FFT licence to play padel in France: steps and price
By the EsoPadel team · updated on October 16, 2026 · 3 min read
To play a sanctioned padel tournament in France, you need a licence from the French Tennis Federation (FFT), which governs padel. You get it from a club affiliated with the FFT when you join, or directly online (Web licence), for the sporting season. It lets you enter tournaments and appear in the ranking.
Is the licence mandatory?
To play with friends at a club, book a court or take a lesson, a licence is not always required: it depends on the club. It is, however, mandatory to take part in a sanctioned tournament (P25 to P2000) and to appear in the FFT padel ranking. If you plan to compete one day, take it at the start of the season: you can then enter the first tournament that tempts you without last-minute steps.
Where to get your licence
The licence is issued by a club affiliated with the FFT. Most padel clubs are, but not all: some private centres rent courts without being affiliated. Ask at your club's front desk, or find a club near you in our padel club directory. Usually, the club registers your licence when you join. You then receive your licence number and can create your account on Ten'Up, the FFT's online service, to manage your tournament entries. You can also take a Web licence without joining a club.
How much the licence costs
For the 2027 season, the adult licence costs €33 through a club and €51 as a Web licence. For young players aged 7 to 18: €23 through a club, €36 as a Web licence. Clubs usually add the licence to the membership fee.
How long it lasts
The licence is valid for the sporting season, from 1 September to 31 August (2027 season: 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027). Remember to renew it each season: you must be licensed on a tournament's entry deadline.
Licence, medical certificate and health questionnaire
For adults, the FFT no longer requires a medical certificate to issue the licence. Minors fill in a health questionnaire. If in doubt for a competition, ask your club.
Steps to enter your first tournament
1. Get your licence from an affiliated club. 2. Activate your FFT online account with your licence number. 3. Choose a tournament in your category in the tournament calendar. To start, a P25 or P50 is ideal. 4. Find a partner: on EsoPadel, post an ad for a tournament and get replies from players at your level. 5. Register your pair before the deadline, through the tournament's entry link. Our guide Entering a padel tournament details each step.
What the licence does not do
The licence does not give free access to courts: renting a court is still paid at the club's rates. Nor does it replace club membership, which often brings lower prices and access to members-only slots.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to play padel with friends? Not necessarily: it depends on the club. It is, however, mandatory for sanctioned tournaments. Can I get a licence without being a club member? Yes: the Web licence (€51 for the 2027 season) lets you play sanctioned tournaments without joining a club. How long does it take to get a licence? Take it a few days before the entry deadline: you must be licensed on that date for your entry to be accepted. Is a tennis licence valid for padel? Tennis and padel both come under the FFT, and the same FFT licence is used for padel tournaments.