption, via ‘black days’ on the roads and the €49 rail pass, here’s a look ahead to what to expect if you’re travelling to, from or within France in summer 2024.

Travel to France: What to expect on roads, rails and airports this summer

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