Whether you're planning a workation in the French Riviera, a business trip to Paris, or a corporate retreat in Lyon, here's the essential information you and your employees need to work safely and compliantly while traveling in France. This guide covers working conditions, safety and health regulations, tax treaties, social security, and more.
Capital city
Paris
Telephone code
+33
Official language
French
Currency
Euro
Time zone
CET (UTC+1)
Social security compliance
When working remotely abroad, your employees may become subject to the social security scheme of the destination country, which means you, as an employer, would need to pay social security premiums accordingly.
As part of the European Union, France follows regulations that coordinate social security among EU/EEA member states and Switzerland. One key regulation is Regulation (EC) No 883/2004, which ensures that social security systems operate smoothly across borders.
Additionally, France has entered into numerous social security treaties with various countries to prevent the payment of double social security premiums or non-insurance (see here)
To ensure your employees remain compliant with these treaties, they must possess a valid A1 certificate (if traveling from another EU country to France) or a Certificate of Coverage (CoC) (if traveling from a country outside the EU).
Tax compliance
As a member of the OECD, many of France's tax treaties are based on the OECD Model Tax Convention. This framework provides guidelines for structuring tax treaties and covers various types of income, including dividends, interest, royalties, and employment income. In addition to these guidelines, France has signed tax treaties with numerous countries, available here.
Despite the existence of many tax treaties and the adoption of the OECD Model Tax Convention, the issue of Permanent Establishment remains a significant compliance concern for employers with employees temporarily working in France, whether for a workation or a business trip. If a traveling employee is deemed to constitute a Permanent Establishment in the destination country, the employer may be required to register the company locally, allocate profits to the local business (branch), and file corporate taxes, leading to substantial administrative burdens.
To avoid this scenario, here are some key strategies:
If your employees are traveling for a workation, they should refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during the trip. Additionally, they should avoid visiting clients or any office, including the employer's local office in the destination country. Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risk for the employer related to permanent establishment.
If your employees travel for business, it may be impossible to refrain from the activities above. In this case, please make sure to inform your (tax) compliance department of this matter. If you and your organization are a WorkFlex user, this topic is covered through the WorkFlex platform.
PWD notification obligations for business trips
Under European law, employers are generally required to register their employees’ postings with local labour authorities in the destination country, i.e. to submit a PWD notification. This notification serves several important purposes, including balancing worker mobility with the protection of their rights. PWD notification obligations apply in France.
As a consequence, to stay compliant with the PWD obligations, employees traveling to France must comply with several local working conditions, notably must receive at least the same pay as local employees in similar roles. The remuneration conditions are outlined in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements, which consider factors such as the relevant sector and the employee's seniority.
Visa
To work legally while in another country, employees generally need a valid work title. It's important to keep in mind that the consequences of entering without the proper documentation can be significant for both the employee and the employer.
For those planning work-from-anywhere trips to France, here’s a quick overview:
- Short-term stay: If you’re a citizen or residence permit holder from a Schengen Zone country, you can enjoy a stay in France for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. If you're coming from a non-Schengen country, you’ll likely need a Schengen Visa (Type C) for short stays of up to 90 days.
- Long-term stay: Planning to stay longer than 90 days? In that case, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit or a long-stay visa.
For those planning a business trips to France, here’s what you need to know:
- Short-term trip: If you’re a citizen or a residence permit holder of a Schengen country, you can enter France for short business trips without needing a visa, and you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For travelers from non-Schengen countries, you’ll likely need a Schengen Business Visa. This visa allows you to move freely throughout the Schengen Area for your business activities.
- Long-stay visa: If your business plans involve staying longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a specific long-stay visa. The requirements can vary based on the nature of your business activities, so it's a good idea to check the specifics on the websites of French authorities.
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
Working hours
Most employees in France work from Monday to Friday, with a standard workweek consisting of 35 hours. The workday is typically running from 9 AM to 6 PM or 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with a lunch break of 1 to 2 hours in between.
To remain compliant during your trip abroad, here are some suggestions to follow:
- Avoid working overtime: Regulations regarding overtime can differ significantly and may be much stricter compared to those in your home country.
- Refrain from working outside regular hours: The rules surrounding working outside regular hours may vary and could be stricter than in your home country.
- Do not work on weekends: If the weekend days differ from those in your home country, please avoid working on both your regular weekend days and the local weekend days.
Public holidays
- January 1: New Year's Day
- Varied date, typically March or April: Good Friday*
- Varied date, typically March or April: Easter Monday
- May 1: Labor Day
- May 8: Victory Day
- Varied date: Ascension Day
- Varied date: Whit Sunday
- Varied date: Whit Monday
- 14 Jul: Bastille Day
- 15 Aug: Assumption Day
- 1 Nov: All Saints' Day*
- 11 Nov: Armistice Day
- 25 Dec: Christmas Day
- 26 Dec: St Stephen's Day*
*Only observed in specific regions
To comply with labor laws, please refrain from working on national or regional holidays during your trip. These days hold significant importance for locals and provide a great opportunity for you to blend in and celebrate with the community.
