Student Visas, Repair Rights and Insurance Costs: News Digest

Consumer, insurance and relocation updates lead the France headlines this week, with new repair rights for faulty appliances, an increase coming to a compulsory insurance contribution, and a higher proof-of-funds threshold for non-EU students applying to study in France. There are also updates on AI labelling, reusable sanitary products and safety advice ahead of the 12th of August solar eclipse.

New repair rights for faulty appliances

New EU repair rules are now in force, giving consumers stronger rights when household goods break down. Manufacturers must repair certain products at a reasonable price and within a reasonable timeframe where repair is possible, including products such as smartphones, tablets, televisions, fridges, washing machines, dishwashers and vacuum cleaners.

During the two-year garantie légale de conformité period, consumers who choose repair rather than replacement now benefit from a one-year extension of that guarantee. After the guarantee has expired, a right to repair applies to certain technically repairable products for between five and ten years, depending on the product and spare part concerned.

Student visa proof-of-funds threshold increased

Non-EU students applying for a long-stay student visa or student residence permit in France now need to show higher minimum financial resources. For applications submitted from the 1st of August 2026, the required minimum is €877.50 per month, replacing the previous €615 monthly threshold.

This is important for students planning to move to France for university, as well as families budgeting for a child’s studies. Applicants should check the latest requirements on France-Visas or through their local Campus France office before submitting documents.

Property market shows cautious recovery

The latest Notaires de France update suggests the French property market is recovering gradually, although the picture remains mixed. Sales of older properties rose over the year to the end of May 2026, but the pace of recovery has slowed compared with earlier in the year.

For buyers, this suggests the market is more active than in the recent downturn, but financing remains important. The notaires point to mortgage rates of around 3.3% over 20 years in April, so buyers should still seek mortgage advice early and leave room in their budget for notaire fees, insurance and possible rate changes.

Insurance contribution for terrorism victims to rise in 2027

The compulsory contribution to the Fonds de garantie des victimes des actes de terrorisme et d’autres infractions, often known as the taxe attentat, will rise from January 2027.

The contribution will increase from €6.50 to €8.50 per year and is collected through many insurance contracts, including home, car and boat insurance. This is a small increase, but it will affect many residents and property owners with insurance contracts in France.

AI-generated content to be labelled more clearly

New EU rules on artificial intelligence transparency began applying from the 2nd of August. The rules are intended to help people identify when content has been generated or modified by AI.

Companies can use three types of EU icons to show whether AI has been used, whether the content is fully AI-generated, or whether existing human-made content has been partly modified by AI. The rules also prohibit certain AI practices, including harmful manipulation, exploitation of vulnerable people and some uses of social scoring or biometric identification.

Reusable sanitary products to be reimbursed from October

Reusable sanitary products will be fully or partly reimbursed from the 1st of October for women under 26 and for people receiving Complémentaire santé solidaire. The measure is intended to reduce period poverty and encourage reusable products.

The reimbursement will apply to eligible products bought in pharmacies, with the level of cover depending on the person’s age and healthcare status.

Regional-language baccalauréat option from 2028

From the 2028 baccalauréat, pupils who take a speciality subject in a regional language may be able to receive a diploma marked cursus bilingue. The change applies to general and technological baccalauréat candidates.

The new route begins from the 2026 rentrée for pupils entering première and starting their speciality subjects. It may be relevant for families moving to regions where languages such as Breton, Basque, Corsican, Occitan or Alsatian are taught.

Solar eclipse safety warning issued

A solar eclipse will be visible in France on Wednesday the 12th of August. It is expected to be near-total in the south-west and partial across the rest of mainland France.

Anyone planning to watch should use eclipse glasses that meet the required safety standard and should not look directly at the sun with the naked eye, ordinary sunglasses, smoked glass or improvised filters.

Assumption Day falls on Saturday the 15th of August

France’s next national public holiday is Assumption Day, or l’Assomption, on Saturday the 15th of August. Banks, many offices and some businesses may close, although arrangements vary by sector and location.

Because the holiday falls on a Saturday this year, it will not create a long weekend for most employees, but visitors and residents should still check local opening hours, public transport changes and event arrangements before travelling.

Lead photo credit : Shutterstock