Translating an employment contract
French labour law is clear on this point, and it often surprises employers: the contract must be drafted in French, but the foreign employee can require a translation into their language—and it is that version which is binding on them.
How much it costs
For a document of this type, approximately 2,200 words (6 pages), into one language:
Understand the document, internal use.
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As a comparison, a translation agency would charge between €264 and €440 for the same document, with a turnaround of five to ten working days. VAT not applicable — article 293 B of the French General Tax Code (CGI) Original layout included. Exact quote displayed before payment, after uploading the file.
What the labour code says exactly
Article L1221-3 sets out two rules. The employment contract recorded in writing must be drafted in French. And when the employee is a foreign national, the contract is translated at their request into their language — both texts having equal legal force.
The consequence is rarely anticipated: in the event of any discrepancy, only the version in the employee's language may be relied upon against them. A rough translation doesn't just create a theoretical risk—it creates an enforceable version that you haven't reviewed.
Statements with no direct equivalent
Collective agreement, probationary period, notice period, working time package, time off in lieu, compulsory health insurance, provident insurance: these are concepts from French law. Rendering them with their closest Anglo-Saxon equivalent (probationary period for the trial period, for example) is acceptable, provided you keep the French term in brackets the first time. This is what the legal specialist does.
Frequently asked questions
Does the translated version have the same legal value as the French version?
Yes, for the foreign employee: both texts have equal standing, and in the event of a discrepancy only the version in their language may be invoked against them. That is precisely why translation quality matters.
Must I translate the contract of all my foreign employees?
Only at their request. But many employers do it automatically, because the cost has become negligible and the gesture avoids later disputes.
The specialist handling it
This type of document is assigned to the legal specialist. See how it works.
Further reading
Going further
Translating a commercial contract: the eight pitfalls that cost dear
Defined terms, legal false friends, governing-language clause, article cross-references, amounts and dates: what turns a contract translation into a dispute, and how to avoid it.
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