Intra-group mobility in France—a strategic workforce solution

Executive summary

In the face of economic challenges and stricter immigration policies in France, companies must reassess their international mobility strategies. Intra-group mobility, particularly through employee secondment, offers a viable solution. This approach facilitates temporary assignments without the need for local employment contracts or prior work authorisations. However, compliance with EU and French regulations remains essential.

Introduction

France's economic outlook for 2025 indicates potential downturns, with forecasts suggesting a 4.7% decline in recruitment activities1. Concurrently, the government is implementing stricter immigration controls, as evidenced by the recent immigration bill aimed at combating irregular migration and regulating foreign workers' stays. These developments necessitate strategic adjustments in corporate mobility policies.

Advantages of intra-group secondment

1. Simplified mobility – Employees can work in France under their existing employment contracts from their home country, eliminating the need for prior work authorisation for stays exceeding 90 days.
2. Temporary assignments – Secondments are inherently temporary, defined by a secondment agreement or assignment letter, removing concerns about permanent or fixed-term contracts in France.
3. Employer responsibilities – The host company in France does not assume the role of the employer, maintaining the employee's attachment to the home company.
4. Social security benefits – Seconded employees often continue to benefit from their home country's social security system, provided certain conditions are met.

Compliance obligations

Despite these advantages, both the home and host companies must adhere to EU and French regulations, including:

• Core set of French rules – Ensuring compliance with fundamental French labour laws applicable to posted workers.
• Posted worker notification – Submitting the necessary declarations to French authorities prior to the commencement of the secondment.

Recent regulatory developments

The French immigration bill, enacted in January 2024, introduces measures to tighten immigration controls and regulate foreign workers' stays2. While primarily targeting irregular migration, the law also impacts professional mobility by imposing stricter sanctions on companies employing foreign workers illegally and reinforcing language proficiency requirements for multi-year residence permit holders. Companies must stay informed about these changes to ensure compliance.

Conclusion

Intra-group secondment presents a strategic opportunity for companies to navigate France's challenging economic environment and stringent immigration policies. By leveraging this approach, businesses can maintain operational flexibility while ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. It is imperative for HR leaders and global mobility managers to stay abreast of legislative developments and adapt their mobility strategies accordingly.

Get in touch

For expert guidance on corporate Immigration solutions, contact your local Santa Fe Immigration specialist.

Contributors

Vincent de Graauw

Immigration Manager

Santa Fe Relocation

[email protected]

References: 1 Source: Page Group issues second profit warning of year. The Times. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/page-group-issues-second-profit-warning-of-year-wbkgc6lrw 2 Source: French law: Controlling immigration while improving integration. Welcome to France. https://www.welcometofrance.com/en/french-law-controlling-immigration-while-improving-integration