From what age can one work?

Verified 01 June 2026 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

It is possible to work from the age of 16, regardless of the type of contract (DTA: titleContent, FIXED-TERM: titleContent, temporary contract). Any minor must be authorized by his or her legal representative (e.g. father or mother), unless he is emancipated.

However, in some sectors, it is possible to start working before the age of 16.

Some professional activities are prohibited before 18 years. The employer may not assign a minor to work involving risks to his health (e.g. mechanical vibrations) or safety (e.g. working at heights).

Before the age of 14, a child or adolescent may work only:

  • In a company of shows, cinema, radio, television, or sound recordings
  • As a model
  • In a company or association whose purpose is to participate in video game competitions

The legal representative the minor must apply to the labor inspectorate for administrative authorization.

Who shall I contact

Please note

it is possible to carry out information visits and periods of observation in company.

General case

With the approval of the labor inspectorate, a minor aged 14 or 15 may work only during school holidays under the following conditions:

  • School holidays must last at least 14 days
  • The minor must be provided with continuous rest for at least half of the total holiday period (for example, for a 2-week holiday period, the minor may not work more than one week)
  • He is assigned to light work without risk to his safety (for example, working at height), his health (for example, mechanical vibrations) or his development (for example, work exposing him to pornographic or violent acts or representations).

The minor must not work more than 35 hours a week, nor more than 7 hours a day.

His remuneration must be at least equal to 80% of the minimum wage (or €9.85).

Agricultural sector

With the approval of the labor inspectorate, a 14-year-old minor may work only during school holidays, under the following conditions:

  • School holidays must last at least 7 days
  • The minor must be provided with continuous rest for at least half of the total holiday period (for example, for a 2-week holiday period, the minor may not work more than one week)
  • The minor is assigned to light work without risk to his safety, health or development

He must not work more than 32 hours per week, no more than 7 hours per day.

During school holidays

General case

With the approval of the labor inspectorate, a minor aged 14 or 15 may work only during school holidays under the following conditions:

  • School holidays must last at least 14 days
  • The minor must be provided with continuous rest for at least half of the total holiday period (e.g. for a 2-week holiday period, the minor may not work more than one week)
  • He is assigned to light work without risk to his safety (for example, working at height), his health (for example, mechanical vibrations) or his development (for example, work exposing him to pornographic or violent acts or representations).

The minor must not work more than 35 hours a week, nor more than 7 hours a day.

His remuneration must be at least equal to 80% of the minimum wage (or €9.85).

Agricultural sector

With the approval of the labor inspectorate, a minor aged 15 may work only during school holidays under the following conditions:

  • School holidays must last at least 7 days
  • The minor must be provided with continuous rest for at least half of the total holiday period (for example, for a 2-week holiday period, the minor may not work more than 1 week)
  • The minor is assigned to light work without risk to his safety, health or development

He must not work more than 35 hours per week, no more than 7 hours per day.

Learning

A minor under 15 years of age can register in learning only if he has completed class 3th. Otherwise, he has to wait until he is 16.

The minor benefits from the alternation between theoretical teaching in an apprenticeship training center (CFA) and teaching the trade at the employer with whom he signed an apprenticeship contract.

The employer can be private or public, be a company, an association or a liberal profession.

The contract is concluded by means of form cerfa n°10103.

Establish an apprenticeship contract

It is possible to work from the age of 16 years, except to perform certain prohibited or regulated work, in particular where they are dangerous to the health or safety of the employee.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Administrative information by telephone - Allô Service Public

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      For more information on this subject, you can contact Allô Service Public.

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      He does not respond questions concerning unemployment compensation and the approach to the France Labor (formerly Pôle emploi), public servants or contract workers of the fCivil Service, the amount or payment of contributions social, wage or employer.

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