Settling in another country of the European Union as a refugee

Settling in another country of the European Union as a refugee

Last update21 mai 2021

What is it?

Refugee status in France allows you to move around European territory. This free movement does not require any administrative procedure for any trip of less than three months.

To settle permanently in another European country , you must obtain an authorization from the equivalent OFPRA body in the state concerned. Without this authorization, your transfer of protection is not guaranteed.

Who is it for?

Location

France entière

Age required
More than 18 years
Impossible without
Visa or residence permit
Location

France entière

Age required
More than 18 years
Impossible without
Visa or residence permit

What to do?

1

Request authorization from OFPRA by mail

To settle under protection in another European country, you must write a letter to OFPRA. This letter must be motivated with reasons for the authorization to be issued to you.

For example, a family reunification or obtaining a job in another country of the European Union are reasons which can allow you to obtain the transfer of protection.

  • You can send your mail to the following postal address:

OFPRA

201 rue Carnot

94136 Fontenay-sous-Bois Cedex

  • It is also possible to deliver your document directly by hand by going to the premises located in Fontenay-sous-Bois.

Address : 201 rue Carnot, 94136 Fontenay-sous-Bois

Opening hours to the public: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2

OFPRA forwards the request to the body of the country concerned

OFPRA is responsible for transmitting your request to the equivalent body in the country in which you wish to settle.

This body will study your request to decide on the legitimacy of your installation and decide on the transfer of your file.

3

The request is accepted: your protection depends on your new country of residence

If your request is accepted, OFPRA will inform you that your coverage has been transferred. You will be kept informed of the new body responsible for your file.

And after?

Build your life in your new country

The administrative functioning of each Member State of the European Union may be different. When you arrive in your new country of residence, contact the organization responsible for welcoming refugees to find out about your rights and what to do.

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