DPAE (Déclaration Préalable à l’Embauche)
The DPAE (Déclaration Préalable à l’Embauche) is the mandatory pre-employment declaration that employers in France must submit before an employee starts working. The declaration is filed with URSSAF and is one of the most important administrative formalities when hiring staff in France.
Through the DPAE, the employer officially declares the upcoming recruitment of an employee. This allows several administrative procedures to be initiated automatically and ensures that the employee is properly registered within the French social security system.
When must a DPAE be submitted?
The DPAE must be filed before the employee's first working day. In practice, it is often submitted several days before the employment start date.
This obligation applies to almost all employees, regardless of:
- The type of employment contract (CDI or CDD);
- Full-time or part-time employment;
- The duration of the contract.
An employee may not start working until the DPAE has been properly completed.
Why is the DPAE important?
The DPAE combines several administrative formalities into a single declaration.
Through the DPAE, the employer can:
- notify URSSAF of the recruitment;
- register the employee with the French social security system;
- initiate access to certain social security rights;
- arrange registration with the occupational health service.
As a result, the DPAE is a key step in ensuring compliant employment in France.
What are the consequences of failing to submit a DPAE?
Failing to submit a DPAE, or submitting it late, can have serious consequences for the employer.
French authorities may classify this as undeclared work (travail dissimulé), which can result in:
- administrative sanctions;
- financial penalties;
- social contribution adjustments;
- issues during inspections by URSSAF or the labour inspectorate.
Submitting the declaration correctly and on time is therefore essential.
DPAE for foreign employers
Foreign companies hiring employees in France must also comply with DPAE requirements. For many international employers, this is one of the very first administrative steps when employing staff in France.
Proper preparation helps avoid errors, delays and disputes with French authorities.
Hiring employees in France for the first time? I can help you with the DPAE and all administrative formalities related to employment in France.