How To Work In France As A Digital Nomad

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the French Digital Nomad Visa, you may need to prove you are planning to work remotely as a digital nomad in France. Such as, demonstrating that the money you earn comes from remote work or freelance activities. You must also:

• The Digital Nomad Visa applicant must be a non-EU citizen.
• Applicants must submit a viable business plan that outlines their ongoing freelance work.
• The freelancer must have sufficient financial means to support themselves.
• The applicant must be able to read, write and speak the French language to level B1.
• The work must be compatible with French office standards of public safety, and health.
• The freelance work must be considered ‘economically viable’ for the duration of the visa.
• Health insurance coverage must be in place for the duration of the visa.

Necessary Documentation

If all requirements are met, Digital Nomad Visa applicants must provide the following documents and their completed application form.

The documents must be in the correct format. These includes:

• Valid passport which expires no sooner than six months after the intended end date.
• All applicants will need to provide two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Signed visa application form (VLS-TS) marked “Entrepreneur/independent professional”.
• Detailed business plan outlining what freelance work you plan to do in France.
• Show evidence you have the financial means to support yourself and your family.
• Proof of your professional qualifications (such as a degree) or experience in the field.
• Proof of valid health insurance coverage, which shows any pre-existing conditions.
• A police certificate from Australia showing a clean criminal record.

In addition to providing these essential documents, you may need to submit proof of your intended accommodation during the first few months. This can be in the form of a hotel reservation receipt or a signed rental agreement.

All supporting documents should be translated into French if they are not already, and some documents will need to be legalized.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Gather The Documents: Before beginning the application process, double-check you have all the necessary documents.
2. Fill Out the Application Form: Go to this website (https://france-visas.gouv.fr/) and create an account. Fill out the application form accurately and completely.
3. Pay the Application Fee: For Australian citizens, the visa fee is €99 (AUS$163.33).
4. Schedule Visa Appointment: Once a visa application is submitted, you may have to schedule an interview at your nearest French consulate or embassy.
5. Attend Visa Interview: When attending an interview, take the original documents and your visa application confirmation. You will be asked questions about your background, business plan, and financial means at the interview.

Importance of Accuracy and Completeness

When filling out the French freelance visa application form, accuracy and completeness are vital. Make sure to provide correct information and check all sections are properly filled out. Any mistakes or missing information could lead to delays or even rejection of your application.

If you’re unsure about any information, seek assistance from an immigration lawyer like Total Law. Call us today on +44 (0)333 305 9375 or contact the embassy.

Processing Time

The processing time for a new digital nomad visa in France can vary. On average, it may take several weeks to a few months for your application to be processed. However, during peak travel seasons or when there is a high volume of applications, it may be longer.

Factors such as security checks or additional documentation requirements can have an effect on the time it takes. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Overview

France digital nomad visa holders can reside and work legally in France for up to four years. It can provide a path to obtaining a long-term permanent residency or becoming a French citizen.

The original Profession Liberale visa or Long Stay Visa may be extended yearly for up to three times. After four-years in France, a formal citizenship application can be made. This holds its own eligibility criteria and is a more comprehensive process.

If granted, it allows Australians to stay in France indefinitely. They can enjoy the benefits of being a European union national with access to services like healthcare and social security.

How To Apply

After being a digital nomad on the Profession Liberale visa for more than four years, you can apply for long-term residency, but you need to meet the following criteria:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

You must have lived in France on the Long Stay Visa for at least five years to be eligible to apply for long-term residency. Time spent on other visas does not count.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Proof of 5 years residence in France
• Birth certificate with official translation
• Proof of sufficient financial resources
• Recent tax returns
• Proof of health insurance

Step 3: Submit Long-Term Resident Application

• Make an appointment at your local prefecture to submit the residency application.

Step 4: Attend Interview

• You will be called for an interview with the French government to determine your eligibility requirements. Be prepared to provide additional documentation if requested.

Step 5: Receive Response

• If approved by the French authorities, you’ll receive a multi-year residency card. It is renewable without having to re-apply as long the eligibility criteria continues to be met.

Please note, the long-term permanent residency visa application process takes around 6-12 months and applicants may have to submit lots of additional information throughout the process. The Total Law team can help – call us on +44 (0)333 305 9375.