The 3 options —
side by side.
| Criteria | SAP Agency | Direct hire (CESU) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| You are the legal employer | No | Yes | Partially |
| 50% tax credit available | Yes — automatic | Yes — you manage | Usually no |
| Insurance covered | By agency | You arrange it | Unclear |
| Sick leave management | Agency handles | You handle | You find another |
| Labour law compliance | Agency's responsibility | Your responsibility | Grey zone |
| Same person every time | Guaranteed | Yes (you hire them) | Not guaranteed |
| Staff training | Agency trained | Your responsibility | None |
| Administrative burden | Zero | Monthly declarations | Low |
The real cost calculation —
who is actually cheaper?
Let's compare the real annual cost of a weekly 2-hour cleaning in a Paris apartment (60m²). We include all hidden costs most people ignore.
| Cost element | SAP Agency | Direct hire | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate (gross) | 22 €/h | 12 €/h + charges | 18 €/h |
| Employer charges (~30%) | 0 € | 3.60 €/h | 0 € |
| Holiday pay (10%) | Included | 1.20 €/h | Included |
| Effective hourly cost | 22 €/h | 16.80 €/h | 18 €/h |
| Annual cost (2h/week) | 2 288 € | 1 747 € | 1 872 € |
| Tax credit (50%) | -1 144 € | -874 € | 0 € |
| Real annual cost | 1 144 € | 873 € | 1 872 € |
💡 The verdict
Direct hire is slightly cheaper (€271/year difference) but requires significant administrative time and carries legal risk. For most expats, the agency option is the rational choice. Platforms are the worst value by far.
The risks most people
don't think about.
Labour tribunal (prud'hommes)
A direct employee can take you to labour tribunal for unfair dismissal, non-payment of holiday entitlements, or improper contract terms. Cases can cost thousands. Zero risk with an agency.
Workplace accident
If your direct employee injures themselves in your home, you're responsible. Medical costs, lost earnings, compensation — your liability. An agency's insurance covers all of this.
URSSAF audit
The French social security administration audits employers. Incorrect declarations result in back-payments plus penalties. An agency handles all declarations correctly.
Trust and security
An agency vets and trains all staff. References are checked. Background is verified. With a platform or direct hire, you do this yourself — or don't.
FAQ — direct hire
vs agency in Paris.
Can I get the tax credit with a platform?
Only if the platform has SAP approval (agrément Services à la Personne). Most platforms — including major international ones — do not have this approval for France. Always ask before using.
What is the CESU system?
CESU (Chèque Emploi Service Universel) is a simplified declaration system for direct employers. It reduces the administrative burden but does not eliminate your legal responsibilities as an employer.
Is it legal to pay cash in France?
Paying undeclared cash is illegal in France and carries significant penalties for both parties. It also means no tax credit and no legal protection if something goes wrong.
How quickly can I switch from direct hire to an agency?
Immediately, if you are not in a fixed-term contract with your current cleaner. If you have a CDI with a direct employee, you will need to follow proper termination procedures before switching.