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France
Paris
Huge win for Nomads: Foreign remote workers can legally use a visitor residence permit in France
The French government confirmed that remote workers can reside in France on a 'visitor' permit if their work has no connection to the French economy. However, those working with French clients or companies must obtain a specific work permit and appropriate residency status.
Portugal uses Eurodac and ESP to track non-EU travelers at Schengen borders
The EU has activated the first phase of the new Eurodac system and the European Search Portal to modernize border data infrastructure. These interoperable IT systems allow authorities to instantly verify biometric data and track entry/exit history for all non-EU travelers across the Schengen Area.
The small print in the limited validity ETIAS for humanitarian emergencies
The European Union has introduced a restricted ETIAS version for travelers with humanitarian needs or urgent obligations. This authorization is valid for a maximum of 90 days and only permits entry into the specific countries listed on the application.
France requires 80% on civic exam and B2 French for naturalisation
The French Interior Ministry is reviewing proposals to streamline the citizenship process and improve accessibility for foreign retirees. While not yet law, these changes would simplify long-term settlement for expats and older international residents.
EU confirms ETIAS will start in the last quarter for 60 nations
The European Union confirmed that the ETIAS pre-travel authorization system for visa-free nationals is now scheduled to go live in late 2026. Travelers from over 60 countries will eventually need this digital permit to enter the Schengen Area for short stays.
EU Single Digital Booking regulation grants tourists 50% refund for rail delays
On 2026-05-13, the European Commission proposed EU-wide rules to make cross-border rail travel easier, including single-ticket booking across multiple operators and stronger protection for missed connections. This matters for travelers and nomads using rail networks across Europe because it would reduce fragmentation and improve refunds, rerouting, and compensation.
EU gives travelers 14 days for cash refunds under revised directive
The updated EU Package Travel Directive took effect on 2026-05-27, strengthening refund, voucher, and insolvency-protection rules for package travellers across the EU. Nomads and expats who book package trips in Europe should note clearer complaint deadlines and better protections if an organiser becomes insolvent.
France orders ANEF to fix residence portal within 6 months
France’s top administrative court has mandated the government to resolve technical failures on the ANEF digital platform. The ruling aims to end persistent outages that have blocked expats from submitting residence permit applications and work authorizations.
EasyJet Strike Impacts Easter Travel in France
A 24-hour cabin crew strike in France on April 6 is expected to cancel up to 40% of EasyJet's French flights, causing significant disruption during a peak travel period.
EU Postpones ETIAS Rollout Until Late 2026
The European Union has officially pushed back the implementation of the ETIAS travel authorization system until late 2026. This means visa-exempt travelers and digital nomads entering France can continue to do so under current rules without the need for pre-travel security clearance or additional fees for the next two years.
France Increases Residence Permit and Citizenship Fees
Starting May 1, 2026, France will implement a new fee structure for various visa and residence permit categories. Expats and digital nomads should prepare for higher administrative costs when applying for or renewing their legal stay in the country.
France Updates Asylum Document Rules
Starting March 1, 2026, the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA) will no longer require original documents for asylum applications. Applicants will be permitted to submit photocopies and retain their original identity and civil status documents throughout the process.