Termination of Permanent and Fixed-Term Contracts in a French EOR Complete Solution: How Does It Work?

The Different Types of Contracts in a French EOR Complete Solution

In a French EOR complete solution, an independent professional can sign two types of employment contracts with the EOR provider: a fixed‑term contract (CDD) or a permanent contract (CDI). Each type of contract follows its own rules, which is why ending a permanent contract within a French EOR complete solution differs from ending a fixed‑term contract.

The Fixed‑Term Contract (CDD)

A fixed‑term contract is signed for a specific duration and includes a predefined end date. It therefore ends automatically when that date is reached.

However, this type of contract may be terminated early in certain situations:

• At the request of either party during the trial period.
• In case both parties agree to terminate the contract before its end date.
• At the initiative of the French EOR provider in the event of serious misconduct by the Employee.
• If the Consultant provides proof of incapacity to work, confirmed by the occupational physician.
• When the Consultant/Employee is hired on a permanent contract (CDI).

Whether the contract ends on the scheduled date or earlier, the Consultant receives an end‑of‑contract allowance, also known as the “precariousness allowance,” which corresponds to 10% of the total gross remuneration earned during the contract period.

Once the contract has ended, the Employee can return to other projects or choose to continue the assignment beyond the initially planned date. In that case, they may renew their fixed‑term contract (up to two times) or transition to a permanent contract (CDI) if the French EOR provider agrees.

Overall, the fixed‑term contract (CDD) offers a certain level of flexibility for consultants who seek short‑term assignments or want to alternate between different projects.

The Permanent Contract (CDI)

The permanent contract (CDI) does not include a predefined end date. It allows the Consultant to work on multiple assignments for different clients without interrupting their employment relationship with the French EOR provider.

This arrangement offers greater stability and increased security for independent professionals.

Several options are available to both the Consultant and the French EOR provider to end a permanent contract within a French EOR complete solution:

• Resignation
  The Consultant working under a French EOR complete solution may decide to leave the company on their own initiative. In this case, they must comply with the notice period established by the collective agreement governing the French EOR complete solution sector. The length of this notice period depends on the Consultant’s length of service within the company.
• Mutual Termination Agreement in a French EOR Complete Solution
  A mutual termination agreement is an amicable way to end an employment contract, requiring the consent of both the Consultant and the French EOR complete solution provider. This type of agreement grants the Consultant a specific termination indemnity, the amount of which is negotiated between both parties. It also entitles the Consultant to unemployment benefits.
• Ending the Probationary Period
  If the Consultant is still within their probationary period (which can last up to four months for managerial positions), the contract may be terminated by either party without the need to provide justification.

Good to know
Dismissal is very uncommon within a French EOR complete solution, as Consultants are responsible for securing their own assignments and managing the relationship with their clients. In certain exceptional cases, however—such as serious misconduct or demonstrable underperformance—the French EOR complete solution provider may be required to terminate the employment contract.

Whatever type of contract you have signed and whatever the reason for ending it, it is essential to anticipate this moment as much as possible so you can be fully prepared for the transition.

Regulatory update: more transparency!

Since the ministerial order of 10 July 2024, Amendment No. 12 to the national collective agreement for Employees working under a French EOR complete solution is now mandatory. Although it mainly concerns the classification of Consultants and their minimum pay, this amendment also has indirect effects on how contract terminations are managed. In particular, it strengthens requirements regarding contractual transparency, which implies:

• greater clarity regarding the conditions under which the employment contract may be terminated,
• a stronger consideration of professional equality in all interactions between the Consultant and the French EOR complete solution provider.

These adjustments help further secure the tripartite relationship and prevent disputes at the end of an assignment.

And after the end of the contract?

Once the contract has ended, the Consultant may:

• register with France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi) to receive unemployment benefits, provided they meet the eligibility requirements;
• renew a fixed-term contract (up to twice) or sign a permanent contract if a new assignment is planned;
• dedicate themselves to other professional or personal projects.

Key steps for effectively managing the end of your contract within a French EOR complete solution

The end of a contract can be a stressful and destabilising moment. It is therefore essential to follow a few key steps to prepare for it as effectively as possible.

1. Anticipate the end of the assignment

Whether you are facing the end of a permanent or fixed‑term contract within a French EOR complete solution, it is essential to anticipate the end of your assignment. This means gathering information in advance about the steps to follow and any deadlines to comply with in order to terminate your contract under the best possible conditions.

2. Maintain regular communication with the French EOR complete solution provider

Throughout the assignment — and especially as the end of the contract approaches — it is crucial to maintain close communication with the French EOR complete solution provider.

