Digital Nomad Visa France

Where a Profession Liberale visa is being applied for in place of a digital nomad visa, the following visa requirements must be adhered to:

• The intended ongoing freelance work must be considered ‘economically viable’ for at least the duration of the visa
• The intended ongoing freelance work must be compatible with French standards of public safety, health and order laws
• The applicant must have professional qualifications relevant to the field within which they propose to work (and such qualifications must be recognised in France)
• The applicant must have sufficient financial resources to support themselves (and if applicable, their business) while in France without any reliant on state benefits
• Health insurance coverage must be in place to cover the applicant for the duration of their stay in France and ensure no reliance is to be made on the French healthcare system
• The applicant must be able to prove they have a solid business plan for their ongoing freelance work if such a document is requested
• The applicant must be able to understand, read, write and speak the French language to at least B1 level, as dictated by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is considered to be the proficiency of an ‘independent user’ of French.

If the visa requirements are met and the applicant is going on to apply for the Profession Liberale visa program, they will need to provide the following documents along with their completed application:

• A valid passport which expires no sooner than six months after the intended end date of the visa
• Proof of valid health insurance, including coverage for any pre-existing conditions, emergency treatment and repatriation
• Proof of booked or reserved accommodation for at least the first few months of the intended stay in France
• Proof to demonstrate that the applicant holds even financial capital to support themselves while in the country. If the digital nomad works for one set employer, this must equate to at least a €20,148 salary (the equivalent of the French minimum wage)
• Proof of professional qualifications held relevant to the work to be completed while in France
• A business plan for the business activity to be carried out while in France
• A police record from the applicant’s home country proving their clean criminal record

The French immigration authorities may request proof of further personal or professional details during the processing stage of the digital nomad visa.

Where this occurs, the applicant will need to provide such information quickly to avoid any delays in the decision-making process.
All supporting documents should be translated into French if they are not already, and some documents will need to be legalised.

Legal guidance sought

The only route to work as a digital nomad in the country of France or one of its overseas territories a formal work visa must be granted. It is always recommended that an immigration lawyer is appointed to support applicants through the visa application process to maximise their chances of success. Total Law can offer such support – call our team today on +44 (0)333 305 9375 to learn more on our advice and administration services.

Compile required documents

It is recommended that all supporting documents are found or requested ahead of their required submission at a visa interview, particularly where they require translation or legalisation as this can be a lengthy process. If for any reason such documents aren’t ready for submission at the interview stage, the application may be delayed or even declined.

Complete and submit application form

The professional visa application can be submitted online through the relevant French Government website portal, or provided directly to the French Consulate local to the applicant.

Attend visa interview

A pre-arranged appointment is made at the local French Consulate. Applicants should take their supporting documentation with them to this interview and be prepared to discuss their intended business activities in France with an immigration officer.

Track visa progress online

A decision on a France digital nomad visa equivalent is rarely provided right away, but progress may be tracked online. In most instances, the Profession Liberale visa has a processing time frame that spans between two to three weeks.

Travel to France

Once a positive decision has been received and a visa granted, the visa holder is free to travel into France to begin work.

Register business and validate visa

Visa holders must register their business with their local French URSAAF office. They must also validate their visa with the OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration), which can be done online. Depending on the applicant’s country of origin, this may incur a fee.

The most common reason for a long or short stay visa to be declined is the provision of inaccurate supporting documents. It is imperative that in order to apply for a long stay visa of this type, such documentation is audited ahead of submission.

Other classes of equivalent digital nomad visa for non-freelancers are available but the application processes vary. With various options available for digital nomads, they should ensure they are only applying for a relevant visa type to them.