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Photo, age, family situation: what to put on your CV?

Updated September 2026 · 3-minute read

Many candidates wonder whether they have to include their photo, age or family situation. Here is what the law provides in France and Morocco, followed by some practical guidelines.

Read this firstThis article is for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change: always check the version in force on the official websites listed at the bottom of the page.

In France: only information related to the position

Article L1221-6 of the French Labour Code sets out the principle: the information requested from a candidate may only be used to assess their ability to hold the position offered or their professional aptitudes. It must have a direct and necessary link with the job or with the assessment of those aptitudes. In return, the candidate must answer legitimate questions in good faith.

Article L1221-7 also provides that information sent in writing by the candidate may be examined in conditions that preserve their anonymity.

These rules are combined with the ban on discrimination set out in Article L1132-1 of the Labour Code, which covers, among other things, age, family situation, physical appearance and place of residence.

In practice: no law requires a candidate to include their photo, age or family situation on their CV. It is a personal choice.

In Morocco: the principle of non-discrimination

The Moroccan Labour Code (Law No. 65-99) prohibits, in its Article 9, any discrimination against employees based in particular on race, colour, sex, disability, marital status, religion, political opinion, trade union membership, national extraction or social origin. This prohibition expressly applies to hiring, as well as to training, pay, promotion and dismissal.

This text may have been amended since its initial publication: consult the up-to-date version in the Official Bulletin.

In practice: here too, there is no obligation to state your family situation or include your photo on a CV. Never mention your national identity card number, which has no place on a widely circulated CV.

So, what should you do?

The photo

It is optional. If you include one, choose a recent, professional photo with a neutral background. In our editor, you can add or remove it at any time; without a photo, your initials are shown instead.

Age and date of birth

Optional. Your education and experience dates are enough to trace your career path.

Family situation, religion, opinions

This information has no connection with your professional skills. It is better not to include it.

Driving licence and nationality

Include your driving licence if it is useful for the position. Nationality may be relevant when a work permit is at stake.

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Official sources