Night work by a young person under 18 years of age

Verified 22 October 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

A young worker under 18 cannot work at night. For certain activities, a derogation from this prohibition is possible. We're taking a look at the regulations. It differs according to the age of the young worker.

Under 16

Any work done between 20 hours and 6 hours is considered night work.

No, the night work of young workers is in principle prohibited.

However, there are exemptions which may be granted exceptionally.

These derogations cannot be granted to employ a young person under the age of 16 between midnight and 4 am.

Yes, derogations exist for companies in the following sectors:

  • Show
  • Cinema
  • Radiophony
  • Television
  • Sound recordings.

Warning  

The derogation cannot be granted to employ a young person under the age of 16 between midnight and 4 am.

The employer must request the exemption from the labor inspector.

The latter shall determine whether the night work of those young workers takes account of the particular characteristics of the activity.

Without a response from the inspector within 30 days of the application being submitted, the authorization shall be deemed to have been granted.

The derogation may be granted for a maximum of 1 year, renewable.

Who shall I contact

The employer of a young worker under the age of 18 must respect specific rules on working hours and rest periods.

The counterparties are the same as for other employees of the company authorized to working at night.

An employer who does not respect the rules of night work of young people and their derogations may be ordered to pay a fine of €1,500.

From 16 to under 18 years

Any work done between 22 hours and 6 hours is considered night work.

No, the night work of young workers is in principle prohibited.

However, there are exemptions which may be granted exceptionally.

These derogations cannot be granted to employ a young person under the age of 18 between midnight and 4 am.

Derogations are possible in certain sectors of activity or in cases of extreme urgency:

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Hospitality and catering

Night work may be permitted from 10pm to 11.30pm.

Bakery and pastry shop

Night work may be permitted at the earliest from 4 a.m to enable young workers to participate in a complete bread or pastry manufacturing cycle.

Only establishments where not all phases of bread or pastry making are insured between 6am and 10pm may benefit from this derogation.

Shows

Night work may be permitted until midnight.

Horse racing

Night work may be permitted until midnight.

This derogation may only be used 2 times a week and 30 nights a year maximum.

Extreme urgency

In extreme emergencies, a young person can work between midnight and 4 a.m. if 2 following conditions the following shall be met:

  • No major workers are available
  • These are passenger works intended to prevent imminent accidents or to repair the consequences of accidents that have occurred.

An equivalent period of compensatory rest must be granted to the young worker within 3 weeks.

The employer must request the exemption from the labor inspector.

The latter examines whether the night work of these young workers takes account of the particular characteristics of the activity.

Without a response from the inspector within 30 days of the application being submitted, the authorization shall be deemed to have been granted.

The derogation may be granted for a maximum of 1 year, renewable.

Who shall I contact

The employer of a young worker under 18 must comply with specific rules on working hours and rest periods.

The counterparties are the same as for other employees of the company who are entitled to working at night.

An employer who does not respect the rules of night work and their derogations may be ordered to pay a fine of €1,500.

Please note

The fine is €750 in case of non-compliance in case of extreme urgency.

Who can help me?

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