View the full digital nomad guide for France
France
Paris
France Rolls Out Biometric Border Tracking
France will roll out the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) across 50% of border points by April 2026, requiring non-EU travelers to undergo biometric enrollment. The ETIAS travel authorization will also launch later that year, impacting visa-exempt travelers and potentially increasing border wait times.
France Updates Visa Rules With Mandatory Online Booking
Effective February 2026, France has abolished walk-in visa applications, requiring all applicants to use the France-Visas portal for digital eligibility checks and biometric capture. This mandatory shift aims to reduce processing times by up to 20% and eliminate fraudulent bookings.
What to Know About France’s Proposed Immigration Freeze
France's Justice Minister has proposed a 2-3 year freeze on most legal immigration categories, potentially halting new residency permits until after the 2027 election. While doctors and researchers would be exempt, the move could significantly restrict options for new expats and digital nomads seeking to move to France.
France Updates Residency Rules with Language and Civic Hurdles
France is implementing stricter immigration controls, including higher language proficiency standards for long-term residency and more rigorous integration interviews. Expats should prepare for enhanced background checks and stricter requirements when applying for or renewing multi-year permits.