DPAE 2026: France’s Pre-Employment Declaration First Hire

In France, hiring an employee involves a mandatory administrative step called the Déclaration Préalable à l’Embauche (DPAE), or Pre-Employment Declaration. This process ensures that social security organizations, such as URSSAF and Occupational Health Services, are notified of new hires, guaranteeing legal compliance and employee protection from day one.

What’s New in 2026?

A significant change in 2026 is the option to submit the DPAE directly via the DSN (Déclaration Sociale Nominative), France’s unified social reporting system. This new method simplifies the process for employers using compatible payroll software, as it integrates the DPAE into the monthly DSN submission. While this method is currently optional and primarily available for employers under the general social security regime, it marks a shift toward greater automation and efficiency in HR processes. 

The DPAE must be submitted at least 8 days before the employee’s start date or the beginning of their trial period. It consolidates multiple administrative steps, including social security registration and occupational health affiliation, into a single declaration. Employers must provide details such as the company’s SIRET and APE codes, as well as the employee’s NIR (Social Security Number) or NTT (Temporary Worker Number), full name, and contract type.

First Hire Considerations

For employers hiring their first employee in France, the DPAE is just one part of a broader process. Alongside the DPAE, employers must ensure their company is legally registered with a SIRET number and APE code. They must also prepare a compliant employment contract, which must be in French and include mandatory clauses such as job title, workplace, salary, and trial period details.

Once the DPAE is submitted, the employee is automatically registered with social security and unemployment insurance systems. Employers must also affiliate with a Service de Santé au Travail (SST), or Occupational Health Service, to schedule a pre-hire medical check-up. This visit must occur within three months of the hire date for non-hazardous roles.

Key Takeaways

The DPAE is a critical step in hiring employees in France, ensuring legal compliance and protecting both the employer and employee. The 2026 introduction of the DSN method offers a more streamlined approach for those with compatible payroll systems, though traditional methods remain available. Employers must also be mindful of additional requirements, such as occupational health affiliation and proper documentation, to ensure a smooth and compliant hiring process