CDI à Temps Plein Template for France

A CDI à Temps Plein (Contrat à Durée Indéterminée à Temps Plein) is France's standard full-time employment contract that provides indefinite-term employment without a predetermined end date. This contract type offers the highest level of job security and social protections under French labor law, making it the preferred choice for both employers seeking stable workforce and employees wanting long-term career security.

When do you need this document?

You need a CDI à Temps Plein when hiring employees for permanent, full-time positions in France. This applies when recruiting for executive roles, administrative positions, technical specialists, or any role requiring ongoing commitment beyond temporary project work. Companies expanding their French operations, startups establishing their first permanent team, or businesses converting temporary workers to permanent status will require this contract. It's also necessary when employees request conversion from fixed-term contracts (CDD) to permanent employment, or when acquiring staff through business transfers.

Key legal considerations

Your contract must clearly define the employee's job function, classification level, and reporting structure according to applicable collective agreements. Include precise working hours, overtime policies, and compensation structure including base salary, bonuses, and benefits. Specify the workplace location and any mobility clauses carefully, as French courts strictly interpret geographical limitations. Address probationary period terms, which cannot exceed specific durations based on employee classification. Include termination procedures, notice periods, and severance obligations as mandated by the Code du travail. Consider non-compete clauses, confidentiality provisions, and intellectual property assignments, ensuring they comply with French employment law restrictions and proportionality requirements.

Legal requirements in France

French law requires CDI à Temps Plein contracts to comply with the Code du travail's mandatory provisions, including the 35-hour work week unless collective agreements provide otherwise. You must respect minimum wage requirements (SMIC), paid vacation entitlements (five weeks annually), and mandatory social security contributions. The contract must reference applicable collective agreements specific to your industry sector. Include required clauses about professional training rights, workplace safety obligations, and anti-discrimination protections. Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (RGPD) when handling employee personal information. The contract must be written in French and provide clear termination procedures respecting legal notice periods and potential severance payments based on length of service and termination circumstances.