3DPAE, the employer declaration

The procedures outlined in this chapter are subject to change, and are the sole responsibility of the employer. It is not the worker’s responsibility to see to the correct completion of various employer declarations.

The employer should send a DPAE (déclaration préalable à l’embauche, or employer declaration) to URSSAF (Unions de Recouvrement des Cotisations de Sécurité Sociale et d’Allocations Familiales), regardless of the type of contract.

This must be done within the 8 days preceding the start of employment (or the trial period), up until the moment before work begins.

You should provide your employer with the following documents:

  • Birth certificate containing your parents’ information. If it is not in French, you will need to have it translated by an authorized translator or your consulate. Additionally, depending on your nationality, the document may require apostille certification or legalization.
  • Copy of your passport ID pages, and your Working Holiday Visa
  • Bank account information (usually referred to as a RIB, relevé d’identité bancaire)
  • Residential address

How to submit a DPAE?

Submission of a DPAE is possible online or by mail.

1. Online

Employers can submit the the application online through one of the following websites:

Upon doing so, the employer will receive a confirmation receipt, a copy of which should be provided to you for your records.

2. By mail

Alternatively, employers also have the option of downloading and printing the DPAE application form. Once it is filled out, they can mail it (with tracking number and delivery confirmation) to URSSAF or to the Mutualité sociale agricole fund that they belong to. The organization will then send a confirmation receipt back to the employer.

The employer should provide you a copy of the DPAE form or the confirmation receipt for your records.

Employment change

If for whatever reason you do not start work on the planned date, the employer should cancel the DPAE declaration in the same way that they had submitted it.

Other useful links:

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Jackson

In February 2023 I moved from Vancouver to Paris. Adventures await.
En février 2023 j’ai déménagé de Vancouver à Paris. Des aventures m’attendent.

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(14) Comments

niloo1890 I |

Hi Jackson!

In one of the comments you mentioned that there are no restrictions in hours or industries for the France WHV. What about contract types? CDD, CDI? If I’m not mistaken we are limited to CDD only, but I may be wrong. Just want to make sure.

Thank you!

Jackson I |

There are no rules against a CDI. You just have to stop working when your work authorization ends (ie resign). Or switch to a difference visa type at that time.

niloo1890 I |

Perfect, thank you!

Sh3r I |

Hi, thank you for the article. For WHV holders, what is the max hours I can work per week and are there any restrictions on the type of jobs or industries I can work in? Thank you!

Jackson I |

Hi there. There are no restrictions in hours or industries for the France WHV 🙂

melosm I |

Hi there. Thanks for the helpful article. Just a question on the social security–I understand that WHV holders do not need a social security number in the first year. Does this mean that the employee and employer do NOT make any social security contributions? If so, wouldn’t that mean the net income is much higher because it will only be subject to income tax? And does the same also apply to the second year (extension) of the WHV? Thanks for clarifying 🙂

Jackson I |

No, we make social security contributions regardless of whether we are eligible for social security benefits, in both years. The employer withholds it from gross pay.

melosm I |

Thank you, good to know! So we make the regular social security contributions both years of the WHV, but can only begin accessing social security benefits in year 2 (assuming we manage to extend the WHV for a second year)? Thanks again for the helpful info!

Jackson I |

That is correct

theAge I |

Hi pvtistes,

I’m hoping to clarify the most updated information regarding the need to apply for APT.

I’m Australian and obtained the France WHV last month. I will be arriving in January 2022. I saw above that for Australians who obtained WHV after March 1, 2016 do not need to apply for an APT in order to obtain work. Is this correct?

Having said that, I understand I will still need to obtain a ‘numéro de securité sociale’, correct?

Merci d’avance!

Adrian

laura1995 I |

I too am in this exact situation and unable to confirm whether or not I need to validate my French working holiday visa? And if not, I still need to get the social security number yes? Sorry I can’t seem to read the replies to this comment which I suspect would answer my questions!

Max I |

anyone get an answer on this?

Max I |

would be good if I could see the replies as to know what people said? Cause I have a job, and now am unclear about what to do as I’m being asked for a “titre de sejour” and an “attestation de validation par l’OFII”. Unsure what to do

Jackson I |

Hello!
1) WHV holders do not need an APT. The visa itself serves as work authorization AND titre de séjour
2) As outlined in chapters 2 and 4, WHV holders do NOT need a social security number in order to exercise employment (although your employer has the option of requesting one on your behalf through the DPAE). Some employers may not be familiar with the WHV, and so may need to be informed on your rights.