Here’s where it gets sneaky. A trip includes every day you’re in France or any other Schengen country. A weekend in Paris? Counts. A business meeting in Lyon? Counts. That spontaneous trip to see a friend in Nice? Yep, counts. You’re burning your 90 days like a cheap candle.
So plan wisely. If you’re a digital nomad who loves hopping between France, Italy, and Spain, you’re on a tight leash. Track your days with an app, or you’ll accidentally overstay. And overstaying? That’s a fine, a ban, and a very long conversation with a very stern official.
Do You Need a Visa for Work or Study?
If you’re going for a jolly holiday? No visa. But if you’ve got a job offer in a Parisian café or want to study at the Sorbonne? Yes, you need a visa. This isn’t like ordering a croissant—it’s a formal process. You’ll need sponsorship, a contract, and a lot of patience.
Freelancers and remote workers? You’re in a grey area. If you’re working for a UK company while lounging in Nice, technically you’re a tourist. But if you “settle” and work from a co-working space for months? France might call it work. Don’t risk it unless you have a specific visa.
