Talent — National or International Renown

The Talent — National or International Renown card is a multi-annual residence permit for Wallis and Futuna, targeting foreign nationals with established reputation in scientific, literary, artistic, craft, intellectual, educational, or sporting fields. Established under Article L421-21 of CESEDA and adapted for Wallis and Futuna by Articles L444-1 to L444-4, the card is issued by the Administrateur Supérieur in Mata'Utu. Unlike metropolitan France, Wallis and Futuna has no personal income tax, making this an attractive option for high-earning professionals. Residence permits issued in Wallis and Futuna are valid only within the territory and do not authorize residence in metropolitan France or other overseas territories.

• Established national or international reputation in a scientific, literary, artistic, craft, intellectual, educational, or sporting domain
• Evidence of reputation through awards, prizes, publications, press coverage, certificates of recognition, peer endorsements, or participation in festivals and conferences
• Professional project that serves the interests of both Wallis and Futuna and the applicant's country of nationality
• Minimum annual resources at least equal to the gross SMIC (€22,404.20/year following the 1 June 2026 SMIC revaluation)
• Valid health insurance covering the entire stay
• No formal educational qualifications required
• No employer sponsorship needed

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond planned departure
• Long-stay visa specifically valid for Wallis and Futuna
• Three recent passport photographs
• Proof of address in Wallis and Futuna
• Documents establishing national or international reputation in the relevant domain
• Documents establishing the nature, purpose, and duration of the project in Wallis and Futuna
• Proof of sufficient financial resources (bank statements, contracts, income documentation)
• Valid health insurance certificate
• Signed commitment to respect the principles of the Republic
• Criminal record extract from country of origin

The card is valid for up to 4 years and is renewable. Renewal requires demonstrating that the conditions justifying issuance remain valid, including maintained renown and ongoing professional activity. After 5 years of legal and uninterrupted residence, holders may apply for a 10-year resident card, subject to demonstrating integration and sufficient French language proficiency.

The spouse and minor children of the primary holder are entitled to talent-famille multi-annual residence cards for the same duration. These cards authorize family members to work in Wallis and Futuna. Each family member must provide their own identity documents, proof of family relationship, and health insurance.

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, making the territory significantly more favorable than metropolitan France where progressive income tax reaches 45% plus social charges.

Applicants 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. Apply at least 3 months before the planned arrival date. The visa must explicitly mention Wallis and Futuna as the destination — standard French long-stay visas are not valid for the territory. Upon arrival, present at the immigration service of the Administration Supérieure in Mata'Utu within 2 months to apply for the residence card. The card may be issued from the first admission to stay without requiring a prior temporary residence card. The visa fee is €99, and the residence card fee is approximately €350 (€300 first-issuance tax + €50 stamp duty), following the increase that took effect on 1 May 2026, though fees in Wallis and Futuna may vary under the territory's own fiscal regime.