An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine

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Against the background of the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine, France, like other countries of the European Union, introduced simplified conditions for registration of protection for Ukrainians. We have collected information about the rules of moving to France and social support in this article.

Rules of entry

There are no entry restrictions due to the COVID-19 coronavirus. From August 1, 2022, a vaccination certificate or a PCR test is not required to enter France.

Ukrainians fleeing the war can come to France without a biometric passport. Those who decide to visit the country without a visa must have this document. If your passport expires, or you arrived with your child without a foreign passport, you should contact the Embassy of Ukraine in France.

Ukrainians coming to France can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days. In order to stay longer and receive social support, as in other EU countries, it is necessary to obtain a temporary protection status in France.

Citizens of Ukraine are not recommended to apply for refugee status (asile), because temporary protection status better meets the needs of displaced Ukrainians and is obtained through a simplified procedure. For more details on the difference between temporary protection status and refugee status, see the link.

Ukrainians who plan to come to France with pets must identify them with a microchip, get vaccinated against rabies and provide an up-to-date result of a serological test to determine antibodies to the causative agent of rabies. Also, the animal must have a valid passport of the European model or a health certificate issued by the veterinary institutions of the State Production and Consumer Service.

Where to apply for protection?

To apply for a temporary protection status in France, contact:

        • prefectures of the department at the place of residence;

        • "Accueil Ukraine" points. In Paris, it is located at: Paris Event Center, 20, Avenue de la Porte de la Villette – 75019 Paris.

Also, in the "Accueil Ukraine" center you will be provided with:

        • primary aid for temporarily displaced persons – food, hygiene products, tests for COVID-19, etc.;

        • medical consultations;

        • support of social workers;

        • psychological assistance;

        • temporary settlement.

Please note that Ukrainians staying in France for longer than 6 months must renew their right to temporary protection. More details at the link.

Dwelling

Housing in France is provided in three stages. First, upon arrival, you will be accommodated for a few nights at the emergency reception point. After registration of protection, social workers will provide temporary housing where you will live for several weeks or months. Its location may differ from the place of arrival.

Then you will be provided with permanent housing for at least three months, which will allow you to integrate. Usually, priority is given to individual accommodation, but it is also possible to accommodate French citizens. The French gladly host Ukrainians and receive support from the state for this.

Ukrainians can rent housing independently. Most often, owners can demand warranty claims from the tenant. The French government helps Ukrainians to fulfill these conditions thanks to the VISALE system. Also, Ukrainians have the right to apply for financial assistance for housing rent.

Financial assistance

Ukrainians who have obtained the status of temporary protection in France are entitled to financial assistance for asylum seekers. The amount of payments is calculated depending on the composition of the family. The approximate amount is: 1 person - 6.8 euros per day, 2 people - 10.2 euros per day, 3 people - 13.60 euros per day, and so on. There is also an additional payment of 7.4 euros per day for each adult. Documents for payment must be drawn up at the French Office of Immigration and Integration.

The French Family Assistance Fund (CAF) provides financial assistance to Ukrainians - money for housing rent or children's education.

Medical services

In France, Ukrainians have the right to full coverage of medical expenses: consultation of a doctor, dentist, obstetrician, psychologist. In addition, you can get medicine and free laboratory tests. The insurance will also cover the costs associated with your glasses, dentures, hearing aids and other medical equipment if necessary. More details at the link.

We draw your attention to the fact that if you do not apply for temporary protection status in France, but are planning a trip to the country, you should take care of an insurance policy, because it is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine. In order not to have trouble abroad and to be calm for yourself and your loved ones, Visit Ukraine recommends taking out medical insurance in advance.

Education

Ukrainian children who came to France with their parents have the right to free education in the country's educational institutions. Kindergarten and school attendance is mandatory for children aged 3 to 16. Registration for an educational institution is carried out at the town hall at the place of residence.

Where to look for work?

After obtaining temporary protection status, you gain access to the French labor market. Most of all, the country needs workers for industrial enterprises, in the fields of tourism and IT. The minimum wage in France after taxes is around 1,300 euros. The average salary in the country is 2,200 euros.

To find a job, we advise you to contact the local employment center Pole Emploi. Here you can get advice on employment and features of the country's labor market. You can search for a job independently on the resources: Indeed and Monster.

Free travel

The right to free travel to Ukrainians is granted only once, when you arrive in France. You can use the ticket to move around the country or go to other European cities.