Temporary protection in France for Ukrainians in 2026: how to apply and basic rules for refugees?

France continues to accept Ukrainian refugees - temporary protection is valid until March 2027. Find out how to apply for APS in 2026, what financial and medical support you can get, what has changed in the rules for extending status, and where to apply in Paris and the regions

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In 2026, France continues to accept Ukrainian refugees. Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU, which was in effect until March 4, 2026, has been extended until March 4, 2027. 

France is among the countries that have confirmed the extension of the program and guarantee Ukrainians automatic renewal of permits, as well as continued access to education, healthcare, employment, and social protection. 

Read this article to learn how to apply for status, what support is available, and what has changed in the rules. 

Are you planning to emigrate to the France? Visit Ukraine specialists will help you every step of the way.

Entry rules for Ukrainians in France in 2026

To cross the French border, Ukrainians must have a biometric Ukrainian passport valid for travel abroad.

If you entered France with a passport that has expired, you can contact the nearest diplomatic/consular mission in France to extend the validity of your passport.

Children are entitled to enter France on the basis of a birth certificate. After crossing the border, you can add your child’s information to your passport or obtain a separate travel document for the child at the nearest diplomatic/consular mission in France.

Ukrainians may stay in France for 90 days without needing to obtain a visa in advance or apply for temporary protection status, which allows them to live, work, and study in the country.

Find out which countries are accepting refugees from Ukraine in 2026 in this article. 

Who is eligible for temporary protection in France?

The following categories of people may obtain temporary protection status:

- Ukrainian citizens who resided in Ukraine prior to February 24, 2022;

- Foreign nationals (non-Ukrainians) who were legally residing in Ukraine as of February 24, 2022, if they are unable to return to their home country;

- Family members (spouse, minor children, other close relatives) of individuals who meet the two preceding criteria.

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How do I apply for temporary protection status in France?

To obtain the l'Autorisation provisoire de séjour (APS) – a temporary residence permit – contact the prefecture of the department where you reside. Appointments are made online via the portal. 

In Paris

As of February 23, 2026, the Prefecture of Police service responsible for issuing and renewing APS under temporary protection is located at a new address: 92 Boulevard Ney, 75018 Paris (1st floor, west wing).

Office Hours

- APS Renewal – at 8:45 AM or 11:00 AM;

- Initial Application – at 2:00 PM.

Both initial applications and renewals of temporary residence permits are processed at this address. The form (convocation) required to qualify for ADA assistance from the OFII is also issued here.

The OFII ADA office is open every Tuesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. at the following address: 83–85 rue de Patay, 75013 Paris (Olympiades metro station, Line 14).

The temporary housing service managed by the Coallia association remains at its previous address: 20 avenue de la Porte de la Villette, 75019 Paris—however, the program is in the process of being phased out.

In the Regions

Contact the prefecture in your area of residence. Check the official website of the relevant prefecture for opening hours and admission requirements.

Countries that continue to provide financial assistance to Ukrainians in 2026 can be found here. 

What rights does temporary protection in France grant?

Upon receiving temporary protection in France in 2026, Ukrainians have a wide range of rights and opportunities:

1. Residence permit

Ukrainians who have received temporary protection have the right to legally reside in France for the duration of this status. 

2. Right to Work for Ukrainians in France (Self-Employment and Employment)

This status allows you to work legally—without needing to obtain an additional special work permit—either as an employee or as a self-employed individual, provided you meet the requirements.

3. Access to social security and assistance

The ability to apply for social assistance, including housing, legal and psychological assistance, and integration support. 

4. Financial assistance 

Ukrainians with temporary protection in France are eligible for financial assistance (ADA).

5. Access to healthcare

Temporary protection includes the right to medical care and access to the healthcare system. 

6. Access to education for children under 18

Children from families with temporary protection are entitled to attend school under the same conditions as Spanish citizens. 

If you plan to enter France in your own car with Ukrainian registration, you should prepare in advance. Although Ukrainians can freely enter the EU, you must have appropriate insurance for the trip. 

A “Green Card” is mandatory for crossing the border. You can apply for it online through Visit Ukraine while still in Ukraine—quickly, officially, and with delivery via email.

Housing in France for Ukrainians 

Upon arrival in France, you will be placed in a temporary reception center. Then, depending on the number of people in your family and the availability of space, you will be provided with temporary housing. Keep in mind that you may be sent to another city or region. Currently, there is a shortage of available housing, and people are most often placed in small towns and villages.

