Paperwork and support in Paris: prefecture, CAF and associations
Living in Paris or moving to Paris? Sagesse Solidaire helps Russian speakers, Ukrainians and everyone from Eastern Europe deal with French institutions in a language they understand.
First steps after moving — Paris
Check your documents and procedure
Identify the procedure for your visa or permit and check deadlines with ANEF and the préfecture. Keep copies and submission receipts.
Read morePrepare your housing and CAF file
Gather proof of address, your lease and income documents. Check benefit eligibility individually; ADIL can explain rental rules.
Read moreCheck your health coverage
Check CPAM eligibility and required documents. Ask doctors about consultation languages, fees and availability for new patients.
Read moreLearn French and meet people
Explore OFII courses, neighbourhood centres and conversation groups. Conditions vary; not every activity is free.
Read moreWhere to get help in your city
Choose the relevant service. Check its official site for the office serving your home address, appointments and required documents; the office may be in another town in the department.
Préfecture de Police de Paris
Paris residence permits are handled by the Préfecture de Police, not the regional prefecture. This is the general address: check the procedure and appointment location online and on your notice.
1 bis rue de Lutèce, 75004 Paris
34 30
CAF de Paris — La Chapelle
CAF benefits, housing support and family allowances. Check opening hours and appointment requirements before visiting. Contact CAF online through your personal account.
47 rue de la Chapelle, 75018 Paris
France terre d’asile
Support for asylum seekers and refugees. These are headquarters contacts: ask which service fits your situation and how to arrange an appointment before visiting.
24 rue Marc Seguin, 75018 Paris
01 53 04 39 99
La Cimade Île-de-France
Legal support for foreign nationals. Regional office address and advice line: choose an advice session and check its schedule online. Ask about available languages in advance.
46 boulevard des Batignolles, 75017 Paris
01 40 08 05 34
Ameli (CPAM)
Health insurance, Carte Vitale, C2S.
France Travail
Registration, jobs, training.
France Services
Find a nearby centre for help with online public-service procedures. Check languages and appointments with the centre.
ANIL / ADIL
Information on leases, deposits, tenant rights and your departmental ADIL contacts.
Impôts
Tax number, personal account and the tax office serving your home address.
OFII
Integration contract, French classes.
Points-justice
Free legal consultations.
Make friends and feel at home
Start with a French conversation group, the library or a neighbourhood centre. Family outings and children’s activities can also help you meet people. Read our news or contact us with your town and interests; confirm dates and availability with the organiser.
Residence permits in Paris
Permits in Paris are handled by the préfecture (www.prefecturedepolice.interieur.gouv.fr). Check the official site for the application method appropriate to your permit. Contact the association to discuss available document support.
CAF, health insurance and jobs
We help with CAF benefits, Carte Vitale and C2S, France Travail registration, French CVs and driving licence exchange.
Support for women in Paris
Violence, separation, no housing? Contact us — we listen confidentially in Russian or Ukrainian. Immediate danger: 17 or 112; emergency accommodation: 115. The 3919 information and support line is not an emergency service.
Community
Meet people through local associations, cultural centres and French classes. Announced association events appear in the news section; check whether any are available in your city.
FAQ
Is there a Russian-speaking lawyer in Paris?
Find free legal consultations through the official Points-justice directory and check available languages in advance. Legal aid eligibility is subject to specific conditions.
How do I renew my residence permit in Paris?
Application methods and deadlines depend on the permit category. Check the prefecture and ANEF requirements early rather than relying on a single deadline.
Is the help free?
Contact us to confirm the scope and terms of support before proceeding. Third-party specialists may have separate fees or conditions.