Hourly minimum compensation

France's statutory minimum wage, known as the SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance), is the lowest hourly compensation an employer may legally pay to workers. As of 1 January 2026, the gross hourly SMIC stands at 12.02 euros, an increase from the previous rate of 11.88 euros. This minimum applies across all sectors and regions of mainland France, with limited exceptions for apprentices and workers under 18 years of age during their first six months of employment.

The SMIC is governed by the French Labour Code (Code du travail) and is administered by the Ministry of Labour. The minimum wage is indexed annually to inflation and adjusted based on purchasing power calculations. The revaluation effective 1 January 2026 reflects the statutory indexation mechanism that ties the SMIC to the consumer price index and half of real wage growth in the private sector.

Employers must ensure all employees receive at least the applicable SMIC for each hour worked, including overtime compensation calculated on the basis of this minimum rate. Payroll teams must account for the new 12.02 euro rate when processing wages for employees subject to the minimum wage, ensuring compliance with labour inspectorate requirements. Any employment contract or collective agreement provision that sets compensation below the SMIC is void and unenforceable. Employers should verify their payroll systems reflect the updated rate and maintain documentation of wage payments to demonstrate compliance with statutory minimums during audits or labour disputes.