If you fled the war and hold temporary protection in France, you are allowed to work — including as self-employed. The auto-entrepreneur status (micro-business) is the simplest way to invoice clients or companies legally, without setting up a company and with minimal bookkeeping. Many Ukrainians already use it to work in construction, cleaning, delivery, tech or crafts.
✅ Your right to self-employment
The "temporary protection beneficiary" permit grants the right to work — employed or self-employed. So you can register as an auto-entrepreneur exactly like a French resident, on the French one-stop shop (Guichet unique).
📅 Check your protection's validity. Temporary protection is a renewable EU scheme, currently extended until 4 March 2027 (accurate as of this page's writing, July 2026). Dates and conditions may change with EU decisions. Always check your current status on service-public.fr or with the OFII.
Construction trades and their APE code
Many Ukrainians work on building sites. Each trade has its APE code (NAF code), assigned automatically by INSEE. Here are the main ones, each with its full guide (in French):
APE code 4399C 🔌 Electrician
APE code 4321A 💧 Plumber
APE code 4322A 🖌️ Painter
APE code 4334Z 🔲 Tiler
APE code 4333Z 🧱 Drywall fitter
APE code 4331Z 🏠 Roofer
APE code 4391B 🪵 Carpenter / joiner
APE code 4332A 🌐 Cable puller / fibre
APE code 4321A 🔑 Locksmith / metalworker
APE code 4332B
Your trade isn't listed? See the full list of APE codes or all trades. We also cover cleaning, delivery, childcare, tech and many other activities.
💡 The rule that changes everything: 3 years of experience = a diploma
Construction trades are regulated in France: you need a diploma (CAP/BEP) or 3 years of professional experience in the trade. Your experience gained in Ukraine counts — employer certificates, payslips or proof of activity can serve as evidence.
Why the micro-business status?
- Fast, simple registration — online declaration; you receive your SIRET number within days and can invoice immediately;
- Proportional contributions — about 21.2% of turnover (craft activity). No turnover, no contributions;
- Turnover ceiling — 83,600 € per year for services;
- Minimal bookkeeping — a simple income log is enough. MicroChrono provides free invoices and quotes, compliant with French law;
- Ideal for subcontracting — invoice construction companies directly.
Useful documents
- Your valid temporary protection beneficiary permit (or the corresponding provisional residence authorisation);
- A proof of address in France;
- Where relevant, your French social security number (or the pending application);
- For regulated trades: proof of the diploma or of 3 years' experience.
The ENIC-NARIC centre can issue, free of charge, a recognition statement for your Ukrainian diplomas (priority processing for temporary protection beneficiaries).
⚠️ Décennale insurance (construction)
Before starting a job, French law requires ten-year liability insurance (assurance décennale), covering structural damage for 10 years. Working without it is an offence, and serious companies ask for the certificate before hiring you. Expect 60 to 200 € per month depending on the trade. Professional civil liability insurance (RC Pro) is also recommended.
Renewal and next steps for your stay
Because temporary protection is precarious, remember to renew your permit on time. As the scheme approaches its end date, other permits may take over depending on your situation: the "entrepreneur / profession libérale" card if your business is viable, family permits, or an asylum claim. Renewing the "entrepreneur / profession libérale" card requires, among other things, a turnover at least equal to the annual minimum wage (around €21,876 as of 1 January 2026 — reassessed yearly). These rules change: check service-public.fr and, if needed, a refugee-support charity (La Cimade, Red Cross, OFII).