Work conditions in France

The Active Population in Figures

Working Conditions

Legal Weekly Duration

35 hours

Retirement Age

The legal retirement age is 64 for those born in 1968 or later. For those born in earlier years, the legal retirement age is being gradually raised from 62 to 64.

Working Contracts

The permanent contract (CDI) is the type of contract which is most often used.
The fixed-term contract (CDD) makes it possible to employ temporary workers.
The Contrat Nouvelle Embauche (New Hiring Contract) is a new form of CDI where the rules for breach of contract are more flexible for employers during the first two years in exchange for the payment of a 10% indemnity for the employee.

Labour Laws

Consult the Doing Business Website, to obtain a summary of the labour regulations that apply to local entreprises.

Cost of Labour

Minimum Wage

As of 1 January 2026, France’s statutory minimum wage (SMIC) is EUR 12.02 per hour (approx. EUR 1,823.03 monthly for 35 h/week), set by French national law and adjusted by the government (Ministry of Labour / official decree).

Average Wage

In 2020, the average net annual wage reached € 29,070 according to INSEE (latest available data).

Social Contributions

Social Security Contributions Paid By Employers: Employer contribution varies depending on the size, type and location of businesses to about 50% of gross pay.
Social Security Contributions Paid By Employees: About 20% of the gross wage

Social Partners

Employer Associations

CPME - Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises
MEDEF - Leading Network of Entrepreneurs in France

Social Dialogue and Involvement of Social Partners

In France negotiations take place at the national, sectorial and company levels. French labour law provides an extensive institutional role for employee representatives and for organised labour. Strikes are common in France and are part of the social fabric.

Labour Unions

The CGT, general labour confederation
The CFDT, French democratic labour confederation
FO, workers' union
The CFTC, French Christian workers' confederation
The CFE-CGC, management confederation-general confederation of managers
The UNSA, national union of autonomous unions

Unionisation Rate

Today 8% of French employees belong to a union (5% in the private sector and 14% in the public sector). That is twice as few as 25 years ago, yet the unions remain strong and active.

Labour Regulation Bodies

The Ministry of Labour, Employment, Professional Training and Social Dialogue