7. Social Security Contributions in France

1. 7.1. Basic Rules
   7.2. Employers and Employees
   7.3. Self-Employed
   7.4. Retired Persons
   7.5. Early Retirees
   7.6. Social Charges (CSG/CRDS)

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7.2. Employer/Employee Social Security Contributions in France

The following table shows the basic level of the main contributions that are payable by both employer and employee.

The rates shown are based on a percentage of salary. They have been averaged and summarised for ease of understanding.

However, the computation of the charges is fiercely complex, so they should not be read as a straight percentage of the salary.

There are also slight variations in the rates, depending on the industry, size of the company, the type and status of the job, and the level of the remuneration!

The employer rates are also lower on wages on or around the minimum wage, or for part time employees.

Accordingly, there is probably no employer who pays the full amount for all their employees, so the figures should be used for general guidance only.

The OECD estimates that employer social security contribution in France amount to an average of around 30% of an employees salary. Although this is lower than the headline number of around 50% in the table, it is still one of the highest in the world.


Table: Employer and Employee Rates

Charge	Employer	Employee
Family Benefits	5.40%	0%
Health/Sickness	13.10%	0.75%
Social Welfare Levy	0%	8.0%
Accident at Work	3%	0%
Unemployment Benefit	4.40%	2.40%
Main Pension	9.90%	6.75%
Complementary Pension	16.45%	11%
Total (say)	52%	29%

In addition to these main contributions the employer is also responsible for a number of other minor contributions, most of which only apply to those with nine or more employees, e.g. transport, accommodation, and training contributions. Those with an employee share option or savings scheme exempt from social security contributions also pay a 2% tax on sums distributed under these schemes.

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