In the article "How to switch from Ukrainian permission extension (UPE) to a visa leading to permanent residency in the UK," we discussed options for Ukrainian citizens wishing to remain in the UK. Today, we turn our focus to France. As a member of the European Union, France has its own migration rules, which differ significantly from the UK’s system.
Since March 2022, Ukrainian citizens who moved to France (as well as other EU countries) have been granted the right to temporary protection—Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS). This status is renewed annually. In 2025, the temporary protection program was extended until March 4, 2026.
After this date, all Ukrainian citizens residing in France under temporary protection who wish to continue living in the country will need to transition to long-term residence permits—Titre de séjour.
These can be obtained under the following grounds:
Important: Although temporary protection is currently valid until 2026, it may be revoked at any time if France or the EU determines that the political situation in Ukraine has changed.
The official French government website explicitly states:
"This temporary protection may be terminated at any time by the European Union if the situation in the country of origin allows for the safe and sustainable return of displaced persons."
While residing in France under APS status, you are entitled to:
Temporary protection is an exceptional humanitarian measure introduced by the EU Council in March 2022.
Despite its advantages, APS status has significant limitations:
To extend your temporary residence permit, you must submit an application between 3 weeks and 3 working days before its expiration.
What you need to do:
1. Visit the website of the nearest prefecture to learn the procedure. For example, for Paris, go to the Préfecture de Police de Paris.
2. Check the list of required documents. It may vary depending on your situation but typically includes:
France is an EU member, and the decision to grant temporary protection to Ukrainian citizens is made by the EU Council. However, each country sets its own rules for implementing these decisions and renewing documents. For example, in Poland, documents for Ukrainian citizens are automatically extended, while in France, they are not. Therefore, it’s important to consider the specifics of the French system.
If you’ve decided to stay and build a life in France, the first step is to extend your APS status at the prefecture. At the same time, you can declare your intention to transition to a long-term residence permit (titre de séjour).
While your application for a titre de séjour under general immigration rules is being processed, your temporary protection status (APS) will be extended.
Now, let’s examine the residence permit programs (titre de séjour) you can transition to right now.
This is one of the most flexible and accessible long-term programs in the EU. It offers broad opportunities for career development, life in France, and obtaining citizenship.
Passeport Talent is similar to the UK’s Global Talent Visa, with one key difference: the French program is not limited to the IT sector. Professionals from various fields can apply.
Depending on the type of Passeport Talent, this residence permit is available to entrepreneurs, startup founders, highly recognized professionals (nationally or internationally), as well as artists and performers.
The Passeport Talent program can be divided into two main categories (excluding work contracts for highly paid specialists):
1. Passeport Talent based on merit or as an artist (these types do not require work contracts in France):
2. Passeport Talent for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and self-employed individuals:
To transition to Passeport Talent "renommée nationale/internationale", you do not need to leave France. You can apply from within the country through your local prefecture.
You’ll need to prepare a strong case demonstrating your professional achievements, contributions to your field, and recognition among peers and experts in your country or abroad. Awards or participation in prestigious rankings are mandatory for this residence permit.
If you’re applying for Passeport Talent "profession artistique et culturelle", you can also apply from within France. Here, it’s important to show that you have (or are planning) a creative project related to France. Note that "creative profession" refers specifically to work as an artist (painter, sculptor, illustrator, composer) or performer (musician, actor). A clear work plan in France and letters of support from French companies or artistic associations are advisable.
The key is to present a compelling case and explain how living in France will help you realize your professional or creative potential.
Unlike the UK’s Global Talent Visa, which has clear official criteria and guidelines set by the government and endorsing bodies, the French Passeport Talent visa does not have a fixed list of requirements or templates.
This is why it’s crucial to structure your application properly and gather as much evidence of professional recognition as possible. Our experience allows us to prepare dossiers that meet the expectations of French immigration authorities.
The Passeport Talent residence permit requires an individualized approach—there are no universal templates or official document lists. Each case is unique, and our goal is to make it convincing and clear for French reviewers.
Book a free consultation—we’ll discuss whether this path suits you and how to maximize your chances of success.
This residence permit is for entrepreneurs and teams launching an innovative startup in France. Unlike similar programs in the UK or US, the French program offers more flexible conditions and lower entry barriers.
You can transition to Projet Innovant without leaving France—the application is submitted online, and you’ll receive a residence permit valid for up to 4 years!
Projet Innovant is a predictable path to permanent residency and citizenship. After 5 years of residence, you can apply for permanent residency and French citizenship—provided you’ve spent most of that time in France, filed tax returns, and passed a language exam (minimum B1 level).
If you’re switching from APS to Passeport Talent Projet Innovant—trust us!
Relogate offers:
This residence permit is for entrepreneurs who want to launch a business in France. There are no industry restrictions—it can be a small hotel, beauty salon, trading company, or any production business. The main requirement is a minimum investment of €30,000 and registering a company in France. Benefits are similar to Projet Innovant.
This residence permit is for self-employed consultants. It involves transitioning from APS to sole proprietorship (auto-entrepreneur) status, opening a business, and working with clients as a freelancer. Ideal for content creators, graphic designers, coaches, and designers. Drawback: Only the main applicant can obtain this permit—family members are not included.
To switch from APS to one of the above residence permits, it’s not enough to describe an idea—you must convincingly demonstrate how you’ll implement it in France. The main challenge is persuading the French prefecture of your project’s feasibility and its benefit to France. This is exactly what we at Relogate excel at.
Book a free consultation—we’ll discuss whether this path suits you and how to make it successful.
This residence permit is for financially independent individuals, allowing legal residence in France for one year (renewable). You cannot work in France but can continue remote work outside the country.
Minimum accepted rent: usually €1,500/month. We can help find housing and arrange contracts remotely.
Note: Visiteur status does not allow employment with French companies.
We treat the transition to Visiteur as a full-fledged project where every detail matters. We handle:
This student residence permit suits those who want to begin or continue studies in France—at bachelor’s or master’s levels, in public or private universities.
If you’re in France under temporary protection and have learned French to B2 level, you can enroll in a public university. Tuition at French public universities (in French) is free (only a small registration fee applies).
If your French isn’t yet sufficient, private universities offer many programs in English.
What opportunities does the student residence permit offer?
You do not need to leave France to switch to Étudiant status—apply through your local prefecture.
Unlike Passeport Talent, which has a clear path to citizenship, the student visa involves multiple scenarios depending on:
Thus, a well-planned strategy is essential to avoid missing years that could count toward permanent residency or citizenship.
We guide you through every step—from the first academic year until you’re eligible for permanent residency or a French passport.
We assist with:
Book a free consultation—we’ll discuss whether this path suits you and how to make it successful.
If you’re under temporary protection and plan to stay in France, transitioning to long-term programs like Passeport Talent can be your key to permanent residency and citizenship.
At Relogate, we handle the entire process—from strategy development to document submission.