Regular exchanges with your dedicated advisor help to:

• review the progress of the assignment,
• anticipate any potential difficulties,
• and prepare the transition as effectively as possible.

Feel free to share your plans and intentions so your French EOR complete solution provider can offer tailored support.

3. Prepare your administrative file

Ending a contract within a French EOR complete solution requires gathering a number of administrative documents. It’s therefore important to start early to avoid any last‑minute stress.

Among the documents to prepare, you will typically need:

• The employment certificate, which confirms the duration of the assignment and the position held.
• The France Travail certificate, required to claim unemployment benefits.
• The final payslip (solde de tout compte), which summarises all amounts paid to the Consultant at the end of their contract (salary, allowances, etc.).
• The payslips for the period worked.

Your French EOR complete solution provider will support you in assembling this file and will let you know if any additional documents are required, depending on your situation.

4. Review your rights and entitlements

The end of a contract within a French EOR complete solution entitles the Consultant to different types of compensation, depending on the nature of the contract and the circumstances of its termination. It is essential to fully understand your rights to ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Here are the main entitlements you may be eligible for:

• The end‑of‑contract allowance (indemnité de précarité), paid at the end of a fixed‑term contract, corresponds to 10% of the total gross remuneration received during the contract period.
• The mutual termination allowance, granted in the event of a mutual termination agreement within a French EOR complete solution, provides the Consultant with a specific indemnity, the amount of which is negotiated with the provider. This indemnity cannot be lower than the legal minimum amount required for statutory dismissal compensation.
• Unemployment benefits: in the event of a fixed‑term contract ending or a mutual termination of a permanent contract, the Consultant may be eligible for unemployment benefits, provided they meet the required conditions (length of affiliation, amount of remuneration received, etc.).

Above all, don’t hesitate to contact your French EOR complete solution provider to review your rights and obtain an accurate simulation of the compensation you may be entitled to.

Want to explore the topic further? Check out our full article dedicated to French EOR complete solution & unemployment benefits: the complete guide.

5. Prepare the next steps in your professional journey

The end of a contract within a French EOR complete solution is also an opportunity to reflect on your professional future. It’s the perfect moment to review your experience and look ahead to new horizons.

Several options are then available to you:

• Continue within a French EOR complete solution: you may choose to carry on working under this model by seeking a new assignment with your current clients or by identifying new opportunities.
• Create your own company: drawing on your experience as an independent professional, you may decide to take the next step and create your own business (EURL, SASU, etc.).
• Look for a traditional salaried position: you may also choose to return to a standard employment model, making the most of the skills you developed during your assignments within a French EOR complete solution.

Whatever option you choose, it is important to take the time to reflect and seek support throughout the process. Your French EOR complete solution provider can help you gain clarity and prepare for this transition if needed.

The advantages of a French EOR complete solution for managing contract endings

A French EOR complete solution provides a secure and advantageous framework for independent professionals — including when ending a permanent contract.

Personalised support

French EOR complete solution providers offer tailored support to their Consultants throughout their entire journey. When a contract comes to an end, you benefit from personalised guidance to manage the transition smoothly and prepare for what comes next.

Your dedicated advisor is there to answer your questions, assist you with administrative procedures, and help you reflect on your future professional plans.

Financial security

In the event of an assignment ending, a French EOR complete solution offers genuine financial security. Thanks to employee status, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits if you meet the required conditions. This protection allows you to maintain an income during your transition period and while searching for a new assignment.

Great flexibility

Independent professionals working within a French EOR complete solution also benefit from significant flexibility in how they organise their assignments.

You can take on consecutive assignments and contracts with different clients, without constraints on duration. This flexibility allows you to adapt quickly to market opportunities and manage your career with full autonomy.

Administrative simplicity

Finally, within a French EOR complete solution, you are relieved of all administrative and management tasks.

When a contract ends, your French EOR complete solution provider handles all the necessary procedures, including:

• preparation of end‑of‑contract documents,
• declarations to social security bodies,
• calculation of allowances.
• etc.

This support allows you to focus on your core business and save valuable time.

To sum up, the end of a contract within a French EOR complete solution may raise questions, but it is a normal step in the journey of an independent professional. By understanding the specificities of each contract type, anticipating the administrative steps, and relying on the support of your French EOR complete solution provider, you can navigate this transition with confidence.

So, don’t hesitate to reach out to your advisor to receive personalised guidance and tailored assistance in managing the end of your contract.