Transferring Your Qualifications to Work in France

How do you transfer your existing knowledge and expertise to a new business in France? Leah Rottier has all the answers.

For those already well established in a skilled profession – electricians, plumbers and hairdressers – a relocation overseas often raises questions. Will my qualifications be recognised abroad? Is it going to be too difficult to start from scratch after I’ve spent years building up my trade at home? How will I be able to find enough customers to be successful in France?

At times, the dream of starting a new life across the Channel may seem overwhelming for those who have invested a lot of time perfecting their skills and building up their business in the UK. However, with some research, careful planning and a positive attitude, starting a new life and business in France is completely achievable.

A POPULAR CHOICE

The mild climate, reasonable house prices and proximity to neighbouring coastal departments have long made tranquil Deux-Sèvres a popular choice with British buyers. Tony Eyre and his family moved to the area more than two decades ago, settling in the charming commune of Melleran, close to the borders of Vienne and Charente.

“We decided to move to France for a better life, without the increase in violence [in the UK] and for the general wellbeing of our children,” Tony says. “We chose Deux-Sèvres because you have access to airports and it’s only a four-hour drive to Caen for ferries. It’s a great department with beautiful countryside and, in general, a very nice place to raise our children,” he adds.

Having obtained his mechanical engineering qualifications and having owned a successful garage in England, Tony wanted to transfer his expertise and experience to a new business in France. So, in 2005, he opened his garage, which he called Le Mécano Anglais (The English Mechanic).

ADVANCE PLANNING

With the family’s move to Deux-Sèvres thoroughly planned well in advance, Tony talks of the surprising ease of dealing with the dreaded French administration. “I had no problems setting up my business,” he says. “Research is definitely necessary. All my qualifications and certificates were translated to French. When I registered with the Chambre des métiers in Niort, they were very helpful and we had very positive relations with them.”

Getting all the relevant qualifications translated into French by a certified translator (traducteur assermenté) is essential before booking an appointment with the various authorities. The Chambre des métiers or Chambre de commerce et d’industrie (CCI) will look much more favourably on your application and business proposal if you can show you’ve done your research and arrive with all the necessary documents and translations in place.

Once up and running, Tony’s next challenge was marketing the business. With many communes in the area already home to small, independent garages, as well as larger franchises, Tony had to work out how he could achieve the success he’d had in England. “Finding a niche market is a must,” he says. “Many people set up businesses in France with little or no idea of the available market.”

With such a large anglophone presence in Deux-Sèvres, Tony decided to target British customers, who now make up the majority of his clients. “Marketing was easy using the free local magazines, my website and, after a while, word of mouth,” he says. And, as time has gone on, the need for marketing and publicity has diminished.

Further north, in the small commune of Torchamp (61), Iain and Louise Davison run a successful property maintenance service. They also relied on extensive research and invaluable help from the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie, when they established Property Care People in 2006. “When we started the garden and gîte maintenance business, we were fortunate to meet a lady who worked for the Chambre de commerce in Flers. She also ran the courses for new English businesses, which turned out to be invaluable.”

ARTISANAL WORK

As is often the case with property maintenance companies, the Davisons also had to register with the Chambre des métiers, because part of their business – chimney sweeping and installation of woodstoves – is classed as artisanal work.

“We had no issue with this, as our UK certificates of competence were translated into French,” Iain explains. “We had a lot of assistance at the time from the CCI and the Chambre des métiers to allow our business to grow.

”Iain has trouble thinking of any negatives about his family’s move to France and transferring their business skills. With his wife, Louise, he has established a successful business that continues to grow, almost two decades later. While starting out with mainly British clients, the business is now sought after by French customers and international estate agents too.

“We have encountered many different situations in our work in France,” he says. “Unblocking toilets at gîtes in the dark and rain happens from time to time, and once we had to drive 30 minutes away to a property at midnight as the client had forgotten their keys,” he laughs.

“Despite all of this, it has been a great experience for us. My advice to newcomers is that if you follow the rules and work as hard as you did in the UK, then the rest comes. We were driven to achieve what we wanted to do, and we found that working with the French system is better than trying to challenge it.”

THE RIGHT DECISION

Another top tip from Iain is to choose your property and area well, depending on the business you’re planning, and whether you’re looking to work with English or French customers, or both.

Torchamp is a small commune, located next to St-Mars-d’Egrenne, which is popular with second-home owners because of its thriving local shops, dynamic community spirit and numerous associations. It’s also located on the illuminated village circuit, which draws thousands of visitors over the festive period each year.

With house prices in the department of Orne among some of the lowest in Normandy, you can often find a good bargain, especially if you’re looking for a fixer-upper or total renovation project.

“It’s a quiet and clean area, with access to some large towns,” Iain says. “And for those who need it, there’s easy access to the UK too.”

Wherever you decide to settle in France, the advice for those looking to transfer a skill set or business is clear: cross the Channel with a good dose of determination and positivity, and have the necessary paperwork translated. Then, be prepared to work hard (not forgetting to enjoy yourself too) to ensure you make the most of your new life in France.

TOP TIP

Depending on your profession, you’ll need to register with the Chambre des métiers or the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie, sometimes both. If you’re unsure which category you fall under, check their websites or contact your mairie which can o en point you in the right direction.

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