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Expatriation vs secondment status
Expatriation - Published on 10/1/20
The difference between an expatriate and a secondee lies in their status with respect to French Social Security law. This notion of expatriate or seconded status therefore applies only to the French.
A person who remains enrolled in the French general Social Security scheme as well as the unemployment insurance, old-age insurance and supplementary pension schemes is deemed to be on secondment. In other words, there is no break with French social protection.
This makes the return to France easier. This status is therefore recommended for short stays (less than a few years).
Unlike secondees, expatriates are no longer enrolled in the general Social Security scheme unless they decide to become members of the Caisse des Français de l'Étranger to maintain their entitlement to French benefits.
Periods of expatriation have no time limits.
When working abroad, an employee may be hired under a local contract. In this case, they are covered by the Social Security scheme of the host country and are no longer entitled to French benefits.
This makes the return to France easier. This status is therefore recommended for short stays (less than a few years).
Unlike secondees, expatriates are no longer enrolled in the general Social Security scheme unless they decide to become members of the Caisse des Français de l'Étranger to maintain their entitlement to French benefits.
Periods of expatriation have no time limits.
When working abroad, an employee may be hired under a local contract. In this case, they are covered by the Social Security scheme of the host country and are no longer entitled to French benefits.
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