Key points in 30 seconds
- Book the prefecture or the Ukrainian welcome point at your town hall.
- Get the APS "bénéficiaire de la protection temporaire" for you and your children.
- Go to : accept the reception conditions and receive the ADA card.
The procedure at a glance
Who is eligible
Ukrainians living in Ukraine before 24/02/2022, their spouses, partners and children, and foreigners with permanent Ukrainian residence who cannot safely return home. Children are listed on a parent's APS or receive their own document depending on the prefecture.
Advice from the association
Don't leave this procedure to the last minute — come and see us.
The APS at the prefecture
The APS (autorisation provisoire de séjour) marked "bénéficiaire de la protection temporaire" is issued by the prefecture where you live, by online appointment, through the town hall welcome point or by phone. It is often issued the same day, is valid for 6 months and immediately allows you to work.
Common mistake
Waiting for the APS to expire before booking renewal.
ADA through
The prefecture then refers you to , which offers reception conditions (housing and allowance) and issues the ADA payment card. The amount depends on household size: a share per adult and per child, reduced if housing is provided. Payments are monthly, about one month in arrears.
Common mistake
Not reporting wages to — ADA overpayments are reclaimed.
ADA and work
You can work straight away. Report your earnings to : above a household income ceiling, ADA is reduced or stopped. If the job ends, ask for a review. Do not hide wages — overpayments are reclaimed.
Common mistake
Throwing away and prefecture letters needed for , and school.
Renewal
The APS is renewed every 6 months while the EU temporary protection lasts (currently until 4 March 2028). Depending on the prefecture, online or by appointment. Start 1–2 months early and ask for an if the new document is late, so ADA, and work are not interrupted.
Step by step
- 1Book the prefecture or the Ukrainian welcome point at your town hall.
- 2Get the APS "bénéficiaire de la protection temporaire" for you and your children.
- 3Go to : accept the reception conditions and receive the ADA card.
- 4Apply at for and , with no three-month wait.
- 5When you start work, report income to and keep your payslips.
- 6Request renewal 1–2 months before the APS expires.
- 7Keep copies of the APS, letters and attestations.
Refused or missed a deadline: what to do
Appeal deadlines run from the day you receive the decision — keep letters and envelopes.
APS renewal is delayed
Before expiry, ask the prefecture in writing for an or . Keep proof of the request and send it to , and your employer.
ADA stopped or reduced
Ask for the written decision. You can file a recours gracieux with the director, then an appeal to the administrative court, within 2 months; attach payslips and the APS.
The prefecture refuses the APS
Ask for a written, reasoned refusal, which can be challenged within 2 months (recours gracieux or administrative court). Contact an association or apply for legal aid.
Legal basis checked 26/10/2026service-public.gouv.fr — Protection temporaire
Documents needed
Collected: 0 / 6
- Ukrainian passport (international or internal) or ID card
- Children's birth certificates
- Proof of arrival after 24/02/2022 (stamp, ticket, certificate)
- ID photos (some prefectures)
- Address or
- once you open an account
FAQ
What does the temporary protection APS look like?
A paper prefecture document with photo, foreigner number, validity dates and the mentions "bénéficiaire de la protection temporaire" and "autorise son titulaire à travailler". Show it to employers, , and school.
Do I need a visa?
No. A Ukrainian passport or a document proving residence in Ukraine before 24/02/2022 is enough.
My APS expired and the new one is not ready?
Ask the prefecture for an or and send it to , and your employer.
Related guides
Steps and documents on one page — save as PDF and take it with you.