Changes to the CPAM’s requirements that need to be taken into account from the very start of the mobility process
We are currently seeing a change in the procedures followed by the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM) when processing applications for registration from expatriate employees in France.
From now on, for several countries, the CPAM requires that civil status documents submitted as part of the registration application be legalised or apostilled in advance.
This request mainly concerns:
- Birth certificates;
- Marriage certificates, where the employee’s family circumstances need to be verified.
This formality can prove to be a major stumbling block if it is not dealt with well in advance.
Why is this approach essential?
Legalisation or an apostille serves to certify the authenticity of a foreign public document so that it can be recognised by the French authorities.
However, these formalities must generally be completed in the employee’s country of origin before they arrive in France.
In the absence of valid documents, the CPAM may suspend or delay the processing of the registration application, which results in:
- Longer waiting periods before health insurance cover is granted;
- Additional administrative procedures following arrival in France;
- An extra administrative burden for both the employer and the employee.
Best practices to be implemented
To ensure a smooth process for your future expatriates, we recommend that you take the following steps in advance:
- Check whether the country of origin is affected
Requirements vary depending on the country that issued the document and the relevant international agreements.
A preliminary check can determine whether legalisation or an apostille is required.
Please consult the official table published by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to check whether your documents require an apostille, legalisation or are exempt from such formalities:
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/files/files/leg-tableau-recap-du-droit-conventionnel-04-11-25.pdf
- Obtain recent documents
It is recommended that you request civil status documents issued recently, ideally within the last three months.
This requirement is frequently imposed by the relevant authorities when legalising documents or obtaining an apostille.
- Complete the necessary formalities before departure
As legalisation or apostille procedures are generally carried out in the country of origin; they must be factored into the preparations for international mobility.
Proper planning helps to minimise the risk of delays in registering with the French social security system and makes it easier for the employee to settle in France.
Need some support?
Our teams can assist you with:
- Checking the applicable requirements depending on the country of origin;
- Identifying the documents that need to be prepared;
- Handling the administrative procedures relating to your employees’ arrival and registration in France.
Planning for these formalities right from the preparation stage of the assignment saves valuable time and helps ensure a smoother integration process for your international staff.
Our immigration experts are on hand to answer any questions you may have – please do not hesitate to contact us.