If you are planning to leave Ukraine and need information about legislation, rights, temporary protection or services in a foreign country, contact us and book an online appointment on our website. Our lawyers will provide answers to your questions and help you find a solution to your problem. We understand that legal matters can create stress and anxiety, but our professionals are ready to take responsibility and relieve you and your family of unnecessary burden.
Who is this information for?
Covering with temporary protection
Who is covered by temporary protection measures in your country? (Only Ukrainians or citizens of third countries covered as well)?
The status of “Temporary Protection” for a period of 6 months with the possibility of extension for at least one year is granted to:
- Citizens of Ukraine (who lived in Ukraine until February 24, 2022) and their family members;
- Those who enjoy protection (international or national equivalent) granted by the Ukrainian authorities (until February 24, 2022);
- Citizens of other countries who live in Ukraine for a long time (have a valid permanent residence permit issued by the Ukrainian authorities and cannot return to their country of origin in a safe and stable way);
- To family members of a person who falls under one of the specified cases (family members are: husband/wife, minor children and dependent parents).
Provided that the family already existed in Ukraine before February 24, 2022, the following are considered family members:
- Spouse or partner in a stable relationship;
- Unmarried minor children or children of the spouse, regardless of whether they are from marriage or adopted;
- Unmarried minor children or their spouse’s minor children, whether born in wedlock or adopted;
- Other close relatives who lived in the family until February 24, 2022 and were fully or mainly supported by the person specified in the previous paragraphs.
Persons not covered by temporary protection
The following persons are not entitled to the status of temporary protection:
- Citizens of Ukraine who have a residence permit in France that has expired. They should go to the prefecture to check their situation;
- Third-country nationals who can return to their country of origin in safe and stable conditions. Their right to residence will be separately assessed according to generally accepted rules (ie, apart from temporary protection);
- Citizens of third countries who arrived from Ukraine, whose application for asylum was considered in Ukraine or was considered in Ukraine on February 24. They must apply for asylum in France.
The access of the above-mentioned persons to the asylum application remains on the terms of common law (that is, except for temporary protection).
France: immigration information
What documents do I need for entry?
- For citizens of the Schengen zone, a passport/identity card is sufficient.
- Ukrainians who have a biometric passport do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen zone, and therefore to France.
- Those who do not have a biometric passport (or a travel document) are advised to contact one of the consular offices of the countries bordering Ukraine (Poland, Romania, Hungary, etc.) to study their situation (get a visa or a permit).
For the granting of temporary protection, one should apply to the prefecture of the department at the place of residence or accommodation and at the moment nothing is specified about the entry into the territory for its beneficiaries.
How can I enter if I do not have a biometric passport?
Those wishing to go to France who do not have a biometric passport (or a travel document) are advised to contact one of the consular offices of the countries bordering Ukraine (Poland, Romania, Hungary, etc.) to familiarize themselves with the situation (get a visa or a permit). .
How long can I stay?
For everyone:
- Ukrainians who have a biometric passport have the legal right to stay in France for up to 90 days after entering the Schengen zone.
- Ukrainians who do not have a biometric passport need a visa to stay in France, which will be issued free of charge: then they will also be able to stay for 90 days.
To stay longer than 90 days , they must apply to the prefecture of the arrival department to extend the right of stay (issue a temporary residence permit).
For people covered by temporary protection: 6 months with the option of extending for at least one year.
There are no specifics regarding the temporary protection regime.
- For travelers vaccinated in accordance with European regulations, additional tests are not required during departure.
- For unvaccinated travelers, the obligation to present a negative test for travel to France remains, but measures on arrival (test, isolation) are canceled if they arrive from countries on the “green” list, characterized by a moderate spread of the virus.
- When unvaccinated travelers arrive from a country on the “orange” list (such as Ukraine), they must continue to provide a convincing reason justifying their need to come to mainland France and can always undergo a random test upon arrival. Travelers with a positive test will have to self-isolate in accordance with the recommendations of the Health Insurance.
Where to sign up for temporary protection?
You must apply to the prefecture where you live (i.e. the regional/local authorities responsible for administrative requests) with the documents you have to prove your situation, accompanied by your family members (husband/wife and children).
The website of the French Ministry of the Interior provides guidance on the procedure for submitting a request for temporary protection:
Documents are available in English, Ukrainian and Russian, in addition to French; example:
In summary, the following steps are described in the documentation
Where to apply for temporary protection?
- Contact the prefecture of the department where you live or stay:
– with the documents you have that confirm your situation;
– accompanied by family members (husband/wife and children).
What happens next?
- If your file is complete and acceptable, you will be protected and will receive a temporary residence permit.
- You will then be directed to the French Office for Immigration and Integration (hereinafter OFII).
Below are the specific documents required for the dossier.
How long does it take to receive temporary protection status?
This is due to the procedures (and delays) of each prefecture. The decision to impose temporary protection measures (see above) states that protection must be immediate for relevant individuals with a complete record. The decision also states that in the event that the authorities of the checking prefecture need clarification regarding the consideration of the request, they should contact the General Directorate for Foreigners in France (hereinafter – DGEF) and , meanwhile, must issue a temporary residence permit for a period of one month.
In practice, the time and conditions of consideration may vary and we do not yet have any data on the specific application of the temporary protection status.
What are my rights while I am waiting for temporary protection?
- For citizens of the Schengen zone: the right to come to France and stay for 90 days (after 6 months). In addition, citizens of the EEE zone have the right to work.
- For Ukrainians who have a biometric passport: the right to come to France and stay for 90 days (after 6 months).
- Those holding a visa or pass (or an agreement between countries): the right to come and stay in France for the period and subject to the conditions of the visa or pass.
What documents are required for temporary protection?
You must apply to the prefecture of your place of residence, providing the documents you have to prove your situation, accompanied by your family members (husband/wife and children) (see above link for instructions available in English, Ukrainian and Russian) .
