French Polynesia

Carte de Séjour Pluriannuelle "Passeport Talent — Renommée Nationale ou Internationale"

The Carte de Séjour Pluriannuelle "Passeport Talent — Renommée Nationale ou Internationale" is a multi-annual residence permit for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with established national or international renown who wish to pursue professional activities in French Polynesia in scientific, literary, artistic, intellectual, educational, or sporting domains. Established under Ordonnance n° 2000-372 du 26 avril 2000 (Article 18-3, 4°) and administered by the Haut-Commissariat de la République en Polynésie française, it targets scientists, researchers, writers, artists, performers, athletes, coaches, intellectuals, and educators recognized for their personal merit and reputation. The card is awarded based on the content and nature of the applicant's project and the interest of that project for both French Polynesia and the applicant's home country.

French Polynesia's immigration framework is distinct from metropolitan France — while the "passeport talent" concept mirrors the metropolitan system, it operates under a separate legal regime adapted to the territory's status as an overseas collectivity with significant autonomy.

• Non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss national
• Established national or international renown in a scientific, literary, artistic, intellectual, educational, or sporting domain
• A clearly defined project in French Polynesia of interest to both the territory and the applicant's country of nationality
• Sufficient financial resources to meet personal and family needs independently of local welfare provisions (equivalent to the annual gross SMIC, approximately €21,876 per year as of 2026)
• Valid health insurance covering the entire stay
• No formal educational qualifications required — eligibility is based on demonstrated renown

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond planned departure date)
• Long-stay visa valid for French Polynesia
• Proof of address in French Polynesia
• Digital photographs
• Evidence of national or international renown: awards, publications, press coverage, certificates of recognition, or peer endorsements
• Documentation establishing the nature, purpose, and duration of the project in French Polynesia
• Proof of sufficient financial resources (bank statements, professional contracts, or documentation of ongoing income)
• Valid health insurance documentation
• Signed commitment to respect the principles of the Republic

The residence card is valid for up to 4 years and is renewable. To renew, the holder must demonstrate maintained renown and ongoing professional activity in the relevant domain, along with updated civil status documents and health insurance. 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.

The process involves two stages:

1. Long-stay visa: Applicants residing outside French Polynesia must first obtain a long-stay visa from the nearest French consulate or embassy via the France-Visas platform, no earlier than 3 months before the planned arrival date. For stays under 12 months, the consulate may issue a long-stay visa serving as a residence title (VLS-TS). For stays exceeding 12 months, a 3-month long-stay visa is issued, and the applicant applies for the multi-annual residence card upon arrival.
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 at +689 40 46 86 31 or email at etrangers@polynesie-francaise.pref.gouv.fr. Processing takes approximately 60 days for complete applications.

Applicants who already reside regularly in French Polynesia may submit their request directly to the High Commissioner. Fees include a long-stay visa fee of €99 and a residence card fee of approximately €225 (confirm current fees with the Haut-Commissariat as French Polynesia has its own fiscal regime).

Note: A residence card issued in metropolitan France does not grant the right to reside in French Polynesia, and vice versa. 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://france-visas.gouv.fr/en-US/web/france-visas/long-stay-visa
• https://www.polynesie-francaise.pref.gouv.fr/Demarches/Accueil-des-etrangers/Conditions-d-entree-des-etrangers-en-Polynesie-francaise

Other Digital Nomad Visas in Oceania