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How many Working Hours per day in France?

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How many Working Hours per day in France?
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958 Views 25 Sep 2025

France is known for its strong labor laws and work-life balance. Understanding the working hours in France is essential for employees, expats, and professionals planning to work in the country. Here’s a complete guide on daily and weekly working hours, overtime, and rest periods.

Standard Working Hours

  • The legal full-time workweek in France is 35 hours, which is usually spread over 5 days.

  • This translates to approximately 7 hours per day for a standard office job.

  • Some companies have slightly longer days (up to 8 hours) with flexible schedules or compressed workweeks.

Overtime Rules

  • Hours beyond the 35-hour workweek are considered overtime.

  • Overtime pay: +25% for the first 8 extra hours per week and +50% for additional hours.

  • Maximum weekly working hours, including overtime, cannot exceed 48 hours, with an average of 44 hours over 12 consecutive weeks.

Breaks and Rest

  • Employees must have at least a 20-minute break for every 6 hours worked.

  • Daily rest between working days must be at least 11 consecutive hours.

  • Weekly rest: At least 24 consecutive hours, usually combined with daily rest for a total of 35 hours off.

Work-Life Balance in France

France emphasizes work-life balance, with strict labor protections. Most employees enjoy reasonable working hours, paid holidays (usually 5 weeks per year), and legal limits on overtime. This makes France an attractive destination for professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

In France, the standard workday is around 7 hours, with a 35-hour workweek as the legal norm. Overtime is compensated, and strict regulations ensure sufficient rest and breaks. Understanding these rules helps employees and expats plan their professional life while enjoying France’s strong labor protections.

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It is to be noted that the content here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal or tax advice. It is always advisable to consult with your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). does not provide legal or tax advice. The information presented is general in nature and is not tailored to any specific company or workforce, nor does it reflect how it operates in a particular jurisdiction. takes no responsibility for this information's accuracy or timeliness and shall not be held liable for any losses resulting from the use of or reliance on this information.