In Paris, a loan between private individuals is legal if it is one-off, set out in writing, priced below the usury rate, paid by transfer and, above 5 000 €, declared by the borrower on formulaire 2062 filed with their income tax return.
Paris rents and the need for immediate cash
With rents among the highest in France, moving into a Paris flat often means paying a deposit, agency fees and furniture all at once. Many young workers borrow from their parents; our page on loans for tenants covers these situations.
Expatriates and newcomers to the capital
Foreign employees who have just settled in Paris sometimes have no French credit history and no local guarantor. A loan from a fellow national should state the applicable law and currency; our guide to peer-to-peer loans for expatriates goes further.
AMF, ACPR and Banque de France: regulators based in Paris
The Autorité des marchés financiers and the Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution, attached to the Banque de France, have their head offices in the capital. Their blacklists name unauthorised websites offering credit or investments to the public.
Crowdfunding platforms based in Île-de-France
Many crowdlending platforms have a Paris head office, which proves nothing in itself. Only the crowdfunding service provider licence issued by the AMF, which can be checked in its register, authorises the activity of lending to businesses.
The national framework for Parisians
No rule specific to the City of Paris changes the Civil Code, the usury rate or the tax declaration. Our overview of peer-to-peer lending in France sets out these rules, which apply in every arrondissement of the capital.
Formulaire 2062 and the Paris tax office
A Parisian borrower who receives more than 5 000 € files formulaire 2062, the French loan declaration form, with their tax return. The lender declares the interest. Optional registration of the contract, for a fixed fee of 125 €, gives it a certain date.
Paris notaries: when an authenticated deed is needed
To help buy a Paris flat, a family contribution is best formalised before a notary, who can also include it in the bank loan file. The Chambre des notaires de Paris lets you check that a notarial practice really exists.
Identity theft: a higher risk in big cities
Fraudsters use copies of identity documents and Paris proofs of address to open accounts or apply for credit. Our page on identity theft linked to loans explains how to react quickly once you suspect your details have been misused.
Free legal advice in the arrondissements
Paris law access points and justice and law centres offer free consultations with lawyers or legal advisers. The ADIL de Paris gives information on housing finance, and consumer associations review contracts before you sign them.
Recovering a debt before the Paris judicial court
After an unsuccessful formal notice, a court conciliator can be approached free of charge. Failing agreement, the Paris judicial court, located in Batignolles, rules on the dispute, then a commissaire de justice, the court enforcement officer, enforces the decision.
Reporting loan fraud from Paris
A fraudulent ad is reported on PHAROS and misleading selling on Signal Conso. After a payment, the complaint is filed at the police station of your arrondissement; alert your bank without delay to try to recover the funds.
Credit blacklisting and over-indebted Paris households
A listing in the FICP, the national register of credit repayment incidents, lasts five years for a payment incident and up to seven years under an over-indebtedness plan. When debts become too heavy, the Banque de France remains the contact, not a lender met online.
How to organise a family loan in Paris
- Define the purpose of the loan, such as a deposit or a property contribution, then the amount and repayment period.
- Draft a contract or IOU and have it checked at a free legal advice session in your arrondissement.
- For a large property contribution, have a notary draft the deed so the family loan fits with the bank credit.
- Transfer the funds between accounts held in your own names, keeping the transaction notice.
- If the loan exceeds 5 000 €, the borrower files formulaire 2062 with their income tax return.
- Track repayments through a standing order and note the outstanding capital each year.
Indicative costs of a loan between Parisians
| Item | Amount | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Contractual interest | Free choice, or interest-free loan | Always below the quarterly usury rate |
| Registration with the tax office | 125 € (indicative) | Optional, gives a certain date |
| Notarial deed for a property contribution | On quotation | Can be included in the purchase file |
| Fees of a licensed crowdlending platform | According to the published price list | Check the PSFP licence with the AMF |
| Advance paid to a fake lender | Likely total loss | Immediate complaint and bank alert |
Supporting documents to gather in Paris
- Valid ID or residence permit
- Paris proof of address or signed lease
- Payslips or employment contract
- Loan contract or IOU
- Bank details of both parties
- Formulaire 2062 for loans over 5 000 €
- Transfer notice and signed repayment schedule
Frequent mistakes by Paris borrowers
- Sending a scan of your passport and lease to an unknown lender, who can then use them to steal your identity.
- Trusting a prestigious address in the 8th arrondissement shown by a so-called credit company missing from the official registers.
- Paying insurance or notary fees before receiving the money promised by a contact met online.
- Accepting a family contribution for a property purchase with nothing in writing, at the risk of it being reclassified as a gift.
- Paying a supposed Paris lender in cryptocurrency or in gift cards bought at the local corner shop.
Your questions on peer-to-peer loans in Paris
Must a family contribution to buy in Paris be declared?
If it is a loan of more than 5 000 €, the borrower declares it on formulaire 2062. If it is a gift, other tax rules apply. The notary handling the purchase helps choose the right classification and document it properly.
How do you check a credit company showing a Paris address?
Consult the register of financial agents kept by the Banque de France, the ORIAS register and the blacklists of the AMF and the ACPR. A company missing from these sources, or borrowing the name of a real entity, should be avoided.
Can an expatriate living in Paris borrow from a friend who stayed abroad?
Yes, but the contract must state the currency, the applicable law and the competent court. The transfer should go through a bank or an authorised payment institution; a lawyer can clarify the tax questions in both countries.
Where can you get free advice before signing in Paris?
Paris law access points and justice and law centres offer consultations at no cost. Consumer associations and the ADIL de Paris, for housing questions, complete these resources; they do not replace a notary for an important deed.