Business in France
CONTENTS
Welcome to Business in France
Welcome to our Business in France zone. For many people arriving in France, being self-employed is a big part of the dream. But all new businesses require careful preparation. Read our series of articles which are a step-by-step guide to setting up a business in France. We also have a guide on the kinds of business opportunities available to expats in France, and advice on registering your business in France as well as on business tax, social security and insurance and the new auto-Entrepreneur system for small businesses.For professional advice and information on grants and other monies available, take a look at our list of helpful French organisations.
Also, do read our tips on writing a business plan.
For stories of those who have already done it, see our many real life stories.
If you are looking to buy a business in France, then search our Business for sale in France database and browse a variety of business opportunities across France from restaurants to shops and hotels.
If you are thinking of buying a gîte search our gîtes for sale database.
Working in France
If you're after paid employment in France take a look at our Working in France zone with its guide to the French job market which includes information on employment law including contracts. We can also help you put together your CV and prepare for an interview.
Real Life Stories
Living in France newsletter
Are you living in France or thinking of moving to France?
Keep up to date with all the latest stories from our Living in France section. Sign-up for our free newsletter or visit our newsletter archive to view previous newsletters.
Editor's pick
Buying a property in France that doubles as a business premises is a popular way to make the move and keep money coming in. more...
Thinking about running a business in France?
The basics
It’s daunting enough trying to set up a business in your own country, in your own language, but to do so in a foreign country can be frightening. To give you a helping hand, here are a few pointers about how to run a business in France.
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Introduction: is your French business viable?
The standing joke amongst many British emigrés is that while 'entrepeneur' is a French word, to be an entrepeneur in France today is extremely difficult. Being self-employed is not straight-forward - you need to cope with a different system, more red tape and higher costs. But it can be done. Here's what you need to know before you set up shop more...Renting your business premises
If you intend to set up a business in France, it is advisable, at least in the beginning, to rent out rather than purchase your business premises as it will give you time to familiarise yourself with an area and to ensure that it suits your business. more...
Hoping to join the French social security system?
If you were hoping to join the French healthcare system by setting up a small business (such as an auto entrepreneur business), be aware of strict new measures relating to foreign citizens.
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Buying a commercial property in France
According to a leading authority on global property trends, growth in the French commercial real estate market continued in Q2 2012. But investors considering purchasing or leasing commercial property in France should be aware that the legal situation is very different to that in the UK.
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Helping entrepreneurs in the Massif-Central
We talked to Christine LaCroix, Project Manager of UCCIMAC, to find out how the organisation can assist expats looking to take-over a business in the Massif-Central.
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Setting up in France: SARL or SCI?
French law offers a wide variety of structures for new businesses looking to establish themselves within l’Hexagone. The last few years have seen a number of important reforms which have brought about changes to the way companies can be set-up and expanded.
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Protect your business
Top tips to save it from the economic slowdown
If you are running a company, or are about to set-up one, then you need to review many things and maybe do things you hadn't thought of doing before. Here are our top tips for protecting your business in France...
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Auto-entrepreneur system for small businesses
The French government has introduced new measures aimed at reducing the taxes and financial costs of running a small business or being self-employed in France...more...
Top Tips & Advice
You can never get enough advice when starting up a business in France so here's some more! Including information about registering with the French jobs agency ANPE and a list of organisations which can assist you more...
Tax, social security, banking and insurance
The following is a simple guideline to how the tax system works. Before going ahead with setting up your business, you should take professional advice.more...
Offering work placements to French students
There is nothing like being in the right place at the right time! From our offices in Surrey, UKtelecom started 2010 with an ambitious program of software development to cope with the huge growth of our business. Coincidently we received an approach from Julien Deram, a student studying IT at Lille University...
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***REAL LIVES***
In need of inspiration? Read stories from those who have successfully started up their own businesses in FranceProviding accommodation in France
A luxurious offering for vegetarians
Vegetarian Topic Host Trevor Bridge explains how he and his wife Jocelyn came to be running a luxury vegetarian cottage in France...
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Running a website in France
For many who move to France finding an opportunity to work from home is the ultimate goal but sometimes knowing what to do can be a difficult decision. I spoke to our regional partners, Jamie and Greca, about how they came to manage the FrenchEntrée Languedoc-Roussillon website.
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Property Finder Profile
Graham Downie established his property finder business Cognac Property Services in 2003 when he moved to France with his family. We learn his story...
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British Estate Agent in France
Richard Green is the managing director and founder of Riviera Home Finders International estate agents who cover the whole of south west France. Over the years his business has gone from strength to strength, we found out his story...
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Your English-speaking accountant in France
With over 20 years’ experience assisting ex-pats in France, we advise investors, register businesses of all sizes and handle accounts and tax declarations throughout France. Find out more…
Save a Fortune on Currency Exchange
Whether you need advice or an international money transfer quote, FrenchEntree's currency partner - Moneycorp - can help. Visit the France currency exchange.
The best of France: the classiest food, culture, choicest properties and the most inspiring holiday and travel features. Subscribe for 6 months for only £5.
Free International Money Transfers for Life
A great rate and no transfer fee for the life of your account! Make a no obligation enquiry to Moneycorp, FrenchEntrée’s currency partner and see how we can save you money. Managing your employees' expenses
ExpenseEngine is a powerful software solution for controlling of staff expenses. At its heart is a powerful work flow driven process for setting up, approving and authorising staff expense claims. Save time and money on your staff expense management with Expense Engine. Also, visit our blog post on how to manage staff expenses.
Property Finder Business Opportunities
FrenchEntrée Property Finders, France's first ever national network of property finders, are looking for energetic and talented property finder partners in over 50 locations throughout France. Further information.
FrenchEntrée Adviser Panel
French Property Database Search
Search thousands of properties for sale throughout France...
National French Businesses
Search over one thousand suppliers to the French property market...
Text Search
Local Services in France
Search for your local suppliers of products and services in France...
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