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Month: June 2025

What Is a Linky Meter in France—and Will You Be Charged for Not Having One?

Posted on by esnews-admin

If you’ve recently bought or rented a home in France, you may have come across the term “Linky meter.” While it’s just a modern electricity meter, it has become a surprising source of debate—and even myths—across France.

Here’s a clear explanation of what the Linky does, whether you need one, and if extra charges apply if you don’t install it.

What Exactly Is a Linky?

The Linky is a smart electricity meter developed by Enedis, the national grid operator in France. It’s designed to automatically record your electricity usage and send that data to your energy provider. This means:

  • No need for manual meter readings

  • More accurate bills based on actual consumption

  • Access to apps like EDF & Moi, which allow you to monitor your daily usage and reduce energy costs

In many properties, the Linky meter also functions as a control panel or fuse box. If there’s a power cut, the digital screen can help identify the issue, and there’s even a reset button to restore power in some cases.

How Common Are They?

Linky meters have been rolled out across France since 2015, and around 90% of households now have one. If you don’t, you can contact Enedis to request an installation. However, you’re not legally required to have one installed.

Is There a Penalty for Refusing?

While the meter itself is optional, there can be extra charges for those who choose not to use it.

That’s because without a Linky, your electricity provider has to rely on manual readings—either submitted by you or collected by a technician. Since this adds operational costs, a reading fee now applies.

  • As of January 1, 2023, anyone without a Linky who hasn’t submitted a reading within the last year may be charged.

  • From August 1, 2025, a yearly surcharge will apply automatically for all non-Linky users:

    • €38.88/year for those who decline the Linky but still submit readings

    • €63.72/year for those who refuse both the Linky and meter readings

These fees were set by the French Energy Regulation Commission (CRE) to compensate providers for the extra work involved.

A Word of Caution

Since most homes now have smart meters, energy suppliers don’t routinely send reminders for manual readings. If you’ve opted out of Linky, it’s up to you to stay on top of this and report your usage at least once a year.

In rare cases, it may be technically impossible to install a Linky—such as in remote locations or older buildings. If a technician visits and installation isn’t feasible, the extra charge won’t apply.

Why All the Fuss?

Despite being a standard utility device, the Linky meter has attracted a surprising amount of resistance in France. Some claim it invades privacy or tracks personal data—none of which has been proven. Others argue it leads to higher bills.

In fact, having a Linky usually leads to more accurate bills, not higher ones. Without it, you may receive estimated bills that don’t reflect your actual usage—and are often higher than necessary.

So, Should You Get One?

At the end of the day, it’s your decision. You’re not required by law to have a Linky meter—but if you don’t, you may pay more in annual fees and risk inaccurate billing.

Big Changes Ahead? What Citizenship Applicants in France Should Know About the Proposed History Test

Posted on by esnews-admin

By Eleanor Moore, Property Consultant

If you’re dreaming of becoming a French citizen, it’s wise to stay on top of the latest developments—especially with recent announcements from France’s Interior Ministry. A new proposal suggests that anyone applying for French nationality may soon need to pass a formal written test on French history and civic values.

What’s Being Proposed?

Bruno Retailleau, France’s new Interior Minister, recently shared plans to reinforce the naturalisation process with a structured civics and history exam. His aim? To ensure applicants demonstrate a solid understanding of French identity and Republican values.

While this might sound like a significant shift, it’s important to understand the context. This is not yet law. Retailleau’s announcement came in the form of a circulaire—an administrative memo sent to local prefectures. Such memos can shape how rules are applied, but they don’t carry the force of legislation.

That said, the proposal could take shape as early as January 1, 2026, pending legal changes to an existing decree.

Citizenship vs Residency: Don’t Confuse the Two

This potential new exam applies specifically to those applying for citizenship—either through long-term residence or marriage to a French national. It does not apply to children born in France to foreign parents (who follow different rules), nor is it the same as applying for a residency permit.

Residency cards already involve some civics obligations: signing a “contract of Republican values” and, in some cases, attending language or integration classes. However, the requirements vary depending on the type of permit and the applicant’s personal situation.

What Might Actually Change?

Currently, the naturalisation process includes a face-to-face interview at your local préfecture. During this meeting, officials assess your understanding of French history, secularism (laïcité), and the country’s key values: liberté, égalité, and fraternité. There is no written test at this stage—just questions determined by the interviewer.

Retailleau’s plan doesn’t replace the interview. Instead, it proposes adding a written test to standardise the process. However, how and when this test would be given is still unknown.

Applicants would also be required to formally sign the “contract of Republican integration” as part of their application—something many have already done if they hold a long-term residency card.

What Should Future Applicants Expect?

If the new exam becomes law, it will likely resemble the civics test already required for some residency applicants—just more in-depth. The Livret du Citoyen, a guidebook published by the French government, remains the go-to resource for anyone preparing for these questions.

If you’re planning to apply for citizenship in the coming years, the best course of action remains the same: learn the values, history, and institutions of your new home country.

Working Remotely from France Without the Right Visa: What Are the Risks?

Posted on by esnews-admin

More and more foreign nationals are drawn to the idea of living in France while keeping their jobs in their home countries. Thanks to remote work flexibility, it may seem like a perfect setup—relocate to France without needing fluent French or entering the local job market. However, recent clarifications from the French tax authorities have made it clear that this arrangement isn’t without legal risks.

Is Remote Work from France Legal?

If you’re a non-EU citizen, working remotely while living in France requires more than just a good Wi-Fi connection. Your visa or residency status must explicitly authorize you to work—even if your employer is based abroad and has no ties to France.

The rules around remote work have become clearer in recent guidance from the French tax office. They state that remote work is considered as “working in France,” regardless of where your employer is located.

Problems for Those on a Visitor Visa

The situation is particularly sensitive for those in France under a visitor visa, which explicitly prohibits any form of work. The French tax authority has confirmed that working remotely—even for a foreign employer—violates the terms of a visitor visa.

For those on other types of visas or residence permits, remote work may be allowed depending on the category of permit and the nature of the employment. It’s important to review your permit’s conditions carefully.

Declaring Worldwide Income

French residents are required to declare all global income, including earnings from remote work for companies outside France. Even if there’s a tax treaty in place that prevents double taxation, the income still must be disclosed on your French tax return.

What Are the Potential Consequences?

If you’re found to be working remotely without proper authorization, you could face:

  • A tax reassessment: The French authorities may conduct an audit and apply fines for undeclared income.

  • Denial of residency permit renewal: Working against the terms of your visa may lead to a refusal to renew your permit.

  • Administrative penalties: In extreme cases, such as repeated violations, sanctions could include expulsion—though this is rare and usually linked to serious legal infractions.

  • Citizenship impact: Applicants for French nationality must demonstrate full integration into French society. Earning income exclusively from abroad may be viewed as a lack of economic integration, potentially resulting in a denied application.

What If You’re Just Visiting?

Short-term visitors, such as tourists or people on a temporary stay, often wonder if answering work emails or attending virtual meetings during their trip is permissible.

Technically, both short-stay and long-stay visitor visas require a pledge not to work during your time in France. However, if you are not registered as a resident and are simply taking care of a few minor work tasks during your holiday, enforcement is unlikely—though it remains a legal grey area.

Final Thoughts

While working remotely from France may seem harmless, it’s essential to understand and comply with local visa and tax rules. If you’re unsure of your legal standing, seek professional advice before settling in with your laptop.