🇫🇷 France
How the 90/180 rule applies to France, plus the tools you'll want before you go.
Joined Schengen
1995
Currency
EUR
Timezone
Europe/Paris
Calling code
+33
What counts toward your 90 days
Every day spent in France counts toward the same Schengen-wide 90-day allowance. Days in France are added to days in any of the other 28 Schengen countries when calculating the rolling 180-day window.
Entry and exit days both count as full days.
If you hold a France national long-stay visa or residence permit, the 90/180 rule does not limit your stay in France itself, but it does still cap your time in the rest of Schengen.
Nomading in France, specifically
US, UK, and Canadian passports get you 90 days visa-free in France. Most others, like Indian or Nigerian passports, require a Schengen visa beforehand. France stamps passports on arrival and departure, but sometimes they just scan them, especially at busy airports. ETIAS will be a new online authorisation needed for visa-exempt travellers starting sometime in 2025.
How many days do you really have?
France, like all Schengen countries, operates on a 90/180-day rule. This means you can spend a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. It's not just France; if you pop over to Spain for a week, those days count against your French allowance. Land border crossings might get a stamp, but often they just check your passport. For longer stays beyond 90 days, you'll need a specific French long-stay visa or a residence permit, not just a Schengen visa. This is a different process entirely and usually requires applying from your home country.
Where do people actually stay in France?
Paris is the obvious choice, but it's expensive. Expect to spend €1800 - €3000 per month for a decent place and living expenses, excluding flights. Internet in Paris is generally excellent, fibre optic is common. Many nomads also look at Lyon or Marseille. Lyon offers a slightly lower cost of living, maybe €1400 - €2200 monthly, with good food and decent connectivity. Marseille has a more bohemian vibe and is often cheaper still, though internet speeds can be patchier outside the city centre. Paying bills and rent is straightforward with bank transfers, but using cash is still common for small purchases.
What to watch out for with French bureaucracy
The 90/180 rule is strictly enforced. Overstaying can mean fines, deportation, and bans from the Schengen Area. If you plan to work remotely for a French company or set up shop there long-term, you'll need to look into France's specific digital nomad visa (if eligible) or other long-stay options. These require significant paperwork and proof of funds. Don't assume a standard Schengen visa covers long-term residence or freelance work within France.