Can I work in France on a Visiteur long-stay visa?

The Visiteur status is designed for financially self-sufficient people such as retirees, people living off savings or investments, or those joining family, who do not intend to work. Holders cannot work as an employee, be self-employed, run a business, or take on any other paid professional activity in France.

If you later want to work, you generally need to change to a different status (for example a salaried worker or self-employed card), which usually means qualifying for that category and applying through the prefecture. Working without the right authorisation can put your stay and any renewal at risk.