As of the 1st June 2025, France has rolled out a new set of immigration regulations impacting remote workers, entrepreneurs, and long-term residents. These updates reflect a shift toward tightening immigration oversight while preserving opportunities for skilled professionals and business creators. If you're planning to live, work, or invest in France, it’s crucial to understand these changes.
Remote Work Clarifications: No More Gray Areas
Can You Work Remotely on a Visitor Visa?
No. The French tax office has officially ended the debate: remote work is not allowed on a long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS). Even if your clients are all based outside France, working from a French address is considered employment.
“If you are in France on a ‘visitor' visa: you are not allowed to work, even freelance, for a foreign company.” – French Tax Authorities, June 2025
This ruling eliminates confusion and puts an end to previous conflicting advice from relocation consultants.
What Are the Risks?
- Tax non-compliance: All income earned while in France must be declared, regardless of its origin.
- Visa renewal denial: Violating visa terms could result in your residence permit being refused or revoked.
What Are Your Alternatives?
If you plan to work remotely, consider applying for:
- Self-employed visa (profession libérale): Ideal for freelancers with international or French clients.
- Talent Residence Permit: For highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs.
- Entrepreneur visas: For those starting a business (see more below).
Many immigration lawyers and experts have already updated their guidance. For instance, our friend Adrian from the Adrian Leeds Group can advise U.S. remote workers on how to run their businesses legally, and pay the right taxes, by using an appropriate business structure.
New Entrepreneur Visa Rules: More Oversight, Slower Processing
Mandatory Pre-Approval by Ministry of Economy
Applicants for the Talent Passport – New Business category must now receive pre-approval from the Ministry of Economy before applying for a visa or residence permit.
- You must prove your business plan is “real and serious”.
- The Ministry reviews your application via a new dedicated online platform.
What Does This Mean?
- More paperwork.
- Added processing time.
- Greater scrutiny on business plans.
Tip: Apply no earlier than 3 months before arriving in France to stay within the application window.
Broader Immigration Updates to Know
Talent Passport Is Now the Talent Residence Permit
In March 2024, the Talent Passport was rebranded as the Talent Residence Permit to simplify the terminology and highlight its residence-based benefits.
Language Requirements Are Getting Tougher
From 2025:
- A2 French is required for multi-year residence cards.
- B1 French is required for 10-year cards.
- Language tests will be strictly enforced.
Exception: Talent Residence Permit holders are not subject to language requirements.
Salary Threshold Updates
The required minimum salaries for various Talent Residence Permit categories have been adjusted to reflect France’s evolving economic strategy:
- Salarié en mission: Minimum 38,165 €/year
- Mandataire social: Minimum 63,609 €/year
These thresholds, updated in January 2024, ensure that applicants meet income levels aligned with the French labour market for high-skilled professionals. Meeting these salary requirements is crucial for visa approval under the Talent Residence Permit scheme.
Exceptional Admissions to Residency: Stricter Criteria
A new circular issued in January 2025 outlines updated criteria for exceptional admission to residence (AES):
- 7-year residence requirement (previously 5 years).
- Must demonstrate integration: language skills, knowledge of French values.
- Preference for high-demand job sectors.
Employment Compliance and Employer Scrutiny
Simplified Employer Taxation
- Employers hiring foreigners with legal residence permits are now exempt from paying the foreign worker tax.
- New system introduces annual tax payments instead of fragmented invoices.
Increased Checks on Employers
From September 2024, French authorities now:
- Assess employer compliance with labour and social obligations.
- Review criminal records and business justifications for hiring foreign talent.
FAQs: New French Immigration Rules
Can I still work remotely in France on a visitor visa?
No. Remote work from France on a visitor visa is officially prohibited, regardless of client location.
What visa should I get to work remotely in France legally?
You can apply for a self-employed visa, freelancer visa, or Talent Residence Permit depending on your situation and qualifications.
Has France introduced a digital nomad visa?
Not yet. However, alternatives such as the profession libérale or entrepreneur visa are commonly used by digital nomads.
How does the new entrepreneur visa process work?
You must submit your business plan for pre-approval by the Ministry of Economy via their online portal before applying for the visa.
Do I need to speak French to get a residence permit?
Yes, unless you’re applying for a Talent Residence Permit. Other long-term permits now require A2 or B1 language levels.
Are processing times longer under the new rules?
Yes, especially for entrepreneur visas, due to the additional Ministry review step.
No. Remote work from France on a visitor visa is officially prohibited, regardless of client location.
You can apply for a self-employed visa, freelancer visa, or Talent Residence Permit depending on your situation and qualifications.
Not yet. However, alternatives such as the profession libérale or entrepreneur visa are commonly used by digital nomads.
You must submit your business plan for pre-approval by the Ministry of Economy via their online portal before applying for the visa.
Yes, unless you’re applying for a Talent Residence Permit. Other long-term permits now require A2 or B1 language levels.
Yes, especially for entrepreneur visas, due to the additional Ministry review step.
To wrap it all up
France’s 2025 immigration reforms make it clearer but stricter for those seeking to work or start a business in the country. The tightening around visitor visas closes a loophole many digital workers previously relied on, while the new entrepreneurial pathway adds oversight. Still, France remains attractive for highly skilled migrants and offers structured alternatives for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners.
Planning to move to France? 💬 Book a consultation with Fab Expat to discuss the best visa path for your situation.