The request form with the required information and documents to be provided is available here:
In French: Application form for temporary protection (14/03/2022)
https://www.haute-loire.gouv.fr/IMG/docx/formulaire_de_demande_protection_temporaire.docx
In English: application form for temporary protection (14/03/2022)
https://www.haute-loire.gouv.fr/IMG/docx/formulaire_de_demande_de_protection_temporaire-v2_en.docx
In Ukrainian: application form for temporary protection (15/03/2022)
https://www.haute-loire.gouv.fr/IMG/docx/formulaire-de-demande-protection-temporaire-ua.docx .
Documents to be submitted
In French: list of accompanying documents (14/03/2022)
https://www.haute-loire.gouv.fr/IMG/docx/liste_des_pieces_justificatives_a_produire_ukraine_v2.docx .
In English: list of accompanying documents (14/03/2022)
In Ukrainian: list of accompanying documents (15/03/2022)
Declaration of place of residence: declaration of place of residence, supporting documents (14.03.2022)
https://www.haute-loire.gouv.fr/IMG/docx/declaration_de_domicile_ukraine_pieces_justificatives.docx .
We do not yet know if all prefectures use these forms, or perhaps some prefectures issue special additional/other forms. In any case, it is important that the existing dossier is filled out accurately and that all necessary documents are available (as far as possible). Also, different prefectures may have specific application processes (online or in person) that you should check before applying.
What documents will I receive when I receive temporary protection?
We do not yet know what the certificate of temporary protection will look like and what specific documents it will contain.
In any case, temporary protection allows:
- Issuance of a temporary residence permit in France for a period of 6 months (with the possibility of extension for 1 year, a maximum of 3) with the designation “beneficiary of temporary protection”.
- Payment of assistance to asylum seekers (allocation pour demandeurs d’asile (hereinafter – ADA)), see lower).
- Work permit.
- Access to health care through health care (see below).
- Education of minor children (under 18) (see below).
- Assistance in obtaining housing (aide personnalisée au logement (hereinafter – APL)), (see below).
Can I become a citizen after receiving temporary protection? How long do I have to stay to be eligible?
The usual rules for acquiring French citizenship apply, nothing is specified in this regard.
If the usual rules apply, then the process is very long. Among other conditions, both for citizenship and for applying for permanent residence, at least 5 years of residence in France are usually required according to current regulations (the duration can be reduced in cases such as marrying a French citizen or having parents who are French citizens).
Can I move freely within the country and the European Union while under temporary protection?
According to the 90-day rule: citizens of Ukraine who have a biometric passport have the right to stay on the territory of the EU member states for 90 days (after which they must justify the permits for stay, for example, temporary protection, visa, asylum).
Temporary Protection : The aforementioned Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55 CE) allows persons granted temporary protection status to stay for 6 months (with the possibility of extension) in an EU Member State of their choice. In addition, it is necessary to check possible local regulations.
Can I apply for asylum while under temporary protection?
Yes (Article 17 of the directive) and the decision (see above) implementing the temporary protection status in France, which states that the temporary protection regime can be combined with an asylum request.
The regime of temporary protection applies to the relevant person during the consideration of the asylum application.
If a person does not receive asylum, he/she remains under the protection of this status for the duration of its validity.
Criteria and mechanisms apply to decide which Member State is responsible for examining an asylum application (Article 18 of the Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55 CE).
To apply for asylum in France (approximate list of basic conditions):
- You must contact the prefecture where you live https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F35534/0?idFicheParent=F2232#0 and provide approximately the following information:
- Information about your marital status and, if applicable, your accompanying family members;
- Any document proving that you entered France legally or, if you do not have one, any indication of the conditions of your entry into France and your travel routes from your country of origin;
- 4 passport photos;
- An address where you can be contacted, if available.
- The prefecture must register your asylum application within 3 working days (this period is extended to 10 days in case of a mass arrival of asylum seekers).
In this case, you will be provided with an information document on the following points:
- Rights and obligations of asylum seekers in France;
- Organizations that can provide you with legal assistance or inform you about the conditions of your reception in France (housing, health care, etc.).
The prefecture takes your fingerprints (if you are under 14) and checks whether your asylum application falls under the jurisdiction of another European country.
- The prefecture will issue you an asylum seeker certificate.
This document is valid for 10 months in the case of the normal procedure and 6 months in the case of the accelerated procedure. This allows you to submit an application for asylum to the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Office français de protection des réfugiés et apatrides (hereinafter – OFPRA)). This is equivalent to a temporary residence permit. It can be renewed for 6 months until Offra or the Cour nationale du droit d’asile (CNDA) decides on your application.
- The prefecture also provides you with an asylum application form.
- You have 21 days from the day you receive your asylum certificate to apply to OFPRA.
- OFPRA acknowledges receipt of your application and informs you that your dossier is complete or asks you to complete it. You then have an additional 8 days to complete it.
- As soon as you receive a letter from OFPRA about the registration of your dossier, you must contact the prefecture of your department to renew your status. This extension gives the right to stay pending a decision by OFPRA or, in the case of an appeal, pending a decision by the National Asylum Tribunal (CNDA).
- Your asylum application is being processed by OFPRA. The procedure can be normal or accelerated. You will be interviewed, except in certain cases. Once the examination is complete, OFPRA will make a decision and notify you (by registered letter with return to the address you provided on your file).
If I have family outside of Ukraine, can I apply for family reunification? If so, in what way?
Temporary protection: Yes, this is provided for in the directive (Article 15) and introduced in France by the decision to grant temporary protection status.
Beneficiaries of international protection may be joined by a family member who is a beneficiary of temporary protection in another EU member state, an immediate family member who is not yet in the EU territory. The request is addressed to the prefect of the department, “who takes into account the possibilities of reception in the department and the reasons of necessity and urgency referred to by the interested parties” . We do not yet know how individual situations will be evaluated by the prefectures.
During the processing of the request: only the persons concerned by the request for asylum.
