19 changes in France for residents in January 2022

A new month means new changes in France, and a new year even more. We’re taking a look at some of the key changes that could affect you and your household in early 2022.

Increase in tax brackets

As every year, France’s tax brackets will be adjusted to take into account the impact of inflation on households. In 2022 (therefore for 2021 revenues) they will increase by 1.4%. The number of brackets and tax rates remain unchanged. The new groups are:

Up to € 10,225 = 0%

From € 10,225 – € 26,070 = 11%

From € 26,070 – € 74,545 = 30%

From € 74,545 – € 160,336 = 41%

Above 160,336 € = 45%

Changes of trustee for apartment owners

As of January 1, property management trustees will be required to provide apartment owners with a standardized information sheet on the prices and services they offer.

Continued decline in council tax bills

The elimination of housing tax will continue in 2022. Among those who still pay (this only concerns the wealthiest households) there will be a 65% drop in their tax bill. By 2023, the tax will no longer exist for primary residences. It will continue at the full rate for second homes.

Stricter rules for mortgages

From January 1, the term of a mortgage will be limited to 25 years, with only two years of postponement allowed. The maximum debt ratio will be limited to 35%, including borrower insurance, against 33% previously. There is a loophole, however, as banks do not have to comply with 20% of their loans, favoring primary home buyers and first-time buyers.

French hospitals will offer cheaper A&E services

Hospitals in France charge a lump sum of € 19.61 as of January 1 for patients who present to the accident and emergency department (emergency room) but are not subsequently admitted to the hospital.

So far, the fee has stood at € 25.28 for out-of-hospital A&E treatments, plus detailed additional charges for specific services received.

Read more: French hospitals will set a flat rate of € 19.61 for emergency care from January 1

The building permit goes online

The Ministry of Ecology has confirmed that citizens will be able to apply for a building permit online via a simple free form.

WA Brexit residence cards become compulsory

From January 1, Withdrawal Agreement residence cards will be compulsory for most Britons living in France and can be checked for many daily formalities.

Launch of the new public service France Rénov ‘

France Rénov ‘is the new name of a government program comprising personalized assistance in planning a home renovation program and certain financial assistance.

Read more: What is France Rénov ‘aid, can I use it to renovate my house?

Coming January 1 this new service will help households make their homes more energy efficient and less polluting. the service-public.fr site specifies that the service “will give neutral, free and personalized advice”.

Increase in penalties on new and polluting cars

Additional charges for new and polluting cars will come into effect from January 1.

From this date, the threshold for introducing CO2 emission penalties will be lowered from 133g / km to 128g / km.

In addition, an additional tax will apply to heavy goods vehicles over 1.8 tonnes, to which will be added € 10 for each additional kilogram.

This charge will only apply to new vehicles, and there will be exemptions for electric vehicles, vehicles adapted for wheelchairs, minibuses and people carriers of large families.

The maximum fine for the most polluting cars weighing more than 1.8 tonnes will be € 40,000 in 2022 – against € 30,000 today – and € 50,000 in 2023.

Thus, a car which emits 224 grams of CO2 for each kilometer traveled and which weighs more than 1,800 kg will be liable to a fine of € 40,000 next year.

Revaluation of French basic pensions

French basic pensions will increase by 1.1% from January 1. This will apply to all basic pensions (including private workers, civil servants and the self-employed) except those for lawyers who come under different rules. It will come into effect in January and the additional amount will start to be paid in February.

France takes over the EU Presidency

France assumes the presidency of the European Union from January 1 to June 30, 2022.

President Macron has said he will prioritize economic recovery after the pandemic, Europe’s ‘power’ and its ability to set its own agenda on technology, military, culture and values ​​- and how to foster people’s sense of pride in belonging to Europe.

Also on the agenda, reforms of the Schengen area.

The European Commission is proposing new rules concerning the treatment of undocumented migrants while maintaining the principles of the “borderless†zone. The proposals open up the possibility for a Member State to apprehend an undocumented migrant in a border area and transfer him to the neighboring Member State through which he arrived, instead of returning him to his country of origin. It is hoped that by promoting joint police checks in border regions, stricter checks at the actual border will not be necessary.

The revised Schengen rules also include new measures that member states can take to effectively manage the EU’s external borders, including by limiting the number of border crossing points and stepping up border surveillance.

Long-term disability allowance

Disability allowances (disability compensation benefit (PCH)) to pay for aid related to loss of autonomy will be simplified. The maximum duration of the five main forms of this service will be set at 10 years, from January 1.
When the handicap is not likely to improve, the PCH will be granted without a time limit.

Anti-waste law comes into force

From January 1, bans will apply on additional plastic packaging for fruits and vegetables under 1.5 kg, plastic tea bags and plastic toys that are offered free with fast food meals.

Water fountains will be compulsory in all schools. Pharmacies will also be able to sell a number of tablets to reduce waste. Textile and clothing companies will not be able to destroy their unsold goods.

The cost of stamps is increasing

The cost of a ‘green stamp’ (delivery in 2 days throughout mainland France) will drop from € 1.08 to € 1.16, and a ‘red stamp‘(priority mail within 24 hours throughout mainland France) will drop from € 1.28 to € 1.43.

TIP: You can still use stamps from previous years if they do not have the indicated value (for example, regular “red” or “green” stamps.

New two euro coin

A new design for the French two-euro coin will enter circulation from January 1. It was created to commemorate 20 years of the euro and for the new French presidency of the European Council. Its design features a number of symbols representing France, strength, peace and unity.

Read more: New French € 2 coin issued as the euro celebrates its 20th anniversary

Doubling of extended meal vouchers

Initially set up to support the hotel industry at the height of the health crisis, meal vouchers (meal vouchers) will be extended to the higher amount of € 38 (compared to € 19) until February 28.

It means you can pay your restaurant bill [it includes click and collect services, home delivery and restaurants located in hotels] for a maximum amount of € 38 with meal vouchers.

For example: if you are dining in a restaurant and the bill is € 58, you would be allowed to pay [a maximum of] € 38 in meal vouchers and the remaining € 20 in cash or card.

Revalued minimum wage

The minimum wage in France (called Smic) will increase by 0.9%. The new hourly rate from January 1 will therefore be € 10.57, compared to € 10.48 since October 1. This equates to € 1,603.12 per month, based on a 35-hour work week.

Culture pass extended to 15-17 year olds

From January 1, the pass will be extended to these age groups. It gives access to a credit of € 20 for 15-year-olds and € 30 for 16 and 17-year-olds.

The “Pass’Sport†has also been extended until February 28, 2022.

Free contraception for all women under 25

From January 1, contraception will become completely free for all women under 25, and not just for minors, as is currently the case.

Some contraceptive devices are not included (male and female condoms, vaginal rings, 3rd and 4th generation patches and pills).

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