How to obtain a residence permit in France after temporary protection has been terminated?

Obtaining a residence permit in France is one of the ways to stay in the country for a longer period of time after temporary protection. Find out about the main grounds for residence permit, required documents and legal nuances of applying

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Temporary protection granted to many Ukrainians in Europe is limited in time. In France, it is based on EU Directive 2001/55/EC, which guarantees basic rights, including access to housing, healthcare, education and the labor market. After its termination, the question arises: how to stay legally in France? The main ways to obtain a residence permit (residence permit) and other important legal aspects of legalizing your stay are described in the article below.

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What are the grounds for obtaining a residence permit in France?

French law provides for several grounds for obtaining a residence permit, including after the expiration of temporary protection.

1. Employment (Carte de séjour salarié or travailleur temporaire)

If you are employed in France or intend to work, you can apply for an employment card. To do this:

● You must have an employment contract or job offer from a French employer;

● The employer must confirm that the vacancy has not been filled by local candidates;

● Your salary must meet the minimum requirements (SMIC or more).

2. Education (Carte de séjour étudiant)

Studying at a French university gives you the right to obtain a student residence permit. To obtain a residence permit on the basis of studies, you must:

● Enroll in a French university or school;

● Confirm the availability of financial resources (approximately 615 euros per month).

3. Family reunification (Regroupement familial)

If your relatives (spouse, parents, children) have legal status in France, you can apply for family reunification. To do this:

● You must prove your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate);

● The relative must have sufficient financial means to support you.

4. Economic activity (Carte de séjour entrepreneur or profession libérale)

To obtain the right to reside in France, you can start your own business or register yourself as self-employed. To do this, you need:

● A business plan;

● Proof of financial resources;

● Registration in the French trade register.

5. Need for protection (Carte de séjour vie privée et familiale)

If you are unable to return to Ukraine due to personal circumstances (e.g. risk of persecution), you can apply for humanitarian status. To do this, you need to:

● Have good reasons;

● Prove that you cannot return to Ukraine.

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What documents are required to apply for a residence permit in France?

The final list of documents depends on the type of residence permit you choose. The standard package of documents usually includes:

● Passport with a valid visa or temporary protection;

● Documents confirming the basis for the residence permit (employment contract, university admission documents, etc.)

● Proof of financial solvency.

● Proof of residence in France (rental agreement, utility bills);

● Proof of health insurance;

● Birth/marriage certificate (if applicable).

Application procedure - what to do to obtain a residence permit

1. Apply to the prefecture in your region (most applications are submitted through the official website of the prefecture or in person by appointment).

2. Submit a package of documents (make sure all documents are translated into French).

3. Obtain a “récépissé” - a temporary receipt (it allows you to stay in France legally while your application is being processed).

4. Wait for the decision (it can take from 1 to 6 months depending on the type of residence permit).

Legal nuances and tips for applying for a residence permit in France

To avoid mistakes and reduce the risk of residence permit refusal

● Meet the deadlines (apply before the expiration of temporary protection);

● Consult a lawyer (professional assistance significantly increases the chances of success);

● Maintain legal status (overstaying can lead to deportation)

What to do in case of rejection?

If the prefecture rejects your application, remember that you have the right to appeal to the administrative court within 2 months. To do so, you need to prepare new evidence confirming your living situation and justifying your appeal.

Remember! Obtaining a residence permit in France after the termination of temporary protection is possible provided that all documents are prepared consistently and comply with the requirements of the law. It is important to determine the grounds (relevant to your situation) in advance and prepare all the necessary documents. Inaccuracies or mistakes in the submission of documents, or insufficient validity of the grounds for obtaining a residence permit, may result in a refusal to grant the relevant status. Qualified lawyers of Visit Ukraine can provide comprehensive assistance in legalizing your stay in France.

Contact us for a consultation via a convenient messenger (WhatsApp/Telegram) or the form on the website to have our specialists assess your individual situation and help you with the preparation of the necessary documents for obtaining a residence permit.

We remind you! To successfully emigrate to France, it is necessary 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 2025, what types of visas and residence permits exist, and how to obtain a work permit in our previous article.

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