Sign a settlement agreement online in 2 minutes

Legal Framework

Art. L1237-11 Labor Code

Signature Level

AES eIDAS recommended

Legal Archiving

5 years (statute of limitations)

What is a settlement agreement?

A settlement agreement is an amicable way to terminate an indefinite-term employment contract (CDI), created by the law of June 25, 2008 and governed by articles L1237-11 to L1237-16 of the Labor Code. It requires mutual agreement between employer and employee, formalized by a termination agreement signed by both parties. The agreement opens a 15-day withdrawal period for each party, then must be approved by DREETS (formerly DIRECCTE) within 15 business days. Without opposition, approval is automatic and the contract terminates on the agreed date. The employee receives a specific settlement severance (at least equal to statutory dismissal compensation) and unemployment benefits (subject to Pôle emploi conditions).

Why sign the settlement agreement electronically?

Sign a termination agreement in 4 steps

From preliminary meeting to DREETS approval, in less than 5 minutes for signing.

1. 1. Prepare the agreement

   Use the Cerfa form no. 14598*01 (downloadable from service-public.fr) or a model compliant with art. L1237-11: identity of parties, specific severance, contract end date, mention of 15-day withdrawal period.

2. 2. Add signatories

   Employer (legal representative or authorized person) + employee. The agreement must also be signed following at least one preliminary meeting. Each receives a personalized secure link by email.

3. 3. Choose the eIDAS level

   Advanced signature (AES) recommended for termination agreement: identity verification by OTP SMS, unique certificate per signatory, qualified timestamp. The exact timestamp is critical for calculating the withdrawal period.

4. 4. Sign, wait 15 days, send to DREETS

   Each signatory signs from their phone. The withdrawal period runs for 15 calendar days. Then submit the signed agreement to DREETS via the TéléRC e-procedure for approval within 15 business days.

Frequently asked questions

Can a termination agreement be signed electronically?

Yes, without restriction. The Labor Code does not require handwritten signature. Article 1366 of the Civil Code gives electronic signature the same value as paper signature. DREETS has accepted agreements signed electronically via the TéléRC e-procedure since 2019, provided that authentication of parties is guaranteed.

Which signature level to choose: SES, AES, or QES?

For a termination agreement, advanced signature (AES) is the recommended standard. It provides a strengthened presumption of reliability through identity verification (OTP SMS) and a unique certificate per signatory — useful given the financial (severance) and legal (waiver of dismissal) stakes. SES (simple signature) is acceptable but undersized.

How does the 15-day withdrawal period work?

The 15-day calendar period begins from the day after the agreement is signed by both parties. During this period, each party may withdraw by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt or by any means providing proof of date. Advanced electronic signature precisely timestamps the signature, which secures the calculation of the period.

Is a preliminary meeting mandatory?

Yes — article L1237-12 of the Labor Code requires at least one preliminary meeting between employer and employee, during which termination modalities are discussed. The employee may be assisted (employee representative or staff representative). This meeting may precede or follow the signing of the agreement.

What is the specific termination severance?

At least equal to the legal dismissal severance (1/4 month per year of seniority for the first 10 years, 1/3 beyond — art. R1234-2 Labor Code). Collective agreements or a particular agreement may provide for higher severance. It is paid on the contract end date set by the agreement.

Is the employee entitled to unemployment benefits?

Yes, subject to France Travail conditions (formerly Pôle emploi): having contributed for at least 6 months in the last 24 months, being registered as a jobseeker, etc. Termination agreement opens entitlement to ARE like dismissal, unlike resignation. This is the central advantage for the employee.

How does DREETS approval proceed?

After the withdrawal period, the most diligent party submits the agreement to DREETS via the TéléRC e-procedure (paperless form). DREETS has 15 business days to verify the regularity of the procedure and absence of consent defects. If no response, approval is deemed granted. The electronically signed agreement is accepted by DREETS.

Is the electronically signed agreement enforceable before the labor court?

Yes — French labor case law unanimously recognizes eIDAS-compliant electronic signature. Advanced signature (AES) benefits from the presumption of reliability (art. 1367 Civil Code): the electronically signed agreement is enforceable as much as a paper agreement, subject to producing the eIDAS audit trail in case of dispute over consent or procedure.

Also read

• Electronic signature for HR
• Glossary — advanced signature (AES)
• Glossary — eIDAS regulation
• Certyneo pricing