How to work remotely in France without a digital nomad visa
Imagine looking up from your laptop and seeing the Eiffel Tower glinting in the sun, or taking a lunchtime swim along the Côte d’Azur. For many remote workers, France is the dream: a country where good food, good coffee and good Wi-Fi happily coexist.
But here’s the reality — France doesn’t yet offer a digital nomad visa.
So how can you legally stay and work here as a remote professional?
This guide explains the current options, legal considerations, and what to do next if you want to live and work remotely in France — even without a dedicated visa.
💡 New to digital nomad visas?
Start with our guide to digital nomad visas in Europe to understand how they work and where they’re available.
Talent Passport France: a visa for skilled professionals
If you’re a highly qualified professional, the Passeport Talent could be your route to living and working in France for up to four years. It’s aimed at individuals who can contribute to the country’s economy, innovation or culture.
Who is eligible for the Talent Passport?
Subcategories include:
- Founders of innovative startups
- Employees of French companies
- Independent professionals who bring economic value
- Artists, researchers, and experts in specific fields
To apply, you’ll typically need:
- Proof of professional qualifications
- Documentation of income or employment
- Health insurance valid in France
- Clean criminal record
Approximate cost: €250
For complete details, visit the official government site:
France-Visas: International Talents and Economic Attractiveness
Long-stay visa France: can digital nomads apply?
If you’re planning to stay longer than 90 days, the Visa de long séjour (long-stay visa) might suit you — even if your work is remote.
Many applicants successfully apply under the visitor category by clearly stating they work for non-French employers or clients.
How to apply for a long-stay visa
You’ll need:
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of financial means and accommodation
- Valid health insurance
- Motivation letter explaining your intended stay
- Clean criminal record
Approximate cost: €99
Full details available at:
France-Visas: Long-stay visa
Can you work remotely in France legally?
While the French long-stay and visitor visas are not officially designed for remote work, many digital nomads do work remotely from France without issues — provided that their income comes entirely from abroad and they don’t engage in French employment.
Transparency is essential.
When completing your visa application, clearly explain that you’ll continue working for clients or companies outside France.
If you’re unsure, seek advice from an immigration lawyer or relocation specialist familiar with digital nomad cases.
Do digital nomads pay tax in France?
If you spend more than 183 days per year in France, you may be considered a tax resident, meaning your global income could be taxable in France.
To check whether you can avoid double taxation, confirm if your home country has a tax treaty with France.
You can view the list here: PwC Tax Summaries – France foreign tax relief and treaties.
For tailored tax advice, it’s best to speak with an international tax advisor.
What’s next? Your checklist for remote work in France
- Choose your visa route (Talent Passport, Long-stay or Tourist)
- Prepare the required documents
- Verify your tax status and insurance coverage
- Ensure you have valid health insurance — Insurte offers plans fully compliant with Schengen visa rules
Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of a local café table for productivity — the French take their work breaks (and pastries) very seriously.
Start your France visa preparation with Travelisa
Even without a dedicated digital nomad visa, many remote workers begin their stay in France under tourist, business, or study visas before considering long-term residence options.
Travelisa helps you prepare these visa applications with step-by-step guidance and tools to ensure your documents meet French government standards — saving you time and stress. Explore Travelisa’s visa assistance services.