Living in French Polynesia: the ultimate expat guide

French Polynesia maintains its own immigration policy, separate from both metropolitan France and the Schengen Area. Critical point: Schengen visas are not valid for entry into French Polynesia. The territory operates under a distinct visa framework, though it remains subject to French law for long-term stays.

Short stays (under 90 days)

Many nationalities benefit from visa exemption for tourism or short business visits. Citizens from the European Union, European Economic Area, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Japan can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Additional countries qualify based on bilateral agreements.

Three conditions apply: a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date, proof of onward or return travel, and sufficient financial resources for your stay. EU and EEA citizens may use their national ID cards for entry.

Long-term stays (over 90 days)

Stays exceeding 90 days require a long-stay visa (Type D) obtained before departure from a French embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Visa costs reach up to EUR 99 depending on duration, age, and nationality.

Upon arrival with a long-stay visa, registration with the Direction de la Réglementation et du Contrôle de la Légalité (DRCL) in Papeete is mandatory within 2 months. This process secures your residence permit and regularizes your administrative status.

Required documentation for long-stay visas

Application files must include: a valid passport with adequate validity, proof of financial resources demonstrating ability to support yourself, accommodation verification in French Polynesia, and health insurance with repatriation coverage for the entire stay. Researchers and academics need a reception protocol from their host institution.

Work permits and EU citizens

While French Polynesia is French territory, non-French EU and EEA citizens require work permits for salaried employment. This requirement protects the local job market. Employers must apply for work permits through local authorities before the employee's arrival.

French Polynesia is not part of the Schengen Area. European free movement rules don't apply as they do in metropolitan France or other EU countries. Each relocation requires specific administrative preparation based on nationality and purpose of stay.

The Polynesian labor market reflects its island economy and tourism dependency. With an unemployment rate of 11.72% as of 2023, employment conditions vary significantly by sector and island. Average net salary stands at approximately XPF 199,750 per month (around USD 1,675), while the annual median salary reaches XPF 1,716,600 (approximately USD 14,380). Minimum hourly wage is set at XPF 210.

Key employment sectors

Tourism drives the economy, employing 17% of the total workforce. This proportion jumps to 47% on Bora Bora and 26% across the Leeward Islands. Hospitality, restaurants, and water sports activities consistently offer opportunities, particularly during peak tourist season from April to October.

The service sector represents 85% of economic value added, concentrating most skilled employment. Retail, public administration, business services, banking, and insurance provide stable, well-compensated positions.

The primary sector counts approximately 7,500 jobs, mainly in pearl farming, aquaculture, fishing, and agriculture. In the Tuamotu-Gambier islands, fishing and pearl farming represent up to 50% of local employment. Though less lucrative than tourism, this sector offers opportunities in remote islands.

Industry accounts for 7% of total employment, concentrated in food and beverage manufacturing (33% of industrial jobs), textiles and clothing (10%), and energy and water distribution (10%).

Employment statistics overview

Key labor market indicators for French Polynesia, providing insight into salary conditions and sector-specific opportunities.

Sources: Numbeo, Macrotrends, INSEE

Starting a business

The territory offers an attractive fiscal environment for entrepreneurs with simplified systems and competitive rates. Corporate income tax stands at 25% (standard rate), with a reduced rate of 20% for renewable energy and digital businesses. Financial institutions and leasing companies face a higher rate of 33%, progressively decreasing to 25% by 2027. Businesses in designated excellence zones benefit from a preferential 15% rate.

The transaction tax (Impôt sur les Transactions) replaces VAT in French Polynesia. Progressive rates apply based on turnover: professional services are taxed from 1.5% to 11%, while retailers face 0.5% to 9%. This streamlined system simplifies accounting for small businesses.

Social security contributions vary by professional category. Rates for employers and employees should be verified with CPS (Caisse de Prévoyance Sociale), the social protection management body.

