Planning a move to France often starts with a simple idea: keep working the same way, just from a nicer place. In reality, business and remote work in France are governed by rules that can catch even well-prepared internationals off guard.
In this one-hour session, Fabien, relocation expert at FAB Expat, is joined by Loïc Le Bail, French Chartered Accountant and co-founder of L2A Advisory, to unpack what working remotely or running a business in France actually involves once you move beyond the short term.
If you’re considering relocating to France while keeping foreign clients, setting up as self-employed, or deciding between different business structures, this replay gives you the clarity most people only get after making costly mistakes.
Why Remote Work in France Is More Complex Than It Looks
One of the biggest misunderstandings around moving to France is the idea that remote work exists in a legal grey area that can simply be ignored. While short stays and temporary arrangements may raise few immediate issues, problems start once France becomes your main place of residence.
At that point, your situation is no longer defined by where your clients are based, but by where you live, work, and pay taxes.
The webinar opens by addressing this reality head-on: France does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa, and long-term remote work must fit into existing legal and tax frameworks. Understanding those frameworks early is the key to avoiding stress later.
The Main Legal Ways to Work from France
A central part of the session focuses on the legal structures available to internationals who want to work from France long term. Rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all solution, the webinar breaks down the most common options and explains when each one makes sense.
These include:
- Remaining an employee of a foreign company through compliant solutions
- Using employer-of-record arrangements
- Registering as a micro-entrepreneur
- Opening a French company (such as an SARL or SASU)
Each option comes with different implications for taxes, social charges, administration, and flexibility. The key takeaway is that the “simplest” option is not always the cheapest or safest over time.
Micro-Entrepreneur: Popular, but Often Misunderstood
The micro-entrepreneur scheme is frequently mentioned in expat forums as the default solution for freelancers moving to France. The webinar takes time to explain what this structure really allows, and where its limits lie.
While it offers simplified administration and lower barriers to entry, it also comes with turnover thresholds, flat-rate deductions, and restrictions that can make it inefficient or risky for certain profiles. For some, it’s an excellent starting point. For others, it becomes a costly mistake if chosen without proper planning.
Understanding when to use it, and when to move on, is a recurring theme throughout the discussion.
When Opening a Company Makes Sense
For those planning a longer stay or higher levels of activity, the session explores company structures such as SARL and SASU. Rather than focusing on legal theory, the webinar highlights practical differences: flexibility, social charges, remuneration options, and long-term strategy.
The message is clear: opening a company in France is not as intimidating as many people fear, but it should be done for the right reasons and at the right time.
Why Tax Residency Changes Everything
One of the most important moments in the webinar is the discussion around tax residency. Many remote workers assume that keeping foreign clients or a foreign company means staying outside the French system.
In reality, once France becomes your main place of life, French tax rules apply far more broadly than expected. This affects not only income tax, but also social contributions and reporting obligations.
The session helps viewers understand why planning before the move is so much easier than fixing problems after.
Working with Foreign Clients from France
Another frequent concern addressed in the webinar is whether working with non-French clients causes issues. The answer is reassuring, but nuanced.
Working with foreign clients is perfectly possible, but the structure you choose determines how compliant and sustainable your situation will be. The webinar explains how to align your activity with French rules without disrupting existing client relationships.
Planning Ahead Reduces Stress (and Cost)
A recurring theme throughout the session is anticipation. Many of the difficulties expats face around business, taxes, and remote work in France stem from decisions made too late, or based on incomplete information.
By understanding your options early, you can choose a structure that fits your income, lifestyle, and long-term plans, rather than reacting under pressure.
Watch the Full Webinar Replay
If you’re planning to move to France, continue working remotely, or start a business once you arrive, this replay offers practical guidance grounded in real-world experience.
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Next Steps for Your Move to France
Legal disclaimer: This webinar is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
Transparency disclaimer: FAB’s core business is health and expatriate insurance through FAB French Insurance. We are committed to supporting every aspect of your move to France, from paperwork to professional life.