When you’re settling into your new home in France, chances are you’ll find yourself needing help with renovations, improvements or routine repairs. Even if you’re fairly handy, some work needs a professional touch – and hiring the right tradesperson is key. So, before you find yourself at the wrong end of a repair job, you should learn how to hire a tradesperson in France.
But how do you find a trustworthy tradesman who’s skilled, properly registered and insured? And how can you make sure the work stays within budget?
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hiring a French artisan or contractor in 2025, from registration checks to payment practices.
Contents
- Why registration matters
- How to check a tradesperson’s credentials
- Finding the right person for the job
- Getting and comparing quotes
- How to pay and what to expect
- Understanding VAT and building regulations
- Extra help around the home
- Frequently asked questions
If you know how to hire a tradesperson in France, you’ll be set up for success after your move
Why registration matters
In France, using a legally registered tradesperson is more than just best practice – it’s essential. Hiring someone who isn’t registered can result in steep fines and, worst of all, no legal protection if something goes wrong. It’s an important step when you hire a tradesperson in France.
All professional tradespeople should be registered with one of the following bodies:
- Chambre de Métiers et de l’Artisanat (for artisans like plumbers, electricians and builders)
- Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie (for commercial entities)
- URSSAF or INSEE (for sole traders and self-employed workers)
A registered French tradesperson will hold a SIRET number – a 14-digit identifier that proves they are operating legally. The first 9 digits are the SIREN number which links to business details available on public websites like Infogreffe, Societe.com, and Les Echos.
You might be tempted by someone offering cheap cash-in-hand work. But avoid cutting corners. Without proper registration and insurance, you could be held financially responsible for injuries, defective work or even legal disputes – and there’s no guarantee the job gets finished properly.
For a closer look at purchasing property, claim your free copy of our France Buying Guide:
How to check a tradesperson’s credentials
A genuine tradesperson won’t hesitate to share their registration details. Before you hire a tradesperson in France, ask for their Carte d’Identification or SIRET number. The Carte d’Identification is issued by professional authorities and includes key details like the business name, legal status and activity type.
Use their SIREN number (the first nine digits of their SIRET) to look them up online. You can cross-reference their registration on:
Also, make sure they’ve got valid liability insurance – called assurance décennale. This ten-year insurance is required for structural work and ensures the tradesperson remains liable for defects for a full decade after the job is done.
This level of transparency is normal in France. If a contractor cannot – or will not – provide proof of registration and insurance, that’s a red flag. Walk away and find someone else.
Finding the right person for the job
The best tradespeople are often found by word of mouth. If you’ve moved to an area with other expats or long-term residents, start by asking your neighbours or local contacts – many of them will have had to hire a tradesperson in France. A strong local recommendation is gold.
Your estate agent is another helpful source. Many agents maintain lists of reliable contractors – builders, painters, electricians – who frequently work with international clients.
Try not to limit yourself to a single option. Arrange to meet at least two or three professionals before making a decision. Discuss your project, budget and timeline openly. You’ll quickly get a sense of who is organised and who might not deliver.
Language can sometimes be a barrier. If you’re not fluent in French, seek out someone who speaks some English – or consider bringing a trusted bilingual friend to early meetings. There are also English-speaking tradespeople across France, especially in areas with large expat communities like Dordogne, Charente-Maritime and Languedoc.
Most artisans work standard daytime hours, often starting early and breaking for a long lunch. They may not have a large admin team or marketing website, so be patient when reaching out.
Getting and comparing quotes
Before you hire a tradesperson in France, ask for a written quote – known in France as a devis. This should be free and include full details of the work, materials, labour, timeframe, and total cost including VAT (TVA). By law, any building or repair job over €150 must come with a written devis.
It’s wise to get at least two or three quotes for comparison. Prices can vary dramatically even for the same work. Sometimes this is due to differences in experience or materials – other times, it may reflect how busy the tradesperson is.
That said, don’t automatically go for the cheapest estimate. Look carefully at what’s included. Is one using premium materials while the other hasn’t specified anything? Did one include follow-up visits or additional checks?
Only agree to work once both parties have signed the quote. In France, this acts as a contract. If the scope of work changes, request an amended version before proceeding.
