Retirement Pensions, Stamp Prices, Private Donations: Key Changes on January 1, 2026

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Retirement Pensions, Stamp Prices, Private Donations: Key Changes on January 1, 2026

Significant changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, affecting retirement pensions, stamp prices, and rules for private donations. These updates are part of planned adjustments impacting various financial and social sectors.

Retirement Pensions Increase

On January 1, 2026, base retirement pensions will see a modest increase of 0.9%. This decision follows the rejection of a proposal to freeze pensions in the Social Security budget. According to the Ministry of Labor, this increase is tied to legal indexing, reflecting the average inflation rate observed three months before the adjustment. The average monthly gain for retirees is expected to be around €14.

Changes to Stamp Prices

Stamp prices will rise by an average of 7.4% starting January 1, 2026. This includes a notable increase of 9.35% for the green letter service, bringing the cost to €1.52 from the current €1.39. The public postal service justifies this price hike as necessary for maintaining high-quality universal service amidst declining letter volumes.

Adjustments to Private Donations

From January 1, 2026, new regulations will govern the declaration of private donations. Individuals must report monetary gifts and valuable items, including jewelry and collectibles, to the Directorate General of Public Finances. These declarations must be submitted online through the official tax website, regardless of when the donation was made, including those conducted before 2026.

Other Key Changes

Minimum Wage Adjustment: The minimum wage will rise by 1.18%, reaching €1,823.03 gross monthly and €12.02 gross hourly.
PEL Interest Rate: The interest rate for new home savings plans (PEL) will increase to 2% from the previous 1.75%.
Internship Compensation: Minimum compensation for internships exceeding two months will increase from €4.35 to €4.50 per hour.

These changes reflect ongoing adjustments in France’s economic landscape, impacting many citizens as they navigate updated financial realities in 2026.