Discover how the General Social Security Scheme works, a base scheme scheme managed by Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Vieillesse (CNAV). Contribution rates, calculation rules and eligible professions.
Scheme type
Base scheme
Legal retirement age
64 years
Average pension
€1,420/month
Total
17.75%
The base scheme for private sector employees. It covers the majority of French workers and forms the foundation of retirement pension.
Managing organization
Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Vieillesse (CNAV)
Year founded
1945
Calculation method
Quarter-based system
Full pension age
67 years
Full pension quarters
172
| Type | Rate | Ceiling | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee | 6.9% | 1 PASS | Employee contribution capped |
| Employee | 0.4% | — | Employee contribution uncapped |
| Employer | 8.55% | 1 PASS | Employer contribution capped |
| Employer | 1.9% | — | Employer contribution uncapped |
| Total | Employee: 7.30%Employer: 10.45% | ||
PASS 2024: 46 368 € (3 864 €/month)
Best 25 years calculation
Pension is calculated based on the average of the 25 best earning years.
Late retirement bonus
Increase of 1.25% per quarter worked after full pension age.
Long career
Early retirement possible for people who started working before age 20.
Early retirement penalty
Reduction of 1.25% per missing quarter before full pension age (up to 20 quarters).
All private sector employees in France.
Gross salary: 3 500 € | Career duration: 42 years
Calculate your personalized pension under General Scheme with your salary and actual situation.
Start my simulation →Data based on official 2024/2025 rates from Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Vieillesse (CNAV). The calculation example uses URSSAF rates and a 6% yield (inflation-adjusted). Actual amounts may vary based on your personal situation.
Learn more about our methodology →