France Digital Nomad Visa in 2026

Does France Have a Digital Nomad Visa

France does not have a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa: the French immigration system does not classify remote workers as a separate residence category, but places such cases within existing long-stay visa routes. In 2026, the closest practical option is the Long-Stay Visitor Visa — visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour «visiteur» (VLS-TS «visiteur»). This status allows foreign nationals to live in France if they can prove sufficient financial resources and independent income, including passive or remote income from abroad, but it does not grant the right to work on the French labour market. In practice, it can serve as a functional alternative to a Digital Nomad Visa for financially independent applicants who intend to reside in France without taking up employment with a French company.

Who Can Live in France as a Digital Nomad?

The visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour «visiteur» (VLS-TS «visiteur») may be suitable for applicants who can support themselves financially without entering the French labour market, including:

• retirees receiving pension income from abroad;
• applicants with passive income from investments, dividends or rental property;
• property owners who want to spend extended periods in France;
• investors with sufficient personal funds;
• remote professionals working with companies or clients outside the EU, provided their activity does not constitute employment or business activity on the French labour market;
• family members who can prove sufficient resources and valid health insurance for the entire period of stay.

Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa in France

• Long-term residence in France — the VLS-TS «visiteur» allows applicants to stay in France for more than 90 days and, depending on the case, up to one year.
• Access to French lifestyle, climate and regional diversity — applicants can choose between major urban centres, the Atlantic coast, the French Riviera, Alpine regions or quieter countryside locations, depending on their lifestyle and budget.
• High-quality transport infrastructure — France offers one of Europe’s strongest transport networks, including high-speed trains, international airports, regional rail connections and well-developed urban public transport.
• Advanced healthcare system — residents can access a country known for a high standard of medical services, specialist care and developed hospital infrastructure, subject to insurance and residence conditions.
• Mobility within the Schengen Area — holders can travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Opportunity to exchange a foreign driving licence — after moving to France, eligible residents may be able to exchange their existing driving licence for a French one, depending on the issuing country and reciprocity rules.

France Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To apply for the VLS-TS «visiteur», applicants must prove that they can live in France without entering the French labour market. The core requirements are:

• No professional activity in France — applicants must commit not to work in France. The status is designed for private residence, not employment, self-employment or business activity on the French market.
• Valid health insurance — applicants must have health insurance valid in France for the entire period of stay, with minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation.
• Accommodation in France — applicants need to show where they will live in France: for example, a rental agreement, property ownership document, hotel booking for the initial period or an accommodation certificate.
• Valid passport and visa application documents — the passport must be valid for the intended stay, and the file should include the completed visa application form, photos, proof of civil status where required, and supporting documents for the purpose of stay.

France Digital Nomad Visa Income Requirement

Applicants must prove that they have enough funds to support themselves throughout the entire validity period of the visa. In 2026, the minimum reference amount for one person is 1,477.93 euros net per month, which means that for a one-year stay the applicant should generally show at least 17,735 euros in their bank account. These resources may include personal savings, pensions, rental income, investment income, dividends or other passive foreign income.

France Digital Nomad Visa Application Process

1. Prepare the application on France-Visas
   The applicant starts the process on the official France-Visas platform, selects a long-stay visa for a private stay, completes the online form and receives a personalised list of required documents.
2. Collect supporting documents
   The file should confirm the applicant’s financial independence, accommodation in France, health insurance and intention not to work in France. For financially independent Digital Nomads, the strongest file usually includes bank statements, proof of passive or foreign income, insurance certificate and housing documents.
3. Submit the file through the visa centre or consulate
   After completing the online application, the applicant books an appointment with the relevant visa centre or French consulate in their country of residence, submits the documents, provides biometric data and pays the visa fee.
4. Enter France and validate the VLS-TS
   After arrival, the VLS-TS must be validated online within three months through the French immigration portal. Once validated, it works as a residence permit for the first year.
5. Apply for renewal before expiry
   If the applicant wants to stay in France after the first year, they should apply for renewal before the visa expires. The exact procedure depends on the local prefecture, so residents should check the rules in their department in advance.