After receiving refugee status: If your family was outside France when you were granted protection, you can bring them to France through the family reunification procedure as soon as you are granted protection, without any resource or housing conditions. This right applies to the following persons (generally):
- your spouse or civil partner, if he/she is at least 18 years old and if the marriage or civil union took place before you applied for asylum;
- your roommate, if he is over 18 years old, with whom you had a fairly stable and long-term cohabitation before the date of application;
- your children who are under the age of nineteen and are not married;
- your parents (direct heirs in the first degree) accompanied, if possible, by their unmarried minor children for whom they are effectively responsible if you are still a minor and unmarried.
Your family members must apply for an entry visa for a stay of more than 3 months to the diplomatic or consular offices, which will decide on the application as soon as possible.
Family reunification may be refused if you do not comply with the basic principles governing family life in France in accordance with the laws of the Republic. Likewise, any member of your family whose presence in France would constitute a threat to public order may be excluded from family reunification.
If your marriage took place after you applied for asylum, you must apply for family reunification at the Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration (hereinafter – OFII) .
France: employment information
Do I need to apply for a permit to be able to work? If so, how to do it?
Persons staying in France under the 90-day rule (not using protective measures, see the question “How long can I stay?”): The 90-day rule does not automatically grant the right to work. Normal conditions for external labor apply (different conditions are required when applying for permits).
Temporary protection : gives the right to work in France during the protection period.
Asylum seekers (not protected by temporary protection): do not automatically have the right to work while their case is pending unless they have an appropriate visa that allows them to work.
Are there graduate and professional equivalency programs? How and where to apply?
To request a comparative attestation for a foreign diploma: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/R38515
It’s an online procedure that costs €20 to apply, then €50 at the time of the request, BUT it’s free for asylum seekers. Required documents: valid identity card, final diploma in the original language, confirmation of official duration of studies in the original language, French translation of these last 2 documents.
The request is individual and named.
- Connect to the Phoenix Platform:
https://phoenix.france-education-international.fr/inscriptions
- Fill in your personal information. You will then receive an email with your file number.
- Reconnect to the Phoenix platform using the link you received in the email.
- Fill in all the fields and in the drop-down menu, indicate the degree you want to equate. If you cannot find your degree in the list, select “other degree”.
- Download the necessary documents.
- Complete your request.
- If your submission request is incomplete, you will receive an email notifying you of the missing documents and a new link to download those documents.
You can track the status of your request by going to:
https://phoenix.france-education-international.fr/dossier/
You may receive an email from the ENIC-NARIC center asking you to provide the original paper copy of your diploma. In this case, you will need to send it by registered mail to the address provided in the email.
When your request is accepted, you will receive a certificate in PDF format.
It usually takes 3 months to process a request.
France: information on housing
The status of temporary protection entitles persons whose file is confirmed to the allowance for asylum seekers (allocation pour demandeurs d’asile (hereinafter – ADA)) and personal housing allowance (aide personnalisée au logement (hereinafter – APL)) . ADA is paid by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (l’office français pour l’immigration et l’intégration).
In addition, civil servants considering a request for temporary protection must check whether a person is entitled to access to housing if they do not have their own housing during the process of housing orientation / self-assessment of their housing situation.
The housing solutions that can be offered are diverse and are coordinated by the public official handling the case, such as private individuals who provide their homes, non-governmental organizations and other non-commercial entities, regional employment and solidarity offices (DDETS). In other words, there are several ways to organize housing support, which can include a variety of temporary housing solutions.
How and where to apply for public housing?
Temporary protection:
Housing Benefit (APL – see above) is financial help to reduce the amount of your rent (or your fees if you live in a hostel). It is paid based on your housing situation, regardless of your marital status: single, married, with or without dependents. The terms of attribution differ depending on whether you rent a house or live in a hostel.
We do not yet know how APL for temporary protection beneficiaries will be requested: ie whether the prefecture will help with the request or whether a separate request must be submitted. The temporary protection decision states that prefectural officials reviewing the request must also check the housing conditions (and indicate to the applicant at least available temporary housing).
National :
- National Reception Scheme: Beneficiaries are allowed to stay in reception centers for 3 months after being granted protection. This period can be extended for another 3 months with the express consent of OFII. During their stay at the center, beneficiaries are provided with support in finding housing in accordance with the mechanisms adopted by the local authorities.
- Beneficiaries can also be referred to temporary accommodation centers (Centres provisoires d’hébergement, CPH) by decision of the OFII. They will then be allowed to stay there for 9 months. This stay can be extended for 3 months.
- Solibail is a program created by the Ministry of Ecological Transition to mobilize private housing for vulnerable people. In this program, the state acts as a guarantor for homeowners who wish to rent housing to refugees.
- In addition to Solibail, several programs have been initiated by the central state and monitored by the decentralized state (prefecture, OFII, DDETS), which mainly target asylum seekers and refugees.
Regional/departmental :
In the metropoles of Lyon and Rennes, there are certain special initiatives to collect squats for migrants and refugees. Agreements signed with the squats of Arloing (Lyon) and Jardin des Poteries (Rennes) allow the metropolises to provide vulnerable people with access to temporary housing, guaranteeing that the objects will be returned at a certain point without damage.
If I’m staying with friends and family for an extended period of time, what paperwork do I need to fill out to make it official?
We are not aware of specific measures taken to verify residency. According to the usual rules, proof of residence requires the following:
- a certificate issued by an administrative authority (for example, check the possibility of obtaining such a document from the prefecture in case housing is allocated under temporary protection).
- other evidence usually required:
- bill for electricity (EDF), water or gas;
- a bill for a landline or mobile phone, or an Internet access package;
- tax or non-tax notice (un avis d’imposition ou de non-imposition);
- housing tax confirmation (un justificatif de la taxe d’habitation);
- ownership document or rent receipt;
- home insurance certificate;
- a statement from CAF indicating your accommodation allowance.
