Definition of the French EOR complete solution

The French EOR complete solution is a form of employment that allows a professional to carry out work autonomously while benefiting from employee status. It is based on a tripartite relationship between:

• The consultant (the independent professional),
• The French EOR complete solution provider,
• The client company that purchases the service.

A recognised legal definition

The first legal recognition of the French EOR complete solution dates back to a vote by the French National Assembly on June 25, 2008, which introduced a definition into the Labour Code, in former article L1251‑64, now repealed:

« The French EOR complete solution is a set of contractual relations organised between a provider company, a ‘porté’ person and client companies, granting the ‘porté’ person employee status and remuneration of their service delivered to the client by the provider company. It guarantees the rights of the ‘porté’ person over their client base. »

This first recognition was completed and clarified by Ordinance n° 2015‑380 of April 2, 2015, now the main legal reference. It provides a more complete definition in article L1254‑1 of the French Labour Code:

« The French EOR complete solution refers to the organised set composed of:

1. The relationship between a company known as a ‘French EOR complete solution company’, carrying out a service for a client company, which leads to the conclusion of a commercial service contract;
2. The employment contract concluded between the French EOR complete solution company and an employee known as the ‘porté employee’, who is remunerated by this company. »

Consult article L.1254‑1 of the French Labour Code on Légifrance.

A hybrid model between employment and independence

In short, the French EOR complete solution allows autonomous professionals to:

• Find their own assignments and set their rates,
• Sign an employment contract (CDI or CDD) with the EOR provider,
• Be paid as employees while keeping the freedom of independent work,
• Benefit from full social protection (health insurance, unemployment benefits, retirement…),
• Free themselves from administrative tasks (invoicing, follow‑ups, social declarations…).

The mechanism is based on a structured contractual relationship between the three actors: the consultant, the EOR company, and the client company.

Each plays a precise role within a secure legal framework.

The key steps in the process

1. Signing the French EOR complete solution agreement

This agreement can be signed even before finding an assignment. It marks the consultant’s entry into the provider’s network.
At 2i Portage, this gives you free access to our training program (Consultant Journey), expert advice, and mission opportunities.
It also defines the collaboration rules between the consultant and the provider.

2. Prospecting

The consultant finds their own assignments and freely negotiates conditions (duration, daily rate, deliverables…).

3. Signing the commercial contract

The EOR company establishes a commercial relationship with the client company through a “commercial service contract”. Invoicing is handled by the EOR company.

4. Signing the employment contract

In parallel, the EOR company signs an employment contract (CDI or CDD) with the consultant.

The consultant maintains a client‑provider relationship with the client company.

5. Carrying out the assignment

The consultant delivers the mission.

6. Invoicing and salary payment

The EOR provider invoices the client. It then deducts management fees, pays social contributions, and pays the employee’s salary.

7. Administrative follow‑up and legal compliance

Throughout the mission, the provider manages:

• Social declarations
• Payroll management
• Tax obligations
• Administrative documents (certificates, end‑of‑contract papers…)

Contractual documents

The French EOR complete solution is governed by several contracts:

• The EOR agreement defining the collaboration rules
• The commercial contract between the client and the EOR provider
• The employment contract between the provider and the porté employee (CDI or CDD)

 

Discover in detail how the French EOR complete solution works.

It is suitable for autonomous, qualified professionals wanting to work independently while keeping employee security.

Typical profiles

• Service‑based entrepreneurs (consulting, freelancing, training…)
• Job seekers (can combine with unemployment benefits)
• Freelancers needing to invoice a client
• Professionals testing a business idea without risk
• Self‑employed individuals wanting an additional secure structure

 

Eligibility criteria

To become a porté employee, three essential conditions apply:

1. A minimum daily rate

Your assignment must generate enough revenue to exceed the minimum salary defined by the collective agreement, typically over €230 excl. VAT per day.

2. An intellectual service

Only intellectual services are allowed (consulting, training, project management, auditing…).

Regulated professions and trading activities are excluded.

3. A professional client

Your client must be a business or organisation — assignments for private individuals are not allowed.

Do you want to check whether your profile is compatible with the French EOR complete solution?

Discover the exact eligibility criteria for the French EOR complete solution.

It is a secure and flexible solution that allows you to:

• Start a business with no risk,
• Keep employee security,
• Outsource all administrative constraints,
• Test a project quickly,
• Grow your activity at your own pace.

 

Need personalised support?

If you want to confirm whether your project is compatible with the French EOR complete solution, or if you have questions about setup, pricing or processes, the 2i Portage team is ready to help.

Contact us