More than 88,000 French freelancers operate under the wage portage system. It must be admitted that this status offers many advantages for independents. They can claim the same social protection as employees and obtain administrative, legal and commercial support. A handy support when starting out in entrepreneurship…
Today, France has more than 300 wage portage companies. It's a sector that grows by 20% each year.
When you launch, which portage partner should you choose to start your activity successfully? Here is our top 8 wage portage companies in France!
1. Regie umbrella
Created by a former freelancer and umbrella-employee, Regie-portage prides itself on offering the best net pay to its independent workers.
The company carries the “Zero hidden fees” label which guarantees transparency in management fees and other deducted charges. Regie-portage's commission fees do not exceed 5% and are capped at €600.
Three sectors are mainly handled by the company: IT, construction, and interim management.
Furthermore, the benefits offered to freelancers are numerous:
- Actual housing occupancy allowance for teleworking
- Unpaid invoice insurance
- Employee savings
- Gifts
- Tax relief for buying back RTT days
- Meal vouchers, CESU vouchers, PERCO, PEE
- Accounting for investments through depreciation
2. ITG
ITG is one of the most experienced wage portage companies on the market. Launched in 1996, it supports more than 50,000 independent workers—experience it puts to work for its salaried portage employees.
Although it does not hold the “zero hidden fees” label, it is a member of the portage salary union (PEPS) and claims to be 100% transparent. ITG has several advisers across France who support freelancers who want to join.
Another advantage of ITG is its support in finding assignments. Nearly 14 professions are covered by this portage company, ranging from digital and construction to marketing, communications, real estate, and finance.
3. Executives on assignment
With Cadres en mission, personalized support for the freelancer comes first! Each ported independent is assigned to a human resources officer. That is what makes this umbrella company's strength, specialized in supporting independent consultants, trainers and interim managers.
The advantage of Cadres en mission? Support even abroad.
The organization facilitates the search for assignments by posting national and international opportunities on its website, which freelancers can respond to.
Finally, the management fees charged remain average, ranging between 5 and 10%.
4. Freedom umbrella
Freedom Portage offers commission fees lower than the market average: between 3 and 5%. Additionally, this umbrella company helps you optimize your income and expenses.
An important advantage: no minimum turnover is required from the freelancer. Among the other strengths offered by Freedom Portageexamples are: a company car, gift vouchers, a meal card, assistance with home purchase, as well as help with savings.
5. Umalis
Umalis offers the best rate on commission fees: only 2 to 5% of your turnover! Which is a strong argument for to choose as an umbrella company.
Furthermore, it distinguishes itself by the speed, professionalism and efficiency of the services offered. Since 2008, Umalis has primarily supported independent consultants in the IT sector.
What makes Umalis one of the best umbrella companies? Exceptional offers such as:
- A salary advance
- A company car
- A corporate card
- An online activity management platform
- Company shares to reward employee loyalty
6. RH Solutions
RH Solutions is among the top three French umbrella company groups. It has the largest number of local agencies, which makes supporting freelancers easier.
The management fees charged range between 6 and 10%. A variety of professions are covered, which allows almost any independent worker to register.
RH Solutions' major asset? The provision of an online tool to manage your activity. Ported employees can easily manage their assignments and salaries.
7. WebPortage
As its name indicates, WebPortage is an umbrella company specialized in supporting freelancers in the web sector.
Since 2015, it has managed over 13,000 independents. Its distinguishing feature? 100% online management. Through a mobile app, you manage your activity: from creating quotes to tracking cash flow, as well as invoicing, client relations, and payroll management.
The commissions charged by WebPortage range between 5% and 8%.
8. Prium umbrella
From the list, Prium Portage is the second umbrella company to hold the zero hidden fees label. It only charges a 5% management fee.
More than 600 freelancers are supported by the company, which benefits from 11 years of experience. Prium Portage also helps employed consultants find assignments. And to help them optimize their income, it offers:
- Optimal management of business expenses
- An employee savings plan
- Gift vouchers
- Referral offers
How to choose the right umbrella company?
How do you choose an umbrella company that matches your activity and needs? Even within our selection, and with more than 200 companies available in France, the choice is wide! So, here are 7 criteria to consider…
1. Transparency in management fees
Management or operating fees make up the remuneration of the umbrella company. Generally, they range from 5% to 15% of your income or turnover. Some companies offer a sliding rate depending on seniority and/or the freelancer's skills.
It is important to know this rate in order to clearly determine your final compensation. That’s why you must ensure there are no hidden fees. The umbrella company should clearly state whether professional liability insurance costs, taxes, and duties are included in the deduction rate. If not, you will need to add them.
Normally, the umbrella company provides a payslip simulation. This allows you to have a clear idea of your salary and the fees deducted, to better compare offers.
2. The portfolio
an umbrella company's portfolio includes its client companies but also the network of freelancers it manages. This is important for understanding the professional ecosystem around you.
The more satisfied the company's clients are, the more likely you are to get exclusive assignments. Indeed, they will tend to ask for recommendations from freelancers they already work with… So it's an opportunity to benefit from the network provided by the umbrella company.
Be sure to check the company's reputation on specialized forums, as well as the freelancer portfolio. It may be worthwhile to join a community that does not yet have entrepreneurs in your field of activity…
3. Dynamism
The freelance community can also provide support that brings you experience and new assignments.
Find out whether the umbrella company organizes events, workshops and meetups for freelancers. This is an important criterion to give your activity a boost, especially if you don’t have a professional network.
4. Services
What services does the umbrella company offer? The higher its management fees, the more extensive the services should be.
Make sure to check that the company offers:
- Quick availability and personalized support.
- A dedicated contact who is easy to reach.
- Comprehensive management of administrative tasks.
- Setting up employee savings plans.
- Training or professional events to improve your skills.
- Professional tools to streamline activity tracking.
Which brings us to the next criterion…
5. Tools to optimize your revenue
Technology should serve your business! There are apps, tools and online software that can help you track, manage and improve your activity. However, they can be costly for a freelancer.
An umbrella company can subscribe to professional tools and pool the costs across its network of freelancers.
Result: you get innovative services or products at lower costs that increase your productivity and performance!
6. Financial expertise and security
An umbrella company manages your turnover. Consequently, it guarantees a minimum remuneration when a client fails to pay an invoice.
The umbrella employment collective agreement provides for a minimum remuneration equal to 77% of the monthly social security ceiling (2,591 euros) for a full-time equivalent. In other words, the chosen company must have solid cash flow to advance your pay while waiting for the client’s payment.
It also handles social contributions (owed to URSSAF), as well as reimbursement of professional expenses. The selected umbrella company must therefore master the workings of the French administration and have an accounting and legal team to support (and above all, SUPPORT) you if needed.
7. Industry covered
Several umbrella companies specialize in a sector: crafts, digital, real estate, etc. Be sure to verify that the chosen company covers your activity.
Why is this important? It ensures they understand the specificities of your activity and can offer effective services, including tailored advice and training.
Conclusion
Looking for the best umbrella company? You’ll probably find it in this top 8!
Be sure to check the covered sectors, the benefits offered and the support services—especially if you’re starting out—as well as all the criteria mentioned above before choosing the company to entrust with your turnover… and here we go! Entrepreneurship and freedom await you!
Not sure about taking freelance status? Visit our comparative article on the auto-entrepreneur status and umbrella company employment to choose well...
