France has updated the rules for transitioning from temporary APS status to titre de séjour: how Ukrainians can transition to a residence permit through AFUCA
Change of migration status for Ukrainians residing in France under the temporary APS regime, is gradually becoming the subject of practical consultations and detailed explanations from organizations working with refugees. It became known under what conditions Ukrainians can begin the procedure for transitioning to a residence permit — titre de séjour, what documents will have to be prepared and what new administrative requirements will appear in the near future. This is a decision that for many means a long-term consolidation in the French legal system, because after such a transition, a return to the APS regime is not provided.
Who can receive AFUCA support when applying for a titre de séjour
In France, the rules for transitioning from APS to titre de séjour via AFUCA have been updated and a new exam is being introduced from 2026. The possibility of obtain support from AFUCA for transition to a residence permit is limited to specific family grounds. The organization helps to issue a titre de séjour of the vie privée et familiale category only in two cases, which are clearly defined during consultations with the prefectures.
These are situations when a Ukrainian is married or in a PACS civil partnership with a French citizen, as well as cases when the applicant is the father or mother of a child who has French citizenship. It is these grounds that allow you to use the accompaniment procedure during the preparation of the dossier and submission of documents.
The question common among Ukrainians about the possibility of submitting documents due to long-term residence in France or the child’s education at a local school currently does not provide grounds for going through AFUCA. In such cases, French law provides for another procedure – admission exceptionnelle au séjour (AES), but it does not apply to Ukrainians staying in the country with APS status.
The process of submitting documents through AFUCA
The submission of documents for the transition to a titre de séjour will be organized in a special format, called “Ukrainian weekends” in the prefectures. It is during these days that Ukrainians will be able to submit prepared dossiers with the participation of consultants who help check the documents and prepare the administrative package.
Before submitting, applicants undergo a consultation, during which specialists analyze the situation of a specific family or applicant, check the available documents and explain what materials need to be added to the dossier. After that, a full package of documents is prepared and submitted to the prefecture.
It should be noted that the official list of documents is still awaited from the French administrative authorities. After its publication, a detailed explanation of the requirements, submission deadlines and administrative procedures is planned.
Specific requirements for entrepreneurs
A separate category is made up of applicants who plan to apply for a titre de séjour on the basis of entrepreneurial activity. These are those refugees who intend to work in the artisanal, commercial or liberal sectors.
In such cases, an avis sur projet document is required, which confirms the assessment of the business project by the relevant authorities. Without this document, the administrative file will not be accepted for consideration, which actually makes it a key condition for switching to this type of residence permit.
New exam from 2026: examen civique
Another important change that journalists learned about during the consultations will be the introduction of a new civics exam — examen civique.
From January 2026, a certificate of passing this exam will be required for those foreigners who switch to residence permits lasting two or four years, as well as for those who apply for a ten-year resident card.
The document on passing the exam will need to be added to the administrative file when renewing or extending the status.
What changes after the transition from APS
After receiving a titre de séjour, Ukrainians move to the general regime of stay of foreigners in France. This means that their legal status becomes the same as that of other third-country nationals residing in the state on the basis of a residence permit.
Along with the new rights, additional administrative obligations arise. In particular, for children, a separate DCEM document can be issued, which allows minors to travel outside France.
In addition, within one year it is necessary to exchange the Ukrainian driver’s license for a French one. Journalists also draw attention to another practical problem – a significant burden on prefectures, due to which the consideration of administrative cases is sometimes delayed.
The APS regime, which allows Ukrainians to stay in France on the basis of temporary protection, continues to operate until March 2027. That is why for those who plan to stay in France for a long time, the issue of switching to a residence permit is gradually becoming a subject of practical planning. Assessing your own situation, consulting with specialists, and preparing documents can take a significant amount of time, so the decision to change your status requires a thoughtful approach and consideration of all administrative requirements.
