How to Work Legally in France as a Digital Nomad
A sleepy village in Dordogne
If you’re dreaming of sipping coffee in a Parisian café while running your online business, you’re not alone. France is a top choice for digital nomads. But please note: France does not have a dedicated “digital nomad visa.”
That means you can’t just show up on a tourist visa and legally work remotely. If you want to live in France while earning income, you’ll need to choose an existing visa or work arrangement that fits your situation. Here are the best options.
1. The Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)
The Talent Passport—recently rebranded as the Talent Residence Permit—is one of the most flexible and prestigious long-term visa options.
Who it’s for: Highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and others with recognized expertise or a strong business plan.
Length: Up to four years, renewable.
Perks: Your spouse and children can join you under a “Talent Passport – Family” permit, and they’ll have the right to work.
Requirements: This varies by category but often includes proof of income, professional experience, or business investment (around €30,000 for entrepreneurs), plus a compelling reason for your stay.
Recent changes: Some categories now require pre-approval from France’s Ministry of Economy, and language requirements apply for multi-year or long-term cards.
2. Profession Libérale with Long Stay Visa
If you’re a freelancer, consultant, or run your own online business, the Profession Libérale visa is often the most straightforward choice.
Who it’s for: Self-employed professionals.
Length: One year, renewable for up to four years.
Requirements: You’ll need to register a business activity in France, submit a business plan, and show proof of sustainable income (generally around €1,800/month or sufficient savings).
Pros: Flexible for many types of online work, from writing and design to coaching and consulting.
3. EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is ideal if you have a high-paying job offer in France and want work rights across the EU.
Who it’s for: Skilled professionals with a university degree or significant experience.
Length: Up to four years.
Requirements: A job offer meeting a minimum salary threshold (about €53,836/year in France).
4. Employer of Record (EoR) and Portage Salarial
If you’re working for a company based outside France but want to stay here legally, you might use an Employer of Record arrangement—or in France, the portage salarial system.
How it works: An EoR acts as your legal employer in France, handling payroll, taxes, and social security contributions while you work for your foreign clients or company.
Benefits: You get legal work authorization, access to French social benefits, and a simpler compliance process.
Considerations: Fees and taxes can be high—expect to take home about half your pre-tax earnings—but you gain stability and legal security.
5. Student Visa (Visa de Long Séjour pour Études)
If you want to combine living in France with gaining new skills, the student visa is an often-overlooked way to stay in the country legally while doing limited remote work.
Who it’s for: Anyone accepted into a recognized French educational program—this could be a university degree, language school, or professional training.
Length: Typically valid for the duration of your studies (up to one year), renewable annually.
Work rights: Allows you to work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week) in France. This includes part-time jobs or freelance work registered in France.
Requirements: Proof of enrollment in a recognized school, financial means to support yourself (usually around €615/month), valid health insurance, and accommodation in France.
Pros: A good way to immerse yourself in French culture, improve your language skills, and network locally—while still being able to legally earn an income.
Cons: The work hours limit means it’s not ideal for full-time remote work, and any self-employed work must comply with French regulations.
Why a Tourist Visa Won’t Work
It’s tempting to think, “I’ll just work quietly from my Airbnb,” but working in France without the proper visa can lead to fines, deportation, or bans from the Schengen area. A legal visa is non-negotiable if you want to work and stay long-term.
Steps to Get Started
Decide your visa route based on your work style— freelance, employed, or entrepreneurial.
Prepare your documents—business plan, contracts, proof of income, and qualifications.
Apply well before arrival—most visas must be secured from a French consulate in your home country.
Validate your visa upon arrival and complete local registrations (tax, social security, healthcare).
Stay compliant with French business and tax laws.
Final Word
While France doesn’t have a “digital nomad visa,” it offers multiple legal pathways for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. Whether you go the Talent Passport route, the Profession Libérale, or use an Employer of Record, the key is choosing the option that matches your work and income situation. Note that none of these visas can be converted into a different visa. All of these options require real work to arrive at your final goal of living in France.
Want more step-by-step guidance?
Check out my YouTube channel, The Digital Nomad Playbook, where I break down visa options, share real-life case studies, and give tips for living and working abroad successfully.
Visit my shop at GumRoad for digital products to get started on your journey abroad!