On 1 January, France ushers in not just a new year, but a new set of laws – those passed in 2024. From speed limits to the price of stamps, language tests to low-emission zones, here are the changes coming in 2025.
France has a new prime minister – François Bayrou, the country's fourth of 2024 – and a new government, plus a new budget on the way. Passing this will be the government's priority when it gets back to work on 2 January, to replace the emergency rollover budget in place.
Already signed, sealed and due to be delivered on 1 January, 2025 are a host of new laws concerning pensions, Airbnbs, language tests for those applying for citizenship or residency, low-emission zones in major cities and the use of tickets restos.
France's new economy, budget ministers get to work on budget for 2025
Transport and housing
The so-called “Airbnb law” comes into effect on 1 January, meaning all short-term rentals will have to be registered with the local mairie as furnished tourist accommodation, no matter how long they are rented out for.
A ban on renting any property with an energy performance rating (DPE) of G will also come into force, which applies to both new leases and the renewal of existing leases.
With wildfires increasing in France over the last few years, those selling a property in one of the risk zones will now be legally required to inform prospective buyers on their first visit of their legal obligations in this regard – which include clearing scrubland and pruning gardens and forests on the property.
From 1 January, Paris, Lyon, Grenoble and Montpellier will tighten restrictions in their low-emission zones. Diesel cars from before 2011 and petrol cars from before 2006 (Crit'Air 3 vehicles) won't be allowed into the city centres or inner suburbs during certain hours. The measure will affect nearly 8 million vehicles – 21 percent of cars on the road in France.
Speed limits will change on some roads with a view to reducing pollution – including noise pollution – and protecting ecosystems. Cities including Paris and Grenoble will adopt a limit of 30km per hour in their centres, while some national and departmental roads will see their limit changed to 70km per hour.
For those using public transport, from 1 January it will be mandatory to carry proof of address, as part of efforts to clamp down on ticket fraud.
Pensions and benefits
On 1 January, pensions will rise by 2.2 per cent, bringing them in line with inflation – although recipients won't see the increase until February, as there is a one-month lag.
Also this year, there will be new restrictions on top-up benefits for those on low incomes or working part time (Revenu de solidarité active, RSA) – 1.84 million people as of September 2024.
From Wednesday, claimants will have to sign a contract committing to 15 to 20 hours a week of activity such as training or work experience, in order to receive their full entitlement.
Health
From 2025 cold and flu remedies containing pseudoephedrine will no longer be available over the counter at pharmacies and will require a prescription.
And as of 22 December the standard consultation fee to see your GP has risen from €26.50 to €30, with fees to see paediatricians, psychiatrists, gynaecologists and physiotherapists among other specialists also rising.
Everyday expenses
Postage prices will increase by 6.8 percent from 1 January, for both letters and parcels.
Also coming into effect on Wednesday is an increase in the price of tobacco products. A packet of 20 cigarettes will go up by as much as €1, depending on the brand, bringing the price of a pack to more than €12.50.
Belgium to become first EU country to ban disposable e-cigarettes
In 2022, the French government authorised the use of luncheon vouchers – tickets restos – to buy groceries, in a bid to ease the effects of inflation and the cost of living crisis. Previously these vouchers were only for the purchase of food to be eaten immediately, such as sandwiches, salads and ready meals, and from 1 January, 2025 the rules will revert to this – a move restaurant owners have welcomed.
Europe-wide changes
New laws are on the way too across the European Union. The bloc's new Entry & Exit System – which will require those crossing an EU external border to pass through fingerprint and facial scanners – was due to come into force in November 2024. The EU now says it will be rolled out in the first half of 2025. The new system won't apply, however, to EU citizens or residents.
Also set to come into effect in 2025 is the ETIAS visa waiver system, which will require non-EU citizens to pay a fee of €7 to visit the EU.
The system will function similarly to the ESTA visa waiver scheme in the United States, with the waiver valid for three years. The fee won't apply to those under 18 or over 70, and those with EU residency or longterm visas will be exempt.
In France, by the end of 2025 there will be new language requirements for those applying for nationality or permanent residency, increasing the current proficiency levels from B1 to B2 for citizenship applications, and from A1 to A2 for some residency cards.
Personal stories paint rich portrait of France's immigration through time
