Carte de Séjour Temporaire Visiteur

The Carte de Séjour Temporaire Visiteur is a temporary residence permit for financially independent foreign nationals who wish to reside in Wallis and Futuna without engaging in any professional activity. Established under Article L426-20 of CESEDA and adapted for the territory by Articles L444-1 to L444-4, the card is issued by the Administrateur Supérieur in Mata'Utu. It targets retirees, rentiers, and others living on passive income such as pensions, investment returns, or savings. Wallis and Futuna's complete absence of personal income tax makes it particularly attractive for those seeking tax-efficient residency. Permits issued in Wallis and Futuna are valid only within the territory and do not authorize stay in metropolitan France or other overseas territories.

• Sufficient means of existence at least equal to the net annual SMIC (approximately €17,317/year or €1,443/month as of 2026)
• Acceptable income sources: pensions, investment returns, rental income, bank interest, annuities, or savings
• Resources of a family member may also be taken into account
• Written commitment not to exercise any professional activity in Wallis and Futuna
• Comprehensive health insurance covering the entire stay
• Proof of accommodation in the territory
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• No educational or professional qualifications required

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Long-stay visa specifically valid for Wallis and Futuna
• Proof of sufficient means of existence (bank statements, pension certificates, investment income documentation)
• Written commitment not to exercise any professional activity
• Proof of health insurance covering the entire stay
• Proof of accommodation in Wallis and Futuna
• Return or onward travel guarantee

The card is valid for 1 year and is renewable annually. Renewal applications must be submitted to the Administration Supérieure before the current card expires. After three consecutive annual renewals, a 10-year resident card may be requested. After 5 years of continuous regular residence, holders may apply for the resident card under general CESEDA provisions.

Family members may apply for residence permits through the family reunification process. CESEDA provisions for family reunification apply in Wallis and Futuna as adapted by Articles L444-1 to L444-4, providing temporary residence cards with the "private and family life" mention for family members who demonstrate established personal and family ties in the territory.

Wallis and Futuna has no personal income tax, no tax on investment income (dividends, capital gains), no wealth tax, and no VAT. The territory's tax system is based almost entirely on indirect taxation through customs duties. Residents have no income tax filing obligations. This represents a significant advantage over metropolitan France, where the same visitor card subjects holders to progressive income tax up to 45% plus social charges if they spend 183 or more days per year in the country.

Non-EU foreign nationals must first obtain a long-stay visa specifically valid for Wallis and Futuna from the French embassy or consulate in their country of residence via the France-Visas portal, using CERFA form 15934*01 for overseas territories. Apply at least 3 months before the planned arrival date. The visa must explicitly mention Wallis and Futuna — standard French long-stay visas are not valid for the territory. Upon arrival, request issuance of the residence card from the immigration service of the Administration Supérieure in Mata'Utu within 2 months. Office hours are Monday to Thursday 7:00–15:00 and Friday 7:00–14:00. Citizens of the EU/EFTA, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan may enter without a visa for stays up to 90 days, but a long-stay visa is still required for residence beyond that period.