Travail CDI Template for France

A Travail CDI (Contrat à Durée Indéterminée) is France's standard permanent employment contract that establishes an ongoing employment relationship without a predetermined end date. Under French labor law, this contract type is considered the "normal and general form" of employment, offering significant job security and legal protections for employees while clearly defining the rights and obligations of both parties.

When do you need this document?

You need a CDI contract when hiring employees for permanent positions in France, whether you're a startup making your first hire or an established company expanding your workforce. This contract is mandatory when the employment relationship is intended to be ongoing and doesn't fit the specific criteria for fixed-term contracts (CDD) or temporary work arrangements. You'll also need this document when converting temporary employees to permanent status, promoting existing staff to new permanent roles, or when establishing the employment terms for executive positions, management roles, or any long-term employment relationship governed by French labor law.

Key legal considerations

Your CDI contract must comply with strict requirements under the Code du travail, including detailed identification of both parties with SIRET numbers and social security information. The contract must clearly specify the employee's job function, classification (cadre or non-cadre), workplace location, and working time arrangements including weekly hours and any flexible working provisions. Compensation terms require precise definition of gross salary, payment frequency, and any additional benefits or bonuses. You must include probationary period provisions (which vary by employee category), notice periods for termination, and references to applicable collective bargaining agreements (convention collective) specific to your industry sector. The contract should also address confidentiality obligations, intellectual property rights, and any mobility clauses that may affect the employee's work location.

Legal requirements in France

French law mandates that CDI contracts include specific statutory protections and comply with the Code du travail's comprehensive employment framework. Under the Loi n° 2008-596 modernizing the labor market, contracts must respect maximum working time limits, mandatory rest periods, and overtime compensation rules. The contract must incorporate relevant collective bargaining agreements that supplement basic legal protections with industry-specific terms. Social security registration is mandatory, and the contract must comply with Code de la sécurité sociale provisions for employee protection. Recent modifications under the 2016 Loi El Khomri have introduced additional flexibility while maintaining core worker protections. Your contract must also respect France's strong dismissal protection laws, which require just cause and proper procedures for termination, making the initial contract terms crucial for long-term employment success.