Now that you’ve found your dream job in France, how do you get shortlisted with that perfect CV? It’s important to remember that every country has its own CV standards to abide to. This may impact the structure, length, and general format among other things. Depending on the industry type, even the tone that… Read more »
Friday, 12 February 2021 marks the beginning of the new lunar year. This year will be the Year of the Ox. The second of all zodiac animals. Also known as Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, or Chunjie (China); Tet (Vietnam); Seollal (Korea); or Losar (Tibet), Lunar New Year is celebrated by about 1.5 billion people around the… Read more »
Do you feel a sense of stigma when negotiating your salary? Feel uncomfortable when placing emphasis on your salary package? This feeling can be magnified in times like COVID-19, when the job market is oversaturated and the future seems uncertain. Whilst this is true, negotiating a fair salary is not only valid and reasonable,… Read more »
We’re thrilled to share that Polyglot Group is now certified for Business France’s Cheque Relance Export! But wait a second… What is it and why does it matter? What is the Cheque Relance Export? For those of you who don’t speak or understand French, “Relance Export” translates to “Reboot Trade”. Unsurprisingly, since COVID-19, businesses… Read more »
Company culture is the heart of a business, a set of shared beliefs adopted by all the people in the organisation and supporting its strategy and structure. According to Deloitte’s research, 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe strong company culture is essential for a thriving business. In today’s day and age, employees… Read more »
On the 30th of January 2020, the World Health Organisation’s Director – General declared a Public Health Emergency of international concern due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This marked the beginning of a domino effect that would shape our current job market. Indeed, the dynamics that once drove the recruitment industry changed dramatically as governments… Read more »
In Australia, there are 8 national public holidays observed as part of the National Employment Standards (NES) that underpin employment throughout the country. In addition to these key dates, some states and territories also have additional regional public holidays or substitute public holidays. Substitute public holidays mean that if a public holiday falls on… Read more »
France observes and celebrates a number of holidays throughout the year, whether religious holidays, seasonal holidays, or national holidays relevant to the history of France. Should your foreign business have a presence in France, it is important to keep on top of all public holidays from a HR compliance perspective. For ease, we’ve summarised all… Read more »
Spain observes and celebrates a sizeable number of holidays throughout the year. Most of these, however, are regional holidays, celebrated only by select few provinces or even cities. Should your foreign business have a presence in Spain, it is important to keep on top of all public holidays from a HR compliance perspective. For… Read more »
Expanding your business overseas is far from a walk in the park. In fact, between figuring out how best to expand, researching and complying with the numerous local laws as well as handling local employment steps amongst many other things, expansion remains a considerable challenge for most businesses looking to enter a new market.… Read more »
Located in north-western Europe bordering multiple other European countries as well as being the biggest Western European country, France holds an advantageous geographical position. There are 13 regions of metropolitan France, including Corsica and 5 overseas regions.
France includes a number of overseas territories in its sovereignty. These are Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint Pierre and Miquelon (Atlantic Ocean); Reunion Island, Mayotte, the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Indian Ocean); and French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna (Pacific Ocean).
France’s population is approximately 67 million, making it the second-most populated country in Europe after Germany. The population continues to increase over the years, though at a slower pace since 2015. This is primarily due to a rise in immigration – France ranks 20th in the world for migrant intake. France also has one of the longest life expectancies, at 82.4 years old (2017).
As a highly developed country and one of Europe’s founding members, France has the fifth-largest economy in the world. Its GDP value represents 4.17% of the world economy, with a total GDP of 2.583 trillion USD (2017). The French GPP (gross private product) growth is stable, with an increase of 1.6% in 2018.
France is the second-largest exporter in Europe after Germany. Exports play a crucial role in maintaining the growth of the French GDP.
French exports and imports are mainly trading within the EU. Indeed, only one-third of all exports is going to economies outside Europe. From these economies, China is the largest expeditor for French import and the United States is the largest destination for French exports.
More than one-third of both imports and exports are traded with Germany, which represents France’s strongest trading partner (respectively 17% and 19%). In terms of export goods, the country is one of the world’s largest exporters of farming and agricultural products in Europe.
Globally, France is a major exporter of aircraft & spacecraft machinery and ‘delicatessen’ (deli) food products such as wines, spirits and cheeses.
As for services, the largest imports to France are transportation and travel services. France is also the most-visited country worldwide, making tourism a crucial part of the economy.
As a member of the European Union, France follows the trade policy set for the EU. However, many bilateral and regional trade agreements have also been implemented over the years between the EU and several foreign countries.
Expanding to France? Here is a breakdown of the key things to keep in mind.
France has a lot to offer in terms of business opportunities. It is actually easier to start a business in France than in most other G20 countries.
There are 2 types of business structures to choose from when creating a business in France: a sole trader and a company. The company includes either a subsidiary, a branch office or a liaison office. The tax regime will depend on your chosen business structure.
After that, the next step is to register your business through the CFE. You will also have to ensure you have the necessary funds to deposit the legal minimum of share capital, according to your business type.
France has many regulations that make it one of the world’s most complex and challenging countries for payroll. The payroll regime depends on your chosen business structure.
Considering the regulations imposed on the branch and liaison office, the subsidiary option is the most common and preferable for the long-term.
To comply with the French system, both employers and employees must contribute to France’s mandatory social insurance system. The employer’s contribution generally amounts to approximately 50% of the employee’s salary. The employee’s contribution is 20% of their gross wage, directly deducted by the employer.
In 2017, a new automated process was implemented, known as the Déclaration Sociale Nominative (DSN). This must now be implemented with the payroll system to comply with the social welfare reporting requirements.
Foreign workers are employed under the same working conditions as locals, although there may be some varying conditions depending on the employee category.
Contracts must meet local standards and be drafted in the French language. The minimum for full-time working hours per week is 35 and the maximum is 48.
For citizens within the EU/EEA or Switzerland, it is legal to work in France without a work permit. For others, a work permit must be granted prior to any visa or stay document. The procedure must be organised by an employer.
If you plan on staying for fewer than 90 days, a short-stay work visa will suffice. For a longer stay, a long-stay work visa is required. There are different types of visas to work in France and the French law differentiates between a visa and a stay document (known as a ‘carte de sejour’).
The general rule stipulates that a stay document will not be delivered unless first approved by a foreign Consulate.
As with many European countries, the French tax year follows the calendar year, so from 1 January to 31 December. The standard corporate income tax rate is 33.33%. French corporate tax is payable quarterly on 15 March, 15 June, 15 September, and 15 December.
If you fail to pay on time, late interest may apply. In addition, a 40% penalty can be applied in the case of negligence or 80% for fraud.
Some taxes are deductible for a subsidiary. For a sole trader company, tax is automatically calculated under the personal income tax system or under the rules of the régime micro-entrepris or régime du reel. The national sales tax on goods and services is known as the TVA, which is 20%.