€50 contribution to bring a case before the labour court: what changes since March 1, 2026
The Finance Act for 2026 introduced a new contribution for legal aid, applicable to civil and labour court proceedings.
Resulting from Law No. 2026-103 of February 19, 2026 (Article 128) and codified in Article 1635 bis Q of the French General Tax Code, this contribution came into force on March 1, 2026.
1. A mandatory contribution upon filing a claim
Any person who initiates proceedings before the labour court (conseil de prud’hommes) or the judicial court (tribunal judiciaire) must now pay a fixed contribution of €50.
It is due:
- by the claimant,
- at first instance,
- for each case brought.
2. Payment required upon initiation of proceedings
The contribution must be paid:
- at the time of filing the claim or the summons,
- via an electronic tax stamp,
- with proof included in the case file.
Note:
- the stamp is valid for 12 months,
- it may be reimbursed within 18 months if not used.
3. Failure to pay
In the absence of payment:
- the court registry invites the litigant to regularize the situation,
- a one-month period is granted.
Only if regularization does not occur may the claim be declared inadmissible, implying the need to reintroduce the proceedings.
4. Exemptions provided by law
The contribution is notably not due by beneficiaries of legal aid.
In practice, this contribution introduces an entry cost into labour litigation. It now requires increased vigilance from the very stage of initiating proceedings.
The introduction of this contribution is part of a strengthened procedural formalism.
Do not hesitate to contact us to be assisted in your steps and to secure your labour litigation.
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