France
Living or working in France: long-stay, digital nomad and working holiday visas
Apply for a long-stay visa if you plan to stay over 90 days; a French digital nomad visa (2024‑2026) lets remote workers stay up to 12 months, while a Working Holiday Visa (for ages 18‑30 from select countries) offers 12‑month work rights. Plan ahead: start the application 3‑4 months before travel, gather proof of income, health insurance and accommodation.
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Key facts
- Long‑stay visa stay limitcheck
- 90 days + renewable up to 12 months
- Digital nomad visa staycheck
- 12 months, single entry
- Working Holiday visa eligibilitycheck
- Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea (age 18‑30)
- Application lead timecheck
- 3–4 months before intended entry
- Proof of income requiredcheck
- €3,000 per month (digital nomad) or €1,500 per month (working holiday)
- Health insurancecheck
- Coverage of €30,000 minimum, valid in Schengen
Quick answer
If you want to stay longer than 90 days, apply for a long‑stay visa; remote workers can use the digital nomad visa for up to a year; young travellers from eligible countries can get a Working Holiday visa for 12 months of work and travel.
Visa types and requirements
Long‑stay (type D) visa: for study, work, family reunification or retirement. Requires a French host, proof of accommodation, financial means, and a French‑issued residence permit after arrival.
Digital nomad visa (introduced 2024): for remote employees or freelancers. Must show a contract with a non‑French employer, monthly income of at least €3,000, health insurance, and a French address for the stay.
Working Holiday visa: bilateral agreements with a handful of countries. Applicants must be 18‑30 years old, have €1,500 monthly funds, and a return ticket. Allows part‑time work up to 12 months.
- Gather passport (valid ≥ 6 months beyond stay).
- Book an appointment at the French consulate or via the France‑Visas portal.
- Submit application form, photos, travel insurance, proof of income, accommodation confirmation.
- Pay visa fee (≈ €99 for long‑stay, €80 for digital nomad, €60 for Working Holiday).
- Wait 15‑30 days for processing (long‑stay may take longer).
Cost and timeline
Visa fees are set by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and are non‑refundable. Processing times vary by consulate but generally 3‑4 months is safe to allow for document collection and possible interviews.
| Visa type | Fee (2026 estimate) | Typical processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Long‑stay (type D) | €99 | 3–6 weeks (up to 3 months if additional docs) |
| Digital nomad | €80 | 4–6 weeks |
| Working Holiday | €60 | 2–4 weeks |
Fees are in euros; convert to local currency on booking.
Important notes
All visas require travel insurance covering the entire Schengen area with a minimum of €30,000 medical coverage.
Proof of accommodation can be a hotel reservation for the first month, then a rental contract or a host’s invitation letter.
After arrival on a long‑stay visa, you must apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) within two months at the local prefecture.
Digital nomad visa holders cannot take up employment with a French company; work must be for a non‑French employer.
Working Holiday participants may work for any French employer but cannot exceed 12 months total stay.
Questions people ask
What should I know about long‑stay and working visas in France?
Long‑stay visas let you stay over 90 days and require a residence permit after arrival. Digital nomad visas are for remote workers with proof of income, while Working Holiday visas are for young travelers from eligible countries and allow work for up to a year.
How much does it cost?
Fees are €99 for a long‑stay visa, €80 for the digital nomad visa, and €60 for a Working Holiday visa (2026 estimates). Insurance and document costs are extra.
When should I plan for it?
Start the application 3–4 months before your intended entry date to allow time for gathering documents, booking consular appointments and possible interviews.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes – a policy covering at least €30,000 medical expenses across the Schengen area is mandatory for all long‑stay, digital nomad and Working Holiday visas.
Can I work for a French company on a digital nomad visa?
No – the digital nomad visa only permits remote work for a non‑French employer. To work locally you need a separate work permit or a Working Holiday visa.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
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