Cafés spilling out onto cobbled streets, world-class cheese at corner markets, a morning stroll by the Seine before logging on for the day. If you’ve ever dreamed of working remotely in France, you’re not alone.
The good news?
France may soon be joining the growing list of countries creating dedicated visas for digital nomads.
While France doesn’t yet have an official Digital Nomad Visa, there are several pathways that remote workers and freelancers can use to legally live and work from the land of croissants and co-working cafés.
In this guide, we break down:
- The current status of a digital nomad visa for France
- Alternatives that remote workers are using right now
- Who qualifies and how to apply
- What French health insurance do you need
- Why planning ahead is the key to stress-free remote life in France
Does France have a digital nomad visa?
Not officially — yet.
France has announced its intention to introduce a digital nomad visa as part of its broader push to attract international talent and boost remote work tourism, and it’s expected to happen sometime in 2025.
But don’t worry all is not lost.
While the French government works out the final visa structure, taking into account income requirements, visa duration and tax implications, there are existing visa options that digital nomads and freelancers are already using to live and work remotely in France legally.
Let’s dive into those.
How to work remotely from France
Until the dedicated digital nomad visa is live, here are two main options for freelancers and remote workers:
1. Long-stay visitor visa (visa de long séjour – visiteur)
This visa allows non-EU citizens to stay in France for more than 90 days, up to a year. You can’t legally work for a French company while on this visa, but you can work remotely for a company or clients based outside France.
You can apply online through the official France-Visas website. Submit your application to the French embassy, consulate, or an approved service provider like VFS Global or TLS in your country of residence. Keep in mind, you can’t apply more than three months before your intended arrival in France.
You’ll need to prove:
- You have stable income from abroad (a salary certificate, original bank statement of the last 3 months stamped by the bank, or if self-employed, trade licence of the company)
- You won’t seek local employment
- You’ve arranged suitable accommodation in France (a reservation of an accommodation for at least 3 months following your arrival to France or, if you are hosted by someone in France: a copy of the ID of the host combined with a digital invitation letter, rental contract or title deed and a utility bill (water or electricity) dated within the last three months)
- You have comprehensive health insurance
This is currently the go-to route for digital nomads in France.
2. Self-employed or freelancer visa (profession libérale)
If you’re freelancing or self-employed and want to work with French clients, this is another pathway. It falls under the “Entrepreneur/Profession Libérale” category and requires more paperwork, but it gives you the ability to earn income in France legally. Much like the Long-stay visitor visa, you can apply for this online at France-Visas.
For this, you’ll need:
- Evidence that your freelance job earns at least the minimum wage in France: this could be invoices, bank statements, or receipts of previous client agreements
- Proof of qualifications
- A projected income that is typically over €20,000 a year
- Registration with the French business registry
- Health insurance that covers your entire stay.
It’s a bit more complex but it’s also ideal for creatives, consultants, or service providers wanting to integrate into the French market.
Do you need health insurance for the France digital nomad visa?
In one word: yes. Health insurance is compulsory in France for good reason.
Whether you’re applying through the freelancer visa, or waiting for the official digital nomad visa, proof of health insurance is non-negotiable. And, for the long-stay visitor visa it’s recommended.
Here’s what your policy should cover:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospital stays
- Medical repatriation
- Liability coverage
- Coverage for the entire duration of your visa
And here’s where things get easy: Feather’s digital insurance is already designed with these requirements in mind: our travel insurance is perfectly suited to meet the needs of short-term stays, while our expat health insurance is ideal for medium term stays in France.
Why digital nomads love France
So what makes France such a magnet for remote workers?
Let’s be honest — there’s nowhere quite like France when it comes to culture, food and charm. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature-lover, or just want to enjoy a slower pace of life, there’s a region that fits.
With easy train access across Europe, France makes a perfect home base for exploring the rest of the continent during downtime or weekend getaways. Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Montpellier all have thriving digital nomad communities, with co-working spaces, cafés, and meetups galore making them ideal work-friendly cities.
France’s healthcare system is also one of the best in the world. With the right insurance, you can access excellent care without breaking the bank.
How Feather can help you go remote in France
If you’re dreaming of baguettes and bandwidth, Feather’s got you covered.
Our expat health insurance options are fully digital, super flexible, and tailored for people like you — freelancers, remote employees, digital nomads, and expats living abroad.
Here’s why Feather is ideal for your French adventure:
- Visa-compliant insurance – Our policies are designed to meet long-stay and nomad visa requirements across Europe, including France. Get proof of insurance instantly.
- 100% digital – Sign up, file claims, and manage everything online — no paperwork, no fuss.
- Real human support – Our support team is made of real people who truly understand the French visa process and are ready to help you find the best policy.
- Transparent pricing – No hidden fees and no complicated tiers — just honest, easy-to-understand coverage that’s right for you.
What’s next?
If you’re planning to live and work remotely from France in 2025 or beyond, keep an eye on the official digital nomad visa France launch, but don’t let that stop you from starting the journey now.
With the right visa and the right insurance you can start your life abroad much sooner than you think.
Before you apply for any visa, check the French consulate in your country for the latest requirements, and secure your insurance early so you’re ready when the paperwork begins.
Ready to say bonjour to France?
Whether you’re freelancing from the Riviera, logging into Zoom from a Loire Valley vineyard, or building your next startup in a Parisian coworking loft — France is calling.
Feather makes it easy to protect your time abroad, so you can focus on living, working, and thriving wherever you land.
Get visa-ready expat insurance from Feather and make your move to France seamless, safe, and simple.
Because your next chapter deserves more than a tourist visa — and your lifestyle deserves coverage that travels with you.
