As the world of technology continues to develop many people are now looking to telecommute, i.e. work for a homeland country while actually living overseas. But how does the tax situation pan out? How is the visa situation resolved?

This is a very different type of thread from the norm but one which we shall hear more about in the future as more and more people look to work remotely, taking advantage of their homeland employment laws and taxes while living in a different country. This post involves a US citizen who is looking to move to France while still working remotely for their US office. Sound complicated?

There are many issues which arise in this post including taxes, the legality of such a move and labour laws to name but a few. Some people may be aware that if you are deemed to be working in France then you are automatically classed as a French fiscal resident and all of your worldwide income is taxed by the French authorities.

This post covers some of the misunderstandings which accompany telecommuting and other issues which arise. It seems as though it is possible to obtain a long stay visa in France, not a working visa, and telecommuting between your overseas office but whether your company needs to formally agree this with the French authorities or not is up for debate.

The subject of telecommuting has prompted a number of useful questions and some answers but the situation is far from clear with differing opinions presented on the thread.

Continue reading ‘Telecommuting Between France And The US’ »

This thread touches on a number of issues which will be close to the heart of those who are self employed and looking to move to France. The working environment is very different to that of the UK and unless you can master even the most basic grasp of the language you will be at a disadvantage before you even begin!

The thread starts with a couple asking for advice about finding work for a UK qualified plumber and electrician in France as well as a side issue about where to house their horses when they move to the South of France. The issue about the horses is well covered although the issue of working overseas has opened up a ‘can of worms’.

It seems that while the UK and France are both part of the EU they operate under very different employment laws. It is suggested that finding full time employment in France is tricky because of the labour laws but finding self employed work is also difficult unless you embrace the language and the various qualifications required. There are many issues to consider which include tax, health insurance, insurance on the work you carry out and the likelihood that as a foreign worker you will ‘probably’ receive more than your fair share of attention from the local inspectors – whether this is true or not is debatable but it is worth being aware of it.

There are some very useful suggestions about promoting yourself when in France and areas where work should be fairly regular if you can grasp the language quickly.

Continue reading ‘Working The French Way’ »

A simple question about whether a couple living apart, but still married, are able to file different tax returns – one in France and one in the Middle East - has opened up the French residency and taxation laws to great scrutiny!

In summary a husband and wife are still together but the lady has decided to retire to France permanently while her husband serves his last few years working in the Middle East, before he also retires to France. While there are many rules and regulations about residency in France and the issue of taxation it really seems as though the French authorities have covered every angle from a husband supporting his wife to the 183 day rule.

There are many comments about how the laws can be interpreted and how they pan out in practice but as long as there is some kind of connection between a husband and wife, the French government will look to tax the ‘family unit’ as one. This would negate somewhat the income tax benefits of working in the Middle East and in theory it could put the move to France in jeopardy in the short term.

The posts then goes on to cover the issue of medical insurance and the fact that non-EU citizens are required to take out private insurance which could cost thousands of pounds a year. Other matters covered include allowances from husband to wife, a pension from another EU member country and the fact that when you are ‘deemed’ to be a resident of France the government will tax all of your worldwide income.

Continue reading ‘The complicated state of French taxation!’ »

While France has always had something of a love hate relationship with the UK (or that appears to be the UK perception) the country has much to offer for those looking to relocate. This thread covers some of the more practical ways in which you can integrate into local French life the correct way and earn respect and friendship amongst your foreign peers.

The thread offers four excellent ways to ensure your stay in France is a very enjoyable experience, which are :-

Learn The Language

While this sounds so straight forward and should be first on your ‘to do’ list it is surprising how many people go over to France with little of no language skills, under the impression they will find an ex-pat enclave and not need to engross themselves into the French way of life. This is a big mistake and one which could back fire in a serious way.

Take A French Class On Arrival

The French have a fairly unique offer which gives foreigners access to 400 hours of French lessons if they are looking to relocate to France. Not only do these classes give you the chance to learn the language in the country, but they also offer a great social network with many others who may be in the same situation as you.

Use Your Local Services

In the UK we very much ignore what our local services, such as councils, have to offer until there is no alternative. In France this is very much different with the town hall the first port of call for locals who need assistance. This is one more way in which you can integrate yourself into the French way of life.

Find A Club Or Association

Whether your passion is football, skiing, tennis of knitting it is a great idea to find a local club or association where you can meet with like minded people with the same interests. There is nothing worse than moving to a new country, not able to speak the language and feeling very lonely – the need to push yourself and get out and about is vital!

Continue reading ‘Doing it the French way!’ »