Service Civique: requirements, allowance, duration and how to apply

Service Civique is by far the most common form of volontariat in France: over 150,000 young people take part every year. It lets you spend several months on a mission of general interest, with a status and an allowance, and no qualification required. Here's the essential — to decide if it's for you, and how to apply.

What is Service Civique?

It's a general-interest volontariat commitment, overseen by the State (the Agence du Service Civique) and open to young people. It's neither "free" volunteering nor a job: you sign a Service Civique engagement contract, receive an allowance (not a salary) and get social protection. To see how Service Civique fits among the other schemes, read understanding volontariat in France.

The requirements

• Age: 16 to 25 (up to 30 for people with disabilities).
• Nationality: French, EU/EEA national, or legally resident in France for over a year.
• Qualification: none required — no diploma, no prior experience. That's one of the great strengths of Service Civique: what counts is motivation.

Duration and hours

• Duration: 6 to 12 months (often 8 months).
• Weekly hours: at least 24 hours per week, spread over several days.
• You can do only one Service Civique in your lifetime.

The allowance

• Around €620 per month, funded mostly by the State and topped up by the host organisation (in cash or in kind — meals, transport).
• A supplement is possible based on your social situation or income.
• The allowance can be combined with certain benefits (student grant, housing aid, RSA under conditions) — worth checking for your own situation.

Mission fields

Service Civique covers nine broad fields: solidarity, health, education for all, culture and leisure, sport, environment, remembrance and citizenship, international development and humanitarian action, and emergency response.

Missions are offered by accredited associations, local authorities and public bodies.

What Service Civique gives you

Beyond the mission itself, every volunteer gets a mentor (tuteur), a civic and citizenship training, and first-aid training (PSC1). It's also genuine experience to build on — more on that in why do a Service Civique.

How to apply, step by step

1. Browse the missions available — on volontariat.com, by city and field, or on service-civique.gouv.fr.
2. Create your account on the official Service Civique platform.
3. Apply to the missions that interest you (a short motivation note is usually enough — no CV required).
4. Have the interview with the host organisation.
5. Sign your engagement contract and start your mission.

There's no single "right time": new missions are posted continuously, all year round.

Find your Service Civique mission

volontariat.com brings together Service Civique missions across France. Browse them by field and city, and find the one that matches what you're looking for — wherever you are.