- a certificate issued by the host, with the date and indication of the identity of the host and the person being accepted (ie, indicating the name, surname, year and place of birth). For example (to be drawn up in French): “I, the undersigned Mr. Jean DUPONT, born in Paris on 19/09/1965, declare my honor to receive Mr. Joseph Dupre, born in Cannes on 01/02/1990, in my home at 1 rue The area is 14,000, the city of Kan”.
If I want to rent a property privately, what documents do I need?
We are not aware that specific rules were adopted as part of the invasion of Ukraine. According to the usual rules relating to the lease, the landlord may require various documents, including:
- Identity documents;
- Proof of residence (see previous question);
- Certificates from work or study (for example, employment contract, student card, etc.);
- Evidence of sources of income.
More information on the documents that may be requested from you is available here: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1169
This website also leads to an online platform that allows you to provide documents that may be required by the landlord.
Which governmental and non-governmental organizations can I turn to for additional information on housing?
Various participants provide housing support and counseling in the context of the crisis in Ukraine. The interaction between some of these participants is not clearly established at this time. As part of temporary protection status, prefectural officials coordinate housing programs (temporary and more permanent), which can facilitate access to housing programs that have been confirmed by government entities.
Wider solidarity programs have also been launched, information can be found on the websites of city halls or various municipalities and universities (see examples above).
Associations/ Public organizations:
- France Terre d’Asile ( https://www.france-terre-asile.org/ ) A few days after the start of the war in Ukraine, the France terre d’asile association opened a reception and information center for Ukrainian refugees in Paris. Search for housing, food, medical care.
NB: Change of address: the point for housing Ukrainians is located in Paris Expo Porte de Versailles (hall 2.1, entrance 21.6, access from Avenue Ernest Renan in the 15th arrondissement of Paris). Get there by tram 2, 3A or metro line 12 (Porte de Versailles station). Temporary housing is available from March 16 from 9:00 a.m. / help with residence permits from March 17 from 9:00 a.m.)
- https://solidarite-accueil-refugies-ukrainiens.fr/
- The “I commit to Ukraine” platform, launched by the French Minister of Citizenship, allows French families to donate their homes to host Ukrainian refugees. This platform also links to the website www.jeveuxaider.gouv.fr , which lists volunteering opportunities related to Ukraine.
France: education information
How do I enroll my children (or myself) in school?
The status of temporary protection gives the right to the state system of schools for minors (from 3 to 16 years).
It is not yet clear how prefectures will facilitate registration as part of the confirmation of the temporary protection system, or whether a separate request must be made for schools. However, there have been several public statements from leaders/ministries guaranteeing that they will facilitate the enrollment of minors in schools. Details are currently unknown.
Under the normal system, registration to the school system goes through the mayor’s office (of each city/municipality/district in large cities). Registration can often be done online with the requirement to provide various documents. Finally, the principal of the school in the district where the family is arriving can be contacted directly to obtain detailed information about the registration process at the town hall.
Various initiatives have been launched in different regions/municipalities to facilitate access to schools. According to the latest media coverage (mid-March 2022), a certain program is being implemented in Paris. Details are not yet known, but the program will focus on public kindergartens and public schools with special education units for non-French-speaking children.
If I have a child with special educational needs, where can I go for help enrolling him in a special school?
At this stage, a clear program has not been defined. Various entities involved in the education of children with special needs have called for public action in this regard.
Do universities implement admission schemes for Ukrainians or people fleeing Ukraine? If so, can you give some examples?
Free online training is offered to learn the French language and better understand the values and functioning of French society. Information is available in English, Ukrainian and Russian on the website:
Certain universities have also introduced specific measures to help Ukrainian students (these go beyond academic classes and may include assistance with housing, resources, medical needs and psychological support). Example:
Examples in the north of France :
- The University of Lille has introduced various measures to help Ukrainians and has also announced that it will create a separate university certificate to immediately enroll students in the university and provide them with status and a student card (further questions can be addressed here: ukraine.solidarite@univ-lille.fr ) ;
- The University of Strasbourg has also developed extensive support measures, including a special emergency contact address for Ukrainian and Russian students facing medical or psychological difficulties, financial difficulties (blocked accounts, non-renewal of official documents…). Students and departments aware of such cases are invited to write to solidarite_guerre_ukraine@unistra.fr This single window will connect them with the relevant university and Crous services (Crous refers to the regional department responsible for university students);
Examples in Ile-de-France (including Paris):
- The University of Paris 8 is also developing a special support program to help foreign students in difficult circumstances. According to the description, it is broader than educational needs.
https://www.univ-paris8.fr/Solidarite-Ukraine and email address vie.etudiante@univ-paris8.fr
- The University of Paris Saclay is developing emergency social assistance for Ukrainian and Russian students who are currently studying at the university and may have financial difficulties. Contact: aides.etudiant@universite-paris-saclay.fr/ The program also includes medical and psychological assistance through the University Health Service sante.etudiants@universite-paris-saclay.fr or
www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/consultation-avec-une-psychologue and assistance with housing for the families of our Ukrainian students who will join them in France and whom we have contacted with our housing partners
logement.etudiant@universite-paris-saclay.fr
- Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne University has similar programs, more details here:
This includes financial assistance ( sos-precarite@univ-paris1.fr ), psychological assistance ( siumpps@univ-paris1.fr ), the assistance program for exiled scientists (applications will soon be available here: L’appel à candidatures ), special support systems for teachers, academics and general hotline for questions related to support in the context of the crisis: fsd@univ-paris1.fr
Examples in other regions
- University of Bordeaux, more details here:
- University of Aix-Marseille, more details here:
https://www.univ-amu.fr/fr/public/actualites/ukraine-message-de-soutien-daix-marseille-universite Measures include financial and food aid for Ukrainian and Russian students, psychological support for our Ukrainian and Russian students, residence decisions in relation to CROUS and cities, a more flexible registration process for refugee students in faculties, admission decisions through national programs for refugee researchers and artists, the possibility of mobilizing “presidential” doctoral contracts to encourage the arrival of students- refugees, etc.)
