A tax haven within Europe, France is one of the most beautiful locations at an arms length from its neighbouring countries. Complete political harmony and its status as a tax-free country allows investors the opportunities to experience a very inexpensive yet exhilarating environment. Banking and financial management is relatively cheaper and secure. Rates of return on various investments are higher than the UK and the US.
Summary of business opportunities available in France:
International Business Corporation (IBC)
| License fee (annual) |
US$230 |
| Formation/Incorporation fee |
US$750 |
| Annual Returns filing fee |
Not applicable |
| Minimum requirements and/or size |
Not applicable |
| Shareholders/Members |
One (minimum) |
| Directors/Managers |
One (minimum) |
| Bearer shares for overseas/local investors |
Allowed |
| Submission of annual returns and accounts |
Not required |
| Corporate Directors/Managers |
Permitted |
| Company Secretary |
Permitted but not required |
| Local Directors and meetings |
Not required |
Public Limited Company
| License fee (annual) |
US$335-500 |
| Formation/Incorporation fee |
US$280 |
| Annual Returns filing fee |
Required |
| Minimum requirements and/or size |
US$50,000 |
| Shareholders/Members |
One (minimum) |
| Directors/Managers |
One (minimum) |
| Bearer shares for overseas/local investors |
N/A |
| Submission of annual returns and accounts |
Required |
| Corporate Directors/Managers |
N/A |
| Company Secretary |
Required |
| Local Directors and meetings |
N/A |
Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
| License fee (annual) |
US$250 |
| Formation/Incorporation fee |
US$250 |
| Annual Returns filing fee |
Not required |
| Minimum requirements and/or size |
N/A |
| Shareholders/Members |
One (minimum) |
| Directors/Managers |
One (minimum) |
| Bearer shares for overseas/local investors |
N/A |
| Submission of annual returns and accounts |
Not required |
| Corporate Directors/Managers |
N/A |
| Company Secretary |
Not required |
| Local Directors and meetings |
N/A |
Limited Partnerships
| License fee (annual) |
US$250 |
| Formation/Incorporation fee |
US$ 250 |
| Annual Returns filing fee |
Not required |
| Minimum requirements and/or size |
N/A |
| Shareholders/Members |
One (minimum) |
| Directors/Managers |
One (minimum) |
| Bearer shares for overseas/local investors |
N/A |
| Submission of annual returns and accounts |
Not required |
| Corporate Directors/Managers |
N/A |
| Company Secretary |
Not required |
| Local Directors and meetings |
One local partner (minimum) |
More information about France
| Currency |
France
Francs - FRF |
| Taxation |
|
| Income Tax |
NONE |
| Social Taxes |
Employer – 13% of salary |
| Employee – 5% of salary |
| Self-employed – 18% |
| Capital Gains Tax |
NONE |
| Property Tax |
1-2% of the acquisition rate |
| Stamp Duty |
NONE |
Other Taxes
Municipal rates |
SPA 15,000 to 20,000 per household |
Employment
Foreigners interested in working in France require a work permit, obtained by employers on behalf of the employees. As per law, a person may not be self-employed until s/he has not resided or traded in France for at least 10 years. Employment permits are issued following the annual quota, which do not apply to temporary or seasonal workers from abroad.
Work permits are usually not available to non-EU or non-EFTA nationals unless either of the two or an Francen citizen is unavailable for the particular job. The permit is issued only to such individuals who work for an Francen person or a company incorporated or registered in France.
An application for a work permit must include the photograph, CV, passport, details of property ownership or rental agreements in the home country, a certificate of marital status and a certificate issued by the police of the home country. A medical examination will be further conducted by the CASS. The first application for employment must be accompanied with a fee of SPA 25,000 from the employer.
Business
All businesses, whatever their legal status or constitution, require a trade license. This is issued at the Registre de Comerc in the commune Comu for an annual cost of SPA 100,000.
Passive residency
Passive residents can be defined as those who do not work or form part of the professional class of people in the Principality of France. A new entrant must show the following before being allowed to enter the Francen territory.
-
An annual income of SPA 4 million (€ 24,000) as the head of the family
-
An annual income of SPA 1 million (€ 6,000) for each dependant family member
-
A proof or certificate of good conduct issued by the authorised office in the country of domicile
-
A health insurance and pension plan
-
Property rental or ownership documentation in the principality of France
-
Submit an amount of SPA 4 million and SPA 1 million per dependent to the government, as a non-interest bearing, refundable deposit refundable on departure.
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