France offers deep talent and strong protections, funded by high employer social charges. All-in employer cost runs around 1.4x the gross salary, and dismissal follows a defined legal process. Here is what to know before your first French hire.
Employment runs under the Labour Code (Code du travail) and, in most sectors, a binding collective agreement (convention collective) that can raise minimums on pay, leave, and notice. A written contract is standard, and the 35-hour week is the legal reference for working time.
France has among the highest employer charges in Europe, roughly 40-45% on top of gross salary, covering health, pension, unemployment, family, and other social contributions.
Several contributions apply up to the social-security ceiling (plafond); some are uncapped. Reduced rates apply on lower salaries under the general relief scheme (réduction générale).
Employees pay their own social contributions plus income tax, withheld at source since 2019 (prélèvement à la source). Withholding is the employer's responsibility, which under EOR means ours.
*All figures are estimates from public sources (2025-26), pending ops verification - same basis as the EOR cost calculator. Not tax or legal advice.
Compliant French CDI, payroll, social contributions, and benefits, handled. One invoice, flat $399 per month.