Which governmental and non-governmental organizations can I turn to for additional information about education?
See above and below for specific questions.
France: information on child care
How to enroll young children in daycare?
In response to the current emergency situation, a number of municipalities (Paris, Nancy) are deploying their own scheme for the integration of Ukrainian children, which provides for the creation of special kindergartens and crèches for young children, as well as free meals and after-school care. In Paris:
- For people who have contacts in France and who can be helped by a French-speaking person, registration for kindergarten and primary school is done at the town hall of the district where the family lives;
- For people who do not have contacts in France and cannot get help from the town hall, the registration procedure is ongoing. [1]
As a general rule, children must meet two conditions to be admitted to a French crèche:
- Be aged from 2 months to 3 years;
- Have all mandatory vaccinations (if there are no contraindications in the medical certificate). [2]
Enrollment conditions depend on the type of crèches . It is recommended to contact the municipal services at your place of residence, which will be able to advise you on the conditions and availability of kindergartens. Places available in public kindergartens are often very limited. Private kindergartens usually have more places. The cost of kindergarten depends on your financial capabilities and family situation.
A list of institutions is available on the website of the French Family Assistance Fund (Caisse d’allocation familiale – CAF) in the “Je recherche” section. http://www.mon-enfant.fr/
As a beneficiary of temporary protection, you are entitled to an asylum seeker ‘s allowance (Ada) if you are over 18 years old and your monthly income is below a certain amount, for example below €565 if you are single; less than 967 euros if you are a single parent with one child; less than 1,187 euros if you are a couple with two children. [3]
Ada is a daily one-off benefit, the amount of which depends on the composition of your family. One person is entitled to up to €6.80/day (depending on different conditions). A family of three is entitled to EUR 13.60/day (depending on the assessment of each case). [4] It is therefore important that you are accompanied by your minor children when applying for Ada. You may be paid an extra Ada in certain circumstances, including if you have declared a housing need and have not taken up free housing. This additional amount, which is added to the basic one, is up to 7.40 EUR/day.
You should be able to apply for Ada when going through the prefecture (one-stop shop) or, if this is not possible, at the territorial offices of the French Immigration and Integration Service (Office français de l’immigration et de l’intégration – OFII).
If you are eligible, Ada will be paid at the end of each month to OFII using the payment card issued on presentation of your temporary residence permit. For any questions regarding Ada, you can contact the Ada Call Center on 01 41 17 73 23 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.).
You may also be entitled to certain family benefits depending on the number of dependent children and their ages. [5]
Are there any benefits for pregnant and lactating women?
All pregnant women in France have the right to have their medical expenses and care related to pregnancy and childbirth fully covered by the public health system. This includes monthly consultations; medical examinations; hospitalization expenses; the third ultrasound (the first two ultrasounds performed before the end of the fifth month of pregnancy are covered by 70%).
Mother and Child Protection Centers (PMIs) also offer free one-on-one follow-up and support for all women. [6]
What government and non-government organizations can I contact for more information about the needs of young children?
State bodies :
Municipality of Paris https://www.paris.fr/pages/paris-se-mobilise-pour-l-ukraine-20504 free phone: 3975. Maternal and child protection services of the municipality of Paris are mobilized to support Ukrainian families. Three classrooms at the school in the 18th arrondissement, near France Terre d’Asile’s reception center , are currently being used to care for children while parents complete paperwork. These classrooms will be transformed into a recreation center and kindergarten for the youngest children and equipped with games, toys, play mats and beds. 15 cots for parents will be installed in the nearby kindergarten in the near future (under construction). [7]
Non-profit organizations:
Solidarité Paris Maman (SOLIPAM) https://solipam.fr/ telephone: 01 48 24 16 28. This public organization supports and facilitates access to care for pregnant women and new mothers in difficult situations. Women in need can call directly on the free number 0801 801 081.
France: health information
Can I use public health care?
Yes, you can. In order for you to have quick access to medical care, France has just introduced a derogation that allows you, as a beneficiary of additional protection, to immediately benefit from the benefits of universal medical protection (PUMa) as well as free additional medical care. You will therefore be exempt from the usual three-month waiting period that applies to asylum seekers for this health insurance. [8]
Do I need to register to get health insurance, and if so, how?
No, you don’t need to register. Thanks to your “temporary protection” status, you have immediate access to general health care and free additional medical care. [9] You only need to send a copy of your temporary residence permit to the local CPAM branch of Assurance Maladie . [10]
What does public health care cover?
France’s universal health care system (PUMa) covers between 70% and 100% of most health care costs, including: [11]
- inpatient care;
- out-of-hospital care by general practitioners, specialists, dentists, midwives;
- diagnostic studies as prescribed by a doctor;
- prescribed medicines, medical products;
- designated medical transportation. [12]
Low-income patients and long-term patients receive 100% coverage.
Do I need additional private health insurance in addition to public health insurance? If so, are there programs for low-income people?
Beneficiaries of temporary protection have access to the state supplementary program – Complémentaire Santé Solidaire (hereinafter – CSS), which provides additional health insurance in addition to the universal health care system (PUMa). In particular, CSS reimburses, like private health insurance, part of the costs of medical care that are not covered by the universal health care system (PUMa). It also frees you from having to make any upfront payments to healthcare providers. Therefore, you do not need additional private health insurance in addition to public health insurance.
Depending on your financial situation, you can use CSS services either free of charge or subject to payment of a fee, which may vary depending on the number and age of family members. [13]
Which governmental and non-governmental organizations can I contact for more information about accessing health care?
Government agencies:
- French Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) https://assurance-maladie.ameli.fr/ , toll-free number: 3646. Local health insurance offices (called CPAM – caisses primaires d’assurance maladie ) are present in every department of France and can help you with any specific requests. Contact information for each local branch can be found at:
https://www.ameli.fr/paris/assure/adresses-et-contacts/un-autre-sujet
Non-profit organizations:
- France Assos Santé https://www.france-assos-sante.org , freephone: 01 40 56 01 49. This public organization informs users of the health care system about their rights in relation to health care facilities and medical professionals .
