Umbrella employment (portage salarial) combines the freedom of an independent with the security of an employee. At the heart of this relationship is the umbrella employment contract, which governs the collaboration between three parties: the umbrella employee, the umbrella company (here, Kaiporting) and the client company. Understanding its features and benefits is essential for any professional who wants to work safely on freelance assignments.
What is an umbrella employment contract?
The umbrella employment contract is an agreement under which Kaiporting undertakes to employ the consultant to carry out an assignment for a client company.
This relationship is governed by the French Labour Code and the umbrella employment collective agreement, in force since 2017, and is based on three separate documents:
The employment contract between Kaiporting and the umbrella employee.
The service contract between Kaiporting and the client company.
The membership agreement, which sets the general framework of the relationship.
This structure guarantees the consultant full social protection while keeping their independence.
The main features of the contract
The umbrella employment contract can take two forms:
Fixed-term (CDD): up to 18 months, renewable.
Permanent (CDI): provides long-term stability.
The maximum length of an assignment is 36 months, giving companies the flexibility to bring in consultants for one-off or long-term projects.
An umbrella employment contract must contain:
The explicit wording “contrat de travail en portage salarial” (umbrella employment contract).
The identity of Kaiporting and of the umbrella employee.
A precise description of the assignment and activities.
How pay is calculated and paid.
The management fees and business expenses.
Information on the framework of the service.
The contract must be given to the umbrella employee within two working days at most, in accordance with the Labour Code.
The three pillars of the umbrella employment contract
The contract rests on three essential elements:
The employment contract: defines the umbrella employee’s rights (social protection, paid leave, benefits linked to employee status).
The service contract: sets out the assignment with the client company (nature, duration, price, responsibilities).
The membership agreement: formalises the employee’s commitment to Kaiporting and specifies management fees and termination conditions.
Each party's commitments
The umbrella employee must:
- Find and negotiate their assignments.
- Provide a monthly activity report.
- Comply with the Labour Code and the collective agreement.
- Keep their skills up to date.
- Inform Kaiporting of any significant change.
Kaiporting undertakes to:
- Pay the income from assignments regularly.
- Provide full social cover.
- Handle all administrative formalities.
- Build up a financial reserve for periods without assignments.
- Respect the contract termination conditions.
Why choose umbrella employment with Kaiporting?
Umbrella employment offers a unique balance between security and freedom:
- Full social protection (pension, health, paid leave).
- Autonomy in choosing assignments and developing your business.
- Legal security for the employee and the client company.
For independent professionals who want to focus on their expertise without worrying about administrative constraints, the umbrella employment contract is an ideal solution.
Want to know more? Read our detailed articles.
