Financial support for installing surveillance cameras in France

They allow for reductions in risks of theft, and they secure property, goods, people, and public spaces — video surveillance cameras are certainly a good investment. Cutting-edge equipment can sometimes represent a pretty hefty budget for businesses, local authorities, and private individuals. Financial support is there to help alleviate the costs of installing this type of equipment. So, who is eligible? How can you apply? How much does it cost to install a video surveillance system? This article will answer all your questions.

Financial support for installing surveillance cameras in France

So, you want to install a video surveillance system to secure your commercial property, employees or premises? The first thing to know is that, as a business in France — unlike in the US — you need to apply for video surveillance permits before installing any security systems (this doesn't apply to private individuals). You’ll only be able to carry out any installations once this process has been completed. Before implementing your system, compare costs and meet with security professionals to discuss your plans. Worried that installing this system is going to come with a hefty bill? It is true that video security equipment can be extremely expensive. This is where government-funded financial support can help you with your projects.

Support from local authorities

Financial grants can be issued by regional authorities to contribute towards financing home and premises improvements, aiming to reinforce security. Both professionals and private individuals are eligible. The application must be submitted to your local municipality, the Departmental Council or the Regional Council. You can also attach a quote from a security system professional to your application.

Grants from the FIPD

Created by the French State in 2007, the FIPD is the Interministerial Crime Prevention Fund (fonds interministériel de prévention de la délinquance in French). It helps municipalities and professionals to acquire video surveillance equipment in order to ensure public safety in areas where crime and insecurity rates are particularly high. The Circular Letter of 4 May 2007 thus encouraged municipalities to “implement crime prevention techniques, particularly video surveillance, in locations with the highest risk exposures". The grants offered by the FIPD can vary between 20% and 50% of the total cost of the work required to install video security equipment. Up to 100% of the cost of connecting the camera network to local or national police centers is covered by this fund. You may be able to get a grant of up to €500 per camera and €200 per viewing screen. It should be noted that this type of video surveillance system must be registered with the CNIL (French Data Protection Authority) in order to ensure compliance with the applicable legislation.

Tobacconists: Specific financial support

Since 1st May 2003, tobacconists can claim a government grant of up to €10,000 to secure their business and their stock. Specific security grants for tobacconists are rolled out by the DRDDI, which is the French Directorate-General of Customs and Indirect Taxes. These grants cover the implementation of an initial installation and the renewal of equipment when it becomes obsolete, also including equipment maintenance in the aim of technical upgrades. These grants are allocated for video surveillance equipment installed in specific areas:

• At the sales counter and in the tobacco stock storage area (according to the declaration submitted to the Customs Department);
• At the entrance to the tobacconist store, at the entrance to the stock storage area, and any direct access points leading to it (stairwells, corridors, etc.).

Support for private individuals

Private individuals can also claim financial support for equipping their homes with surveillance cameras. This way, if you’re planning on installing a security system as part of energy renovation works, the French government may be able to offer you tax reductions, such as reduced-rate VAT. In order to benefit from these reductions, the works undertaken must concern a house that is at least 2 years old. The video security system selected must also comply with the ISO standard and be installed by a professional installation technician.
It should be noted that certain local authorities offer financial grants to residents installing security equipment. An example of this is the €100 grant offered by the Région Ile-de-France to people wanting to secure their home by purchasing cameras, sound alarms and/or motion detectors. There is also a regional grant reserved specifically for private individuals who have their primary residence in the Ile-de-France region.

Applying for a video surveillance installation grant

Application to the FIPD

The installation permit application form must be submitted at the same time as the grant application to the FIPD. The competent authority is the prefecture of the department in which the installation is located. The project leader must provide proof of how the grant is used and must also propose an assessment of the efficacy of their video surveillance project. The plans and photos submitted with the application will be reviewed by the prefecture and/or the French Home Office.

Application for tobacconists

Tobacconists must submit a grant application to the Customs Department. Store owners can choose the installation technician themselves. Customs will partially reimburse the installation works upon presentation of an invoice, up to a certain limit authorized by law.

Application for private individuals

Several local authorities offer grants for the purchase of a security system. You simply need to contact your local town hall to see whether you're eligible.

The costs of installing video surveillance

The cost of a video surveillance system will depend on the number of cameras, their quality, and any add-ons. The installation and maintenance costs should also be taken into consideration when planning to install a system. However, please note that the costs won't be the same for private individuals and professionals.
For a long time, video security systems have represented significant investments for private individuals, although costs have come down over the years, making them more accessible to more people. More basic solutions can cost as little as €50, whereas high-end installations can reach up to €5,000. The price range can also change depending on the type of system chosen (cabled video surveillance or connected video surveillance).

On top of this, you should also anticipate €200 to €500 for the installation of the equipment by a professional. Once the quotes have been drawn up, quickly send your video surveillance system installation grant application.