France has introduced a major series of political and administrative policy changes starting on September 1, 2026, impacting household budgets, pensions, energy prices, and healthcare.
The new measures coincide with the start of the French back-to-school season, known locally as the rentrée. Key updates include the suspension of the 2023 pension law, new limits on doctor-certified sick leave, a price surge for natural gas, and strict prescription rules at pharmacies.
Suspension of pension reform and retirement ages
Under the new directives, the suspension of the 2023 pension reform remains active until 2028 following approval by the Assemblée nationale late last year. Taking effect on September 1, 2026, the temporary freeze allows specific age groups to retire earlier than previously mandated under the pension overhaul.
For individuals born between 1964 and 1968, the legal retirement age is now set between 62 years and 9 months and 63 years and 9 months. However, workers born in 1969 or later must continue working until they reach 64 years of age. Officials confirmed that updated regulations also alter how child-rearing periods and long career contributions are factored into retirement calculations.
The Assemblée nationale is the lower house of the French Parliament based at the Palais Bourbon in Paris. The 2023 pension reform was one of France's most debated political measures, establishing a gradual increase in the legal retirement age for workers nationwide.
Stricter medical sick leave limits and caps
French healthcare rules now place strict time limits on doctor-certified sick leave. An initial sick leave period is restricted to a maximum of 31 days. When a doctor determines that a sick leave renewal is necessary, the extension must be capped at 62 days.
Medical professionals retain the authority to issue longer work absences when a patient's medical condition specifically warrants it. The new restrictions aim to standardise sick leave management across the national health network while preserving flexibility for serious medical cases.
In France, sick leave certificates issued by registered doctors entitle workers to statutory daily allowances paid through state health insurance. The new caps define tighter parameters for primary care physicians when managing routine patient recovery periods.
Natural gas benchmark price increase
Energy costs for millions of consumers are rising as the benchmark sale price of natural gas increases by 5.6 percent on September 1. The reference rate jumps from 162.89 euros to 172.05 euros including tax per megawatt hour.
The Energy Regulatory Commission, known as the CRE, stated that the price hike was entirely linked to rising gas prices on global markets, driven by the persistent conflict in the Middle East. The price change directly impacts roughly six million households enrolled in gas supply contracts indexed to this average benchmark.
The CRE serves as France's independent energy regulator responsible for overseeing electricity and gas markets. The benchmark price was created as a consumer guide following the formal phase-out of regulated gas tariffs in France.
Pharmacy prescription reimbursement and direct billing
Patients visiting French pharmacies face modified reimbursement terms starting September 1, 2026. Under the new rules, if a patient refuses a hybrid or biosimilar drug offered by a pharmacist in place of a reference brand without a valid medical reason, they will lose access to the third-party payment system known as tiers payant.
Without tiers payant, patients must pay the full cost of the prescription upfront at the pharmacy before seeking reimbursement from Health Insurance, known as Assurance-maladie. Furthermore, if the reference medicine remains more expensive than the alternative, a portion of the price difference may remain at the patient's personal expense.
Tiers payant is France's direct billing scheme that allows patients to receive prescription drugs without paying upfront costs out of pocket. Biosimilar and hybrid medicines are officially approved lower-cost alternatives that match original brand-name drugs in therapeutic performance.
Electronic invoicing mandate for businesses
French business practices are also undergoing a major digital transition on September 1. Large companies and intermediate-sized enterprises must now issue all invoices in a fully electronic format.
To meet legal requirements, affected companies must transmit their digital invoices through a platform certified by the French state. The mandatory system is intended to standardise business transactions and improve administrative tracking across corporate sectors.
Intermediate-sized enterprises in France are commercial entities that employ between 250 and 5,000 workers. The nationwide push for electronic invoicing forms part of a broader government strategy to streamline business accounting and combat value-added tax fraud.
School financial education and support grants
Secondary education curricula across France are expanding to include mandatory financial education courses for eighth-grade students, known in the French system as 4e. Students in these classes will learn basic budget management, saving habits, loan mechanisms, and strategies to protect themselves against financial scams.
Concurrently, financial assistance remains available for eligible families. Low-income households with children attending middle school or high school can apply for secondary school grants ranging from 120 euros to 1,071 euros. Qualifying families have until October 15 to submit their applications.
In the French secondary education system, middle school is known as collège, where 4e represents the third year of studies for students typically aged 13 to 14. High school education is conducted at the lycée level.
Home renovation grant restrictions and vehicle aid
State housing incentives under the MaPrimeRénov' renovation scheme have been updated to exclude specific projects. Under the revised guidelines, single-family homes can no longer receive grant funding if they retain gas heating systems after completing renovation work.
Meanwhile, a new financial grant is being introduced for the purchase of pre-owned electric vehicles, open to buyers without income requirements. The government grant is expected to rise to around 337 euros per vehicle, with a temporary bonus planned for home care and personal assistance professionals.
MaPrimeRénov' is France's primary public funding program for home energy efficiency improvements. The scheme is designed to accelerate energy transitions in residential properties by subsidising sustainable heating and insulation upgrades.
