Recruiting in France without a local entity is a common challenge for foreign companies. You may think that an EOR (Employer of Record) is the only option? Think again.
Before making any hires, you are at a crossroads:
It is the "turnkey" solution offered by large global platforms, often marketed as the easiest way to hire quickly without setting up a local entity.
Principle: You manage the operational side → They become the legal employer on paper.
It may appear simple and fast, but the reality of French labour law is often less glamorous.
No need to create a complex company. You simply register your foreign company with URSSAF (via the CNFE of Strasbourg).
Principle: You are the legal employer → We handle the administrative complexity and payroll.
This is a more cost-effective, safer, and equally simple alternative to an EOR.
Why do we often advise against using an EOR in the medium term?
Between management fees and margins on social charges, you pay 20-30% more than as a direct employer.
EORs rely on standardised contracts. Impossible to apply your own benefits policy or optimise salary packages.
From the 2nd or 3rd employee, costs quickly become unsustainable. The EOR often ends up advising you… to open an entity.
You do not control the legal relationship. Amendments, terminations and litigation all go through a third party, creating delays and frustration.
We are not an EOR. We are your outsourced HR department.
Our approach: registering you as a foreign employer (via the National Center for Foreign Firms) so you retain control, while we handle execution on your behalf.
What we do for you (all the "dirty work"). Once your SIRET number is obtained (with the support of our partners), we take over completely:
Reduced costs:
No intermediary margin on gross salary.
Credibility:
You are the real employer in the eyes of candidates (stronger employer brand).
Scalability:
Whether you have 1 or 50 employees, the process remains the same.
| Criterion | EOR (International Wage Portage) | HReact + Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ❌ Very high (Fees + %) | ✔ Optimised (real cost) |
| Legal Employer | ❌ The provider | ✔ YOU |
| HR Control | ❌ Limited / Standardised | ✔ Total & Personalised |
| Compliance | ⚠️ Dependent on a third party | ✔ Secured by local experts |
| Scalability | ❌ Complex (extra costs) | ✔ Unlimited |
Here is the typical journey to recruit in France without creating a complex subsidiary:
We analyze your needs. EOR or Registration? We give you a clear, honest view of the costs.
We connect you with our partners to obtain your SIRET via the CNFE (URSSAF for foreign companies). It’s fast.
As soon as the number is issued, we configure payroll, draft contracts, and affiliate employees.
You focus on the business. We manage payroll, charges, and legal matters every month.
No jargon, no complications. We explain what is safest, fastest, and most cost-effective for your situation.
Book your free consultation