What documents do I need to apply for CAF housing aid?

To apply for CAF housing aid, you will need a few documents 📝. First, check that you are eligible:

Important: new rules since 1 July 2026. If you are a national of a country outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland, and you are in France on a visa or residence permit for studies, you can receive CAF housing aid (APL, ALS or ALF) only if at least one of these applies to you:

you receive a higher-education grant based on social criteria (bourse sur critères sociaux), for example from the CROUS;
you work, as an employee or self-employed;
you are on an apprenticeship or professional-training contract.

Refugee and stateless students, and spouses of non-EU students, also remain eligible. EU, EEA and Swiss students are not affected by this change. Read the full conditions

We recommend applying online: it is faster and easier than on paper.

For everyone:

your passport or identity card;
your lease;
your bank details (RIB); a French bank account is recommended;
your rent amount and your move-in date.

Depending on your situation:

Non-EU students: your valid residence permit, or your VLS-TS with its validation certificate. If you are eligible through an exception, be ready to show proof, such as your grant notification, your employment contract or payslips, or your apprenticeship contract.
EU, EEA and Swiss students: proof of enrolment, proof of health insurance (for example your European Health Insurance Card) and a declaration of sufficient resources.
If the CAF asks for it: a rent certificate completed by your landlord, and your birth certificate, translated if necessary.

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