How planned changes to the budget could affect foreigners in France, a update on Brexit card renewals where you live, and how Americans in France can celebrate Thanksgiving properly all feature in this week’s practical must-reads from The Local.
As French politicians continue to debate the 2026 Budget, The Local looks at who would be affected by a proposal for a health fee for foreigners in France, and how much the charge is likely to be.
Who is affected by France’s proposed health charge for foreigners and how much could it be?
France’s parliament has spent the past several weeks debating and examining hundreds of amendments added to the draft 2026 Budget.
They must pass both the social security financing bill and the overarching budget, but with multiple blocs in disagreement, it remains to be seen whether the 2026 draft Budget will go through at all. Opposition parties could again decide to block it and bring down the government.
Assuming that the Budget passes and the government lives to vote another day, here’s a look at some of the measures most likely to affect foreigners living in France.
7 measures in the 2026 French budget that could affect foreigners in France
Roughly 45,000 Brits in France will soon need to renew their post-Brexit residency cards, but exactly how to do this varies depending on where you live. Here’s the very latest préfecture-by-préfecture breakdown of the process.
UPDATED: How préfectures around France will deal with Brexit card renewals
If you move to France with your pet, one of the first things you will probably do is look for a decent local veterinarian. Vet bills in France — like many other countries — are high. As such, many pet owners opt for pet insurance to help cover costs. Before you sign up for one, here are some things to consider.
6 things to know about pet insurance in France
Autumn in France is more than just a season of mellow fruitfulness. It’s also the time, as the leaves fall from the trees, that an increasing number of hornets’ nests are spotted. And people need to act if they see one.
Why autumn is the ‘crucial time’ to deal with hornets’ nests in France
For many Americans, the fourth Thursday in November – aka Thanksgiving – is the most important holiday in their cultural calendar, but finding everything you need for the perfect celebration in France can be a challenge. With the big day looming, readers of The Local share some tips.
Readers’ tips: How to create the perfect Thanksgiving in France