Section actions
Duration: Preparation of the file: 2–4 weeks; complete procedure: from 6 months to 10 years
Cost: Free
On-site only
Who this guide is for
Section actions
- You if your monthly payments exceed your income and you can no longer repay your debts
- You if the creditors call, a bailiff threatens to seize
- If you want to understand the procedure and what FICP is
To be prepared in advance
Section actions
- List of all debts (credits, invoices, taxes, pensions) with balances and creditors
- 3 income justifications for the last months (pay slips, CAF, unemployment)
- Justification for charges (rent, energy, insurance, transport)
Step-by-step procedure
Section actions
- 1Download the overindebtedness reporting form on bank-france.fr or withdraw it from your department's Overindebtedness Commission. Complete all the headings — income, expenses, debts, assets.
- 2Attach the documents: ID, 3 last salary slips, last tax notice, credit agreements, letters from creditors, proof of rent. Minor children — copy of the family booklet.
- 3Send the file to your department's over-indebtedness commission by mail (recommended) or Bank de France. Free.
- 4In the following weeks — the commission is examining the case. She may request additional documents. During this period, creditors can no longer prosecute (suspension of proceedings as soon as the file is registered).
- 5Direction of the procedure: either a conventional reorganization plan (if income permits reimbursement), or imposed measures (rescheduling/rescheduling imposed), or a personal recovery procedure (PRP — if the situation is irreparably compromised).
- 6Conventional plan: agreement with creditors, usually 7–10 years. Monthly payments, sometimes remitting part of the debt. If income is insufficient even to live (stays to live) — PRP with debt write-off.
- 7PRP without liquidation: write-off of all debts without sale of assets. PRP with liquidation: sale of real estate (except principal residence if its value is < threshold).
- 8FICP (National Individual Credits Reimbursement Incident File): Registration 5 ans (8 ans for PRP). During this period, obtaining a new credit is almost impossible; the bank account can be restricted (systematic authorisation card).
- 9At the end of the plan — Bank of France's certificate of completion, erasure of the FICP. Keep the attestation for future credits.
Common mistakes
Section actions
- Waiting and accumulating debts — it is better to deposit early to benefit from the suspension of proceedings.
- Hide wealth/income — Bank of France cross-checks via FICOBA and taxes; discovery = annulment of procedure + sanctions.
- Taking new credits during the proceedings — infringement — may result in rejection.
- The Commission leaves a minimum but does not accept excessive expenditure.
- Believing that the FICP is final — maximum 5–8 years, anticipated erasure at the end of the plan.
Official sources
Section actions
Show sources in this section
Important remark
The procedure is governed by the Consumer Code (L711-1 et s.). Indicative information; decisions are the responsibility of the over-indebtedness commission.
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