Tax incentives and investment support

A local tax incentive program runs until December 31, 2025, offering tax credits for approved investments with cost reductions between 25% and 70% depending on project type and location. This mechanism aims to stimulate productive investments in the local economy.

Companies investing in French Polynesia may also benefit from metropolitan tax breaks (loi Girardin). This system allows mainland investors to reduce their income tax by financing overseas projects. Eligible sectors include social housing, tourism, renewable energy, and industry.

The French Polynesia Free Trade Zone (Zone Franche d'Activités) provides additional tax advantages to export businesses or those providing international services. Companies established in the free trade zone benefit from partial or total corporate tax exemptions for a specified period.

French Polynesia operates a unique tax system that distinguishes it from metropolitan France. The absence of personal income tax represents the territory's major advantage for expatriates. The system relies primarily on indirect taxes and corporate taxes, enabling local government to fund its missions while maintaining attractive taxation for individuals.

Personal income tax: a notable absence

French Polynesia levies no personal income tax. Whether salaried, retired, or self-employed, your income from work or pension faces no local taxation. This specificity provides considerable financial advantage compared to metropolitan France or other expatriation destinations.

However, if you maintain tax connections with your home country (secondary residence, rental investments, dependent family members), you may remain taxable there on certain income. Consulting an international tax specialist is recommended to secure your situation, particularly regarding tax residency. Generally, after 183 days of effective presence in French Polynesia, you're considered a Polynesian tax resident.

Corporate income tax

Businesses established in French Polynesia pay corporate income tax at several rates. The standard rate reaches 25% of taxable profit. A reduced rate of 20% applies to businesses in renewable energy and the digital sector, promoting ecological transition and digital transformation. Financial institutions and leasing companies face a higher rate of 33%, progressively reduced to 25% by 2027. Businesses in excellence zones benefit from a preferential 15% rate, encouraging high-value-added activities in strategic sectors.

Transaction tax

The transaction tax (Impôt sur les Transactions) replaces VAT in French Polynesia. It's a turnover-based tax with progressive rates varying by business sector and volume. Professional services face rates from 1.5% to 11%, while retailers pay 0.5% to 9%. This simplified taxation system facilitates business tax management, especially for small enterprises. Unlike VAT, the transaction tax generates no deduction or credit mechanism, considerably simplifying filing obligations.

Territorial solidarity contribution

The Territorial Solidarity Contribution (Contribution de Solidarité Territoriale) is a tax on salaries and pensions paid in French Polynesia. Its rate varies from 0% to 8.5% based on income amount. This contribution partially finances the territory's social solidarity expenditures, including family benefits and housing allowances managed by CPS.

Property taxes

Property owners in French Polynesia pay the property tax on built properties (Contribution Foncière des Propriétés Bâties), the local equivalent of metropolitan property tax. Amounts vary based on cadastral value and municipality. Housing tax also applies to dwelling occupants, whether owners or tenants, with rates set by municipalities.

Customs duties and import taxes

French Polynesia applies customs duties on imported goods, with variable rates by product type. These duties protect local production and generate territorial budget revenue. Essential goods benefit from reduced rates or exemptions, while luxury products bear higher duties. A general consumption tax supplements customs duties, increasing final costs of imported products. This customs taxation partly explains the territory's high consumer price levels.

Ongoing tax reforms

The French Polynesian government currently conducts tax reform aimed at modernizing and simplifying the taxation system. Proposed measures include adjusting tax incentive rates to favor small projects, overhauling social accounts, and housing initiatives. These reforms should progressively take effect in 2025 and 2026, aiming to make the territory even more attractive for investors and entrepreneurs.

French Polynesia operates a modern, effective healthcare system organized around CPS (Caisse de Prévoyance Sociale), the local equivalent of social security. The territory features several reference hospitals and quality medical facilities, primarily concentrated in Tahiti. Healthcare access is generally satisfactory, though certain specialties sometimes require medical evacuation to New Zealand, Australia, or metropolitan France.

