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6 Things to Know Before Starting a Business in France

Posted on by esnews-admin

Starting your own business in France is an attractive option for many international residents, especially those who face challenges entering the local job market. Whether you’re thinking of freelancing, launching a gîte, opening a shop, or offering consulting services, it’s important to be well prepared.

Here are six key things to consider before diving in:

1. Are You Legally Allowed to Work for Yourself in France?

EU and EEA citizens have automatic rights to live and work in France, including self-employment. Non-EU citizens, however, must ensure their visa or residence permit allows for independent activity.

Some permits, such as the visitor visa, forbid any kind of work, while others—like the salarié visa—are strictly for employees with French contracts. If you’re aiming to freelance or start a business, you’ll likely need an entrepreneur visa, or possibly a talent passport if you meet certain income or qualification thresholds. Holders of post-Brexit Article 50 residence cards can work freely in any capacity.

2. Have You Researched Whether Your Profession Is Regulated?

France has over 250 regulated professions—ranging from architects and accountants to beauticians and electricians. If you work in one of these fields, you may need to provide proof of qualifications that meet French or EU standards.

If your certification was obtained outside the EU, you’ll likely need to go through a recognition process, and in some cases take additional exams.

Even in unregulated sectors, you’ll still need to comply with local laws, hygiene, and safety standards. For example, opening a food business or wellness studio comes with its own set of strict regulations. Many people find it helpful to take a short training course to get familiar with French compliance expectations.

3. Do You Understand the French Tax and Social Charges System?

In France, working independently means you’re responsible for your own social security and tax contributions, which can be substantial. If you hire employees, you’ll also be liable for employer contributions, which are relatively high.

Freelancers must also be careful: hiring someone who relies solely on your business for income can be considered disguised employment, which is prohibited under French law.

4. Have You Considered Business Registration Options?

All independent workers must register their activity with the appropriate French body—usually URSSAF for most freelancers and micro-entrepreneurs.

The micro-entrepreneur status is often recommended for those starting small. It simplifies tax and social charge payments but comes with annual income caps (€188,700 for retail/trade, €77,700 for services). Exceed these, and you’ll need to move to a different structure like an EURL or SASU.

Some trades may also require you to register with a chamber of commerce, professional body, or local guild.

5. Do You Know Your Tax Filing Obligations?

Registering with URSSAF covers your social contributions, but don’t forget you also need to file an annual tax return with the French tax authorities (impôts), even if your income is modest.

Failure to file can result in penalties, so it’s best to stay on top of deadlines and consider consulting an accountant—especially in your first year of business.

6. Are You Working Remotely for a Foreign Employer?

If your plan is to live in France while working remotely for a company abroad, it’s important to understand the implications. French tax authorities consider this as working in France, regardless of where your employer or clients are located.

That means you could be liable for French income tax and social charges, even if your employer is not based in France. While the legal framework for remote work is still evolving, it’s important to clarify your obligations early to avoid future complications.

Launching a business or working for yourself in France is absolutely achievable, but it requires planning and an understanding of local rules. From visas to taxes and professional standards, being informed is key to success.  Check out EnglishSpoken.com for a range of English speaking professionals who can help you on your way.

EU–US Trade Agreement: Key Details, What’s Next, and Mixed Reactions Across Europe

Posted on by esnews-admin

The European Union and the United States have reached a new trade agreement aimed at averting steep tariffs that could have strained transatlantic relations. While leaders on both sides have framed the deal as a win, reactions across Europe remain divided.

What’s Been Agreed?

The agreement, reached just before an August 1st deadline, imposes a flat 15 percent tariff on most EU goods exported to the US—a measure that prevents the previously threatened 30 percent levy. The new rate brings the EU in line with similar terms secured by Japan and will come as a relief to many sectors, notably automotive, which supports roughly 13 million jobs across the bloc.

While 15 percent is significantly higher than the average pre-existing US tariff of 4.8 percent on EU products, it marks a reduction from the punitive rates introduced under the Trump administration. German carmakers, previously hit with 25 percent tariffs, will now face the uniform 15 percent rate, plus the original 2.5 percent auto import duty. Though still a burden, trade experts consider the new rate “manageable” for the industry.