Working activities
When considering travel for work purposes—whether for a workation or a business trip—it is crucial to understand the implications of Permanent Establishment (PE) and associated tax risks. PE is a significant compliance concern for companies and can become costly due to the administrative burden if the compliance requirements for employees working abroad are not properly managed. To help mitigate these risks, here are a few guidelines to follow.
If you are traveling for a workation, please:
- Refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during your trip.
- Avoid visiting clients or any office, including your employer's local office in the destination country.
Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risks related to Permanent Establishment for your employer.
If you are a business traveler, it may be difficult to avoid the activities mentioned above. In this case, please ensure you inform your employer's compliance department about this matter. If you and your organization are WorkFlex users, this topic is addressed through the WorkFlex platform.
Data protection
Data protection is fundamentally about keeping our information safe from unauthorized access, breaches, theft, or damage. This responsibility is important for everyone, regardless of where they are working.
When employees work temporarily from abroad, data protection involves ensuring continued coverage and compliance with the data protection regulations of both, the home country and the destination country. In addition to adhering to your home country's regulations, it’s important to note that since France is a member of the EU, the GDPR will apply during your trip.
For WorkFlex users, a comprehensive list of data protection activities is available in the profile, but here are some general data protection guidelines to keep your data safe:
- Adhere to Your Company's Internal Data Policies: Familiarize yourself with and follow your organization’s specific data protection protocols.
- Use Secure Network Connections: Always connect through secure networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
- Be Aware of Phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links.
- Utilize Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- Keep Your Devices in a Secure Location: Always store your devices in safe places to prevent unauthorized access.
- Lock Your Screen Whenever Applicable: Ensure your screen is locked when you're away from your device to protect your information.
Travel health insurance
When traveling to France for work—whether for a short business trip or an extended workation—it’s essential to have adequate health insurance coverage to ensure access to medical care.
For business trips, the employer typically arranges the employee's travel health insurance. However, for workations, responsibility can sometimes be less clear. Regardless of whether insurance is provided by the employer or purchased by the employee, international coverage is crucial for a safe and secure trip.
For travelers using WorkFlex:
If you’re traveling with WorkFlex, comprehensive health insurance is automatically included if your employer has activated this feature. For more details, please refer to your trip request on the WorkFlex platform.
For other travelers
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) grants access to public healthcare services within France’s national health system, covering essential services like doctor visits, hospital treatments, and prescription medications (urgent or necessary medical care to the same extent as for local residents). The EHIC is valid only at public healthcare facilities, so check your private health insurance policy to confirm whether additional coverage is provided for private healthcare services.
- Citizens of other countries: Ensure you have travel health insurance with worldwide coverage, whether for a workation or business trip, so that you can receive adequate medical treatment in case of an emergency.
Urgent safety information
For travelers using WorkFlex:
Please refer to your trip's risk assessment under the "Health and Security" dimension to review any urgent security information relevant to your travel.
For other travelers:
Please visit official authority websites to check for any current threats or urgent security advisories:
Terrorism
The security situation in France, particularly in Paris and other major cities, remains heightened, especially in light of recent developments in the Middle East. To address potential threats, France employs the "Vigipirate" plan, which activates various safety measures based on current threat levels. Currently, the highest alert level, urgence attentat, is in effect.
- The public is encouraged to stay attentive and exercise increased caution in public spaces, especially at sporting events, demonstrations, and gatherings on streets and in public squares.
- Since 2015, France has experienced several serious incidents, with some recent attacks in Paris, Nice, Strasbourg, and Lyon. Since 2020, there have been a few attacks targeting individuals, mainly in the Greater Paris area and southern regions.
- Security is heightened around Jewish institutions, and you may notice military patrols in public places. Increased baggage checks are in effect at train stations, airports, on trains, and in subways. Bag checks are also common at entrances to museums and shopping centers, and luggage storage options in many stations are now limited.
For a safer trip, please keep these tips in mind:
- Remain especially vigilant in crowded areas or during unusual events.
- Follow updates from the French government and security agencies via reliable media and social media channels (such as Facebook and X).
- Clearly label your luggage with your name and address, even for train travel.
- Refer to the worldwide security advisory for additional information.
Crime
In France, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and occasional assaults on visitors, can affect tourists, particularly in popular areas of Paris and other major cities. Public transportation, especially night trains with sleeper and couchette cars in southern France, has higher reported incidents.
- In regions like Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and parts of eastern Occitanie, some roadside incidents involving mopeds have been reported, with organized theft activity noted at rest stops.
- Near the ferry terminal in Calais, traffic disruptions are possible due to attempts by individuals seeking to cross into the United Kingdom.
- In certain French overseas territories, particularly Mayotte, crime related to poverty has been noted, with isolated reports of weapon possession.
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, consider these tips:
- Be vigilant in crowded areas, such as airports, train stations, and public transportation, especially on night trains. Keep a close eye on valuables.
