Also in the news...
Foreign travel advice Indonesia
FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Indonesia.
Foreign travel advice Romania
Warnings and insurance Still current at: 24 April 2024 Updated: 23 April 2024 Latest update: Information related to drug offences and Romanian music festivals (under 'Laws and cultural differences' subheading on the 'Safety and security' page).
Foreign travel advice The Gambia
Warnings and insurance Still current at: 23 April 2024 Updated: 22 April 2024 Latest update: Ferry services between Banjul and Barra have been suspended until further notice; The Islamic Summit of the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) will be held in Banjul on 4-5 May; road closures and delays at Banjul International Airport ('Safety and security' page).
Foreign travel advice China
Warnings and insurance Still current at: 23 April 2024 Updated: 22 April 2024 Latest update: Updated information on flooding (‘Safety and security’ page).
Guidance Living in South Korea
Information for British citizens moving to or living in South Korea, including guidance on residency, healthcare, driving and more.
New Electronic Payment Rules For VAT In France
Local and foreign companies in France will soon be required by law to pay VAT by direct debit
From 28 October 2015 it will be compulsory for French companies to pay VAT by direct debit. The same rule applies to foreign companies (where they have a non-resident VAT registration in France) as of 1 December.
The penalty for not complying with the new rule will be a fine of 60 euros for each offence.
Banks will be taking the amount directly from company bank accounts on or after the 20th of each month/quarter, so it is necessary to make the appropriate account arrangements in advance.
It is important for companies to note that a French bank account is not required to fulfill the VAT payment obligation; alternative bank account information, including Swift and IBAN, can be provided.
If you have questions or need help to meet the compliance requirements, you can contact our VAT team here.