31 May 2024
The question that inspired this post:
So I’m wanting to move to France in July 2024. However, I’m getting very concerned about the visa process. Some background information: I [26F] am currently a full-time USA citizen and employee. I’m the lead full-stack developer for my agency and I’ve been working remotely for the past 3.5 years with my company. I've already gotten the okay from my boss about working from France so there is no concern there. And yes I can speak French, although it's only conversational and not up to par for getting a job in France yet.
However, I’ve read that for the Long Stay Visa you can’t engage in any professional activity during your stay in France. But I’ve heard many different things about this. Some say that it means you just can’t engage in any French professional activity during your stay (which would apply to my situation) and some say absolutely no professional activity whatsoever. Can anyone offer any advice or give any personal experience here? Any resources that I could reference too would be extremely helpful.
Ultimately I want to keep my job in the USA while living abroad in France. Is there a way to do this? I know that it’s possible to do this if I was a freelancer/contractor for my company and applied for a self-employed visa but that's something I'm not sure I want to do due to the loss of benefits and the potential contract instability. But if anyone has done this route I would be interested in learning more about your transition from full-time to contract with your employer.
Answers
"France, like many EU countries, has no residence permit suited for remote work for a foreign employer like you want to do.
Usually employees either will do an intracompany transfer to an in-country branch of their multinational employer, or get hired through local so-called Employers of Record to ensure compliance with tax and labour laws."
"You can’t live and work in France long term on the long stay visa. You will owe taxes to the French state once you meet their minimum residency time. They don’t seem to offer a digital nomad type visa, which is what you need for this.
For the freelancer route, you can work through someone like Deel to provide local tax and payroll, but I know in Austria you couldn’t class yourself as a self employed freelancer and then only work for one client. And this has downsides as your employer could choose to pay less to meet market rate in France."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction
Moving to France from the USA while maintaining your current remote job is a goal shared by many digital nomads.
However, navigating the visa process can be challenging, especially with the varying information available about working remotely in France.
Here’s a detailed guide on your options, relevant resources, and practical advice to help you make this transition.
Visa Options for Moving to France
Long-Stay Visitor Visa (Visa de Long Séjour Visiteur)
The Long-Stay Visitor Visa allows you to stay in France for more than 90 days but comes with restrictions regarding professional activities.
Key Requirements:
Proof of Sufficient Funds: Generally, you need to show you have enough funds to support yourself without working (around €1,400/month).
Accommodation Proof: Evidence of where you will be staying in France.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for the duration of your stay.
Non-Employment Commitment: You must declare that you will not engage in any professional activity in France.
Work Restrictions:
The Long-Stay Visitor Visa is often interpreted as prohibiting work for a French company. However, remote work for a non-French employer (like your US-based job) might be acceptable. It is crucial to clarify this with the French consulate. You can contact them directly or consult their official website.
Talent Passport Visa
The Talent Passport Visa is designed for highly skilled professionals, which might be suitable for your situation as a lead full-stack developer.
Key Requirements:
Employment Contract: You would need a contract with a French company or an intra-company transfer.
Proof of Expertise: Documentation of your skills, qualifications, and experience.
Salary Requirement: You need to meet the salary threshold set by French authorities.
While this visa is more suited to those transferring to a French entity, it’s worth exploring if any French-based opportunities could align with your current role.
Talent Passport - Employee on Assignment Visa
This specific visa category may suit your needs as it allows you to legally work remotely for your U.S. company while residing in France for up to six months, renewable.
Key Requirements:
Proof of Employment Contract: Assignment details from your U.S. employer.
Salary/Skills Requirements: Meet the thresholds for this visa type.
Employer Sponsorship: Explicit sponsorship from your employer for the assignment in France.
Self-Employment Visa
If transitioning to a contractor/freelancer is a possibility, the self-employment visa might be a viable route.
Key Requirements:
Business Plan: A detailed plan of your freelance activities.
Proof of Sufficient Income: Evidence that your freelance work will generate sufficient income.
Health Insurance and Financial Stability: Demonstrating comprehensive health coverage and stable finances.
Transitioning to a freelancer involves setting up as a micro-entrepreneur in France. This allows you to legally invoice for services provided to your US employer.
Practical Steps and Resources
Step 1: Consult with the French Consulate
Before making any decisions, consult with the French consulate closest to you. They can provide definitive guidance on which visa would best suit your situation. Find your local consulate here.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation
Gather all necessary documents, including:
Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
Proof of Accommodation: In France.
Health Insurance: That covers you in France.
Financial Statements: Showing sufficient funds.
Step 3: Consider Professional Advice
Engaging an immigration lawyer or consultant can provide personalized advice and ensure that your visa application is accurate and comprehensive.
Step 4: Join Expat Communities
Joining communities can provide insights from people who have undergone similar transitions. Websites like InterNations and forums like Expatica are excellent resources.
Conclusion
Moving to France while maintaining your US-based remote job involves navigating some complex visa regulations, but it is achievable with careful planning and the right visa.
Ensure you have all the necessary documentation and seek professional advice if needed. By taking these steps, you can make your dream of living in France a reality while continuing your current employment.
If you need more specific advice or assistance with any part of the process, feel free to ask! Best of luck with your move to France in July 2024.
Comments