The age of digital work has made it easier than ever to live abroad. Especially for those who want to live and work in France, you can now access a digital nomad visa in France that allows you to enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle abroad.
Do you want to get a French visitor visa for digital nomads? At The Law Firm of Haywood Martin Wise, our French immigration attorneys will work with you one-on-one so that you can apply for the right visa and work remotely from France. Keep reading to find out how remote work in France is achievable and how you can apply for a digital nomad visa.
France’s Current Visa Landscape for Remote Workers
Remote work in France is a very realistic option for digital nomads, as France is quite welcoming of Americans. Any American who has a valid passport can stay in France for up to 90 days without needing a special visa. However, this doesn’t grant you legal permission to reside in France, as you are technically considered to be a tourist.
Here are some examples of the different types of visas that allow you to legally stay and work in France as an American nomad:
- Long-stay visitor visa: For those who wish to remain in France for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa. The requirement for a long-stay visa is that you plan on being in France between three months and one year for either work, study, or tourism. This status is very useful to retirees and digital nomads, who can renew their yearly status annually with the Prefecture.
- Profession liberale visa: A profession liberale visa is an option that allows digital nomads to engage in freelance work in the French market. It is usually utilized by self-employed Americans who plan on taking clients in France. A professional liberale visa is valid for up to one year but can be renewed for an additional three years.
- Passport talent visa: American nomads who want to work in France can secure an employer of record along with a talent visa. This is when an American employer pays the American’s salary through a French employer of record.
So, although there is no actual digital nomad visa in France, there are several visa options that provide the same benefits.
How Remote Workers Can Live Legally in France
Even though France is very welcoming to American nomads, it is important that you live and work in France legally. Especially when it comes to getting a visa that allows you to work digitally in France, you need to make sure you choose the right type of visa and meet the eligibility requirements.
Here are some common eligibility requirements that you may have to meet to get a French visa:
- Minimum income
- Proof of income
- Health insurance
- Previous visas
- Appropriate accommodations
- Higher education
When you work with a French immigration attorney, they can help you evaluate your goals so that you can choose the best visa for your situation.
Social Security and Taxation for U.S. Citizens Working Remotely in France
No matter what type of French residence permit for Americans you receive so that you can live and work abroad, you may need to pay taxes. France’s tax rules for remote workers often require American teleworkers who spend more than half of the calendar year abroad to file income taxes, but this rule generally does not apply to passive income or income from remote work.
Also, keep in mind that you will need to continue to file income taxes for the U.S. as well, since you are still a U.S. citizen.
When it comes to Social Security, how this works will depend on the type of visa you are using. If you have a passport talent, you will need to pay French Social Security charges out of your salary. Whereas if you are in France on a long-stay visa and work for a U.S. company, you will need to pay American Social Security charges.
Accessing French Healthcare
One benefit that American nomads have when they live and work digitally in France is access to French healthcare. You are eligible to apply for a carte vitale so that you will be registered within the French healthcare system, no matter what visa you are using.
Until now, France has accepted giving social security benefits to long-stay visa visitor holders, such as “digital nomads” and “retirees”, at no annual cost. This allowed, until now, Americans living in France under such a status to benefit from the French social system at no charge. This is about to change a little, as there is a measure in France, adopted by the National Assembly but not yet law, that would require such visitor’s status visa holders to pay a mandatory health care contribution to the French national health system (CPAM). However, this contribution will be nominal, perhaps €600 to 800€ per year.
Contact a French Immigration Attorney at The Law Firm of Haywood Martin Wise
With the rise of remote working conditions, you can now become a U.S. digital nomad in France without overstepping any legal bounds. However, before you move forward, you need to have a thorough understanding of France’s visitor visas for digital nomads, taxes, and healthcare.
At The Law Firm of Haywood Martin Wise, our French immigration attorneys are dedicated to providing our clients with the knowledge they need as they begin the immigration process. Contact our team today at 973-685-5501 or fill out our online form.
FAQs
Does France have a digital nomad visa?
No, France does not technically have a digital nomad visa under that name, but it does have several visa options that have the same benefits, including, very simply, a long-stay visa as a ‘visitor’.
Can I keep my U.S. job while living in France?
It is possible to live in France while maintaining a U.S.-based job. However, you have to make sure you get a visa that allows you to work, as you cannot work in France on a tourist visa.
Do I need to pay French taxes if I work remotely for a U.S. company?
Whether or not you are required to pay French taxes is less dependent on the type of visa you are on and more dependent on your time in France. The general rule of thumb is that you should pay taxes if you live in France for more than half of the calendar year.
How do I access French healthcare as a long-term visitor?
After you have lived in France for three months, you can apply for a Social Security number and a carte vitale. Once you have done this, you will be added to Francis’s healthcare system, providing a certain percentage of coverage for all of your healthcare needs. Also, all long-term visitors can access French healthcare regardless of the type of visa they are on.
When applying for a long-stay visitor’s visa at a TLS Contacts / Consulate of France in the United States, you will be required to sign an affidavit that you do not intend to work in France. This does not prohibit remote employment.