Healthcare organization

The Polynesian healthcare system operates through public and private facilities. Taaone Hospital (CHPF - Centre Hospitalier de la Polynésie Française) in Papeete serves as the main reference facility with 420 beds. It provides emergency services, surgery, maternity care, and multiple medical specialties. Satellite hospitals exist on major islands, including Taravao Hospital on Tahiti's peninsula, Uturoa Hospital in Raiatea, and Taiohae Hospital in the Marquesas.

The private sector offers clinics and medical offices, notably Clinique Cardella and Clinique Paofai in Papeete. These facilities deliver quality services with generally shorter wait times than public sector options.

Social coverage and CPS

CPS manages all social protection in French Polynesia: health insurance, maternity, work accidents, family benefits, and retirement. All employees and self-employed workers must affiliate with CPS from the start of professional activity. Social security contributions are deducted directly from salaries or paid by self-employed workers.

CPS reimbursement rates vary by medical service type. General practitioner consultations are reimbursed at 70% of agreed rates, medications between 30% and 100% depending on classification, and hospitalizations at 80% of costs. A co-payment remains the patient's responsibility, except for certain long-term conditions (ALD) covered at 100%.

Supplementary health insurance

Given CPS co-payments, many residents subscribe to supplementary health insurance to cover unreimbursed costs. Several organizations offer policies adapted to the Polynesian context, with plans covering consultations, hospitalizations, optical care, and dental work.

For expatriates not automatically covered by the local system (retirees, people without professional activity), subscribing to international health insurance before departure is strongly recommended. Specialized companies like April International, Allianz Care, or Cigna Global offer adapted contracts covering all care, including medical evacuations when necessary.

Vaccinations and health precautions

No vaccinations are mandatory for entry into French Polynesia. However, staying current with universal vaccinations is strongly recommended: diphtheria, tetanus, polio (DTP), pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and hepatitis A and B. Typhoid fever vaccination may be advised for extended stays or poor hygiene conditions.

Mosquito-borne diseases, particularly dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus, are present in French Polynesia. Protection against mosquito bites is recommended using repellents, mosquito nets, and wearing long clothing during peak mosquito activity hours (sunrise and sunset). Malaria doesn't exist in the territory.

Medical evacuations

Certain complex conditions or rare medical specialties require medical evacuation (EVASAN) to New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, or metropolitan France. These transfers, often costly, are generally covered by CPS under conditions. Good health insurance must include EVASAN coverage with adequate limits, as costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars depending on destination and urgency.

The Polynesian education system broadly follows the French model while incorporating local specificities related to Polynesian language and culture. Expatriate families can choose between the free, quality local public school system and private or international schools offering bilingual or English-language curricula. Educational offerings concentrate primarily in Tahiti, with some facilities on main islands.

Local school system

Public education in French Polynesia follows the metropolitan structure: preschool (from age 3), primary (5 years), middle school (4 years), and high school (3 years). Academic programs align with French national education, ensuring educational continuity for returns to metropolitan France. Instruction is in French, with Polynesian language introduction (primarily Tahitian) from primary level.

The territory includes several quality public high schools: Lycée Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Lycée de Taiarapu in Taravao, and Lycée d'Uturoa in Raiatea. These schools prepare students for various baccalaureate tracks (general, technological, and vocational) with pass rates comparable to French national averages.

International and bilingual schools

For families seeking English-language or international curricula, options are limited but high-quality. Tahiti International School (TIS), located in Arue near Papeete, provides English-language education from preschool through high school (ages 3-18). The school follows the American curriculum and prepares students for Advanced Placement (AP) exams and the American high school diploma. Annual tuition ranges from XPF 1,200,000 to 1,800,000 (approximately USD 10,000 to 15,000) depending on grade level.

Several private Catholic schools offer bilingual French-English education, such as Collège-Lycée Saint-Joseph de Cluny in Papeete. These schools combine French curriculum with English language reinforcement, enabling students to validate international certifications like Cambridge English or TOEFL.

