Glossary
Subsidized category
A CFE scheme that lets eligible members, subject to means and nationality conditions, pay a reduced flat quarterly contribution instead of the standard age-based rate.
The subsidized category is open to French nationals registered (or in the process of registering) with the consular register, who join individually under the plan for workers or retirees, and whose annual income is below half the annual French Social Security ceiling — that is, €24,030 for 2026. These conditions are cumulative.
Under these conditions, the quarterly contribution is reduced to a single flat rate of €228 (2026 amount), regardless of the member’s age, instead of the usual sliding scale. The application is filed with the consulate of residence, which reviews the file before forwarding it to the CFE; eligibility must be reassessed every three years.
Example
A member registered with the consular register whose annual income is below €24,030 can apply, through their consulate, to switch to the subsidized category and pay a flat contribution instead of the standard age-based rate.
Also searched as: reduced CFE contribution · CFE social rate