Child labor laws exist in nearly every country, but the minimum legal working age varies significantly depending on the type of work, the hours, and the country. In the United States, the federal minimum age for most non-agricultural work is 14, but 16- and 17-year-olds face fewer restrictions. In the UK, children can work part-time at 13, while in Germany the minimum is 15 for full-time work. Here is a breakdown of minimum working ages by country and the specific rules that apply.
Check your eligibility for various types of work using our Work Permit Age Calculator and First Job Age Calculator.
Minimum Working Age by Country (2026)
| Country | Min. Age (General) | Light Work / Part-Time | Full-Time | Hazardous Work Prohibited Until |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 14 | 14 (limited hours) | 16 | 18 |
| United Kingdom | 13 | 13 (limited hours) | 16 (school leaving) | 18 |
| Germany | 15 | 13 (light work, parent consent) | 15 | 18 |
| France | 16 | 14 (light work, school holidays) | 16 | 18 |
| Canada | 14 (varies by province) | 12-14 (varies) | 16 | 18 |
| Australia | 14-15 (varies by state) | 13-15 (varies) | 16-17 | 18 |
| Japan | 15 | — | 15 (after middle school) | 18 |
| Brazil | 16 | 14 (apprentice) | 16 | 18 |
| India | 14 | 14 (non-hazardous) | 18 | 18 |
| China | 16 | 16 | 16 | 18 |
Sources: US Department of Labor (Fair Labor Standards Act), UK Gov (GOV.UK Child Employment), German Federal Ministry of Labour, French Labour Code, Canadian Labour Program, ILO Convention 138.
United States: Federal and State Rules
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the baseline: 14 is the minimum age for most non-agricultural jobs, 16 for unlimited hours, and 18 for hazardous occupations. However, individual states can set stricter limits. For example, Washington State requires 14 for most jobs but 16 for work in hazardous retail environments. California requires a work permit for all minors under 18. The federal rules apply to about 3.5 million working teens aged 14-17 in the United States as of 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
European Union: Harmonized Standards
EU Directive 94/33/EC sets a framework: the minimum age is 15 for full-time employment, with 13-14 allowed for light work during school holidays. Children under 13 generally cannot work at all in the EU, though some member states allow limited work in cultural or artistic fields. The UK (post-Brexit) follows its own rules but maintains similar standards with a minimum of 13 for light work and 16 for full-time after school leaving.
Exceptions: Babysitting, Paper Routes, and Family Businesses
Most countries exempt certain types of work from minimum age requirements. In the US, children of any age can work in a family-owned business (except hazardous roles). Babysitting and newspaper delivery are generally exempt from federal age rules, though state limitations may apply. The UK allows children as young as 13 to deliver newspapers, and there is no minimum age for babysitting in most states — though practical and insurance considerations typically require the sitter to be at least 12-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 12-year-old work in the US? Generally no, for non-agricultural jobs. The FLSA sets 14 as the minimum. However, 12-year-olds can work on small farms with parental consent, deliver newspapers, or babysit — these are exempt from FLSA coverage.
What is the youngest age to work in the UK? 13, for light work such as newspaper delivery, retail work (limited hours), or babysitting. Children must have a local authority work permit for most jobs.
Do minors need a work permit? In the US, 24 states require work permits for minors under 16, and 16 states require them for all minors under 18. Most employers require a parent or guardian signature and a doctor’s certificate of fitness.
Can a 14-year-old work full-time in summer? In the US, 14- and 15-year-olds can work up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week when school is not in session. During the school year, the limit is 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week.
Use our Work Permit Age Calculator to find out what types of work you are eligible for based on your age and location.
