WORKING IN FRANCE
Whether you are here for a season or permanently, work will inevitably be an important part of your stay. Here is some general information which will help you get started on working in France.
Can I work here?
As a member of the EU, holding a valid passport you have the same right to work in France as a French citizen. There are some exceptions to this rule. Certain professions eg. Gendarme are only open to French citizens. Certain professions are also regulated and as such, your qualification must be appraised as to whether it is the equivalent of the French qualification.
If you come from Bulgaria or Romania, you MUST be in possession of a ‘titre de séjour’ to be able to work.
Any person over the age of 18, holding a passport from outside the EU must hold a ‘titre de séjour’ for any stay longer than 3 months. (Please note that the law has changed in April 2010. The new law has not yet been put into effect and as such all information is subject to change).
As from 23 February 2004, Australian citizens, aged between 18 and 30 years (inclusive) at the date of lodging of an application for a Working Holiday Visa, may combine tourism and work in France.
The Working Holiday Visa is a multiple entry visa valid for 1 year from the date of arrival in France.
The visa cannot be extended or changed to another category of visa whilst in France and can only be applied for once.
Finding a job
Finding a job in the Chamonix valley will depend quite heavily on your level of French. There are quite a lot of English speaking companies based in Chamonix, but due to demand it is always best to start looking early. Many of the jobs available, whether working for French or UK based companies will be seasonal.
Work contracts
If you want to work for a French registered company there are two different contracts which you will come across: CDI and CDD.
A CDI contract is a permanent position, all year round. A CDD contract is for a position which has a fixed term, eg. the winter or summer season. Either of these contracts will enable you to get into the French system, ie. Receive a Carte Vitale and start paying taxes.
Your work contract must be made in writing and signed by both parties. Only a permanent, full time, position can be employed by a verbal agreement. In this case, the employer MUST provide the employee with a written document detailing the information he has given to URSSAF.
If you are an employee in a French company, be aware that the wage you receive at the end of the month is not subject to tax. You will fill out the relevant forms around April time and your tax bill will come through early autumn.
If you have recently started working for a French company and want to know more about getting your carte vitale, getting a Gen de Pays card, then please give me a call and we’ll sort everything out as soon as possible.
Working for yourself
If you are thinking of setting yourself up in business, working for yourself, then think carefully about what it is you want to do. As always, the rules are not like those in the UK. The tax and social security systems are very different as are the company structures.
Before you start up your business, establish whether or not the trade or profession you are looking at is regulated and, if so, the terms of entry.
Public liability and professional indemnity insurance premiums are high, running into several thousand of euros a year for many professions.
Do not assume that the auto entrepreneur regime will be best for you just because it has simplified taxation procedures. The actual costs of most new businesses are greater than the automatic allowances available under this tax regime and not all activities are eligible.
If you declare that your spouse assists in the business (e.g. accounts, administration) then they must be granted proper legal status in the business, and they are required to pay social security contributions.
Business problems
Any business is susceptible to cash flow problems. If you have any problems, or foresee any problems it is always best to notify the various bodies as soon as possible. If you owe money to organizations such as the RSI, URSSAF etc not only do they have the power to send the bailiffs, they also have the power to freeze your bank account until you pay, blacklisting you from having a bank account in France for many years.
If you need help please get in touch and I will help you liaise with the body in question.
Closing down your business
For those of you who have already set up your business, don’t forget that it’s just as important to know how to close down your business, if the need arises. Failure to close it down properly can result in continuing payments to the RSI, URSSAF and tax offices, adding up to thousands of euros.
The rules and regulations regarding working for yourself change constantly, especially for the Auto Entrepreneur regime. Please get in touch if you require any help.
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Communiquer 74: Sarah Barnes Tel: 00 33 (0)6.45.85.64.95 Email: communiquer74@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website should be regarded as a guideline only. I try and update the information as often as possible but it is possible that certain information has been missed. I would love to be the font of all knowledge but unfortunately I am not! All situations are different and the information contained here may not be applicable to all cases. Please get in touch if you would like me to check any information in relation to your personal situation. My role is to be your voice, to ask the questions you would like asking and those that I know you should be asking. During the course of my work I have gained knowledge of lots of different aspects of French administration and can generally advise you on what is important and what isn't. Dealing with the French system on a daily basis means that I can help you do things far faster and can assist you through the minefield.
The factsheets may be printed for personal reference, but may not be published,copied or re-used for any other purpose without permission.
