Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Australia to France
France and Australia host meaningful bilateral expat communities — Australians in Paris and the south of France, and French nationals working in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The Australia-France Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) coordinates tax obligations between the two countries. For Australians moving to France: French residents face IRPP income tax (0–45%) plus social charges. Employment income social charges (CSG/CRDS) add approximately 9.2% on top of income tax, bringing the potential combined marginal burden above 50% for higher earners. For Australian residents in France's higher tax brackets (over €160,336), the combined rate exceeds Australia's 47% top rate. For French nationals moving to Australia: Australia's progressive rates (0–45% federal plus 2% Medicare levy) are comparable to France for middle incomes but lower at the top on purely income-tax terms. Australia's superannuation system (compulsory 11% employer contributions) is a significant benefit not present in France in the same form — though France has its own comprehensive social security system. Australia's tax-free threshold (A$18,200) provides a clean zero-rate band. France's household-based quotient familial system benefits families differently from Australia's individual-based assessment. Both countries tax residents on worldwide income. The Australia-France DTA prevents double taxation, with Foreign Tax Credit mechanisms for overlapping obligations. Australia has no state/territory income tax (unlike the US), making the federal comparison direct.
Progressive Tax, Tax-Free Threshold A$18,200
Federal income tax 0–45% plus 2% Medicare levy; tax-free threshold A$18,200; superannuation 15% contributions tax; franking credits on dividends; worldwide income taxed for Australian residents
IRPP Income Tax + CSG/CRDS Social Levies
IRPP income tax 0–45%; social charges (CSG/CRDS) 9.2% on employment income; Long Stay Visa for Australians post-2020; France taxes worldwide income of residents
At A$100,000 / €70,000 income:
At A$100,000, Australian tax is approximately A$24,967 (24.9% effective) including Medicare. French IRPP on €70,000 equivalent is approximately €16,000–€18,000 (23–26%) — comparable or slightly higher before social charges. Adding French social charges (9.2% on employment income) brings the total significantly above Australian rates. DTA prevents double taxation. Individual tax position depends on residency, income type, and applicable treaty provisions.
| Income | AU Tax | FR Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A$60,000 / €38,000 | ~A$11,167 Australia (18.6% effective) | ~€10,500 France (IRPP + partial social charges) | Similar effective rates at moderate income levels | Cost of living differences vary by city/region |
| A$100,000 / €65,000 | ~A$24,967 Australia | ~€18,000 France IRPP + €6,000 social charges | France higher at this level when social charges included | Lifestyle factors often drive the decision |
| A$150,000 / €95,000 | ~A$43,867 Australia | ~€32,000 France IRPP + social charges | France significantly higher combined rate | DTA prevents double taxation |
| A$200,000 / €130,000 | ~A$63,867 Australia | ~€50,000+ France combined | France top combined rate exceeds 50% at this level | Both countries tax worldwide income |
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Manage International Payments →Yes — Australia and France have a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) that prevents the same income from being taxed by both countries. The treaty coordinates which country has the primary right to tax different income types: employment income is generally taxed in the country where work is performed; business profits are taxed in the country of operation; dividends, interest, and royalties are subject to specific treaty rates with withholding tax limits. Foreign Tax Credit mechanisms allow taxes paid to one country to be credited against obligations in the other. Australian residents who spend time in France and vice versa should seek specific advice on residency status under the treaty, as dual-resident situations are resolved by tie-breaker rules.
France levies social charges (contributions sociales) on top of income tax. The main charges are CSG (Contribution Sociale Généralisée) at 9.2% on employment income and CRDS (Contribution au Remboursement de la Dette Sociale) at 0.5%. For Australian nationals working in France under a French employment contract, these charges generally apply. Australians covered by the Australia-France Social Security Agreement may in some cases remain in the Australian social security system for a period, potentially exempting them from some French charges. The Australia-France DTA and the bilateral social security agreement work in parallel — both should be consulted for long-term assignees.
Australian superannuation (compulsory retirement savings) is not directly equivalent to the French pension system (Assurance Vieillesse) but is recognised as a pension arrangement for treaty purposes. Australian superannuation contributions made while working in Australia are not deductible for French tax purposes. Australians working in France should check whether their Australian superannuation contributions continue (they may, for a limited period under the Social Security Agreement) and how eventual superannuation withdrawals will be taxed in France if they remain French residents at retirement age.
Australians are not EU citizens and require a visa for stays in France exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period. For employment: a Salarié (employee) visa through a French employer. For working holiday (18–35): the Australia-France Working Holiday Agreement allows up to 2 years. For self-employed/freelancer: the Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) visa. For retirees or those with passive income: the Long Stay Visa (VLS-T Visiteur). Work permits are required for employment. France's immigration process is managed through French consulates and the OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration). After 5 years of legal residence, permanent residency is available.
Paris has by far the largest Australian community in France — the 1st to 6th arrondissements, Marais, and expat-friendly areas like Montparnasse and République have established English-speaking communities. The Côte d'Azur (Nice, Antibes, Cannes) attracts Australians seeking the Mediterranean lifestyle. Provence (Aix-en-Provence, Luberon) has a smaller but established Anglophone community. Lyon and Bordeaux have smaller but active Australian expat groups. France's relationship with Australia is historically strong — thousands of Australians visit France each year, and the Working Holiday Agreement means a significant number have lived in France at various career stages.