Digital Nomad Status in France - Remote Work under the visitor's visa is authorized

“Digital nomad” status in France - Remote work and the VLS-TS "visitor" visa: the Ministry of the Interior finally clarifies the situation

The question of whether a foreign national holding a long‑stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS‑TS) “visitor” may work remotely from France for a foreign employer has, for several years, created significant legal uncertainty. The response issued today (23/06/2026) by the Ministry of the Interior, following written question no. 11730, finally provides official clarification on this sensitive issue.

1. Legal Framework: a Prohibition on Professional Activity in France

Article L. 426‑20 of the CESEDA requires holders of a “visitor” residence permit not to engage in any professional activity in France.

Until now, an ambiguity persisted:

• Does the prohibition cover any activity, even when performed for a foreign employer, simply because it is carried out physically from France?
• Or does it only concern participation in the French labour market?

This uncertainty led to divergent administrative practices:

• Consulates and prefectures accepted remote work for a foreign employer and validated income derived from activity performed outside France.
• The tax administration considered that an activity is deemed to be carried out in France whenever it is physically performed there, even for a foreign employer.

2. The Ministry’s Position: Remote Work for a Foreign Employer Is Not a Professional Activity in France

The Ministry responds unambiguously:

“[The fact that a foreign national works remotely from France] for an employer governed by foreign law must lead to considering them as non‑active under French law.”

A VLS‑TS “visitor” holder may therefore work remotely from France, provided that:

• the employer is foreign,
• the employment contract is governed by foreign law,
• no activity is carried out for a French employer or French clients.

Final conclusion – France remains a haven for foreign workers seeking to work as “digital nomads” or work remotely, without any labor authorization being required.