Contracting in France
You might also find our other country guides to working abroad as a contractor useful too:
Contracting in Belgium
Contracting in Germany
Contracting in Netherlands
Residency and registering for work and contracting in Germany
Health insurance in Germany
Tax rates in Germany
If you would like to discuss contracting, working abroad or have questions about tax please call 0500 152500 / 01442 275789, email: antony.edwards@sjdaccountancy.com or visit our main SJD International page.
Registration of EU citizens working in France
The following rules affecting the registration (enregistrement des citoyens européens) of newly arrived EU citizens in France is being introduced; it is already in effect in some departements. You are urged to consult the Town Hall or Mairie in your place of residence to find out if this is required.
If registration is required:
- Report to the Mairie of the commune of residence (take proof of ID and address) within three months of arrival in France.
- The visit is recorded and a "receipt" (attestation d'enregistrement) is issued immediately
The receipt issued by the Mairie serves as record of residence. A failure to register, means they will be deemed to have resided in France for less than three months. Registration is to become obligatory and when it does, foreigners not registering with their Town Hall (Mairie) may be fined.
You are not otherwise likely to require a work or residency permit in France if you are a citizen or a full member of one of the EU, EFTA, EEA countries or if you come from Lichtenstein or Norway.
France is a signatory of The Schengen Treaty. The 15 Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. As a citizen of an EU, EFTA, EEA country you will effectively have a Schengen visa and may enter one country and travel freely throughout the Schengen zone.
Those from 'new' EU countries (Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia) remain restricted and should seek further advice as it is likely that a work permit WILL be required in certain cases.
Those citizens of non - EU EEA countries will need both a work and residency permit.
Those from Switzerland (nationals) must also apply for a quick work permit under special procedures. Swiss citizens need to apply using the regular visa application process.
Taxation
Income Tax rates for 2011 are:
| Euros earned | Personal Tax Payable |
| 5,964 – 11,896 | 5.50% |
| 11,897 – 26,420 | 14.00% |
| 26,421 – 70,830 | 30.00% |
| Over 70,830 | 40.00% |
Your marital status and number of children may change this in your own case.
In addition to income tax, homeowners or residents may also be subject to dwelling or property tax and wealth tax.
There are certain deductions which are permissible.
Individuals will be regarded as a tax resident if they have their own home which is their principal abode in France, also if they are working as an employed person or independently in France. They will also be regarded as tax a resident if their centre of economic interest is in France.
Health Considerations in France
European Council Regulation 1408/71 underpins the right of EU Nationals to work in another EU State in keeping with the principles of the free movement of labour enshrined in The Treaty of Rome and subsequent treaties.
The free movement of labour can only be realistic if social benefits can also be transferred, including health insurance cover.
Forms are used that act as a certificate of entitlement to health care in another EEA country.
As of May 2010 the ‘E’ Forms have been replaced by ‘A’ and ‘S’ Forms with the number of forms is being reduced. The forms mean that you will not need to pay French health insurance service E106/S1 contributions for the duration covered on the form.
E101/A1 can be obtained and renewed once issued. They are for those people whose work is regarded as temporary. If you and your family are moving to France and one of you temporarily commutes back across the French border to the UK to work, then a E106/A1 is normally available for health cover in France for one year and then is renewable.
These can be obtained for those who live in one country and wish to work in another to obtain health cover where their family lives (France). It is important for contractors to remember that only approximately 70% of costs are covered in this way.
Other useful Information about France
- Current population as of 2011 is 60.5 million.
- International dialling code: 33
- Only 2% of French workers work in Agriculture with the vast majority (74%) working in services.
- The industries only employ less than a quarter of the working population.
- The Employment Law or Code du Travail is the primary basis for labour laws. Associated collective and works agreements or reglement interieur dictate worker’s rights. Most employment contracts are open term (contrats a duree indeterminee) and a major legal distinction exists between ‘cadres’ (top managers) and ‘employes’ (lower grade staff).
- The standard working week is 35 hours in all types of companies.
- Interestingly all bank holidays in France are only paid days if they fall on a working weekday. The exception is May Day.
If you have any questions about contracting or would like any further advice please call our International team on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or email Antony Edwards: antony.edwards@sjdaccountancy.com
About SJD International
SJD International is a division of SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest Accountancy firm for Contractors and Freelancers and has over 11,000 limited company contractor clients. SJD has an enviable reputation and have won more awards for customer service and accountancy excellence than any other firm in our market. Awards include: Accountancy Excellence from Accountancy Age, Best Contractor Accountant as voted by visitors to Contractor UK (UK's largest contractor website), Sunday Times Awards and various National Business Awards.
Contracting abroad can bring many rewards but it also carries extra responsibilities and challenges with regards to tax and in-country compliance. Few companies offer support to British and non-British contractors working overseas. However, SJD International has the skills and experience to support contractors working abroad ensuring they operate in a compliant and tax efficient way.
If you would like to discuss contracting abroad or have questions about tax please call 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or email: antony.edwards@sjdaccountancy.com.
SJD Accountancy
SJD Accountancy are the UK's largest specialist provider of fixed fee, limited company accountancy services to contractors; we've been acting for contractors across the UK since 1992 and have more than 11,000 clients.
We are the only National specialist firm of accountants with offices in all major UK cities so you’ll never be far from your accountant. SJD also have more qualified staff than any other firm in our market with qualifications from the following major tax and accountancy bodies - ATII, ATT, ACCA, CA, ACA, FCCA, ACMA. You’ll also be pleased to know that we are one of the lowest priced as well.
Free face-to-face meetings. This is another unique service, only SJD offers free face to face meetings - tax is complicated and sometimes only a meeting will do.
Unlimited access to your own dedicated accountant. No call centres, no outsourcing, no automated call handling. Simply telephone, e-mail or meet your own dedicated accountant face to face.
Money back service guarantee. All your telephone calls and e-mails will be answered the same day or we will refund your monthly fee's.
Outstanding reputation. We have won more awards for customer service and accountancy excellence than any other firm in our market.
All inclusive low cost monthly package which includes completion of accounts, payroll bureau, dividends and corporation tax computations, personal taxation, free bookkeeping software, unlimited access to your accountant and all company returns. All this for a fixed monthly fee of £110 plus VAT, which is one of the lowest prices in the market.
If you have any questions about contracting or would like any further advice please either contact your SJD Accountant or call our new client services helpdesk on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or email: nikki.hanlon@sjdaccountancy.com.
Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!
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Step-by-step Guide to Contracting - Download a FREE copy of our guide
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