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December

For those unfamiliar with doing business in France, the process of hiring employees is often challenging. In this article, we highlight some features of the employment relationship you may find helpful to know before you engage locals or foreign nationals.

Brazil: 2011 Tax Incentives

In August, Brazil approved several significant tax incentives designed to promote foreign investment in technology, infrastructure and manufacturing. Multinational companies with sales, operations or investments in Brazil may benefit from the following new regulations known as the Plano Brasil Maior:

According to a November announcement from the executive committee of China’s State Council, Shanghai will spearhead a pilot VAT reform initiative on January 1, 2012. The program is part of an effort to ease the significant problem of indirect taxation in China and incent the services industry (in particular) by reducing the tax burden.

Foreign workers and their employers should be advised that the Australian Tax Commissioner gave notice in the Government Gazette of November 16, 2011 that he has requested names and addresses of persons granted Temporary Visas between July 1, 2008 and March 31, 2011 from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

In response to a combination* of sociological and economic factors, several changes to pensions and social security in Spain have been implemented.

UK: Notable 2011 Developments

As the year winds down, a recap of some notable developments in the UK seems in order. Previously announced in the March budget and confirmed in the summer Finance Bill, the following changes are now in place:

November

OECD: Changes Proposed to Article 5 of Model Tax Convention

The draft changes concern current interpretations and applications related to place of business, use of home offices, and contractor/subcontractor relationships.

The Dutch Ministry of Finance has introduced amendments to the “30% Ruling” in the Netherlands which aim to restrict the use of this personal income tax reduction. The new restrictions will go into effect January 1, 2012.

Dubai: Changes for Freezone Companies

In a move that could fundamentally change the way some foreign businesses operate in the UAE, the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai has passed Law No 13 of 2011. Under Article 23 of the Law, which deals with the regulation of economic activity in Dubai, companies licensed in freezones may now operate directly in Dubai, both inside and outside the freezones.

All foreign nationals who work or study in Bangalore are now required to register their stay with the Bangalore Foreign Registration Office (FRRO), regardless of the length of their stay in India.