Higher education

French Polynesia hosts a public university, University of French Polynesia (Université de la Polynésie Française - UPF), located in Faa'a on Tahiti. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in multiple fields: humanities, law and economics, science and technology. UPF enrolls approximately 3,500 students and maintains partnerships with French, American, and Oceanian universities.

For programs unavailable locally, many Polynesian students pursue studies in metropolitan France, New Zealand, or Australia. The Polynesian government provides scholarships for territorial residents seeking overseas education.

Language learning

Several private language schools offer French, English, or Tahitian courses for expatriates and their families. Centre de langues Horizons Francophones in Papeete provides French as a foreign language (FLE) programs adapted to different levels. These courses help non-French speakers integrate more easily into local life and professional environments.

Learning Tahitian, though not mandatory, is strongly encouraged to facilitate cultural integration. Evening classes and intensive courses are offered by various local organizations, enabling discovery of Polynesian language and easier exchange with inhabitants of islands distant from Tahiti.

The Polynesian real estate market presents highly specific characteristics, with elevated prices due to limited available land and strong rental demand. Housing costs vary considerably by island and proximity to Papeete. Most expatriates choose rental options, with property purchase reserved for long-term settlement projects. Understanding residential zones and prevailing prices is essential before committing.

Available housing types

Rental offerings consist primarily of detached houses (fare in Tahitian), apartments in multi-unit buildings, and villas with gardens. In Tahiti, apartments concentrate in Papeete and surrounding municipalities (Faaa, Arue, Pirae, Punaauia), while houses dominate peripheral residential areas and other islands.

Traditional Polynesian houses, built from wood and natural materials, are increasingly rare and giving way to modern concrete construction. Recent housing typically features air conditioning, equipped kitchens, and terraces—essential elements given the tropical climate.

Rental prices by zone

In Papeete and immediate surroundings (Faaa, Pirae, Arue), monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ranges from XPF 100,000 to 150,000 (approximately USD 840 to 1,260) depending on condition and location. A 3-bedroom apartment runs between XPF 150,000 and 200,000 (approximately USD 1,260 to 1,680).

For a 100 m² detached house with garden in residential neighborhoods of Punaauia or Mahina, expect between XPF 200,000 and 300,000 monthly (approximately USD 1,680 to 2,515). High-end villas with ocean views and luxury amenities can exceed XPF 500,000 monthly (over USD 4,190).

On Moorea, rents run slightly below Papeete levels, with houses available from XPF 150,000 monthly (approximately USD 1,260). In Bora Bora, rents paradoxically match or exceed Tahiti rates due to high tourist demand and limited residential housing supply.

Rental conditions

Landlords typically require a security deposit equivalent to 1-2 months' rent, returned after move-out inspection. Notice periods of 1-3 months are required to terminate leases, depending on contract terms. Unlike metropolitan France, leases aren't always subject to the July 6, 1989 law, as local Polynesian law applies in certain cases.

Properties are frequently rented furnished, facilitating installation for expatriates on short or medium-term contracts. Utilities (water, electricity, internet) are often tenant responsibility and represent additional monthly costs of XPF 20,000 to 40,000 (approximately USD 170 to 335) depending on consumption.

Property purchase

Property purchase in French Polynesia is possible for foreigners, subject to administrative authorization for certain protected zones or customary lands. Purchase prices vary significantly by location. In Papeete and surrounding municipalities, average price per square meter ranges from XPF 350,000 to 500,000 (approximately USD 2,935 to 4,190). In prime residential areas with ocean views, prices can reach XPF 700,000/m² (approximately USD 5,865/m²).

Engaging a local notary is strongly recommended to secure transactions and verify property title legality. The Polynesian land system can be complex, particularly for undivided lands or plots in customary law zones.

Finding housing

Housing searches occur primarily through online classifieds, social media (dedicated Facebook groups), and word of mouth. Listings are sometimes scarce and move quickly, so arranging temporary accommodation upon arrival (hotel, guesthouse, short-term rental) is advisable while finding permanent housing.

