Each back-to-school season marks the start of new legislative, fiscal, and social measures coming into effect in France. September 2026 follows the pattern, with several developments impacting all French people. These adjustments can affect purchasing power, energy bills, social aid, taxes, or regulated prices. Here we share the upcoming changes at both the local level (Paris and Île-de-France) and the national level.
Traditionally, September signals the start of the new school year, politics and the economy, a moment governments use to implement budgetary measures or recalibrate public policy. Some reforms adopted in the spring or over the summer often take effect on September 1, with a direct impact on households, businesses, and local authorities.
Additionally, as the months go by, we’ve been sharing with you les reformes qui peuvent impacter votre quotidien. If you missed the August changes, check them out here!
Summer vacation has ended, with nearly 12 million students heading back to class. High schoolers, middle schoolers, and elementary pupils start the new school year on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (September 3 for Corsica). The All Saints’ Day holidays begin on Friday evening, October 16.
When an employer and an employee jointly decide to end the employment contract, the worker may access a conventional termination agreement: a scheme that lets the employee receive unemployment benefits, unlike a resignation. Starting September 1, the maximum duration of these benefits will drop from 18 to 15 months for those under 55, and from 22.5 to 20.5 months for those aged 55 and over.
From September 1, 2026, the initial sick leave cannot exceed 31 days, with 62 days maximum for each extension. Before that date, there was no legal cap on sick leave. Come the September term, physicians, midwives, and dentists will have to enforce these limits for employees on sick leave. The initial 31-day period can be extended if necessary, but a new consultation and a fresh medical certificate will be required.
The annual average income used to compute the basic pension is now based on the 25 best years of private-sector workers. For parents, the calculation has shifted to 24 best years, and 23 years starting from the second child. This change boosts retirement benefits by excluding the lowest-earning years. It applies to both mothers and fathers, as long as they meet the government’s eligibility criteria.
Property owners will receive their property tax notice starting September 19, 2026. The notice will be posted online for those who pay their tax on a monthly basis. They will then have between October 15 and 20, 2026 to settle their tax, depending on the payment method chosen.
Property owners who don’t pay their property tax monthly have already received their tax assessment notice in their online account.
Pharmacists may offer patients hybrid or biosimilar medicines as substitutes for the reference treatment prescribed by the physician. From September 1, patients who refuse these substitute medicines without medical justification will have to pay part of their treatment: the third-party payer arrangement will no longer apply.
A new incentive is being introduced to help people buy a used electric car. Funded by energy and fuel suppliers, the program aims to promote greener mobility. Eligible vehicles are 100% electric cars with a battery that is at least 80% of its maximum capacity and which were first registered in France between 2017 and 2023. The car must also be purchased exclusively from a licensed automobile professional.
Interested motorists should submit their aid requests to the operators involved in this project. The participating energy suppliers have not yet been announced.
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Dates and Opening Time
On September 1, 2026
Official website
www.service-public.gouv.fr
