French mutual termination procedure

Updated March 2026 - A French mutual termination is a specific process that requires free and informed consent, a precise timetable and administrative approval. Many files fail on procedural details: poorly documented meetings, a miscalculated withdrawal period or incomplete filing.

See also our guides on mutual termination in 2026, the indemnity and unemployment consequences.

1. Preliminary discussions

There is no single formal way to request a mutual termination. But as soon as discussions begin, the chronology should be structured.

2. The meeting

At least one meeting must take place. Each party may be assisted under the conditions provided by French law.

3. Signature of the agreement

The agreement sets out in particular:

• ▸the amount of the specific indemnity;
• ▸the intended termination date;
• ▸the information needed for approval.

4. The withdrawal period

Both parties have 15 calendar days from the day after signature to withdraw.

5. Administrative approval

Once the withdrawal period has expired, the agreement is sent for approval. The administration then has 15 working days to decide.

To connect the procedure with its practical effects, it is also useful to review the indemnity, the unemployment consequences and the final payroll documents in parallel rather than at the very end.

Hayot Expertise insight: the best protection is to document each step as if the file might be reviewed several months later.

• ▸the final settlement documents;
• ▸the last payslip;
• ▸the France Travail employer certificate;
• ▸any outstanding leave or bonuses.

We can review the timeline, documents and payroll impacts before filing.

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In 2026, the mutual termination procedure remains relatively flexible, but only if its steps are followed rigorously.

???? Need to check whether a mutual termination file is procedurally safe? We can review the file and its timetable before submission. Book an appointment with an expert