Mission locale: free help for 16-25 year olds in France
A mission locale is a free public service for young people aged 16 to 25 who live in France and are no longer in school. An adviser helps you with everything that stands between you and a job: finding work or training, writing a CV, housing, transport, health and money.
There are around 440 missions locales in France, with hundreds of offices across mainland France and the overseas departments. You don't need to be French to go there: what matters is that you live in France.
What they can help you with
- Jobs and apprenticeships: job offers, applications, interview practice, contacts with local employers.
- Training: choosing a course, paid training schemes, getting back into education.
- Everyday life: housing, transport, driving licence, health insurance, access to your rights.
- Money: small one-off grants for specific needs, and the Contrat d’engagement jeune (CEJ).
The CEJ: a programme with a monthly allowance
The Contrat d’engagement jeune is an intensive programme for 16-25 year olds with no stable job, and not in studies or training. You commit to 15 to 20 hours of activities per week (workshops, work placements, training), with a dedicated adviser. In 2026 the allowance can reach €566.17 per month, depending on your household income and your attendance.
Foreign nationals from outside the EU need a residence permit that allows them to work. Details on the page Who can get help?
How to get an appointment
- Find your mission locale: it depends on where you live. Use our search by town.
- Call or go there: ask for a first appointment with an adviser.
- Bring your documents: ID card, passport or residence permit, your French social security number if you have one, proof of address, and a bank account statement (RIB) in your name.
Advisers speak French. If your French is still basic, you can come with someone who helps you translate, and ask about French language classes.