Do you dream of experiencing world-famous French culture and history? How about the unparalleled food and wine scene in France? Unfortunately, there is no digital nomad visa in France.
Many digital nomads are eager to call France their (temporary) home for a myriad of reasons. The food, the wine, the culture and history, the quality of living, and more are all among the reasons remote workers are searching for a Digital Nomad Visa in France.
We’ll discuss two ways that remote workers can manage to spend longer than 90 days, however, they aren’t very straightforward, nor are they simple. And given the complexity of obtaining a long-term visa in France, we recommend you speak to an immigration professional.
Do I Need a Digital Nomad Visa in France?
If you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you have the right to move freely within France as per EU law. Yet another perk of being born within the European Union! So long as you aren’t working for a French company, you’re not really breaking any laws by working remotely.
If you’re a national of a non-EU or EEA country (or Switzerland), you would need a long-stay visa, which is the closest thing to a Digital Nomad Visa in France.
If you don’t mind relocating every few months, one option would be to spend three months in France, three months in a non-Schengen European country (good options are in the Balkans – Montenegro, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, etc.), and then returning to France or another Schengen nation once your time resets.
Digital Nomad Visa in France
Requirements and Qualifications for a Digital Nomad Visa in France
You will need to fill out an official application form, as well as an online visa application form.
You will need a valid passport as well as two current ID photos in pdf format.
In addition to proof of economic solvency (bank statements that prove your ability to support yourself during your stay), you will also need proof of residence and proof of medical insurance valid in France. You will also need proof of accommodation which needs to be validated by the mayor of the town or city in which you live.
Once you’ve prepared all of these documents, you need to make sure they are translated into French or English.
The specific documents you will need may vary depending on your citizenship. Please double-check with the French Embassy prior to gathering your documents.
If you are applying for a long-stay visa in a self-employed, regulated, ‘liberal profession’, you will need to submit the micro-entrepreneur registration. This depends on your registered business. The process will vary for everyone depending on their business. Artists and writers will likely have trouble with this type of visa due to French regulations and restrictions.
In order to determine the specifics of your business, contact the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie (CCI), or the Chambre de Métiers et de l’Artisanat (CMA).
You can also apply for a long stay visa for tourism purposes if all of your clients are online and you don’t intend on having any French clients or working for a French company. The process is slightly less complicated.
See? Contacting an immigration professional will be your best bet, and it’s why the Digital Nomad Visa in France is overly complicated to obtain.
What Does it Cost to Get a Digital Nomad Visa in France?
While the fee for the long-term visa is only €99, the entire process can be lengthy and costly. Hiring a translator, interpreter, immigration attorney, and gathering all of the required documents can easily cause the price to increase substantially.
Is Getting a Digital Nomad Visa in France Worth it?
It’s no secret that France has a lot of things going for it. Not only is the country one of the most beautiful in the world, but it’s also one of the most developed nations with excellent infrastructure.
The train system is a breeze, as is the highway system if you have access to your own vehicle. The connectivity is on par with other Western nations, so you don’t need to worry about outages during your Zoom meetings.
In addition to all of this, traveling throughout the different regions of France, it’s almost like traveling to a different country. From the French Riviera to the sprawling lavender fields of Provence, the Germanic-influenced Alsace to the cheese-obsessed region of Normandy – France truly has it all.
However, the extensive paperwork and strict requirements to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa in France (aka a long-term visa), may not be worth it depending on your resources (or patience).