France Digital Nomad Visa: Visitor Visa | How To Apply
May 6, 2025
What’s Covered in This Video:
Fragomen can help make your digital nomad journey to France as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team of immigration professionals will guide you through the application process, ensuring you avoid common mistakes and delays.
France Digital Nomad Visa: Can You Use a Visitor Visa to Work Remotely?
While France doesn’t offer a formal Digital Nomad Visa, many remote workers are turning to the Visitor Visa (Visa de Long Séjour Visiteur) as an effective solution for living in France while working for employers or clients abroad. Here's what you need to know about using the Visitor Visa as a digital nomad.
What Is the France Visitor Visa?
The Visitor Visa allows foreign nationals to stay in France for more than 90 days, up to one year, with the option to renew. It's ideal for individuals who want to immerse themselves in French life—without engaging in local employment.
Key Benefits for Digital Nomads
-
-
- No Local Job Requirement – You don’t need to prove employment in France or run a local business.
-
-
-
- Cultural Immersion – Live like a local and enjoy France’s rich culture and lifestyle.
-
-
-
- Potential Pathway to Residency – With renewals, this visa can open the door to longer-term residence options.
-
Important Limitations
The Visitor Visa is not a work visa. You must not take on any paid work in France. Specifically:
-
-
- You may only work remotely for a foreign company or clients outside France.
-
-
-
- Your remote work must be conducted from your personal residence in France.
-
-
-
- You must show financial self-sufficiency, typically equal to or above the French minimum wage for the duration of your stay.
-
-
-
- You must have comprehensive health insurance valid for your entire stay.
-
Who Is This Visa For?
This visa is commonly used by:
-
-
- Remote employees working for non-French companies
-
-
-
- Freelancers or consultants with international clients
-
-
-
- Entrepreneurs managing businesses registered outside of France
-
If you’re looking to work remotely while enjoying the romantic streets of Paris, the vineyards of Bordeaux, the sun-soaked Riviera, or the quiet charm of Provence—this visa could be for you.
Application Requirements for Digital Nomads
To apply, you’ll typically need:
-
-
- Proof of remote employment or self-employment, such as an employment letter, business registration, or contracts with foreign clients
-
-
-
- Evidence of sufficient income, often in the form of recent bank statements or salary slips
-
-
-
- Valid health insurance
-
-
-
- Accommodation details in France
-
-
-
- A handwritten certificate of honor confirming that you will not engage in paid work in France
-
How to Apply for the France Visitor Visa
Here’s a step-by-step overview:
-
-
- Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you meet requirements for financial support, health insurance, and accommodation. - Prepare Your Documents
Gather your passport, proof of income, insurance coverage, accommodation details, and certificate of honor. - Submit Your Application
Apply through the French consulate in your country of residence and book an appointment for an in-person interview. - Wait for Approval
Processing times vary but usually take 2–4 weeks. - Travel to France
Once approved, you can enter France as soon as your visa becomes valid.
- Check Your Eligibility
-
Note: Visa approval is at the discretion of the French Consulate, and there is no guarantee of acceptance.
After Arrival: What to Do in France
Once in France, don’t forget these required steps:
-
-
- Validate your visa online within 3 months of arrival
-
-
-
- Pay the government fee of €200
-
-
-
- Attend a medical exam with the French Immigration Office (OFII)
-
How Fragomen Can Help
Navigating French immigration rules can be complex, but Fragomen is here to simplify the process. Our team provides end-to-end support, from eligibility assessments and document preparation to submission and post-arrival requirements.
Let us handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your remote work experience in France.
Want to explore more digital nomad visa options?
Check out our full series covering countries worldwide.
Visa de Long Séjour Visiteur en France - Comment déposer une demande
Qu'est-ce que le visa visiteur?
Les avantages du visa de visiteur sont :
-
-
- Flexibilité - Contrairement au visa nomade, le visa visiteur ne vous oblige pas à avoir un emploi ou une entreprise en France.
- Immersion culturelle - Vous avez la possibilité de découvrir pleinement la culture et le mode de vie français, sans avoir besoin d'un permis de travail local.
- Voie d'accès à la résidence de longue durée - Ce visa peut également servir de tremplin pour obtenir une résidence permanente en France.
-
Toutefois, il existe quelques limitations importantes:
-
-
- Vous ne pouvez pas être rémunéré par une entreprise ou un client en France.
- Vous devez travailler uniquement pour votre employeur dans votre pays d'origine.
- Vous ne pouvez travailler qu'à partir d’une adresse personnelle et pour le compte de votre employeur dans votre pays d'origine.
-
Vous vous demandez peut-être qui peut bénéficier d'un visa visiteur et comment en déposer une demande?
Pour les nomades numériques en particulier, vous aurez besoin:
Maintenant, voici un aperçu rapide de la procédure de demande de visa visiteur:
-
-
- Tout d'abord, vous devez déterminer si vous êtes éligible. Assurez-vous que vous remplissez les conditions requises et que vous pouvez justifier de vos ressources, d’une assurance médicale et d’un hébergement en France.
- Ensuite, vous devez préparer vos documents. Il s'agit notamment de votre passeport et de la preuve de vos ressources financières, comme des relevés bancaires ou des bulletins de salaire. Si vous ne disposez pas de ressources personnelles suffisantes, vous pouvez également vous faire financer par un tiers.
- Veuillez également noter que vous devez attester sur l’honneur que vous n’exercerez aucune activité professionnelle en France
- Ensuite, soumettez votre demande et prenez rendez-vous en ligne. Vous devrez soumettre votre demande en personne au consulat de France de votre pays de résidence légale
- Enfin, il ne vous reste plus qu'à attendre l'approbation de votre demande.
-