Doing business in France
Contrary to the French expression that's come to characterise many national economies, laissez-faire, expats will find doing business in France is actually a bureaucratic affair. Heavy-handed interventionist policies dating back to World War II have 
created a particular French business culture that calls for government interaction at nearly every level.
That said, the World Bank ranks France in 26th place out of 183 countries for "Ease of Doing Business". Specific business criteria that France ranks highly for include starting a business, dealing with construction permits, trading across borders and enforcing contracts. It ranked poorly, however, for ease of registering property.
It's important that expats realise that the French are very proud of their culture and language, and the attitude toward foreigners in France reflects this. For this reason, expats who want to succeed in business should make a pointed attempt to learn the language and familiarise themselves with local custom and practise before working in France.
Business culture in France is very hierarchical, with policy and vision conceived by upper management and carried out by junior employees. Socialising across hierarchical lines is unusual. Most senior managers at French companies come from the elite Grandes Écoles schools, and share a respect for intellectualism.
Expats may need to give their wardrobe some tender, love and care before delving into the business world; appearance is very important in France. Business dress is typically stylish, as one might expect from the world’s fashion capital. Dark suits are appropriate, and clothes should be of good quality. Even occasions specified as ‘informal’ require tastefully coordinated dress, including a jacket for men.
French businesspeople are very casual about punctuality, and it is acceptable to be 10 to15 minutes late to a meeting. Similarly, deadlines may be considered negotiable unless otherwise stated.
When addressing a French businessperson, always use the formal titles Monsieur and Madame (Mr or Mrs). For those expats who don't speak French, it is polite to apologise for this upon introduction; however, it is best to learn at least a few phrases as English is not widely spoken in business.
A handshake is an appropriate greeting for both men and women, although friends and colleagues may kiss on the cheek.
The French are passionate people, and this reflects in business culture. Spirited debates are common, and expat businesspeople are expected to be able to intellectually defend their position. While arguments may be emotional, logic usually holds the most weight with French businesspeople.
Business hours vary in France, with many companies opening between 8.30am and 9.30am and closing between 5.30pm and 7pm. However, with a government-set standard 35-hour workweek, many companies are flexible, opting for shorter days or Friday afternoons off. In general, most businesses in France will be open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.
Registering a business in France is a relatively simple process involving five procedures that take an average of seven days to complete. The longest step is filing a request for company registration with the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises, which takes roughly four days to process.
Business language: French
Hours of Business: Monday to Friday 10am-4pm
Dress: formal, smart and stylish; conservative, not flashy
Gifts: appropriate as thank-you's in social situations
Gender Equality: Women are entitled to equal treatment, and are more and more frequently occupying higher positions in the French business world.
created a particular French business culture that calls for government interaction at nearly every level.That said, the World Bank ranks France in 26th place out of 183 countries for "Ease of Doing Business". Specific business criteria that France ranks highly for include starting a business, dealing with construction permits, trading across borders and enforcing contracts. It ranked poorly, however, for ease of registering property.
It's important that expats realise that the French are very proud of their culture and language, and the attitude toward foreigners in France reflects this. For this reason, expats who want to succeed in business should make a pointed attempt to learn the language and familiarise themselves with local custom and practise before working in France.
Business culture in France
Business culture in France is very hierarchical, with policy and vision conceived by upper management and carried out by junior employees. Socialising across hierarchical lines is unusual. Most senior managers at French companies come from the elite Grandes Écoles schools, and share a respect for intellectualism.
Expats may need to give their wardrobe some tender, love and care before delving into the business world; appearance is very important in France. Business dress is typically stylish, as one might expect from the world’s fashion capital. Dark suits are appropriate, and clothes should be of good quality. Even occasions specified as ‘informal’ require tastefully coordinated dress, including a jacket for men.
French businesspeople are very casual about punctuality, and it is acceptable to be 10 to15 minutes late to a meeting. Similarly, deadlines may be considered negotiable unless otherwise stated.When addressing a French businessperson, always use the formal titles Monsieur and Madame (Mr or Mrs). For those expats who don't speak French, it is polite to apologise for this upon introduction; however, it is best to learn at least a few phrases as English is not widely spoken in business.
A handshake is an appropriate greeting for both men and women, although friends and colleagues may kiss on the cheek.
The French are passionate people, and this reflects in business culture. Spirited debates are common, and expat businesspeople are expected to be able to intellectually defend their position. While arguments may be emotional, logic usually holds the most weight with French businesspeople.
Business hours vary in France, with many companies opening between 8.30am and 9.30am and closing between 5.30pm and 7pm. However, with a government-set standard 35-hour workweek, many companies are flexible, opting for shorter days or Friday afternoons off. In general, most businesses in France will be open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.
Registering a business in France
Registering a business in France is a relatively simple process involving five procedures that take an average of seven days to complete. The longest step is filing a request for company registration with the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises, which takes roughly four days to process.
Doing business in France: Fast facts
Business language: French
Hours of Business: Monday to Friday 10am-4pm
Dress: formal, smart and stylish; conservative, not flashy
Gifts: appropriate as thank-you's in social situations
Gender Equality: Women are entitled to equal treatment, and are more and more frequently occupying higher positions in the French business world.
Dos and don’ts of business in France
- DO dress stylishly.
- DON’T assume people speak English.
- DON’T make exaggerated claims.
- DO be sure written communications are grammatically correct.
