Canada is one of the preferred destinations for French companies expanding internationally. Economic exchanges between France and Canada are particularly strong in aerospace, technology, energy and infrastructure.
However, sending an employee to work in Canada requires careful preparation. Rules on payroll, social security, taxation, labour law and immigration differ significantly from those in France.
Why grow your business in Canada?
Main sectors: aerospace, artificial intelligence, video games, IT, industry, construction, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, logistics, mining, finance, consulting.
Which status should you choose?
Secondment — in certain situations, social security agreements between France and Canada allow the employee's French affiliation to be maintained during a temporary assignment.
Expatriation — when the assignment becomes long-term, the employee generally falls under the Canadian social security scheme depending on the province and applicable agreements.
Local hire — when a company has a Canadian subsidiary or wishes to set up on a lasting basis, recruitment under a Canadian contract is often the most suitable solution.
Social protection
France and Canada are linked by social security coordination agreements. Each situation is assessed based on the province of assignment.
Taxation of employees in Canada
Taxation depends on tax residence, the province of assignment, length of the assignment, the France–Canada tax treaty and remuneration terms.
Employer obligations
Employing a worker in Canada notably requires analysing the status chosen, immigration and work-permit formalities, social obligations, administrative declarations, payroll management and document tracking.
Most common mistakes
Misclassification of status, lack of knowledge of France–Canada agreements, contribution errors, tax anomalies, poor coordination between French and Canadian payrolls, incomplete documentation.
Key figures
Capital: Ottawa. Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD). Official languages: French and English. Multiple time zones by province.
Frequently asked questions
Can an employee be seconded to Canada? Yes, social security agreements between France and Canada allow, in certain situations, continued affiliation to the French scheme.
Are the rules identical in every province? No, certain obligations vary by province of assignment; specific analysis is therefore essential.
Besoin d'un accompagnement pour Canada ?
Nos experts en paie internationale réalisent un audit personnalisé de votre projet de mobilité vers Canada.