The permanent temporary contract: definition and how it works
21 July 2025 · 5 min reading time
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See job offersCreated in 2014, the permanent temporary contract (CDI intérimaire) allows employees to benefit from the classic advantages of a permanent contract (CDI) as well as the flexibility of temporary work.
Discover the permanent temporary contract and its advantages with Staffmatch.
What is a Permanent Temporary Contract?
When a company hires temporary workers, a temporary work contract is established between the temporary worker and the temporary employment agency (ETT). Thus, another type of contract is possible: the permanent temporary contract (CDI intérimaire).
The permanent temporary contract, also known as CDII, is a mechanism relating to the security of the professional paths of temporary employees.
This type of contract is established between the temporary employee and the temporary employment agency, such as Staffmatch, for example, for the execution of successive assignments within a defined geographical area.
The CDII allows employees and the company to set up an assignment of 36 months, unlike 18 months for a classic temporary assignment.
Instead of a contract at the end of each assignment, the temporary worker receives assignment letters that detail the specific characteristics of the position to be filled as well as:
- The professional qualification and employment of the employee
- The amount of remuneration for the assignment
- The place and start and end dates of the assignment
- The working hours and the reason for calling upon the employee
The temporary worker therefore has only one contract to sign and must accept all assignments proposed by the agency provided that the salary is equal to or greater than 70% of the salary received during their last assignment.
The temporary worker has the right to refuse an assignment in certain cases:
- Non-compliance with the salary condition
- The proposed job does not correspond to their qualification or the jobs mentioned in the employment contract
- The assignment takes place outside the geographical area defined beforehand
With a CDII, the probationary period is not compulsory unless expressly mentioned in the contract. If this is the case, the duration of the probationary period is limited by maximum durations depending on the position and seniority of the employee.
☝️Good to know:
In the event of termination of the contract, the CDII is governed by the same rules as for terminating a classic CDI.
A mutual termination is entirely possible with the agreement of both parties.
Remuneration with a CDII
The CDII includes two periods: the assignment period and the intermission period.
The temporary worker alternates between carrying out assignments and a period during which they are not employed by any user company but still receive a monthly remuneration which must be at least equal to the minimum wage (SMIC).
These periods are called intermission periods, and during them, the temporary worker must remain reachable by the temporary work agency and available for the proposed assignments.
Intermission periods are considered as actual working time and are taken into account for the calculation of seniority and paid leave entitlements.
During the assignment period, the temporary worker is paid at an hourly rate based on the assignment they are performing.
In What Cases is it Possible to Use a Permanent Temporary Contract?
The reasons for resorting to a permanent temporary contract remain the same as those for a classic provision contract:✅ A replacement ✅ Seasonal employment ✅ A customary job ✅ In case of a temporary increase in workload
It is strictly forbidden to use a temporary worker in the event of:
❌ Strike
❌ Economic layoff
❌ Dangerous work
What are the advantages of the CDI intérimaire?
The CDII offers benefits similar to a standard permanent contract, such as seniority recognition and access to employer-sponsored health insurance.
The employee receives a monthly salary that is at least equal to the minimum wage and earns paid leave like any permanent employee.
However, CDII workers do not receive end-of-assignment bonuses or paid leave allowances since the contract is not considered precarious once it becomes permanent.
How does the CDI intérimaire differ from a classic temp contract ?
The CDI intérimaire is a permanent contract signed with a temp agency. Unlike standard temp contracts, it ensures continuous employment and income, even between assignments.
Who is considered my employer during a mission?
The temp agency remains your legal employer at all times. It handles your contract, pays your salary, and manages all mission-related documents.
Can I refuse a mission offered under a CDI intérimaire ?
You are expected to accept all assignments that meet the conditions outlined in your contract (pay level, job title, location). You may refuse if these terms are not respected.
Does the CDI intérimaire include a trial period ?
Only if explicitly stated in the contract. The length of the trial period must comply with labor laws and depends on the role and your work history.
Will I be paid during periods with no assignments ?
Yes. You’ll receive a minimum monthly salary equal to the SMIC, even between missions. These are called inter-assignment periods, and they are treated as paid working time.
Can I work in different roles under the same CDII ?
Yes, as long as the assignments match the job types defined in your contract. This flexibility allows for a varied and evolving professional path.
What is the maximum length of a mission under a CDI intérimaire ?
A single assignment can last up to 36 months, compared to the 18-month limit in a traditional temp contract.
Do CDII employees get paid leave ?
Absolutely. You earn paid leave based on your time worked, including both active assignments and inter-assignment periods.
Will I still receive end-of-assignment bonuses?
No. Since the CDII is a permanent contract, end-of-assignment (IFM) and paid leave compensation (ICP) are no longer applicable.
Can I accept a permanent position with a client company ?
Yes, you can. If the company offers you a permanent role and you accept, you’ll need to resign from the CDII following the standard procedures (notice period, resignation letter, or mutual termination).
What happens if I get sick during a mission or while in intermission ?
You’ll be eligible for the same sick leave rights and compensation as any other permanent employee. Just make sure to notify the temp agency and provide the required documentation.
Can I access training while under a CDI intérimaire ?
Yes. CDII employees can take part in professional training programs, particularly during inter-assignment periods, to build or upgrade their skills.
Whether you’re considering a classic temp contract or a CDI intérimaire, our team is here to guide you throughout your job search!
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