France Digital Nomad Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time
Key highlights
- Live and work from anywhere in France for up to 12 months
- Full access to travel within the 27 Schengen Area countries
- Option to bring family members under dependent visas
- Potential path to long-term residency and renewal
- Access to the world-renowned French lifestyle and culture
- No requirement to work for a French-based employer
- Choose between the 'Visitor' or 'Entrepreneur' visa pathways
Processing time
15-60 working days
Processing times vary significantly by season and the specific consulate handling the application. Summer months are typically busier.
Estimated cost
~$400 plus insurance costs
- Visa Application Fee (Long-Stay)$110 (approx €99)
- Visa Processing Centre Service Fee$30 - $55
- OFII Residence Permit Tax (on arrival)$250 (approx €225)
Requirements
- Proof of sustainable monthly income (typically €2,500+)
- Employment with a company located outside of France
- Evidence of self-employment or freelance registration for business owners
- Clear criminal background check from your country of residence
- Comprehensive health insurance valid for the total duration of stay
- A fixed residential address in France for the initial months
- Written commitment not to seek employment within the French local market
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Minimum age of 18 years old
- Proof of professional qualifications or relevant work experience
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, valid for 3+ months after stay)
- Two recent passport-compliant photographs
- Employment contract or business registration documents
- Bank statements for the last 3-6 months
- Proof of accommodation in France (rental lease or hotel booking)
- International health insurance policy ($35,000+ coverage)
- Clean criminal record certificate from home country
- Completed Long-Stay Visa application form (Cerfa)
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Identify the correct visa type
Determine if the 'Visitor' visa (no French income allowed) or 'Entrepreneur' visa (for freelancers/contractors) best suits your professional situation.
- 2
Complete the online application
Create an account on the official France-Visas portal, complete the online form, and print the generated application checklist.
- 3
Gather supporting documentation
Assemble all financial, professional, and personal documents. Ensure translations into French are provided where required by your specific consulate.
- 4
Schedule your visa appointment
Book an in-person interview at your nearest French consulate or an outsourced provider like VFS Global or TLScontact.
- 5
Attend the appointment and pay fees
Attend the interview to submit your documents, provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo), and pay the application fees.
- 6
Wait for visa processing
The consulate will review your application. You may be asked for additional information during this window.
- 7
Receive your passport and visa
Once notified, collect your passport with the visa sticker or have it delivered via courier.
- 8
Validate your visa upon arrival
Within the first few months of arrival, you must validate your visa online via the OFII website to make your stay legal.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure your bank statements clearly show a consistent income history over at least three to six months.
- Provide a signed letter explaining your remote work setup and confirming you will not compete for French jobs.
- If you are a freelancer, include a few contracts or letters of intent from existing clients.
- Make sure your health insurance specifically mentions 'repatriation' and 'civil liability' coverage.
- Double-check that your passport does not expire within six months of your planned return date.
- Be precise about your 'Proof of Accommodation'; an informal letter from a friend may require an official 'Attestation d’Accueil'.
Frequently asked questions
Related visa guides
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.