Planning a move to France. Where to begin.

Where the visa stands

Explore a life in France through food, culture, neighborhoods and practical planning. Work, study, family and financially independent stays have different requirements.

Start with your work plans

France has no dedicated digital-nomad visa. The practical visa option is the long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS 'visiteur'), which 2026 French guidance says can cover remote workers whose employer and clients are outside France — you may not work for French employers or clients, and the visa is typically issued for 3 to 12 months and is renewable. If you want to freelance for French clients, the entrepreneur/profession libérale permit requires French business registration and paying French taxes and social charges. Check your category with the French consulate serving your residence, since the guidance on remote workers has been refined recently.

Describe who pays you, where your employer or clients are based and what you would do while living abroad. Use those details when checking the official route. Employer approval and immigration permission are separate questions.

Employer approval and immigration permission are separate questions.

Take the first application step

Use the France-Visas wizard for your citizenship, residence, purpose and household. Follow the checklist and post-arrival instructions for the actual visa issued.

Visitor status is not a general work permit. Immigration permission, tax residence, employer obligations and healthcare eligibility must be checked separately.

Keep two money questions separate

The visa income test concerns the evidence required for an application. A living budget concerns your housing, healthcare, transport and daily spending. Compare both before committing to a move.

This briefing reorganizes the existing visa summary. It does not represent a new source review. The visa section of the guide keeps the original review dates and qualifications.

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