Chartered Accountants◆Practising since 2016

France to India · Secondees

French staff working in India: tax and social security

CA Utsav Dogra, Chartered Accountant, ICAI M. No. 542375 · Updated

In brief

French employees working in India are taxed in India on salary for Indian work unless the treaty's 183-day and employer conditions are all met. The India–France social security agreement, in force since 2009, keeps detached employees with a certificate of coverage in the French system for a limited period.

What is specific to French companies

The India–France social security agreement, in force since 2009, keeps detached employees in French social security for a limited period with a certificate of coverage.

Tax on secondees

QuestionUsual answer
Indian tax on salary for Indian work?Yes, unless all treaty short-stay conditions are met
Indian provident fund?Not with a certificate of coverage
Shadow payroll needed?Yes, if salary stays on the home payroll

Our services

How SU and Company helps

We set up and run Indian payroll, including for staff sent from abroad.

  • PF, ESI and state registrations
  • Salary structures under the labour codes
  • Monthly payroll, TDS and returns
  • Shadow payroll and Indian tax for secondees
  • Certificates of coverage and international worker PF

Questions

Is salary paid abroad taxable in India?

Salary for work done in India is generally taxable in India wherever it is paid.

General information as at 5 November 2026, not advice for a particular case. Indian and French rules change often; confirm the current position before acting. French law points should be confirmed with a French adviser.

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