Event report
Back To | French Nationals Abroad: Business, Wealth & French Taxation
On 25 September 2025, the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI) had the pleasure of attending the launch of the “Guide du Patrimoine & de l’Entrepreneuriat” (Guide to Wealth & Entrepreneurship) at the Alliance Française du Cap, an event organised by Entraide du Cap.
This guide, written by Virgile Yon (EQUANCE Group), a specialist in wealth management for expatriates, and François Lacouture, a lawyer at the Paris Bar, is a practical booklet designed for French nationals living in South Africa. It addresses the fiscal and legal challenges related to both personal and professional life abroad.
Under the theme “Taxation in a South African Context”, Virgile Yon and François Lacouture shared essential insights to help entrepreneurs and individuals navigate their affairs between France and South Africa.
On personal wealth, presented by Virgile Yon, three key points were covered:
- Tax residency, which determines where you pay taxes
- Matrimonial law, which affects how assets are shared
- Succession law, which defines who inherits what
On entrepreneurship, François Lacouture identified two main profiles:
- French nationals with businesses in France and activities in South Africa
- Those who launch their businesses directly in South Africa
Practical advice was shared on managing international contracts, choosing the right legal structure, business registration, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring data confidentiality in a cross-border context.
This exchange offered valuable insights into the challenges faced by French nationals abroad, while strengthening connections within the French-speaking network in Cape Town.
A heartfelt thank you to Entraide du Cap for organising this event, and to all the partners involved: FSACCI, the Alliance Française of Cape Town, French Tech South Africa, the Business Club des Francophones du Cap, and Cape Town Accueil.
