Labour Department

The Labour Department (Direction du Travail) is the government service that regulates and oversees the employment market in the Principality of Monaco. It ensures compliance with labour law, issues hiring authorisations and assists jobseekers.

Who needs to go?

Any employer wishing to hire a worker in Monaco must obtain a hiring authorisation from the Labour Department. Non-EU foreign workers must secure a work permit before they can take up employment. Jobseekers can consult available vacancies and register as unemployed.

Main services

The Labour Department manages hiring authorisations, work permits, contract endorsements and the inspection of working conditions. It also acts as a mediator in disputes between employers and employees and can refer cases to the Labour Tribunal if necessary. A placement service helps jobseekers find positions.

Practical tips

In Monaco, hiring follows a strict priority order: Monegasque nationals first, then spouses of Monegasques, then residents, and finally cross-border commuters. Employment contracts must be endorsed by the Labour Department. For a first job in the Principality, begin the process as early as possible as processing times can be lengthy, especially for non-EU nationals.