A clear quote and contract are your best protections if disputes or misunderstandings arise. It also sets expectations, so both sides know what’s included and when it should be finished.
How to pay and what to expect when you hire a tradesperson in France
Rather than paying everything upfront, stage payments – or paiement échelonné – are standard practice. Typically, you’ll pay a deposit (often 20–30%) to confirm the booking. Then, payments are made at agreed milestones, with a final payment upon completion.
Always pay via bank transfer or cheque. This provides proof of payment and helps you track expenses. Avoid cash unless it’s a very small job, and always ask for a receipt.
In your contract, agree on estimated timeframes for each phase. Factors like weather, material shortages or licensing delays can affect timing, but having a written roadmap keeps things on track.
Also discuss whether you’ll be sourcing materials like tiles or fittings – or whether your tradesperson will supply them. If they can offer prix marchand (trade prices), you could save significantly on higher-end finishes.
Get everything in writing – especially extras that come up during the job. Mentioning something in passing doesn’t make it part of the original agreement unless it’s documented.
Understanding VAT and building regulations
In France, the standard VAT (TVA) rate is 20%, but a reduced rate of 10% applies when a home is over two years old and the work is carried out by a registered professional. For very energy-efficient upgrades – like installing heat pumps or insulation – that VAT may drop to just 5.5%.
These reduced rates only apply if you use a registered contractor. If you bring in an unregistered handyman or attempt the work yourself, you’ll pay full VAT on materials and won’t qualify for tax incentives.
Depending on your project, planning permission may be needed. This is especially true for major extensions, structural alterations or adding features like swimming pools. If required, a déclaration préalable or a full permis de construire must be submitted to the Mairie (town hall).
Luckily, most tradespeople are well-versed in these rules. A good one will tell you exactly what paperwork is necessary and may even help prepare it or liaise with the local authorities on your behalf.
It’s essential to follow these rules – skipping approvals to save time can cost a fortune later.
Extra help around the home
Not all property jobs require an artisan. Tasks like gardening, window cleaning or looking after your home while you’re away are often managed by local individuals or small businesses.
To stay compliant, you must still do things by the book. If you hire someone regularly – even part time – you might need to declare their work through the CESU (Chèque Emploi Service Universel) system. It’s a legal payroll framework that covers insurance and social contributions for domestic workers.
This also helps you avoid employing someone “off the books”, which could land you in legal difficulty later.
If you’re looking for a cleaner, gardener or pool specialist, start with neighbourhood forums, estate agent recommendations or expat Facebook groups. Once again, a personal recommendation goes a long way.
And don’t forget – we’ve got a full guide on how to find trusted household help across France.
Need support with your move?
Whether you’re planning a renovation, sprucing up a house before letting it out or settling into your new French lifestyle, hiring tradespeople is part of the journey. At Your Overseas Home, we help buyers like you navigate everything from hiring a French solicitor to getting a site survey – always with clear, unbiased advice.
Still searching for your dream property or need help planning a viewing trip? Book your free consultation today and take the next step confidently.
Frequently asked questions about hiring a tradesperson in France
Do tradespeople in France need to be registered?
Yes. All professional tradespeople must be registered with bodies like the Chambre de Métiers et de l’Artisanat and hold a valid SIRET number. This ensures they operate legally and are covered by required insurances.
How do I check if a French tradesperson is legitimate?
Ask for their SIRET or Carte d’Identification number, then verify it on sites like Infogreffe.fr or Societe.com. Also confirm they have valid liability insurance, especially for structural or electrical work.
What should a quote from a tradesperson in France include?
A written quote (devis) should detail materials, labour, VAT, total cost, and the timeframe. It becomes a legal contract once signed. Quotes are required by law for any job over €150.
How do I pay a tradesperson in France?
Use staged payments, starting with a deposit. Bank transfer or cheque is preferred for legal and traceability reasons. Always get receipts and confirm the agreed payment schedule in writing.
Are there reduced VAT rates for building work in France?
Yes. VAT is reduced to 10% for work on homes over two years old, and 5.5% for energy-efficient upgrades. These rates apply only when using a registered professional who provides an official invoice.
