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.

Summary

While this thread centres upon a qualified plumber and electrician moving to France to live and trying to obtain more information about working in France (and the practices in place), it could affectively be used as a basis for any skill or employment opportunity in foreign lands.

A grasp of the local language is a must because without this not only will you not be able to communicate but potential customers will not take you seriously – although there are potential health and safety issues as well. It is also vital that you find out the qualifications required to carryout your trade in France as many people fall into the trap of thinking that the EU umbrella allows us all to move between countries and ply our trade overseas – it does not seem to be as straight forward as the EU authorities would have you believe!

There are many other issues brought up on this thread which include consideration of the various insurances need to trade in France, how to promote yourself in the country and the need to know your market. There is work there and the French are happy to employ those from foreign lands on a self employed basis but you will probably need to impress more than the local trades people (a fact of life in many areas of the world).

Much of the information on the thread is straight forward when you really consider the situation in detail but there is no harm in being aware of the various checks and ensuring that you will be able to trade as soon as possible. If you have no income when you move to a foreign land this can put real pressure on not only your finances but your personal life as well.

Read more about Plumbers and Electricians looking to start a new life in France.