Spain is one of France's leading economic partners. Thanks to its proximity, economic dynamism and the presence of many French companies, it is a preferred destination for international mobility.
Why grow your business in Spain?
Main sectors: tourism and hospitality, construction, industry, renewable energy, automotive, logistics, transport, agri-food, international trade, digital, IT, consulting, real estate, healthcare.
Which status should you choose?
Secondment — allows the employee to remain under French social security during a temporary assignment; widely used in construction, industry, services and maintenance.
Expatriation — when the assignment becomes long-term, the employee generally falls under the Spanish social security scheme, requiring payroll and reporting adjustments.
Local hire — for a permanent set-up, a Spanish employment contract may be the most suitable option.
Social protection and taxation
France and Spain apply European rules coordinating social security. Taxation depends on tax residence, length of stay in Spain, the place of work, the France–Spain tax treaty and remuneration terms.
Most common mistakes
Misclassification between secondment and expatriation, contribution errors, incorrect application of the tax treaty, incorrect payroll setup, lack of coordination between French and Spanish parties.
Frequently asked questions
Can an employee be seconded to Spain? Yes, subject to European rules and formalities completed before departure.
Is Split Payroll used with Spain? Yes, it is common for executives and international groups present in both countries.
Besoin d'un accompagnement pour Spain ?
Nos experts en paie internationale réalisent un audit personnalisé de votre projet de mobilité vers Spain.