Carte de Séjour Temporaire "Visiteur"

The Carte de Séjour Temporaire "Visiteur" is a non-working residence permit that allows foreign nationals to reside in French Polynesia for periods exceeding three months, provided they can live on their own resources without engaging in any professional activity. Since 1 May 2021 it has been governed by the Code de l'entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d'asile (CESEDA), specifically Article L426-20, which is made applicable in French Polynesia via Article L445-1. The earlier legal basis (Ordonnance n° 2000-372 du 26 avril 2000) was abrogated on that date. Administered by the Haut-Commissariat de la République en Polynésie française, the card targets retirees, pensioners, and individuals with independent passive income — such as savings, investment returns, or rental income. French Polynesia operates under its own immigration regime, separate from both mainland France and the Schengen area.

• Non-EU national holding a long-stay visa valid for French Polynesia (EU/EEA nationals may reside beyond 3 months by registering with the local mairie)
• Resources at least equal to the net annual SMIC — €17,735.19 per year, roughly €1,478 per month net for a single person — from passive sources such as pensions, annuities, rental income, investment returns, or savings, demonstrated by 3 months of bank or pension statements
• Signed written commitment not to exercise any professional activity in French Polynesia
• Mandatory comprehensive health insurance covering medical repatriation for the entire stay
• Proof of accommodation in French Polynesia (rental lease, host letter, or vessel documentation for liveaboards)
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required

For the long-stay visa (French consulate/embassy):

• Valid passport (minimum 3 months beyond planned departure, 2+ blank pages)
• Passport-size photo (ICAO standard)
• Signed application form
• 3 months of bank statements proving sufficient resources
• Health insurance documentation
• Letter pledging not to work
• Proof of accommodation
• Marriage/birth certificates if applicable

For the residence card (Haut-Commissariat, Papeete):

• Completed application form (Demande d'autorisation de séjour en PF)
• 2 passport photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
• Passport copies showing long-stay visa and entry stamp
• Fiscal stamp of 9,000 F CFP (approximately €75), purchased at a French Polynesian post office
• Proof of health/social coverage
• 3 months of bank or pension statements
• Signed attestation not to exercise professional activity
• Proof of accommodation

The residence card is valid for up to 1 year and must be renewed annually. Renewal must be requested at the Haut-Commissariat DIRAJ at least 2 months before expiration, with full documentation resubmitted including updated proof of resources and valid health insurance. Failure to renew before expiration results in irregular status.

After 5 years of continuous lawful residence, holders may apply for a 10-year resident card (carte de résident), subject to demonstrating intention to settle permanently, sufficient resources, French language proficiency, and no threat to public order.

Spouse and dependent children may be included in the long-stay visa application as a group. Each adult family member must independently demonstrate the same net annual SMIC threshold. Children must provide birth certificates and school enrollment verification. Non-EU family members must apply for their own residence card within 2 months of arrival. All family members are subject to the same prohibition on professional activity.

French Polynesia does not levy personal income tax. However, pensions and passive income of tax residents are subject to the Contribution de Solidarité Territoriale (CST) at progressive rates: 0% below 500,000 F CFP, 0.5% on 500,001–1,000,000 F CFP, 1% on 1,000,001–1,500,000 F CFP, and 1.5% above 1,500,000 F CFP. There is no wealth tax or inheritance tax.

The visitor card strictly prohibits all professional activity, in line with CESEDA Article L426-20, which requires the applicant to undertake to exercise no professional activity. Any breach may result in non-renewal or withdrawal of the card. A signed attestation committing not to seek or engage in professional activity must be submitted both at the visa application stage and when applying for the residence card.

The process involves two stages:

1. Long-stay visa: Obtain a long-stay visa from a French embassy or consulate before entering French Polynesia. Use the France-Visas platform to determine requirements by nationality. Processing takes 4–9 weeks. Applications cannot be submitted more than 90 days before the expected 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 Haut-Commissariat DIRAJ — service des étrangers in Papeete to apply for the carte de séjour temporaire "Visiteur." Processing takes approximately 60 days with complete documentation.

Important: A French Polynesia residence card does not authorize travel to mainland France or other French overseas collectivities. Holders wishing to visit mainland France must obtain a separate visa from the Haut-Commissariat. The cost of living in French Polynesia is significantly higher than mainland France due to import costs.