French online services without the frustration: impots.gouv, FranceConnect, ameli & co.

Paying tax, viewing bills, submitting applications: in France almost everything can be done online. The hurdle is usually getting access the first time. Here are the portals owners really need, and how to get in.

1. impots.gouv.fr – the most important account

In your espace particulier you can see your taxe foncière and taxe d'habitation bills, pay by direct debit and declare how your property is used (“Gérer mes biens immobiliers”).

• You need your numéro fiscal (13 digits). It is on every tax bill, including your first avis de taxe foncière
• For first registration, the tax office sends an access code by post, if necessary to your address abroad. This can take a few weeks
• For non-residents, the Service des impôts des particuliers non-résidents is responsible. You can reach it via the secure messaging in your account (messagerie sécurisée)
• Parts of the site are available in English

2. FranceConnect – one login for many services

FranceConnect is not a separate account but a sign-in button. If you already have an account with one of the connected services, you can use it to log in to many other portals. For most foreign owners, the impots.gouv account is the easiest key. Other routes, such as La Poste's digital identity or the France Identité app, often require French identity documents.

3. ameli.fr – only with French health insurance

ameli is the portal of the French state health insurance. You only need it if you are insured in France (e.g. after moving or working here). As a holidaymaker or second-home owner, you are treated with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC) from your home country. Where to find doctors who speak English or German: Doctors, hospitals, emergency numbers.

4. ANTS – cars and driving licences

• An EU driving licence remains valid in France and normally does not need to be exchanged
• You need ANTS to register a car in France (carte grise) – online only

5. service-public.fr – the reference

If you want to know how something officially works, service-public.fr is the most reliable source. Planning permission, inheritance, registering a dog: it explains the rules and links to the forms.

Our tips

• A French mobile number makes registration easier, as many services send codes by text (see Bank account, phone number, télépéage)
• Keep your login details and numéro fiscal somewhere safe – you will need them again for a sale or inheritance
• Create a separate folder or label for emails from the tax office, so bills don't get lost among newsletters

All information without guarantee, as of November 2026. It is for general guidance only and does not replace legal or tax advice.