HR, PEO & Employer of Record (EOR) Services in France

Introduction

France offers access to one of Europe’s largest consumer markets, a highly skilled workforce, and a central gateway to the EU. Its innovation-friendly ecosystem, competitive R&D incentives, and strong infrastructure make it a top choice for global expansion. With leading industries spanning technology, aerospace, energy, and luxury, France is an ideal launchpad for growth across Europe.

EOR & PEO Solutions in France

If you’re looking to hire employees in France without setting up a legal entity, using an Employer of Record (EOR) like Empleyo is the simplest and most compliant path forward. An EOR in France acts as the official legal employer on your behalf, managing everything from payroll and HR administration to employment contracts and statutory employee benefits.

This model allows you to expand into France quickly, while remaining fully compliant with local labor laws without the complexity or cost of registering a local entity.

What Is an Employer of Record in France?

An Employer of Record France (also known as an EOR provider) enables businesses to hire and onboard France employees without having to incorporate in-country. The EOR manages:

You continue to oversee your team’s day-to-day tasks, while the EOR service handles legal obligations as the official employer on paper.

What’s the Difference Between EOR and PEO?

A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) typically supports businesses that already have a registered entity in France, offering co-employment solutions for HR, payroll, and benefits. An EOR, however, is ideal when you don’t have a legal presence in Vietnam but still want to hire full-time staff.

Whether you choose an EOR or PEO depends on your France hiring strategy, budget, and long-term plans for the market.

Benefits of Using an EOR Service in France

By using an EOR solution, companies can confidently build their team in France, access top talent in France, and stay focused on business growth — without getting tangled in bureaucracy.

Hiring in France

France is a thriving market with a growing pool of skilled professionals, making it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand globally. But to hire in France successfully, it’s important to understand your options especially when you don’t have a legal entity in France.

That’s where using an Employer of Record in France makes all the difference.

Your Hiring Options in France

Businesses have two main paths to hire employees in France:

The second option is faster, lower-risk, and ideal for companies that want to test the French market, launch quickly, or hire remote employees without permanent infrastructure.

Why Use an EOR to Hire in France?

This approach is especially useful for startups, global teams, and growing businesses that need to hire quickly and remain fully compliant.

Employment in France

Understanding how employment in France works is key to managing your team successfully and staying compliant. Whether you’re hiring directly or using an Employer of Record (EOR), companies must follow French labor laws closely especially when it comes to employment contracts, payroll, and employee benefits.

That’s why many growing businesses choose to use an EOR in France to handle these responsibilities with confidence.

Employment Contracts in France

All employees in France must be hired under a written employment contract, clearly outlining the job role, salary, benefits, working hours, and duration of employment. Contracts must comply with the Labor Code of France, and are usually signed before or on the first day of work.

By working with a France employer of record, you can ensure that all employment contracts in France are properly structured, compliant, and aligned with local requirements without having to hire a full in-house HR team.

Payroll & Employer Contributions

Payroll in France involves more than just paying a monthly salary. Employers are required to withhold income tax and make contributions to:

These deductions and employer contributions are calculated based on the employee’s gross monthly salary, and must be submitted on time to remain compliant. An EOR in France handles this for you managing all payroll, tax filings, and reporting on your behalf.

Employee Benefits and Leave

French labor law mandates several employee benefits, including:

Using an employer of record service ensures your team in France receives all required benefits and that your business remains fully compliant with French employment law.

Termination & Notice Periods

Ending an employment contract in France requires strict adherence to labor laws that emphasize employee protection and procedural fairness. Notice periods vary based on seniority, role, and collective bargaining agreements, typically ranging from one to three months for permanent employees.

An Employer of Record helps businesses navigate these complexities—ensuring compliance with legal requirements, managing documentation, and reducing the risk of disputes during the offboarding process.

Visas & Permits in France

If you’re planning to hire employees in France or bring in foreign talent, understanding France’s visa and permit requirements is critical. Navigating these processes can be complex, but working with a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) in France makes it much easier.

An experienced EOR provider will ensure all permits are handled legally, so you can focus on building your team in France with confidence.

Work Permits for Foreign Employees in France

Foreign nationals who plan to work in France must secure the appropriate work authorization, which varies depending on nationality, job type, and length of assignment. The process often requires employer sponsorship and compliance with immigration and labor regulations, making it complex for companies new to the French market.

By partnering with an Employer of Record, businesses can streamline these procedures, ensure compliance, and onboard international talent efficiently while focusing on growth.

Types of Visas for Foreign Talent

There are several types of visas used to work or do business in France, including:

Each visa type has specific use cases, duration limits, and documentation requirements. If you’re looking to hire in France or send international staff temporarily, an EOR France solution helps you identify the right visa and manage the application process end-to-end.

Business Permits for Foreign Companies

To operate directly in France, foreign companies typically need to register a legal entity in France and apply for a business license. This can be a time-consuming process that includes office registration, investment approvals, and compliance with French labor laws.

Alternatively, you can use an EOR in France to bypass the need for a local entity. The France employer of record is already registered and authorized to employ staff and manage payroll, contracts, and local compliance making it easier and faster to hire employees in France.

Why Visas & Permits Matter for Global Hiring

If you’re hiring foreign employees in France, or placing international staff in-country, it’s essential to stay compliant with immigration laws. The right employer of record service helps you:

Common Questions on EOR in France

Is EOR legal in France?

The concept of a traditional EOR isn't explicitly defined in French law. However, the legal framework for "portage salarial" (a form of salaried portage) offers a similar solution. This allows a third-party company to act as the legal employer, managing payroll, taxes, and social contributions on behalf of a client company.

What types of employment contracts can be managed through an EOR in France?

An EOR can facilitate both fixed-term (CDD) and indefinite (CDI) contracts in line with French labor law. They ensure contracts meet statutory requirements, reflect collective bargaining agreements where applicable, and include all mandatory terms regarding pay, benefits, and working conditions.

Does an EOR manage compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs)?

Yes, an EOR ensures that employment contracts and working conditions align with applicable CBAs in the employee’s sector. This includes industry-specific rules on pay scales, working hours, benefits, and termination procedures.

What industries benefit most from using an EOR in France?

Industries such as technology, life sciences, finance, and consulting often benefit, as they require quick market entry and agile hiring. Startups and scale-ups also use EORs to test the French market before committing to a full legal presence.

How long does it take to hire an employee using an EOR?

Hiring through an EOR in France is significantly faster than setting up a local entity. The process can often be completed in as little as a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the EOR provider and whether the employee is a local or foreign national requiring a visa.

What is the main advantage of using an EOR in France?

The biggest advantage is speed and compliance: companies can hire top French talent without the delays and costs of setting up an entity, while remaining fully compliant with France’s labor and tax regulations. This reduces risk and accelerates growth.