Paid time off

Paid Time Off in France

France mandates a minimum of 25 working days of paid annual leave per employee, equivalent to five weeks. This entitlement accrues at a rate of 2.5 working days per month of actual work or equivalent period. The regulation applies to all employees under an employment contract, regardless of sector or company size.

Paid leave in France is governed by the French Labour Code (Code du travail), specifically Articles L3141-1 through L3142-98. The Ministry of Economy (Ministère de l'Économie) provides official guidance on implementation and compliance.

The statutory minimum of 25 days has remained consistent in recent years, though employers may offer more generous terms through collective agreements or individual contracts. Employees accrue leave during periods of actual work, and certain absences—such as sick leave, maternity leave, or military service—may count as equivalent periods for accrual purposes.

Employers must track accrued leave carefully and ensure employees can take their entitlement within the calendar year or carry-over period defined by company policy or collective agreement. Unused leave cannot be forfeited without compensation; employees must either take the time off or receive payment in lieu upon termination. Payroll teams should maintain detailed records of leave taken and accrued balances to ensure compliance. Leave requests must be granted unless operational needs prevent it, and employers cannot unilaterally deny reasonable requests. At year-end or upon employment termination, any outstanding leave balance must be settled financially at the employee's regular wage rate.