French Polynesia

Carte de Séjour Pluriannuelle "Passeport Talent — Investisseur Économique"

The Carte de Séjour Pluriannuelle "Passeport Talent — Investisseur Économique" is a multi-annual residence permit for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who make a direct economic investment in French Polynesia. Established under Ordonnance n° 2000-372 du 26 avril 2000 (Article 18-3) and administered by the Haut-Commissariat de la République en Polynésie française, it targets foreign investors who wish to make a significant capital investment while creating or preserving local employment. French Polynesia's immigration framework is distinct from metropolitan France — the program parallels the metropolitan "passeport talent" system but operates under a separate legal regime adapted to the territory's status as an overseas collectivity.

• Non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss national
• Make a direct economic investment in French Polynesia recognized by local authorities
• Invest a minimum of €300,000 in tangible or intangible fixed assets (or as required under local foreign investment regulations)
• Personally direct the company or hold at least 30% of its share capital
• Commit to creating or preserving employment within 4 years of the investment
• Investment must comply with Résolution n° 96-141 APF and Arrêté n° 285/CM governing foreign investment in French Polynesia
• Prior authorization required for regulated sectors: real estate, fishing/aquaculture/pearl industries, and audiovisual/telecommunications
• Valid health insurance covering the entire stay
• Clean criminal record

• Valid passport and long-stay visa valid for French Polynesia
• Proof of address in French Polynesia
• Digital photograph
• Evidence of personal direction of the company or holding of at least 30% of its share capital
• Business plan detailing employment creation and investment specifics
• Evidence of investment of at least €300,000 in tangible or intangible fixed assets (or as required under local regulations)
• Written commitment to create or preserve employment within 4 years
• Recognition of the investment by competent authorities of French Polynesia (DGAE)
• Signed commitment to respect the principles of the Republic
• Valid health insurance documentation

The residence card is valid for up to 4 years and is renewable. To renew, the holder must demonstrate the continued validity of the investment and that employment creation or preservation commitments are being met. After 5 years of legal and uninterrupted residence in French Polynesia, the holder may apply for a 10-year resident card, subject to demonstrating republican integration and sufficient French language proficiency.

The spouse and dependent children of the primary holder are entitled to a "passeport talent — famille" multi-annual residence card for the same duration as the main applicant's card. This card authorizes family members to work in French Polynesia. Family members must apply through the Haut-Commissariat and provide their own identity documents, proof of family relationship, and health insurance.

French Polynesia has its own autonomous tax system, entirely separate from metropolitan France. There is no personal income tax on individuals. The territory levies a Contribution de Solidarité Territoriale (CST) and other local taxes. Capital gains are generally not subject to taxation, and there is no wealth tax or inheritance tax, making French Polynesia a relatively favorable tax environment for investors.

Certain sectors require prior authorization from the territorial government through the Direction Générale des Affaires Économiques (DGAE) before an investment can proceed: real estate property or rights acquisition, fishing, aquaculture, and pearl industries, and audiovisual and telecommunications. Pure financial investments (as opposed to direct economic investments) do not qualify. A declaration form must be submitted to the DGAE, and an annual reporting form must be filed for authorized investments. Invested funds may comprise share capital contributions, reinvested earnings, and loans between affiliated companies.

The process involves two stages:

1. Long-stay visa: Before traveling to French Polynesia, obtain a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) from the nearest French consulate or embassy via the France-Visas platform. Applications cannot be submitted more than 3 months before the planned arrival date.
2. Residence card: Within 2 months of arrival in French Polynesia (or before the long-stay visa expires), present in person at the Service des Étrangers, Haut-Commissariat de la République en Polynésie française in Papeete. Appointments can be scheduled by phone or email at etrangers@polynesie-francaise.pref.gouv.fr. Processing takes approximately 60 days for complete applications.

Fees include a long-stay visa fee of €99 and a residence card fee of €225 (€200 tax + €25 stamp duty; fees in French Polynesia may differ — confirm with the Haut-Commissariat). Paying the fee does not guarantee approval.

Note: A residence card issued in metropolitan France does not grant the right to reside in French Polynesia. A long-stay visa specifically valid for French Polynesia must be obtained separately.

Links

• https://www.polynesie-francaise.pref.gouv.fr/Demarches/Accueil-des-etrangers/Conditions-de-sejour-des-etrangers-en-Polynesie-francaise/Vous-etes-ressortissant-d-un-pays-qui-ne-fait-pas-partie-de-l-Union-europeenne
• https://www.service-public.pf/dgae/professionnels/autorisations-et-formalites-administratives/investissements-etrangers/
• https://www.welcometofrance.com/en/fiche/talent-passport-business-investor
• https://www.investintahiti.pf/investisseur-etranger-sejour-conditions-de-travail/?lang=en

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