In short:
- The trial period in a permanent contract lasts at most 2 months for manual and clerical workers, 3 months for supervisors and technicians, 4 months for managers.
- It can be renewed once, under three cumulative conditions.
- An employer ending the trial period observes a notice period of 24 hours to 1 month depending on length of presence.
- An employee ending the trial period gives 24 or 48 hours’ notice.
Trial period in a permanent contract: what is it for?
The trial period allows the employer to assess the employee’s skills in the job. It allows the employee to judge whether the role is suitable. The rules are set out in Articles L1221-19 to L1221-26 of the Labour Code. The Service-Public guide was checked on 12 August 2026.
During the trial period, the employee receives the pay set by the contract, which appears on the French payslip.
Maximum lengths
| Category | Maximum initial length | Maximum length with renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Manual and clerical workers | 2 months | 4 months |
| Supervisors and technicians | 3 months | 6 months |
| Managers | 4 months | 8 months |
The period is counted in calendar days from the first day of work, whether the employee is full-time or part-time.
Renewal conditions
Renewal is possible only once and requires that:
- an extended industry-level agreement provides for it;
- the employment contract mentions this possibility;
- the employee gives written consent during the initial period.
Ending the trial period
Termination by the employer
| Employee’s length of presence | Notice period |
|---|---|
| Less than 8 days | 24 hours |
| Between 8 days and 1 month | 48 hours |
| After 1 month | 2 weeks |
| After 3 months | 1 month |
If the notice period is not observed, the employer pays compensation equal to the wages the employee would have received until the end of the notice period.
Termination by the employee
The employee observes a notice period of 24 hours for less than 8 days of presence and 48 hours beyond that. No specific procedure is required. This termination does not in principle give entitlement to unemployment benefits.
Points to watch
- State the trial period and its possible renewal in the contract, as part of the hiring formalities.
- Count the trial period in calendar days.
- Give notice of termination in writing to date the notice period.
- After the trial period, the ways of ending the contract change: see the comparison mutual termination or resignation.
Special cases
- After a fixed-term contract in the same company: if the fixed-term contract becomes a permanent contract, the employer can ask for a new trial period. The length of the fixed-term contract is then deducted from the trial period provided for in the permanent contract.
- End of the trial period without termination: the employment relationship continues automatically.
- Notice period: it cannot extend the trial period. When it is not observed, the compensation paid to the employee includes compensation for untaken paid leave.
A counting example
A manager hired on 1 March with a 4-month trial period finishes the initial period on the evening of 30 June. The period is counted in calendar days, regardless of the days worked.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trial period in a French permanent contract?
The maximum trial period of a French permanent contract (CDI) is 2 months for manual and clerical workers, 3 months for supervisors and technicians, and 4 months for managers. It can be renewed once under conditions, giving a maximum of 4, 6 and 8 months.
Can the trial period be renewed?
Yes, only once, under three conditions: renewal is provided for by an extended industry-level agreement, this possibility is stated in the employment contract, and the employee gives written consent during the initial period.
What notice is required to end a trial period?
When the employer ends the trial period, the notice is 24 hours for less than 8 days of presence, 48 hours between 8 days and 1 month, 2 weeks after 1 month and 1 month after 3 months. The employee must give 24 hours’ notice for less than 8 days of presence, 48 hours beyond that.
Sources
- Service-Public, Période d’essai pour un salarié, guide checked on 12 August 2026, consulted on 4 October 2026.