Information for Ukrainian refugees in France
6-month APS permit, renewed at the prefecture while EU protection lasts (until 4 March 2028)
Important to know
The APS lasts 6 months: renew on time or ADA stops. Since 31.07.2026 new applicants liable for service must prove they meet Ukrainian military obligations. Prefectures steer integrated holders to ordinary permits; asylum gives a multi-year permit but limits trips to Ukraine. Leaving for good: return the APS and ADA card to the prefecture. Service-public.fr, UNHCR FAQ
Useful links
Official information
Housing
International hosting platforms (Host4Ukraine)
Work
International job platforms for Ukrainians
Telegram channels
- Ukrainians in Lyon (Telegram group)t.me (opens in a new tab)
- Consulate of Ukraine in Paris (Telegram bot)t.me (opens in a new tab)
More links
Status and documents
- How long protection lasts
- The APS permit is issued for 6 months and renewed at the prefecture (apply 3 weeks to 3 days before expiry) while EU temporary protection lasts, currently until 4 March 2028.
- Documents
- Passport/ID card (valid or expired under 2 years ago) or Ukrainian consular certificate; birth/marriage certificates for family. Since 31.07.2026, if liable for military service: proof of compliance or exemption (exit stamp, Reserve+)
- Where and how to apply
- Online pre-application on demarche.numerique.gouv.fr (if your prefecture uses it), then an appointment at the prefecture where you live (fingerprints, originals). The ADA request to OFII is filed at the same time.
- Processing time
- About 2 weeks after a complete online application (AIDA, 2025); the APS is usually issued on the day of the prefecture appointment. Longer if documents are missing.
- When protection ends
- End of EU protection (now 4.03.2028); APS not renewed (rights interrupted); another permit, refugee status or subsidiary protection; written renunciation at the prefecture when leaving France; withdrawal for public-order reasons or fraud.
Travel, pets and language
- How to get there
- No flights from Ukraine (airspace closed). Coaches (e.g. Kyiv–Paris), train or bus to Poland and then plane/train to France, or car.
- Pets
- EU rules: microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody test (entry ≥3 months after the blood sample), EU health certificate from an official vet ≤10 days before arrival. The 2022 exemptions ended in 2023.
- Languages
- French
Work, healthcare and education
- Right to work
- Yes, from receiving the APS (the right to work is stated on it); the employer files a work-authorisation request. You can register with France Travail (public employment service).
- Jobs in demand
- Construction (bricklayers, carpenters, roofers, plumbers, welders), chefs, bus drivers, car mechanics, physiotherapists, pharmacists, dentists (EURES 2025).
- Healthcare
- Yes. Public health insurance (PUMa) from receiving the APS, with no 3-month wait, plus free complementary cover (CSS) for 1 year, renewed with the APS.
- Kindergarten
- Public école maternelle (from age 3) is free; schooling is compulsory from 3. Crèches for under-3s are paid: the fee depends on family income (CAF scale).
- School
- Yes, public school is free; compulsory from 3 to 16, education or training required up to 18. Enrol at the town hall (ages 3–10) or at the nearest collège/lycée or departmental education office (11–18).
Benefits
- Housing support
- APL housing benefit from CAF (means-tested); ADA supplement of €7.40/day if you pay for housing. The special housing scheme for Ukrainians is being wound down; newcomers go to the general emergency shelter system.
- One-time payment
- None
- Monthly allowance for adults
- ADA from OFII for adults with income below the RSA (€651.69/month for a single person): €6.80/day for 1 person (~€207/month), +€7.40/day (~€225/month) if you pay for housing. Paid to a payment card.
- Monthly allowance for children
- ADA rises by €3.40/day (~€103/month) per additional family member. CAF family benefits: allocations familiales from the 2nd child (€152.25/month for 2 children if household income ≤ €79,980/year).
Cost of living
- Average rent
- Approx., 1-bedroom flat: Paris €1,400 (centre) / €1,070 (outside centre); Lyon €890 / €620; typical French city ~€760/month (Numbeo, June 2026).
- Groceries per person per month
- Approx. €350/month per person (Paris ~€390) (Numbeo, June 2026).
- Kindergarten fees
- Private nursery approx. €590/month (Lyon) to €1,350 (Paris); public crèches charge according to income.
- Private school fees
- International primary school approx. €10,700 (Lyon) – €22,200 (Paris) per year.
- Health insurance cost
- Usually not needed (CSS is free). A private 'mutuelle' costs approx. €38/month for a 25-year-old and ~€250/month for a couple aged 60 (Sept 2026).
All information is for reference only. Rules and benefits change often, so some of it may be out of date. Always check with official sources before making a decision.
If you spot an inaccuracy, please write to us at howtohelpuacom@gmail.com.