- France Terre d’Asile https://www.france-terre-asile.org/ . This public organization has created a special reception center in Paris for people who have fled Ukraine, which is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following address: hall 2.1, entrance 21.6, entrance from avenue Ernest Renan in the 15th arrondissement of Paris). Get there by tram 2, 3A or metro line 12 (Porte de Versailles station). Temporary housing available from March 16 at 9 am, residence permit assistance from March 17 at 9 am (please note the change of address, the center was previously located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris). This reception center is the first point of contact for Ukrainian refugees to assess their needs and direct them to the most acceptable solutions. Information in Ukrainian is available at:
https://www.france-terre-asile.org/images/FLYER_UKRAINIEN.pdf
France: information on mental health
Can I get free mental health support through the NHS?
People living in Ukraine who arrive in France as refugees are granted “temporary protection” status upon arrival in France (provided they meet the requirements, see conditions above). Once they arrive in France and take advantage of the program, Ukrainian refugees benefit from universal health coverage and additional health insurance.
To consult a psychiatrist, it is not necessary to follow the “way of coordinated care”, that is, the fact of consulting with the attending physician before any specialist allows you to receive optimal compensation for health expenses. On the other hand, in order to see a psychologist, you must first see your doctor.
For a 100% reimbursement, you need to contact a “Sector 1” specialist – this information can be found on their website or requested by phone.
Do I need to complete any additional administrative procedures to access mental health support?
Upon arrival in France, the local authority (prefecture – préfecture ) issues a temporary residence permit (Autorisation Provisioire de Séjour (hereinafter – APS)), which indicates that the person is entitled to “temporary protection”. In practice, upon arrival in France, with such “temporary protection” a person benefits from general health protection and additional health insurance. Among other things, it allows the person not to pay for medical care in advance: the person and his family members receive insurance for 12 months (documents to be submitted for the request, see above).
To take advantage of this program, you must provide a prefectural temporary residence permit to the health insurance department at your place of residence. If the address on the temporary residence permit no longer corresponds to the current address, a copy of proof of address must also be provided (see above for the various documents that can be provided).
Which government and non-government organizations can I contact for more information about services for people with mental health problems, especially trauma?
State bodies :
City of Paris: cities have created reception and psychological support centers for Ukrainian refugees.
All major French cities and regions have created similar programs: Strasbourg, Nice, Montpellier, etc.
Emergency number: As anxiety or distress can arise at any time, 3114 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a national telephone number dedicated to the prevention of suffering and suicide, created in September 2021, where you can be heard and, if necessary, call the Service d’Aide Médicale Urgente (hereafter SAMU).
Non-profit organizations:
Franco-Ukrainian society from different regions of France:
- Center Primo Levi : combines psychological assistance with medical and paramedical assistance, as well as social and legal support with the help of professional translators.
- Traces Réseau Clinique International : Through its psychotherapeutic activities, it helps refugees who have suffered from trauma caused by war, torture or political violence.
- Le Chêne et l’Hibiscus : conducts several listening sessions and psychological counseling at the Humanitarian Center “Halte humanitaire”.
France: access to legal aid and human rights information
If I have a legal question and need to hire a lawyer, am I entitled to legal aid? How to find a lawyer?
To receive legal aid, you must meet the following 3 conditions:
- Not having legal defense insurance that covers all legal costs;
- Have French or European citizenship or permanent residence in France (short stays are excluded);
- Have total taxable income and the value of property and real estate below certain thresholds (there are exceptions, in particular for victims of crime and terrorism).
For a tax family of one person: you can benefit from full legal aid (100%) if your total taxable income and the value of your movable and immovable assets do not exceed the following limits:
- Total taxable income: €11,580
- The value of movable property: €11,580
- The cost of real estate: €34,734
Gross taxable income is the sum total of all income of a taxpayer, whether taxable or not. This income is calculated at the level of family taxation. There is a difference between a family home, which is made up of all the people who live together, and a tax home, which is made up of all the people who file the same tax return. Members of the tax family are specified in a single tax notice.
Movable property is all movable property, that is, your financial savings and valuable assets: jewelry, cars, furniture, etc. All of your personal assets are taken into account when considering your legal aid application.
Real estate is all immovable property: land, apartment, house, etc. Only part of your real estate is taken into account when considering an application for legal aid. Your primary residence and real estate necessary for your professional activities are excluded from the value taken into account.
You can get legal aid if your income and the value of your property and real estate do not exceed the maximum amounts given below.
Legal aid will be full (100%) or partial (55% or 25%) depending on the size of your income and the composition of your tax family.
However, legal aid is provided to victims of criminal and/or terrorist acts and their beneficiaries without verification of income and assets.
Procedures for obtaining assistance:
France does not provide legal aid for foreigners. In France, legal aid can be provided in the following cases:
- Civil process (divorce, insurance claim)
- Criminal proceedings (proceedings in a correctional court or a criminal court of first instance (Cour d’assises)
- Administrative process (appeal against the refusal to issue a building permit or administrative penalty)
The board is supported by :
- If you get full benefit:
All your costs are covered, except for the right to claim €13, which is payable in some jurisdictions, and your lawyer’s fees.
Amounts deposited in the application for assistance are not refundable.
- If you receive partial assistance:
The state pays part of the remuneration of lawyers and state or ministerial employees (bailiffs, notaries, etc.) in accordance with the rate of partial assistance provided.
On the other hand, the state fully pays other costs related to proceedings or actions for which partial legal aid was provided (expenses for expertise, social investigation, etc.).
Regarding your attorney’s fees, you must sign an additional fee agreement.
How to apply :
You can apply for legal assistance when submitting an application or during a case review.
