If you’ve recently moved to France, or own a second home here, you’ll soon hear the term mairie mentioned often. The mairie is the local town hall and plays a central role in everyday life in France. It’s where official documents are issued, permits approved, and local decisions made. Whether you’re living in a bustling city or a quiet rural village, the mairie is your go-to for many administrative and community matters.
But what many foreigners don’t realise is that registering with your local mairie, even if it’s not legally required, can make your life significantly easier. From staying informed about bin collection and roadworks to enrolling your child in school or reporting a change of address, the mairie is a vital part of integrating smoothly into French life.
In this article, we’ll explain why mairie registration matters, who should do it, and how to navigate the process step by step.
Table of contents
Do you need to register with the Mairie?
For many expats and second-home owners, the idea of registering with the local mairie can feel optional, or even unnecessary. But while it’s not always legally required, in many cases, it’s strongly recommended and occasionally essential, depending on your situation.
Who should register?
- Long-term residents: If you’ve moved to France full-time, registering with your mairie helps establish your presence locally and gives you access to a range of services.
- Second-home owners: Even if you’re only in France part-time, letting the mairie know you own property in the commune allows them to contact you in emergencies, send updates, or manage services like waste collection.
- EU citizens: If you plan to vote in local or EU elections, mairie registration is a necessary step.
Is it mandatory?
There’s no national law requiring you to register with the mairie upon moving. However, some communes may ask for it when you apply for services (like school enrolment, building permits, or library cards). For foreign residents, it can also help build a record of residency, which may support future applications for healthcare, tax residency, or citizenship.
In short: it might not be obligatory, but it’s often very useful.
Benefits of registering with the Mairie
Even when it’s not mandatory, registering with your local mairie (town hall) offers several practical advantages, especially for foreigners settling into French life. It’s not just about paperwork; it’s about being recognised as part of the community.
Access to local services
Registering can make it easier to:
- Enrol children in local schools or crèches
- Access waste collection services and recycling points
- Apply for residency certificates or proof of address (attestation de domicile)
- Sign up for local newsletters or SMS alerts about road closures, festivals, or emergencies
Community integration
When you register, you’re on the mairie’s radar for:
- Local elections (if you’re an EU citizen)
- Invitations to public meetings or community events
- Being informed about changes that may affect your neighbourhood (e.g. new developments, public works)
> You might be interested in this article: Building a social life in France: Tips for expats
Emergency contact
For second-home owners, registering ensures the mairie knows how to reach you in case of damage, break-ins, or natural events (like storms or flooding).
How to register with the Mairie?
Registering with your local mairie is typically a straightforward process, though it can vary slightly depending on the commune. Most town halls are used to dealing with foreign residents and are generally helpful, especially in smaller towns where community ties matter.
What you'll usually need
Prepare to bring or submit the following documents:
- Valid passport or national ID
- Proof of address (utility bill, rental agreement, or property deed)
- Residence permit or visa (for non-EU nationals)
- Birth certificate (may be required for certain services)
Some mairies may also request a recent proof of tax status, marriage certificate, or health insurance details, depending on what you’re registering for.
How to register
- Visit your local mairie in person, usually open weekday mornings, with reduced hours on Fridays.
- In some areas, you may be able to register by email or post, especially for second-home owners.
- Ask for a demande d’enregistrement or explain that you’re new to the area and would like to be added to the commune’s registry.
What to expect
- You may be asked a few simple questions about your situation.
- In smaller communes, the mayor or a deputy may welcome you personally.
- You’ll often be added to a mailing list or offered practical brochures about life in the town.
✅ Tip: Bring photocopies of your documents, even if they’re not requested, it helps speed things up.
Services the Mairie can help you with
Your local mairie is more than just an administrative office, it’s the heart of local life in France. Once you’ve registered, you’ll find that the mairie becomes your first stop for a wide range of everyday needs, especially when navigating French bureaucracy.
Common services provided by the Mairie
- School and crèche enrolment: Most public schools require mairie registration to assign your child to the correct school zone (carte scolaire).
- Building permits and planning applications: If you plan to renovate, extend, or build, the mairie issues planning permission (permis de construire) or déclaration préalable.
- Civil status documents: Obtain birth, marriage, or death certificates, register a new baby, or organise a civil wedding (mariage civil).
- Local business or association registration: Setting up a small business, club, or charity? The mairie is where you register it.
- Reporting problems: From bin collection issues and road damage to neighbour disputes, the mairie can guide you on next steps or escalate the matter officially.
- Social and mobility support: In some communes, the mairie coordinates access to local housing, public transport subsidies, or senior support services.
> You might be interested in this article: French primary school: A guide for expat parents
💡 The mairie is your connection to the commune’s daily life, if you need something, they’ll either help or point you to the right place.
Mairie registration for second-home owners and non-residents
Even if you don’t live in France year-round, registering with your local mairie can still offer important benefits. Many second-home owners and non-residents assume mairie registration is only for full-time locals, but that’s not the case.
Why it's still worth doing?
- Stay Informed: By registering, you can receive updates on local developments, roadworks, or changes to property taxes (like taxe foncière or taxe d’habitation).
- Emergency Contact: If your home is affected by storm damage, vandalism, or a burst pipe, the mairie will have your contact details and can assist in coordinating help.
- Goodwill in the Community: In smaller towns and villages, letting the mairie know who you are shows respect and helps build local trust and relationships.
How it works for part-time residents
You don’t need a residency card or French tax status to register, just proof that you own or rent the property. It’s helpful to provide:
- Your main address abroad
- A local contact (e.g. neighbour or property manager)
- Details of how long and how often you stay
FAQs – Registering with the Mairie in France
Is mairie registration mandatory for foreigners?
Not always. For most communes, registration is not legally required, especially if you’re already registered with immigration or tax authorities. However, it’s highly recommended to simplify local processes and stay informed.
Can I register without a French residency permit?
Yes. If you’re an EU citizen or non-resident homeowner, you can usually register with just a valid passport and proof of address. A residence permit may be required for certain services, but not for general mairie registration.
Does mairie registration affect my tax or immigration status?
No. Registering with the mairie does not create tax residency or change your immigration status. It’s primarily a local administrative step and won’t trigger income tax or social security obligations.
What if I own a holiday home but live elsewhere?
You can and should still register. The mairie can keep you updated on local issues, events, or property concerns. You won’t be treated as a full-time resident, but it’s helpful to be on their records.
Can I register by email or post?
In many rural communes, yes, especially for second-home owners. Contact the mairie directly to ask what documents are needed and how best to send them.
