France confirms ban on remote work under visitor visa, still offers no digital nomad visa

France has confirmed that as of early 2026, remote work is not permitted under the Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur), closing a pathway that many digital nomads previously used to live and work remotely in the country. France remains one of the few major EU economies without a dedicated digital nomad visa programme.

Why this matters: Since June 2025, French authorities have officially prohibited any form of remote work on a visitor visa — even for those working exclusively for foreign clients or employers outside France. Holders risk renewal denials, appeals or departure requirements if remote work is detected. The French tax authorities (DGFiP) have clarified that work physically performed from French territory counts as work carried out in France for tax purposes, regardless of where the employer or clients are located.

For remote workers who want to live legally in France, three compliant visa pathways remain. The Self-Employed Visa (Profession Liberale) suits freelancers and consultants, requiring demonstration of a viable activity and income of at least approximately EUR 21,876 annually. The Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) offers multi-year permits for highly skilled professionals meeting salary thresholds of around EUR 34,650 gross annually. The Entrepreneur Visa covers those planning to start or engage in a business in France.

France’s cross-border telework framework with Switzerland has also evolved: from 1 January 2026, Swiss employers must report telework rates for France-resident employees, with automatic salary data exchange between French and Swiss tax authorities beginning in 2027. Workers may telework up to 40 percent of their time from France without triggering cross-border tax reallocation. For remote workers considering European destinations with established digital nomad visas, see our European digital nomad visa comparison.