At a glance
E-visa available
No
Visa-free countries
7 listed
Visa-on-arrival
See guide
Updated
2026-01
Recent changes for 2026
France maintains its Schengen Area visa policy. EU ETIAS Q4 2026 (EUR 7). The French Tech Visa (under the broader Talent Passport program) remains the standard skilled-worker path. Schengen visa fee EUR 90 since June 2024. France does not have a specific digital nomad visa as of 2026.
Visa types
| Visa | Duration | Cost | Requirements | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa-Free Entry | 90 days within 180-day period | Free | Valid passport | On arrival |
| ETIAS Authorization (Q4 2026) | 3 years | EUR 7 | Online application | Minutes to 72 hours |
| Schengen Visa (Type C) | Up to 90 days | EUR 90 | Application, financial proof, insurance, accommodation | 15-30 business days |
| Talent Passport | 4 years | EUR 99 | Skilled worker, EUR 41,000+ salary, or recognized profession | 2-4 months |
| Profession Liberale | 1 year, renewable | EUR 99 | Professional services contract, French business registration, financial proof | 2-4 months |
Visa-free countries (7)
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, 60+ other countries.
France Visa Overview 2026
France operates under the Schengen Area visa policy. The Talent Passport program covers skilled workers; the Profession Liberale Visa covers self-employed professionals. France does not have a specific digital nomad visa as of 2026; the Profession Liberale serves the same purpose.
The Schengen 90/180 Rule
Citizens of 60+ visa-free countries can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. Free.
ETIAS Coming Q4 2026
EU ETIAS scheduled for Q4 2026 rollout. EUR 7. Valid for 3 years.
Talent Passport (French Tech Visa)
France's flagship skilled-worker visa. EUR 99 application. 4-year initial visa, renewable. Eligibility:
- Skilled workers earning EUR 41,000+ salary from a French employer
- Recognized profession (PhD, researcher, artist, athlete, professional sports player)
- Recognized startup founders (qualified through a French tech-startup incubator)
- High-net-worth investors (EUR 300K+ investment in France)
The visa includes spouse and minor children. Apply at French consulate in your country of citizenship. Processing 2-4 months.
Profession Liberale Visa
France's path for self-employed professionals: consultants, lawyers, doctors, architects, artists, designers, IT specialists, writers, photographers, language teachers. Requirements:
- Registered French business or sole proprietorship (autoentrepreneur)
- Professional services contracts or income proof
- Financial reserves (around EUR 8,000-10,000)
- Private health insurance covering France
- French address
EUR 99 application. 1-year visa renewable; after 5 years renewable, eligible for permanent residency. Many digital nomads use this path to formalize their remote work in France.
The Profession Liberale requires actually registering as a French business; this means filing French taxes and complying with French labor law. The autoentrepreneur regime (simplified tax filing for small freelance businesses with under EUR 77,700 annual revenue) is the most common structure.
Schengen Visa for Non-Exempt Nationalities
EUR 90 for adults, EUR 45 for children 6-12. Apply at the French embassy in your country of residence. Processing 15-30 business days.
Visiteur Visa
France's classic retiree and passive-income visa. Requires EUR 1,700+/month passive income (Social Security, pensions, investments). The visa explicitly prohibits any kind of work, including remote work. For remote workers, the Profession Liberale is the appropriate path.
Practical Notes
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs site is france-visas.gouv.fr. The French Immigration Service (OFII - Office Francais de l'Immigration et de l'Integration) site is ofii.fr. The Talent Passport application processes through the French consulate; the residence permit conversion happens at the local Prefecture in France.
France tax-residency rules apply to anyone in France 183+ days per year. The French autoentrepreneur regime provides simplified tax filing for small freelance businesses; consult a French accountant. Paris concentrates the largest expat and digital-nomad community in France.
Beyond the visa
This page covers the entry process only. For the broader picture, legal framework, nightlife, costs, and city breakdowns, see the main TDG France country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source disclosure. Visa rules change. This page is current as of 2026-01 based on the country's official immigration portal and IATA Travel Centre. Before booking a non-refundable flight, confirm with the official embassy or e-visa portal linked in the guide above.