You can also seek legal aid after the procedure, for example to enforce a court decision.
You must use cerfa form #15626, which must be downloaded or removed from the town hall or court.
Where to apply :
The legal aid bureau authorized to consider your application depends on the court that has to hear the case (the list is given in Decree No. 2020-1535 of December 7, 2020 on establishing the list and jurisdictions of the legal aid bureau (available at the following link: https: // www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000042625491 )
Court or appeal :
You should apply to the relevant legal aid service in your place of residence.
If you do not have a place of residence, you can apply to the competent legal aid service for the authority that issued you the certificate of place of residence.
The Legal Aid Bureau is responsible for requests for legal aid in cases heard by courts of first and second instance.
Court of Cassation :
You must apply directly to the Court of Cassation.
State Council (Conseil d’Etat) :
You must apply directly to the State Council.
National Asylum Court :
You must apply directly to the National Asylum Tribunal.
Choosing a lawyer :
If you are entitled to legal aid, you can choose your own lawyer.
A lawyer should help you in criminal cases.
If you do not know a lawyer or if the lawyer you have applied to refuses to represent you, the Bar Association will appoint a lawyer for you.
You can change your lawyer if you already have legal aid. You must notify the legal aid office that provided you of this change.
If the legal aid is complete, the fee is paid in full according to the legal aid tariff.
If the legal aid is partial, the attorney’s fees are not fully covered and the legal aid scale does not apply. The lawyer may ask you to sign a fee agreement for the part of the fee that is not covered by legal aid.
Is there a human rights ombudsman in the country? What is the best way to contact the ombudsman?
In France, the human rights body (Défenseur des droits) is an independent constitutional body responsible for ensuring that public administrations and bodies respect the rights and freedoms of citizens.
Any person can apply directly and free of charge to the human rights institution by a simple letter. They have extended investigative powers (hearing cases, transfer of documents) as an independent administrative body.
After studying the disputed situation, the human rights body can:
- to facilitate the conclusion of a settlement agreement by providing recommendations; or
- if they believe wrongdoing has been committed, seek disciplinary proceedings before the competent authority.
The human rights body can also submit observations to judicial and administrative courts in support of the plaintiff.
The claim
You can file a complaint. A complaint can be filed with the police, gendarmerie or prosecutor’s office. The victim, who does not know the offender, must file a complaint against X.
You must go to the police station or gendarmerie of your choice to file a complaint. Information is available for your location here: https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Contact/Contacter-une-brigade-de-gendarmerie-ou-un-commissariat-de-police
You can also file a complaint with the prosecutor (it is necessary to send a letter to the court at the place where the offense was committed or at the place of residence of the offender; you can also file a complaint directly at the court reception desk).
After identifying the criminal, the court can convict him. The victim must file a civil lawsuit for compensation.
A temporary residence permit with the inscription “private and family life” (“vie privée et familiale”) is issued to a foreigner who has filed a complaint against a person whom he or she accuses of committing crimes related to human trafficking or pimping, or who has given testimony in criminal proceedings for the same crimes.
This card is valid for one year and is renewed during the criminal proceedings if the conditions for its issuance continue to be met.
Before submitting any application for a residence permit, an applicant who claims to be a victim of human trafficking or pimping must be interviewed by qualified police or gendarmerie personnel. He must be informed about the possibility of obtaining a residence permit, about reception and protection measures, about the possibility of access to a certain number of rights (in particular, legal aid), about the 30-day reflection period and about the possibility of submitting an application for international protection.
During the 30-day period for reflection, a receipt is issued, which prohibits the adoption and implementation of any suspension measures and allows professional activity.
In case of final conviction of the criminal, you are issued a ten-year resident card (with the right to extend).
Ac.Sé national project (referral to a specialized association)
The purpose of this project is to protect all victims of human trafficking who are in danger (adults and minors). The danger can be reported to the association, the judge, the police by calling the number that works from Monday to Friday: after identifying the danger, the victim is granted asylum in France (in one of the 80 project partners).
If you are a victim, you must report the facts to the court.
You can contact any association that aims to help victims of human trafficking by participating in the Ac.Sé program, which helps people find shelter and prepares them to return to social life, for example:
- Alc (runs the Ac.Sé project): https://www.association-alc.org/proteger-les-plus-vulnerables/victimes-de-traite-des-etres-humains/
- Toit d’urgence: https://www.lespetitespierres.org/projets/un-refuge-pour-les-victimes-de-traite-des-etres-humains/267
- Mist: http://mist-association.org/en/home/
France: bank account and tax information
What documents do I need to open a bank account?
Documents that must be prepared for opening a bank account in France:
- Valid official identity document;
- Address confirmation;
- A sample of your signature. If it is a joint account, each account holder must provide a sample signature. If you give someone (including a trustee) a power of attorney to use your account, you and the designated person must also provide a copy of the power of attorney.
In addition, some banks:
- may require proof of income (even for offers without income verification) to determine the maximum credit limit;
- request a bank account statement (Relevé d’Identité Bancaire – RIB) from another institution (to make the first payment to confirm the opening of the account).
When do I become a tax payer in the country and what do I need to do to pay it?
You are liable to pay income tax (impôt sur le revenu) in France if your main residence is in France. Unless international tax treaties provide otherwise, you are considered a resident of France for tax purposes if you meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Your permanent residence is France, i.e. your usual residence or the residence of your family (husband/wife and children). This can be even if you live temporarily or for most of the year in another country for professional reasons. If you are single with no dependents, your tax residence is where you live most of the time; or
- You are engaged in a professional activity in France as an employed person or otherwise, if this activity is not secondary; or
- The center of your economic interests is in France. In other words, France is the location of your main investment, the location of your business, the location of your professional activity or the source of most of your income.
