Can I work remotely on a visitor visa?

The visitor visa prohibits professional activity in France, and rules on remote work for a foreign employer have been tightened and remain restrictive. Confirm current conditions before relying on it for remote work — France has no dedicated digital-nomad visa.

Is this the French retirement visa?

There is no separate 'retirement visa'; retirees use the long-stay visitor visa, which is designed for people who can support themselves without working.

How much income do I need to show?

You must show stable resources broadly at the level of the French minimum wage over the year; the exact reference amount is updated annually with the SMIC, so check the current figure.

Long-stay visas (Type D)

French Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS visiteur)

France's route for financially self-sufficient people, including retirees, who want to live in France without working locally. Applicants must prove stable passive income and comprehensive health cover.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced

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Under review — check current rules

The visitor-visa income requirement tracks the SMIC and changes annually (cited figures range around €1,443–€1,478 net/month for 2026) — verify the current reference amount on france-visas.gouv.fr. Remote-work eligibility on this visa is unsettled; do not state it as permitted without confirming current official guidance.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official France government website before you apply.

On this page

Who it's for
Requirements
What you can do
How to apply
Documents
Frequently asked questions

Issued by: French consulate abroad
Route type: VLS-TS 'visiteur' (long-stay visa valid as residence permit)
Duration: Up to 1 year, renewable in France
Income requirement: Stable resources broadly at the level of the French minimum wage (SMIC); Reference amount is updated annually with the SMIC; verify the current figure
Work: No employment or professional activity in France permitted

Who it's for

Retirees wishing to live in France
Financially independent people with passive income or savings
Anyone who can self-fund a long stay without working in France

Requirements

Proof of stable, sufficient resources for the whole stay
Private health insurance covering France
Proof of accommodation in France
Signed undertaking not to engage in professional activity in France
Valid passport and France-Visas application

What you can do

Live in France for up to a year and renew from within the country
Travel within the Schengen area
Build continuous residence toward a longer-term card over time
Support yourself from pensions, savings or investment income

How to apply

Apply for the long-stay visitor visa through France-Visas and your consulate, providing proof of resources, health insurance, accommodation and the no-work undertaking.

After arrival, validate the VLS-TS online within three months and pay the applicable tax. Renew at the prefecture (ANEF) before expiry to continue your stay.

Documents

Valid passport and France-Visas application form
Proof of stable resources (pension statements, bank statements, investment income)
Private health insurance certificate
Proof of accommodation in France
Signed declaration not to work in France

Frequently asked questions

The visitor visa prohibits professional activity in France, and rules on remote work for a foreign employer have been tightened and remain restrictive. Confirm current conditions before relying on it for remote work — France has no dedicated digital-nomad visa.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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