Transition from APS to titre de séjour in France through AFUCA: who can apply and what are the new requirements in 2026

France has updated the rules for transitioning from APS to titre de séjour through AFUCA and is introducing a new exam starting in 2026. Find out who can apply, what documents are required, and what risks to consider before changing your status

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In France, the rules for transitioning from temporary APS status to titre de séjour are being updated. Following a practical meeting at AFUCA, a structured explanation of the new conditions for assistance, the list of documents, and future changes was made public. We will explain in detail who can benefit from AFUCA's assistance, what restrictions apply, and what will change from 2026.

Who can receive AFUCA assistance in obtaining a titre de séjour

Currently, AFUCA provides assistance in obtaining a titre de séjour vie privée et familiale in only two cases:

● marriage or PACS with a French citizen;

● father or mother of a child with French citizenship.

Other grounds are not currently included in this format of assistance.

Frequently asked question: if a Ukrainian has been living in France for more than three years and their child is attending school, can they submit documents? The answer is no.

In this case, the AES (admission exceptionnelle au séjour) procedure applies. However, it does not apply to Ukrainians with APS status.

How to submit documents with APS for a titre de séjour

Documents will be submitted together with AFUCA during special “Ukrainian weekends” at the prefecture. Before submission:

● a consultation is held;

● the dossier is checked;

● assistance is provided in preparing the documents.

The official list of documents is currently awaited from the prefecture. Once received, it will be published with an explanation of which documents are required, where to submit them, and within what time frame.

For those applying for a titre de séjour entrepreneur/entreprise (for artisanal, commercial, or libérale activities), an avis sur projet document is now required. Without it, the dossier will not be accepted.

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New exam starting in 2026: examen civique

From January 2026, an examen civique will be introduced for those who are switching to:

● a 2-year titre de séjour;

● a 4-year titre;

● a 10-year residence card.

The exam certificate will need to be added to the dossier when renewing documents.

What changes after switching from APS

After switching to a titre de séjour, you will receive a status that gives you the same rights as other foreigners in France. At the same time, new responsibilities will arise:

● you can apply for a separate DCEM document for your child;

● within a year, you will need to exchange your driver's license for a French one;

● there may be delays in processing cases due to the overload of prefectures.

Important: after the transition, it will not be possible to return to the APS regime.

How long does the APS regime last

The APS regime is currently valid until March 2027. If you plan to stay in France for a long time, it is worth assessing the feasibility of switching to a titre de séjour now.

It should be noted that when switching to a titre de séjour, the conditions of access to medical services and insurance coverage requirements may change. In some cases, proof of medical insurance is an important part of the administrative dossier. Ukrainians planning a long-term stay in France or other EU countries can take out medical insurance for travel abroad in advance through Visit Ukraine — this will help avoid gaps in coverage and additional risks when changing status.

We remind you! To successfully emigrate to France, you need to determine the type of visa in advance, collect the necessary documents, and research all the legal nuances. Read more about how Ukrainians can move to France in 2026, what types of visas and residence permits are available, and how to obtain a work permit.

Photo: kovalenkovpetr / freepik

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