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Work and diploma recognition for Ukrainians in France: temporary protection, ENIC-NARIC

If you came from Ukraine and hold the temporary protection APS, you can work in France straight away, with no separate work permit. This guide covers registering with France Travail, writing a French CV, getting your Ukrainian diploma compared through ENIC-NARIC and avoiding scams.

Verified, up to date 20263 min read

Key points in 30 seconds

  • Check your APS says "autorise son titulaire à travailler".
  • Register with and ask for an adviser and French classes.
  • Write a one-page French CV and a short cover letter.

The procedure at a glance

Steps7
Documents7
Where to goservice-public.gouv.fr, france-education-international.fr, francetravail.fr

The right to work under temporary protection

An APS marked "autorise son titulaire à travailler" allows employment, temping (intérim), part-time work or a micro-entreprise. Employers check the document with the prefecture, which is routine. Pay is at least the SMIC, with a bulletin de salaire every month; report income to because it changes your ADA.

Advice from the association

Don't leave this procedure to the last minute — come and see us.

and free support

Registering on francetravail.fr is free and gives you an adviser, job offers, training and French classes. State your temporary protection status and language level. Many agencies run sessions for Ukrainians: ask your local agency or town hall.

Common mistake

Paying intermediaries for a "guaranteed job" or paperwork.

CV and job search

A French CV fits on one page: contact details, target job, experience (most recent first), education with its French equivalent, languages (Ukrainian, Russian, French, English with level). Photo and date of birth are optional. Search on francetravail.fr, Indeed, Welcome to the Jungle, temping agencies and through associations.

Common mistake

Working without a contract: no protection, insurance or seniority.

Recognising your Ukrainian diploma (ENIC-NARIC)

For most jobs no recognition is required: employers judge your experience. ENIC-NARIC France's attestation de comparabilité is free and useful for jobs, studies and competitive exams. Apply online with the diploma, transcript and a translation (a sworn translation is not always required; check the website).

Common mistake

Hiding wages from : the ADA overpayment will be claimed back.

Regulated professions

Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lawyers, state school teachers and some other professions need an autorisation d'exercice, registration with a professional order or an exam. The ENIC-NARIC attestation does not replace this. While the procedure runs, you can work in a related role (aide-soignant(e), assistant…).

Avoiding job scams

A real employer never asks for money for a job, papers or training and never keeps your passport. Insist on a written contract (CDI, CDD or contrat d'intérim) before starting. Be wary of "no contract, cash in hand" offers and jobs advertised only on messaging apps. If abused, contact the inspection du travail or a free legal consultation.

Step by step

  1. 1Check your APS says "autorise son titulaire à travailler".
  2. 2Register with and ask for an adviser and French classes.
  3. 3Write a one-page French CV and a short cover letter.
  4. 4Apply online to ENIC-NARIC for an attestation de comparabilité of your Ukrainian diploma.
  5. 5For a regulated profession, ask the relevant professional order about authorisation.
  6. 6Only sign a written contract and keep every bulletin de salaire.
  7. 7Tell about the job and your income to avoid an ADA overpayment.

Refused or missed a deadline: what to do

Appeal deadlines run from the day you receive the decision — keep letters and envelopes.

  • Deregistered or benefit refused

    Within 2 months, send a prior appeal to your agency director via your francetravail.fr messages, with proof.

  • Missed an appointment

    Send an explanation and proof from your account right away, before any decision.

  • No answer or ongoing dispute

    Contact 's regional mediator, free of charge.

Legal basis checked 26/10/2026service-public.gouv.fr — Radiation par France Travail

Documents needed

Collected: 0 / 7

  • Temporary protection APS
  • Ukrainian passport
  • Social security number (or attestation)
  • of a French account
  • Ukrainian diploma and transcript
  • French translation of the diploma
  • CV in French

FAQ

Do I need a work permit under temporary protection from Ukraine?

No. The temporary protection APS itself allows you to work. No separate permit is needed.

What does the ENIC-NARIC attestation look like?

It is a France Education International document with your identity, the title of your Ukrainian diploma and its comparable level in France. It does not replace a licence to practise.

Attestation de comparabilité — France Éducation InternationalENIC-NARIC FranceATTESTATION DE COMPARABILITÉNiveau de comparabilitéBac + 3 · Niveau 6
Level of the diploma in France.Diagram of the ENIC-NARIC statement: your details and diploma, then the matching level in France (e.g. Bac+3 / level 6). It arrives as a PDF in your online account.
Can I work while my diploma is being recognised?

Yes. Recognition is not required for non-regulated jobs; for regulated ones you can work in a related role.

Steps and documents on one page — save as PDF and take it with you.

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