Working in other countries : the applicable work law

The status of "expatriate"

You can be an expatriate if :

you and your employer (located in France) have decided to opt for this status
or if you were first "seconded" but have exceeded the time limits (either the time limit set by the agreement or the maximum of six years allowed by France).

If you meet one of these conditions, you are not covered by the French Social Security, unless you take out voluntary insurance.

Social protection

Only the status of "détaché" allows you to remain affiliated to all compulsory French social protection.

For the other statuses, the social protection system varies from case to case.

Reminder of social protection in France

The compulsory French scheme covers 3 areas :

health (sickness, maternity, invalidity, accidents at work, death, family benefits)
retirement (Social Security pension, supplementary pension)
unemployment

To complement this compulsory social protection, it is possible to subscribe to a complementary health insurance (mutual) either individually or through your company. When you go to work abroad, the status you are offered affects this social protection.

Ubidoca Legal Service

Warning : this legal sheet is only advisory in nature and should not be used as a substitute for a thorough analysis of the texts in force and/or an in-depth interview with a legal advisor.