Relocating to French Polynesia represents a significant logistical undertaking given the territory's remoteness and constraints of maritime or air transport. Rigorous organization, begun several months before departure, prevents unpleasant surprises and controls costs. Here's a detailed checklist for optimal preparation of your South Pacific installation.

Comprehensive moving checklist

1. 6 months before departure: Initiate visa and work authorization procedures if required. Contact multiple international moving companies specializing in overseas destinations for detailed quotes. Compare maritime transport (container) and air freight options based on your personal effects volume.
2. 5 months before: Conduct rigorous sorting of belongings. Due to high transport costs and customs duties, prioritize essentials and sell or donate surplus items. Establish a detailed inventory of all items you wish to ship, with value estimates.
3. 4 months before: Subscribe to international health insurance covering French Polynesia, including mandatory medical evacuation coverage. Research CPS affiliation procedures based on your status (employee, entrepreneur, retiree).
4. 3 months before: Arrange children's schooling by contacting Polynesian schools. International school enrollment requires early planning due to limited spots. Include tuition fees in your installation budget.
5. 2 months before: Begin housing search via online platforms and expatriate groups on social networks. Contact local residents for information about neighborhoods and rental market prices. Arrange temporary accommodation for initial weeks.
6. 6 weeks before: Book airline tickets. Flights to Papeete from North America typically transit through Los Angeles; from Europe through Los Angeles or Tokyo. Early booking secures favorable rates and availability, especially during peak tourist season.
7. 1 month before: Prepare the customs file for importing personal effects. Depending on your status, partial customs duty exemptions may apply. Retain all value documentation and detailed moving inventory.
8. 3 weeks before: Inform your bank of your residence change and verify account maintenance conditions. If possible, open a French Polynesian bank account before arrival; some banks offer remote services for future residents.
9. 2 weeks before: Settle final bills (electricity, gas, internet, phone) and cancel subscriptions. Arrange transfer or closure of auto and home insurance accounts. Request a statement of rights from your pension fund if retired.
10. 1 week before: Finalize luggage prioritizing lightweight clothing adapted to tropical climate, sun protection products, and personal medications (prescriptions with English or French translations). Pack a bag containing essentials for initial weeks if your container takes months to arrive.
11. Departure day: Ensure you have all official documents in original form: passports, visas, birth certificates, diplomas, bank statements, insurance certificates. Keep digital copies of all documents in secure online storage.
12. Upon arrival: Report to DRCL (Direction de la Réglementation et du Contrôle de la Légalité) within 2 months of arrival to regularize administrative status. Obtain your residence permit if necessary and complete registration procedures with local services.

While comprehensive, this checklist can be adapted to your personal situation. Join online expatriate groups for practical advice and mutual support. Experience from long-established residents provides valuable resources for successful, smooth installation.

French Polynesia offers an exceptional environment for nature enthusiasts, water sports lovers, and cultural explorers. Between turquoise lagoons, verdant mountains, and ancestral traditions, leisure opportunities are infinite. The Polynesian lifestyle encourages relaxation and connection with natural environment while providing rich and varied cultural activities.

Water sports and aquatic activities

Polynesian lagoons provide ideal playgrounds for all water activities. Scuba diving reveals exceptional underwater environments, with marine biodiversity among the world's richest. The passes of Fakarava (UNESCO World Heritage listed), Rangiroa, and Tiputa attract divers worldwide to observe manta rays, grey reef sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles.

Snorkeling is accessible to everyone and enables coral garden exploration without complex equipment. The motus (sand islets) around Bora Bora, Moorea, and Maupiti offer remarkable snorkeling spots, accessible within minutes by boat.

Surfing enjoys immense popularity in Polynesia, land of world surfing legends. The mythical wave at Teahupo'o in Tahiti hosts an annual world championship surfing event. For beginner or intermediate surfers, spots at Papara, Papenoo, and Taapuna provide more accessible waves.

