Contrat Stagiaire Template for France

A Contrat Stagiaire is a legally required internship agreement in France that governs the relationship between a student, host company, and educational institution during an internship period. This tripartite contract ensures compliance with French labor law while establishing clear educational objectives and protecting the rights of all parties involved.

When do you need this document?

You need a Contrat Stagiaire whenever a student undertakes an internship as part of their educational curriculum in France. This applies to university students, vocational school attendees, and those in professional training programs who require practical experience to complete their studies. The contract is mandatory for internships lasting more than two months and strongly recommended for shorter periods. Whether you're a multinational corporation hosting an engineering student, a small business welcoming a marketing intern, or a nonprofit organization providing work experience to social work students, this agreement establishes the legal framework for the internship relationship.

Key legal considerations

The contract must clearly define the educational objectives and specific missions assigned to the intern, ensuring the internship provides genuine learning value rather than replacing regular employment. Gratification is mandatory for internships exceeding two months or 308 hours, calculated based on the current minimum rate set by French law. The agreement must designate both a company supervisor and an academic tutor to ensure proper guidance throughout the internship. Working hours cannot exceed 35 hours per week, and interns are entitled to the same rest periods and holidays as regular employees. The contract should also address confidentiality obligations, intellectual property rights, and termination procedures to protect all parties' interests.

Legal requirements in France

Under the Code du travail Articles L124-1 to L124-20 and the 2014 law on internship development, the Contrat Stagiaire must be signed by all three parties before the internship begins. The host organization must provide appropriate working conditions, including access to necessary equipment and a safe work environment. Companies are limited in the number of interns they can host simultaneously, with ratios based on their total workforce size. The educational institution must maintain regular contact with both the intern and host company to ensure educational objectives are being met. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant penalties, including fines and potential criminal liability for the host organization. The contract must also specify insurance coverage arrangements and include provisions for evaluation and academic credit where applicable.