You can also rent housing on your own in any city. The government can provide guarantees through the VISALE system: this is available to anyone under 30 or to employed individuals over 30 with an income of up to 1,500 euros per month (provided the application is submitted within 6 months of starting work).

Financial Assistance in France for Ukrainians (ADA)

After receiving temporary protection, you are entitled to financial assistance (Allocation pour demandeur d'asile – ADA), administered by the OFII. The amount of assistance is calculated daily: €6.80 per day for one person, plus €3.40 for each additional family member regardless of age. If the government has not provided you with free housing, an additional €7.40 per day is added. 

Thus, the approximate daily benefit amount is:

- 1 person – €6.80

- 2 people – €10.20

- 3 people – €13.60

- 4 people – €17.00

- 5 people – €20.40

ADA is paid to a debit card issued by the OFII. After renewing your APS at the prefecture, you must submit the form to continue receiving payments to the relevant regional OFII office (the email address is listed in your document).

Additionally, Ukrainians can receive food and essential items from community organizations such as “Resto du Cœur,” “Secours populaire français,” “Banques alimentaires,” “Croix Rouge,” and others. Check with your city hall for addresses.

Health Insurance in France for Ukrainians 

Temporary protection provides access to free medical care at public facilities. The universal PUMa system and CSS supplementary insurance cover doctor’s visits, prescription medications, tests and examinations, as well as the cost of eyeglasses, dentures, and hearing aids.

To apply for insurance, contact Assurance maladie at your place of residence. For those already registered: medical affiliation is indefinite and does not need to be renewed with each APS extension. 

Consultations with doctors are by appointment only via the ‘Doctolib’ app. The GP you choose will then refer you to other specialists (excluding dentists). Children receive medical care under their parents’ or guardians’ insurance policy.

When planning a stay abroad, make sure you have a reliable health insurance policy – it guarantees access to quality care even outside the temporary protection system. You can take out an insurance policy from a trusted agent on the Visit Ukraine portal. 

Job search in France for Ukrainians

APS holders are entitled to formal employment. The France Travail employment service (formerly Pôle Emploi) can help you find a job. Entry-level vacancies are available on the Meteojob portal, while those for highly qualified specialists can be found on Indeed, Monster and Welcome to the Jungle.

Read here to find out how Ukrainians can move to France in 2026, what types of visas and residence permits are available, and how to obtain a work permit. 

French language courses for Ukrainians 

French as a Foreign Language (FLE) courses funded by France Travail through the Greta network last 3 months and are geared towards professional integration. During the course (5 days a week), an additional allowance is paid – approximately €635–715 per month, or €450 for those under 26.

How to renew temporary protection in France? 

In France, you must renew your temporary residence permit every 6 months. This must be done 3 weeks before the expiry date (between 3 weeks and 3 days before the expiry date). To do this, you must contact the prefecture in your place of residence.

Until 1 May 2026, the application and renewal of APS for Ukrainians was free of charge. However, from 1 May 2026, amendments to French financial legislation came into force, which significantly increased the amounts of immigration fees. Specifically:

- First application for a temporary or long-term residence permit – €350 (previously €225);

- Renewal of a residence permit – €250;

- Naturalisation fee – €255 (previously €55).

However, the law includes a note stating that APS holders with ‘beneficiary of temporary protection’ status, i.e. Ukrainians, are exempt from this fee upon first application and first renewal.

In practice, however, some prefectures issue APSs free of charge, whilst others require payment.

An immigration lawyer can help you navigate the current rules in your prefecture, prepare your documents and avoid delays when renewing your temporary protection. Contact us for a consultation today to ensure you submit your application on time and maintain your legal status in France.

Help from Visit Ukraine

The Visit Ukraine platform supports Ukrainians who are in France or planning to move. We help with all the important issues to make your life abroad safe and comfortable:

- Consultations on documents, residence and rights of Ukrainians in France.

- Assistance in obtaining insurance - both for life in France and for traveling to EU countries.

- Legal advice and online consultations in difficult situations.

- Visit Ukraine services: purchasing tickets, translating documents, transfers, preparing for traveling abroad.

Follow the current rules for staying in France with Visit Ukraine – we will help you obtain documents, insurance and get online consultations.

Reminder! Ukrainians of conscription age in the EU who have already been granted temporary protection will not lose their status. Read here about the changes being discussed by the European Commission, who they may affect after 2027, and what Ukrainians in Europe need to know. 

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

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