Understanding French Work Contracts: CDI, CDD & Temp Jobs for International Students
If you're an international student or recent graduate planning to work in France, understanding the different types of employment contracts is essential. French labor law offers various work contract types tailored to the nature, duration, and purpose of employment. This guide explains the main types of contracts — CDI, CDD, and temporary contracts — and what they mean for your work rights, job security, and eligibility for benefits.
📘 1. CDI – Contrat à Durée Indéterminée (Permanent Contract)
A CDI (Contrat à Durée Indéterminée) is the most stable form of employment in France. This open-ended contract doesn’t have a fixed end date and is ideal for long-term employment.
📄 What’s Included in a CDI?
- Employee and employer identity
- Job title and responsibilities
- Work location and working hours
- Salary (including bonuses or benefits)
- Paid leave and trial period
- Terms of resignation or dismissal
- Mobility/non-compete clauses (if any)
✅ Key Benefits:
- Eligible for CAF housing aid, social security, and unemployment benefits (Pôle Emploi).
- Can apply for long-term residence permits or APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour).
- Easier to secure loans or apartment leases due to job stability.
🚨 Termination Rules:
- Can be ended by either party (resignation or dismissal).
- During the trial period, termination doesn’t require specific justification.
- May also be terminated by mutual agreement (rupture conventionnelle).
📘 2. CDD – Contrat à Durée Déterminée (Fixed-Term Contract)
A CDD (Contrat à Durée Déterminée) is a contract with a fixed duration, used when hiring is not intended to be permanent. This is common for internships, seasonal jobs, and project-based roles.
📄 Mandatory Contract Details:
- Justification for the fixed term (e.g. replacing an absent employee)
- Start and end date or minimum duration
- Trial period and renewal terms
- Salary and employment benefits
- Collective agreements and pension affiliations
⏳ Maximum Duration:
🔁 CDD Renewal Rules:
- A CDD can only be renewed twice.
- A new CDD cannot be signed for the same role unless a cooling-off period (délai de carence) is respected:
- CDD < 14 days → Cooling-off = 50% of contract length
- CDD ≥ 14 days → Cooling-off = 33% of contract length
🛑 Skipping this period can result in automatic reclassification to a CDI.
📘 3. Temporary Contracts (Contrats Temporaires)
For short, flexible jobs — especially in hospitality, events, or during high-demand periods — two main types of temporary contracts exist:
🔹 Contrat d’intérim (Temporary Work via Agencies)
- Contract between the worker and an employment agency.
- Can last up to 18 months, including renewals.
- Includes a precarity bonus (indemnité de fin de mission) at contract end.
- Ideal for students seeking part-time or vacation jobs.
🔹 Contrat d’extra (CDD d’usage) (Casual or On-Demand Work)
- Used in sectors like hotels, catering, entertainment, and logistics.
- For one-off, urgent tasks — valid only in specific industries.
- Often used during weekends, holidays, or events.
🎯 Which Contract Is Best for International Students?
💡 Tip: Always ask for your contract in writing. French law requires employers to provide a copy within 2 working days of starting.
🔍 Why Understanding Contracts Matters
Knowing your contract type helps you:
- Protect your rights as a worker
- Access French benefits like CAF, health insurance, and APL
- Make informed decisions about job changes or renewals
- Avoid legal issues with visa renewals and work eligibility
📚 Resources & References
🧠 About EDUXskills
At EDUXskills, we help international students in France with everything from student visa validation, CAF applications, Carte Vitale registration, and finding internships and jobs. Reach out for 1:1 assistance or workshops!