In exchange, the EU has committed to purchasing $750 billion worth of American energy, including liquefied natural gas, crude oil, and nuclear materials, over three years. The bloc will also invest an additional $600 billion in the US economy and increase purchases of US military equipment, aligning with NATO defense spending goals.

Tariff Exemptions and Sector-Specific Adjustments

Some sensitive sectors will benefit from tariff exemptions, according to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. These include aerospace, certain chemicals, semiconductor equipment, and select agricultural products. Pharmaceutical exports from the EU, particularly important for countries like Ireland, were also shielded from the most severe proposed penalties.

Steel exports, currently subject to 50 percent US tariffs, will be allowed under a quota system, meaning only quantities above a certain threshold will face the higher rate. The details of this mechanism are still under discussion.

What Comes Next?

The agreement must now be reviewed and approved by EU member states. National ambassadors convened the Monday after the deal’s announcement to receive a briefing from the European Commission.

Described as a “framework deal,” further technical negotiations are expected over the coming weeks. Among the unresolved points is how alcoholic beverages will be treated—France and the Netherlands have pushed for exceptions for wine and beer, respectively.

Mixed Reactions Across Europe

The response within the EU has been far from unified. France’s Prime Minister François Bayrou strongly criticised the agreement, calling it a “dark day” and likening the deal to an act of “submission” rather than partnership.

In contrast, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the outcome, crediting the agreement with avoiding a full-blown “trade war within the West.” She had previously warned of severe economic consequences if tensions escalated further.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also endorsed the deal, saying it helped de-escalate trade tensions and preserve Europe’s core interests—though he noted he would have preferred a broader easing of restrictions.

Working Remotely from France Without the Right Visa: What Are the Risks?

Posted on by esnews-admin

More and more foreign nationals are drawn to the idea of living in France while keeping their jobs in their home countries. Thanks to remote work flexibility, it may seem like a perfect setup—relocate to France without needing fluent French or entering the local job market. However, recent clarifications from the French tax authorities have made it clear that this arrangement isn’t without legal risks.

Is Remote Work from France Legal?

If you’re a non-EU citizen, working remotely while living in France requires more than just a good Wi-Fi connection. Your visa or residency status must explicitly authorize you to work—even if your employer is based abroad and has no ties to France.

The rules around remote work have become clearer in recent guidance from the French tax office. They state that remote work is considered as “working in France,” regardless of where your employer is located.

Problems for Those on a Visitor Visa

The situation is particularly sensitive for those in France under a visitor visa, which explicitly prohibits any form of work. The French tax authority has confirmed that working remotely—even for a foreign employer—violates the terms of a visitor visa.

For those on other types of visas or residence permits, remote work may be allowed depending on the category of permit and the nature of the employment. It’s important to review your permit’s conditions carefully.

Declaring Worldwide Income

French residents are required to declare all global income, including earnings from remote work for companies outside France. Even if there’s a tax treaty in place that prevents double taxation, the income still must be disclosed on your French tax return.

What Are the Potential Consequences?

If you’re found to be working remotely without proper authorization, you could face:

  • A tax reassessment: The French authorities may conduct an audit and apply fines for undeclared income.

  • Denial of residency permit renewal: Working against the terms of your visa may lead to a refusal to renew your permit.

  • Administrative penalties: In extreme cases, such as repeated violations, sanctions could include expulsion—though this is rare and usually linked to serious legal infractions.

  • Citizenship impact: Applicants for French nationality must demonstrate full integration into French society. Earning income exclusively from abroad may be viewed as a lack of economic integration, potentially resulting in a denied application.

What If You’re Just Visiting?

Short-term visitors, such as tourists or people on a temporary stay, often wonder if answering work emails or attending virtual meetings during their trip is permissible.

Technically, both short-stay and long-stay visitor visas require a pledge not to work during your time in France. However, if you are not registered as a resident and are simply taking care of a few minor work tasks during your holiday, enforcement is unlikely—though it remains a legal grey area.

Final Thoughts

While working remotely from France may seem harmless, it’s essential to understand and comply with local visa and tax rules. If you’re unsure of your legal standing, seek professional advice before settling in with your laptop.