Pay and working conditions in European countries

Thinking about working in another European country? For each of 32 countries – all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – you will find the key labour market figures, where the jobs are, how to apply, pay and working conditions, student jobs and what to do in your first weeks. General advice on job search, your CV and your rights: How to find a job abroad – 10 practical guides »

Found: 1

France

Minimum wage (SMIC): €12.31 gross an hour, i.e. €1,867.02 gross a month for a 35-hour week (€1,477.93 net), since 1 June 2026. The SMIC is raised every year and also automatically during the year if prices rise by at least 2%.
Working time: the legal working week is 35 hours. Maximum: 10 hours a day, 48 hours in a single week and 44 hours on average over 12 weeks. After 6 hours of work you get a break of at least 20 minutes.
Overtime (from the 36th hour): +25% for the first 8 hours a week, +50% from the 44th hour. A collective agreement can set other rates, but never below 10%.
Paid leave: 2.5 working days per month worked – 30 working days (5 weeks) a year – whatever your contract (permanent, fixed-term or temporary).
Contract: it must state your job, workplace, start date, pay, working hours, leave, notice periods and the collective agreement (convention collective) that applies.
Payslip: you are paid monthly and get a payslip with gross and net pay and all deductions.

Common questions about job applications and interviews

Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.

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