Tax Haven

[irussell@eim.ae]

I am a UK National, planning to move to France from Dubai very soon. I am selling my house in the UK and want to open a new company, off shore if possible to invoice a German company for 2 to 4 months freelance training. The rest of the year I intend to enjoy the French countryside and live life at a slower pace.

My needs in France will be much less than the money I can earn and therefore want to maintain a steady flow of minimal income in order to maintain a reserve for later years.

Can I set up a Jersey based comapny and pay myself a small regular salary to France of course paying what ever French Income tax is due?

regards

Ian Russell

[Taxbar]

Dear Ian Russell,

Someone who is French Tax resident is taxable on their world-wide income in France at tax rates up to approximately 50% and is subject ot a wealth tax.

The avenue of using a Jersey Company would in France(like the UK) be considered tax evasion.

There maybe a way of minimising your French Tax liablity legally and that is what I urge you to investigate rather than resort to the simple route of non-disclosure and illegallity.

I can put you in touch with a French tax specialist specialising in advising foreigners coming to live in France.

If you want to use a Jersey Company, then you need to consider becoming tax resident somewhere other than France, Belgium might be a viable possiblity; as will locations such as Andorra, Gibraltar, Cyprus etc.

If you want to be put in contact with a French Specialist, or get some advice on other places to settle, then contact me:

Daniel Feingold
Editor UK & International Law section of this website! Check it out!
E-mail sedrate@easynet.co.uk