›Can Lesotho passport holders enter France?
Lesotho passport holders require a visa to enter France. This means you will need to obtain a short-stay entry visa from the France consulate in your country before you can arrive and apply for the digital nomad visa. Factor in consulate processing time (typically 2–6 weeks) on top of the digital nomad visa timeline. Some lesotho applicants apply for the digital nomad visa directly at the consulate without entering first — check the France embassy website for current guidance.
›Requirements for Lesotho passport holders
The Digital nomad visa assesses all applicants on the same criteria regardless of nationality. Lesotho citizens can apply provided they meet the following requirements:
- Income: $2,088.47/month — proven via 3–6 months bank statements
- Remote work proof: Employment contract, freelance agreements, or client letters confirming you work for non-France entities
- Health insurance: Health insurance is strongly recommended even if not formally required
- Clean background: Police clearance from Lesotho (apostilled if required by France)
- Valid passport: Lesotho passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
- Accommodation proof: Rental agreement, hotel booking, or property documents in France
Important: Documents not in France's official language or English must be certified translated. Lesotho applicants should confirm apostille requirements for documents issued in Lesotho.
›How Lesotho citizens apply — step by step
- Gather documentation. Collect 3–6 months of bank statements showing consistent income above the threshold, employment contracts or freelance agreements, valid Lesotho passport (6+ months validity), international health insurance certificate, and a police clearance certificate.
- Authenticate documents. Check whether France requires apostille stamps on Lesotho-issued documents. Arrange certified translations for any documents not in the local language or English. This step can take 2–6 weeks — start early.
- Check entry requirements. Verify whether Lesotho citizens can enter France visa-free or need a short-stay visa before applying for the digital nomad visa. Check the France embassy website for current entry requirements for Lesotho passport holders.
- Submit your application. Apply through the official France government portal. Some programs accept online applications; others require in-person submission at a consulate.
- Await approval and enter. Once approved, book travel and confirm your health insurance is active from day one. Register with local immigration if required within the first 30 days of arrival in France.
›Tax treatment for Lesotho digital nomad visa holders
Tax obligations for Lesotho citizens on the Digital nomad visa depend on your residency status and duration of stay. Most digital nomad visa holders are not considered tax residents in France if their income originates abroad — but this is not guaranteed.
Extended stays (typically 183+ days in a calendar year) may trigger local tax residency. As a Lesotho citizen, you must also consider your home country's worldwide income reporting requirements and any bilateral tax treaty between Lesotho and France.
Always consult a tax professional who understands both Lesotho and France tax law before committing to an extended stay.
›Common mistakes Lesotho applicants make
Weak or inconsistent income documentation
Depositing a lump sum right before applying won't work. France immigration officials want to see consistent income above the threshold over 3–6 months. Sporadic freelance payments or transfers from family members don't qualify. Start maintaining clean financial records as early as possible.
Missing apostille or translation requirements
Lesotho applicants often underestimate authentication requirements. Lesotho-issued documents — including bank letters, employment contracts, and police certificates — may need apostille stamps and certified translations. This process can take weeks. Budget for it early.
Not confirming entry eligibility before booking travel
Lesotho passport holders may need a short-stay visa to enter France before their digital nomad visa is approved. Confirm entry requirements with the France embassy before booking any flights. Entry eligibility and DNV eligibility are separate questions.
