The Digital Nomad Visa was created to simplify the temporary installation of remote workers. Unlike traditional work visas that require being employed by a local company, this new type of visa is aimed in particular at freelancers, remote workers and self-employed entrepreneurs.
Its goal is simple: to enable digital nomads to fully exercise their professional activity while discovering a country, or even more if there is an affinity. 16 European countries (and more than 30 worldwide) have already implemented this systemincluding our Italian neighbors last April.
France, on the other hand, still refuses to do so. However, it would be an additional tool to attract the best talents to its territory.
A visa that offers rights and imposes requirements
The recurring arguments that go against the establishment of such a visa in France are distorted. First with the existence of similar devices, which play the same role, then with fears about the risk of abuse and entry into the territory of a workforce which circumvents the rules.
There are indeed several professional visas in France, but None of them guarantee official digital nomad status. and they most often require being attached to a company based in France. Above all, these systems are more complex and take longer to obtain, a process that is out of step with the very nature of the nomadic worker, who regularly changes destination.
Digital nomad visas have many advantages such as legal residency (usually for 1 year) which simplifies administrative procedures in the country. But also legal security, stability of residence, access to public services. However, they impose requirements and set limits in return, which each country is free to define. Providing proof of tax residence, professional activity and minimum income over the last three months are, for example, among the common rules.
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A trickle-down effect
There are approximately 35 million digital nomads in the worldmostly qualified profiles and often with multiple experiences of missions or business creations. Added to this type of workforce is a state of mind and a claimed lifestyle. The quest for travel and freedom of course, but also financial independence, cultural and tourist discovery, social immersion, professional exchange and sharing.
By settling in France, for 3, 6 or 12 months, this workforce with real purchasing power (previously checked) will contribute to economic dynamism. workation (work-travel) has become a reality and the digital nomads a growing clientele for the tourism and hotel industry, especially out of season.
Working in France necessarily involves a networking effect and connections that can also benefit local companies, small or large, for short missions or long-term projects. In addition, Digital nomad visas can be converted to expat or longer-term residency status.
This type of visa flourished during the pandemic. Since then, the globalization of work and the generalization of teleworking have not slowed down. Today, around thirty countries in the world have set up visas reserved for digital nomadsAround us, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy have done it. In France, it would be a good idea to at least think about it.because if talents do not come to our companies, they will go to them, even abroad.
Julien started his career at Talentsoft as a business developer before becoming a senior account manager. Still at Talentsoft, he took the reins of the France team by becoming Sales Director France then Sales Director France & Southern Europe. Today, Julien is Country Leader & Head of Expansion France for Deel.