As a French resident, you are taxed in France on all your income, including remuneration for activities carried out abroad. You must declare your international income to the French tax authorities every year by a certain deadline. If you do not already have a French tax number, you will need to verify your identity to create a personal account on the website https://www.impots.gouv.fr/accueil . To do this, you need to either contact the local tax office and identify yourself to an employee, or fill in the form available in the “Contacts” section of the website https://www.impots.gouv.fr/accueil
Once your identity has been verified, you will be sent an email indicating that you can create your personal account by entering your tax number and date of birth on the login page of the website https://www.impots.gouv.fr/accueil. By creating your personal online account, you will be able to file your tax return online. Online filing is simple and useful in a variety of situations, including changing marital status (marriage, civil partnership, divorce, etc.), moving, or dealing with complex tax situations (eg income earned abroad). Online filing is available during tax season (generally April through June) based on filing deadlines that are set each year. To pay online, you must ensure that you have the latest tax notice and bank details and complete the online form available in your personal account on the website https://www.impots.gouv.fr/accueil .
Your tax liability will be determined by the French tax authorities based on the composition of your family (eg husband, wife and dependent children), your income level and the benefits you may be entitled to.
You are only liable for tax if your taxable family income exceeds the tax threshold. In France, income tax is actually levied on households, not individuals. For example, in 2022 a single person will only pay income tax if his or her net taxable income exceeds €15,547. Income tax is charged directly from the income received (prélèvement à la source).
In addition to income tax, direct taxes in France mainly include taxe d’habitation and property tax (taxe foncière).
Occupancy tax is a local council tax paid each year by the occupant of a property. Its size depends on the size, condition and location of the property, as well as rates set by local communities. From 2023, the residence tax at the place of residence of the taxpayer will be abolished.
Property tax is an annual property tax levied on the owner, regardless of whether the property is actually occupied or rented out. Its size is determined by the size, location and other factors relating to the property, as well as rates set by local communities.
France: other services
Where can an unaccompanied minor get help?
Unaccompanied minors (that is, without parents or legal representatives) are considered unaccompanied minors (UAM) or isolated minors. This term refers to a person under the age of 18 who is outside their country of origin unaccompanied by a parent or guardian.
In France, legal documents provide for the mandatory protection of UAM under the heading “childhood at risk” without discrimination based on nationality. Thus, because they are under the age of 18 and temporarily or permanently deprived of the protection of their families, UAMs are children at risk and should be considered as such and therefore placed under the control of child protective services.
In France, child protection is the responsibility of the Departmental Councils (DC) through the Child Protection Services (Aide Sociale à l’Enfance – ASE), which are responsible for the reception, assessment and care of UAM. Depending on their policies and the resources allocated by departmental child protection councils, they may or may not choose to create a dedicated service dedicated to the reception of UAMs, or to delegate this reception to an NGO or to a reception, assessment and orientation platform.
Thus, when a young person presents himself as a UAM and applies for protection, he must undergo an initial admission interview by the departmental council services. The board assesses the situation in which the young person is, and during this time he must be taken into emergency care (or shelter). At the end of this assessment, the president of the departmental council accepts or refuses to take the young person into care.
French families can also take Ukrainian children on their own. The children’s service of the departmental council will assess the conditions of admission to the host family.
How and where can I apply for disability benefits?
You can be recognized as disabled if, as a result of an accident or illness of non-professional origin, your working capacity and salary have decreased by at least 2/3. You may be able to receive a disability pension to compensate for lost wages. Disability pension is granted temporarily. It can be changed, suspended or canceled depending on the development of your situation.
There are conditions for receiving this pension :
- You are considered disabled if, after an accident or illness of non-occupational origin, your working capacity or earnings have decreased by at least 2/3 (66%). This means that you cannot receive a salary higher than 1/3 (33%) of the usual salary of employees in your category and your professional field.
- You must have been connected to the social security system for at least 12 months from the first day of the month in which the break in work (causing your disability) or the determination of your disability occurred.
In addition to the membership period, you must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- You must pay contributions based on earnings equal to at least 2,030 hourly wages during the 12 calendar months: January, February, March, etc. (one month apart from date to date) preceding the interruption of work.
- To work at least 600 hours during the 12 months preceding the break in work or establishment of disability.
If you qualify, you can apply for a disability pension either directly with your Caisse primaire d’assurance maladie (CPAM) or yourself. CPAM will notify you by registered letter of its decision whether to pay you disability pension during the following period:
- or 2 months after the date on which you sent the pension application; or
- 2 months after the date your fund notified you by post of your disability.
In order to determine the amount of the pension, disabled persons are divided by social protection authorities into 3 categories depending on their situation.
No
Can you list 3-4 public organizations that conduct language courses and other integration programs for Ukrainians?
- Secours Catholique https://www.secours-catholique.org/actualites/un-accompagnement-fraternel-des-refugies-ukrainiens
- Emmaüs France https://emmaus-france.org/solidarite-avec-lukraine-le-mouvement-emmaus-poursuit-sa-mobilisation/
- Habitat et Humanisme Rhône (Lyon) https://www.habitat-humanisme.org/associations/habitat-humanisme-rhone/
- Ukraine Amitiés (Bordeaux) http://www.ukraineamitie.free.fr/
- Association Afalac (Famille langues culture) (Le Mans) https://www.famillelanguescultures.com/
[1] https://www.paris.fr/pages/how-paris-is-supporting-ukraine-20549
[2] https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F607
[3] https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/download/pdf/circ?id=45302
These amounts are determined on the basis of French active solidarity income (Le revenu de solidarité active – RSA) https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F33314?lang=en
[4] https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F33314?lang=en
[5] It is expected that the conditions for obtaining these family benefits will be clarified soon.
[6] https://www.aide-sociale.fr/aides-femmes-enceintes/
[7] https://www.paris.fr/pages/how-paris-is-supporting-ukraine-20549
[8] As of March 14, 2021:
[11] https://www.cleiss.fr/docs/regimes/regime_france/an_1.html
[12] https://www.cleiss.fr/particuliers/venir/soins/ue/systeme-de-sante-en-france_en.html
[13] https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F10027
