Business

Monaco — Business: Hiring Employees

Monaco has its own Code du Travail (Labour Code), distinct from French labour legislation, governing employment alongside Sovereign Ordinances and collective agreements. Employment contracts must be in writing, drafted in French (the official language); foreign employees' contracts may be written in their own language provided a French translation is available. Contracts must specify job title/description, remuneration, working hours, workplace location, notice periods, and any applicable collective agreement. The permanent contract (CDI) is standard, with no fixed end date and termination only via Code du Travail procedures; fixed-term contracts (CDD) are used for temporary needs (seasonal work, absence cover, specific projects), capped generally at 24 months including renewals. Probationary periods must not exceed 3 months. All foreign workers require a Work Permit, tied to a specific job and employer, with the application typically initiated by the employer.

Portail du Gouvernement Princier — Labour Law · Last verified 2026-07-18

Key Facts

  • Written contracts are mandatory, drafted in French (translation permitted for foreign employees).
  • CDI (permanent contract) is standard; CDD (fixed-term) capped generally at 24 months including renewals.
  • Probationary periods must not exceed 3 months.
  • All foreign workers need a Work Permit tied to a specific job/employer, typically employer-initiated.

Timelines

  • Maximum probationary period: 3 months
  • Maximum CDD duration (incl. renewals): 24 months

Required Documents

  • Written employment contract (French, with translation if needed)
  • Work Permit (foreign employees)

Common Mistakes

  • Drafting an employment contract without a French version — foreign-language contracts require a certified French translation.
  • Exceeding the 24-month CDD cap including renewals, which risks automatic reclassification as a CDI.

Related Topics

payrollsocial-security
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