Work in Dubai, Family in France

[Fi]

Does anyone have any experience of one partner working in Dubai while the rest family reside in France?

The boy wonder has (almost) been offered a 12 month contract in Dubai - his accommodation/car hire and 4 (I think) flights home are paid for by his employer, and his salary will be tax-free.  Financially it's a no-brainer, but there are other considerations.

Other than the obvioius concerns about being apart for such a long time, the effect on the children (8,6 & 5), the effect on our relationship, what would the implications be in terms of social security/residence etc?  As of 1.1.09 I will officially be running a gite business under the micro entreprise scheme, but is that really going to be enough?  I have asked this before, but is there a mechanism in France for paying voluntary cotisations?  I have looked on the RSI website and I think they will be the people to contact to get some clarification (or even more confusion depending on the answer!).

If there is anyone with any experience of this kind of situation, or can offer any advice? 

Many thanks.

[Will]

Be careful, take advice before committing to this. Although his salary in Dubai may be tax free, if you are married (you only say 'partner' or 'boy wonder' so your relationship is far from clear), it will count towards your worldwide income as far as the French tax authorities are concerned. You will need to be aware of the terms of any taxation agreement between France and UAE and how it may affect you.

There is no 'voluntary' cotisation scheme, neither is there a reciprocal health agreement as far as I know, Dubai being outside Europe. Depending on what the income is from the gite business, and other factors such as how long you have been in France, it may or may not count as sufficient to get you in the health system (as it almost certainly will not form the 'majority' of your income), so you could be forced to rely on private health cover unless a professional can advise on other ways to get you covered.

 

[Fi]

We are married, and we've only been here for 6 weeks!  I think an email to the accountant could be in order here ..... 

Many thanks

[powerdesal]

Fi,

Yes, I work in the UAE. My wife is in Europe (not French resident). There is a double taxation agreement between France and the UAE. I know there is no tax in the UAE but technically speaking there is, it just happens to be at zero rate. You need financial accounting advice. PM me if you wish.

[dragonrouge]

Steve I think Le Chefresne has attractions but seriously at this time of the year I think I would prefer the sun.  Hope you are well.

[Will]

I didn't wish to scare you, because I am sure with the right advice you should be able to keep taxes and charges reasonable. I just wanted to warn of the potential pitfalls that can result of not taking advice beforehand - with the French system it is easy to inadvertently get into the wrong regimes and it can be very difficult to put things right after the event.

Do go for a professional who understands French tax and social security issues and cross-border working. So many of those who advertise their services as 'French tax specialists' only offer retirement planning and are useless if you are still working, despite charging large fees.

[powerdesal]

[quote user="dragonrouge"]Steve I think Le Chefresne has attractions but seriously at this time of the year I think I would prefer the sun.  Hope you are well.[/quote]

Thank you Dragonrouge, judging by the reports of the weather in that attractive part of Normandy I would tend to agree, however, I am in a new job, new place and SWMBO has had enough of sand and heat.

Take care 'dahn sarf'' and regards to 'the missus'