13th month salary in France: is it mandatory and how is it paid?
Many French job offers mention a salary “sur 13 mois”. The 13th month is not a legal right in itself: it depends on what your contract or collective agreement says.
Updated on 9 November 2026
Is it mandatory?
The Labour Code does not require a 13th month. It is owed only if one of these provides it:
| Source | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Employment contract | Salary clause: “rémunération annuelle sur 13 mois” |
| Collective agreement | Section on bonuses (primes) or annual pay |
| Company agreement | Ask HR or employee representatives (CSE) |
| Company practice (usage) | Paid to everyone, every year, with the same calculation |
Once one of these applies, your employer must pay it. Under a company practice, they can only stop after informing employees individually and their representatives in advance.
Annual salary on 12 or 13 months
Example
Job offer at €33,800 gross a year “on 13 months”.
Monthly salary: 33,800 ÷ 13 = €2,600 12 months × 2,600 + 13th month 2,600 = €33,800
The same €33,800 “on 12 months” would be €2,816.67 a month: same year, different rhythm.
On your payslip
| Line | Base | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salaire de base | 151.67 h | 17.1425 | 2,600.00 |
| Prime de 13e mois 1 | 2,600.00 | ||
| Salaire brut 2 | 5,200.00 |
- It is salary: social contributions and income tax apply as usual.
- The gross is doubled this month, so contributions and tax withheld are higher too. Above the monthly social security ceiling, a second pension tier (tranche 2) can appear.
Leaving or joining during the year
Whether you get a pro rata share depends on the text that creates the bonus. Many agreements give a share in proportion to time worked, others require you to be employed on the payment date.
Example with a pro rata clause
You leave on 30 September: 2,600 × 9 ÷ 12 = €1,950
Key points
- Not required by law: check your contract, collective agreement and company practice.
- Taxed and subject to contributions like normal salary.
- Pro rata on leaving only if the text provides it.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 13th month salary mandatory in France?
No, not by law. It is owed when your contract, collective agreement, a company agreement or a constant company practice provides it.
Is the 13th month taxed in France?
Yes. It is salary: social contributions and income tax withheld at source apply as usual.
Read next
- Gross to net salary in France: what you actually take home
- French payslip explained: how to read your bulletin de paie
- Income tax withheld on your French payslip (prélèvement à la source)
Also answers: 13th month salary france, 13th month pay france, treizième mois in english, salary on 13 months france, prime de 13e mois meaning.
This guide gives general information about French employment law. It is not legal advice: your collective agreement (convention collective) or contract may give you more. If in doubt, ask your payroll department, an employee representative, the labour inspectorate or a lawyer.