Posting workers to France comes with specific legal obligations that foreign employers must respect before any work begins. One of the most important requirements is the SIPSI declaration. This article explains what SIPSI is, who must submit a declaration, how the process works, and what employers should prepare to remain compliant with French labour law.
Understanding SIPSI and Its Purpose
SIPSI is the official online declaration system managed by the French Ministry of Labour. It is used to notify the French labour authorities when a company established outside France temporarily posts workers to perform services on French territory.
The main purpose of SIPSI is to ensure transparency and protect workers’ rights. Through this system, authorities can verify that posted workers benefit from French minimum employment standards, including salary rules, working hours, health and safety requirements, and sector specific regulations such as those applying to construction activities.
Who Is Required to Submit a SIPSI Declaration
In most cases, any employer established outside France who sends employees to work temporarily in France must submit a SIPSI declaration before the work starts. This applies regardless of the duration of the assignment if the employee is physically carrying out work on French soil.
Common posting situations include providing services to a French client, posting employees within the same corporate group, and temporary agency work where workers are supplied to a company based in France.
There are limited exemptions, such as certain postings carried out for the employer’s own account. These exemptions are specific and depend on the nature of the activity, so each case should be checked carefully against official guidance.
Legal Framework Behind SIPSI
The SIPSI obligation is grounded in the French Labour Code. The law requires employers to notify the labour inspectorate in advance when posting workers to France. Failure to comply with this requirement can lead to administrative fines and, in serious cases, suspension of the activity.
When the Declaration Must Be Filed
The SIPSI declaration must be submitted before the posted workers begin their assignment in France. Late declarations are treated as non compliance, even if the information provided is otherwise correct.
Employers are strongly advised to submit the declaration as soon as the assignment dates and worker details are confirmed. This allows time to correct errors and ensures the receipt is available if requested by the client or authorities.
Information Required Before Filing
Before starting the SIPSI declaration, employers should gather all necessary information to avoid delays or incomplete submissions.
Employer details are required, including the legal identity of the company, its registered address, and contact information. Details about the assignment in France must also be provided, such as the type of service, work location, and expected duration.