Social Protection and Mobility: Understanding the Role of the CLEISS

In a world that is increasingly open and interconnected, international worker mobility continues to grow. However, working abroad raises many questions, particularly concerning Social Protection. How can one maintain social coverage while abroad? What steps need to be taken? This is where CLEISS (Centre des Liaisons Européennes et Internationales de Sécurité Sociale – the Centre for European and International Social Security Liaison) comes in.

What is CLEISS?

CLEISS is a French public body that plays a key role in coordinating Social Security systems between France and other countries. It acts as an interface between French and foreign authorities, thereby helping to ensure the continuity of social entitlements for mobile workers.
Created in 1959, CLEISS’s main mission is to inform, advise and support insured individuals, companies and institutions with procedures relating to international Social Protection. It ensures the application of bilateral agreements and European regulations concerning Social Security.

Why is CLEISS essential?

When an employee or a self-employed person goes to work abroad, several scenarios may arise:

• Posting of workers: the worker remains affiliated with the French Social Security system while temporarily carrying out professional duties in another country.
• Expatriation: the worker becomes subject to the Social Security system of the host country.
• Returning to France after a period of working abroad.

In each of these situations, CLEISS plays a fundamental role by facilitating administrative procedures and helping to maintain social entitlements such as healthcare cover, pensions, or family benefits.

The Role of CLEISS

1. Before Departure

Before going abroad on a posting or expatriation, it is essential to clarify one’s status and check the agreements in force between France and the destination country. CLEISS can provide this information and guide workers through the necessary formalities.

• For a posting, the employer must request an A1 certificate (within the EU) or a certificate of posting.
• For an expatriation, the worker should enquire about the host country’s Social Security scheme and consider supplementary cover if needed.

During the Assignment

CLEISS intervenes in the event of difficulties in accessing healthcare, refusal of coverage, or disputes with a foreign institution. It also acts as a mediator between Social Security authorities.

Upon Return to France

On returning to France, CLEISS can assist with restoring Social Protection rights, particularly regarding healthcare and pensions. It also helps validate periods worked abroad for benefit calculation purposes.

Conclusion

CLEISS is a key player in international mobility, ensuring the continuity of Social Protection for employees working abroad. Thanks to its expertise and its role as an interface between different Social Security systems, it simplifies processes and ensures more effective coverage for insured individuals.
If you have any questions regarding Social Protection during international mobility, our experts are here to help you navigate this essential step with CLEISS.