- Secure your money, ID, driver’s license, and other important documents, and make digital copies when possible to simplify replacement if needed.
- Minimize valuables carried and make copies of important documents. Keep a list of key phone numbers easily accessible.
- Avoid leaving valuables in view inside your vehicle, and always lock it, even when briefly unattended.
- For those traveling in motorhomes or camper vans, consider staying at guarded campsites.
- Avoid spending the night at rest stops, particularly along highways toward southern France or Spain.
Strikes
Widespread strikes are a periodic occurrence in France and can particularly impact public transportation. Occasionally, demonstrations may lead to clashes between participants and security forces.
- Exercise caution and avoid any demonstrations.
- Plan your stay with potential disruptions in mind.
- Follow guidance from local security and law enforcement authorities.
- Stay updated on public transportation status through the websites of the national railway company (SNCF), the Paris regional transport system (RATP), and Paris airports.
France has a diverse climate that varies significantly across its regions.
Northern and Western France (Paris, Normandy, Brittany)
Oceanic climate with mild temperatures and regular rainfall year-round. Winters are cool and summers are moderate, making these areas suitable for travel year-round.
Southern France (Nice, Marseille, Montpellier, French Riviera)
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Ideal for summer workations but can be busy during peak tourist season.
Eastern France (Lyon, Strasbourg, Grenoble)
Continental climate with more pronounced seasonal differences. Winters are cold, often with snow, and summers can be hot and humid.
Alpine region (French Alps, Chamonix)
Mountain climate with cold, snowy winters and cool summers. A popular destination for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
Potential threats
Flash floods, which can be fatal, are becoming increasingly common, particularly during the summer and early autumn months. In the Mediterranean region, isolated severe storms may occur from August to November.
During winter, the French Alps face the risk of avalanches. Additionally, southern France, especially Corsica, regularly experiences bush and forest fires during the summer months due to prolonged drought conditions. These fires often lead to closed traffic routes and can result in failures of power supply and communication infrastructure.
Please make sure you remain aware of local weather conditions and any potential hazards to ensure your safety during their visit.
Airports
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Location: Paris
When to use:
- Best for international flights, including long-haul connections to the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. It’s France’s largest and most connected airport. Ideal for reaching Paris and northern France.
Orly Airport (ORY)
Location: Paris
When to use:
- Second major airport for Paris. Great for domestic and European flights, as well as connections to North Africa.
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)
Location: Nice, French Riviera
When to use:
- Perfect for access to the French Riviera and southern France. Best for leisure and workation travelers.
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)
Location: Lyon
When to use:
- Best for trips to Lyon and the surrounding Rhône-Alpes region. Offers good connections to Europe and some international destinations.
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
Location: Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
When to use:
- Ideal for trips to Marseille and the Provence region. Good for both business and leisure travelers, with European and domestic connections.
Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD)
Location: Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
When to use:
- Best for travel to the Bordeaux wine region and southwestern France. Great for European connections and domestic travel.
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)
Location: Toulouse, Occitanie
When to use:
- Ideal for business travelers, especially those working with the aerospace industry in Toulouse. Good for both European and domestic flights.
Train stations
Paris Gare du Nord
The busiest train station in Europe, offering high-speed trains (TGV) to Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK (Eurostar). Ideal for international business travelers.
International connections: UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany
Paris Gare de Lyon
Key station for TGV trains heading south to destinations like Lyon, Marseille, and Switzerland.
International connections: Switzerland, Italy (via connections)
Lyon Part-Dieu Station
Central hub for southern France, offering direct TGV trains to Switzerland and Italy.
International connections: Switzerland, Italy
Marseille Saint-Charles Station
A significant hub for southern France, with direct TGV services to Spain and Switzerland.
International connections: Spain, Switzerland
Lille Europe Station
A crucial station for northern France, it provides direct TGV and Eurostar connections to Belgium, the UK, and the Netherlands.
International connections: UK (Eurostar), Belgium, Netherlands
Strasbourg Station
Located near the German border, it offers direct connections to Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.
International connections: Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg
Ride-hailing services
- Uber
- Bolt
- Free Now
- Marcel
- Heetch
Public transportation
High-Speed Trains (TGV)
France's TGV network is one of the fastest in the world, connecting major cities like Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nice. Ideal for quick business trips.
Suburban trains (TER)
TER trains connect regional areas to major cities, often used for short trips around regions like Île-de-France (Paris), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
RER (Réseau Express Régional)
A hybrid suburban commuter and urban train system operating in and around Paris. It connects central Paris with surrounding suburbs and is key for both business and commuter travel.
Metro
Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Lille have extensive metro systems, with Paris being the most developed. These metros are the most efficient way to get around major cities.
Tramways
Many French cities, including Paris, Lyon, Nice, Toulouse, and Strasbourg, have well-developed tram systems. Trams are popular for city commuting and complement the metro and bus services.
Buses
Cities have extensive bus networks, and long-distance intercity buses (like FlixBus and Blablacar Bus) are available for travel between regions.