France Visa & Policy Updates
France is enforcing stricter immigration controls, including a mandatory online booking system and higher language proficiency requirements for naturalization. While authorities recently confirmed that remote workers can use visitor residence permits if their work has no French economic ties, the government is also under court order to resolve ANEF portal failures and processing delays by November 2026. Other updates include a ban on third-party Schengen filings for Russian citizens.
France ends third-party Schengen visa filings for Russians in Russia
Russian citizens applying for French Schengen visas must now submit their applications in person or through immediate family members. The new rule eliminates the use of third-party agencies and representatives for the application process.
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.
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.
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.
France orders 500 staff to cut Carte de Séjour delays by Nov. 5
The Conseil d'État has ordered the French government to resolve abnormal processing delays for residence permits within six months. This ruling aims to end the legal limbo for expats and digital nomads currently waiting on renewals or initial Carte de Séjour applications.
France Keeps Passeport Talent Fast-Tracked for Skilled Workers
France is introducing a streamlined 4-year renewable work permit for highly skilled tech professionals and nomads seeking long-term residency. The new digital processing system aims to reduce visa wait times to just 30 days for eligible applicants.
France Keeps the VLS-TS Visiteur Off-Limits for Remote Work
French authorities have confirmed that the Long-Stay Visitor Visa strictly prohibits remote work as of June 2025. Digital nomads must now pivot to the Profession Libérale or Talent Passport schemes, which require specific proof of qualifications and professional income.
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 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.
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.