Since the 2015 migration crisis, the number of beneficiaries of international protection in France has increased. In 2018, 30,100 asylum seekers obtained a residence permit as refugees or beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, i.e. 17% of holders of a first residence permit excluding student permits. Refugees are more often men than other first-permit holders, were younger when they arrived in France, and are less likely to come from French-speaking countries. Additionally, during their first years in France, their living conditions were harder, as their migration was often sudden and forced, but also because of their sociodemographic characteristics. Beneficiaries of international protection have lower qualifications, encounter more difficulties with the command of the French language and with access to employment, and face harder employment conditions than other first-permit holders. These difficulties are stronger for women, who are twice less often active than men a year after obtaining their permit. Moreover, upon arrival in France, refugees experienced a greater degradation of their housing conditions, and were more often housed by a private individual or in collective housing. However, within a year, their situation on the labour market and their housing conditions improved. Finally, although refugees declare a general good health condition, they appear more fragile than non-refugees in terms of mental health.