\n What Interior Ministry instructions mean for retirees applying for French citizenship, challenging your property tax bill, and staying safe from mosquitoes\u2026 Plus wine terms and why it looks like autumn in parts of France already\n <\/p>\n
In recent weeks, we\u2019ve been investigating a shift in French citizenship application rules after British pensioners who have made their home here spoke of their disappointment at being rejected for French citizenship<\/a> because of a lack of \u2018French income\u2019<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Interior Ministry has confirmed to The Local that unwitting easy-target retirees with foreign pensions are no longer eligible for citizenship<\/a> because of a \u2018change in rules\u2019<\/a> ordered by ambitious Elys\u00e9e-focused minister Bruno Retailleau who\u2019s busily proving his tough stance on immigration. So, we dug a bit deeper\u2026<\/p>\n Analysis: Has France really made it impossible for retirees to get citizenship?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n For those happy few who have gained French citizenship \u2013 or another EU nation, permitting them freedom of movement \u2013 one more administrative question remains. What do you need to do with the carte de s\u00e9jour residency card that you no longer require?<\/p>\n Reader question: Do I need to renew my carte de s\u00e9jour if I obtain EU citizenship?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n As temperatures rise in Europe, tiger mosquitoes that were once found in warmer, more humid climates have made their way north<\/a> and are now endemic in almost all regions of France<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cases of \u2018local or indigenous\u2019 (autochtone) mosquito-borne illnesses \u2013 meaning those contracted via mosquito bites received in France \u2013 are still relatively rare, but they are becoming more common. So, how can you avoid mosquito-borne illnesses?<\/p>\n How to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses in France<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Autumn in France is property tax time, and many people will notice an increase in property tax bills this year as local authorities put up rates<\/a> \u2013 but if you think the price hike is too much, or you have been sent a bill in error, here\u2019s how you can challenge it.<\/p>\n How to challenge your 2025 French property tax bills<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Winemakers in many areas of France have already started their annual harvest<\/a> and supermarkets are prepping for their annual foire aux vins as they await this year\u2019s wines. That means this is the perfect time to brush on your French wine terms and phrases, so you sound like you know what you\u2019re talking about when picking up some bargains for Christmas in September\u2026<\/p>\n