Sailing, paddleboarding, sea kayaking, kitesurfing, and wakeboarding enthusiasts also find numerous possibilities for practicing their passion in ideal conditions. Nautical clubs and schools offer beginner and advanced courses year-round.

Hiking and nature discovery

The volcanic mountains of Tahiti and Moorea offer spectacular hiking trails through lush vegetation. Ascending Mount Aorai (2,066 meters), Tahiti's second summit, challenges experienced hikers with exceptional panoramic island views. The Three Waterfalls trail at Fautaua reveals impressive waterfalls in a verdant valley heart.

On Moorea, hiking to the Belvedere and Mount Rotui offers magnificent panoramas over Cook and Opunohu bays. Maupiti and Marquesas trails attract off-the-beaten-path trekking enthusiasts in wild, preserved landscapes.

Culture and Polynesian heritage

Polynesian culture, transmitted across generations, expresses itself through dance, music, handicrafts, and ancestral traditions. Tahitian dance performances ('ori tahiti) offer immersion in local culture with colorful costumes and mesmerizing rhythms. The annual Heiva i Tahiti festival in July represents the territory's major cultural event, gathering the best dancers, singers, and traditional athletes.

Marae, ancient Polynesian worship sites, testify to pre-colonial heritage richness. Marae Arahurahu in Paea and Marae Taputapuatea in Raiatea (UNESCO World Heritage listed) are essential sites for understanding Polynesian history and spirituality.

Local handicrafts produce unique creations: wood carvings, basketry, hand-painted pareos, mother-of-pearl jewelry, and Tahitian pearls. Papeete's markets, notably Papeete Market, showcase these traditional skills and enable exchanges with local artisans.

Gastronomy and local specialties

Polynesian cuisine blends Polynesian, French, and Asian influences, creating rich and varied gastronomy. Raw fish with coconut milk (i'a ota), Tahiti's emblematic dish, appears in all island restaurants and roulottes. Roulottes, food truck restaurants along waterfronts, offer flavorful dishes at affordable prices: chow mein, grilled fish, steak frites, sweet crepes.

Ma'a tahiti, traditional meals cooked in underground ovens (ahima'a), gather family and friends around grilled pork, fish, taro, and breadfruit. This culinary tradition continues during major occasions and family celebrations.

Tropical fruits abound in markets: mangoes, pineapples, papayas, passion fruit, soursop, and rambutan offer flavor explosions. Coconut bread, poe (fruit and cassava dessert), and firi firi (sweet doughnuts) complete local gastronomy delights.

French Polynesia ranks among the world's highest cost-of-living locations, primarily due to geographic remoteness and import dependency. Prices for food, energy, and consumer goods significantly exceed those in mainland France or other expatriation destinations. Good budget anticipation is essential for smooth territorial installation.

Monthly budget for single person

Detailed monthly expense estimates for a single person living in French Polynesia, based on standard lifestyle. Amounts may vary based on consumption habits and residential neighborhood.

Source: Numbeo, data from July 2025

Monthly budget for family of four

For couples with two school-age children, monthly budgets increase significantly, particularly due to larger housing, school fees, and food costs for four people.

Source: Numbeo, data from July 2025

Cost-saving strategies

Several approaches reduce living costs without sacrificing quality of life. Prioritizing local products (fish, locally grown fruits and vegetables) over imported goods significantly cuts food bills. Local markets offer lower prices than supermarkets with optimal freshness.

Limiting air conditioning use, opting for fans, and prioritizing natural ventilation reduces electricity bills, particularly high in French Polynesia. House sharing or roommate arrangements provide economical solutions for singles or young professionals.

Roulottes offer flavorful meals at affordable prices (XPF 800-1,500 per plate), providing economical alternatives to traditional restaurants. For leisure, numerous free or low-cost activities are accessible: hiking, public beaches, snorkeling, cultural festivals.