What is the RSA?
The RSA (Revenu de Solidarité Active) is France's minimum income support — a monthly payment to people whose income falls below a certain threshold. It's not exclusively for unemployed people: the RSA "activité" component can top up earned income that's too low to live on. In 2026, the base RSA for a single person is approximately €635 per month.
Can foreigners receive RSA?
Yes — but the conditions are stricter than for French nationals. For non-EU foreigners, the main requirement is: 5 years of uninterrupted legal residence in France with a residence permit authorising work. This is often the main barrier for recent arrivals.
Important exceptions to the 5-year rule
Several categories bypass the 5-year requirement and can access RSA from arrival:
- Refugees recognised by OFPRA
- Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection
- Stateless persons recognised by OFPRA
- Certain holders of a 10-year carte de résident
- EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (treated like French nationals)
RSA activité: working but still entitled
Many people don't realise they might qualify for RSA while working. If you're employed but earning less than approximately €1,100 per month net, you may be entitled to RSA activité to supplement your income. Use the simulator at caf.fr before assuming you don't qualify.
How to apply
- Check eligibility at caf.fr using the online simulator
- Create a CAF account at caf.fr if you don't have one
- Complete the RSA application form
- Upload required documents (ID, residence permit, 3 months of bank statements, proof of address, income documents)
- CAF reviews and decides within 4 to 8 weeks
What happens once approved
RSA is paid monthly. Every quarter, you must declare your actual income to CAF — the RSA amount adjusts accordingly. Any change in situation (new job, salary increase, new address, change in household composition) must be declared within 60 days.
In exchange, you commit to a socio-professional integration process — meeting regularly with an integration adviser to work toward employment or other goals.