Moving to French Polynesia from Australia

moving to

What to Expect

Considering a move from Australia to French Polynesia? Here's how the two compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from Australia to French Polynesia, and you’d need to navigate life in French. You’ll also switch from driving on the left to the right.

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Who Else Is Making This Move?

What the data shows about people moving from Australia to French Polynesia.

Living there in 2020
70

people born in Australia live in French Polynesia · UN DESA

Who's moving to French Polynesia?

Top countries of origin for French Polynesia's foreign-born residents.

Foreign-born population · UN DESA (2020)

Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in French Polynesia compared to Australia.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate World Bank, 2023

per 100,000 people per year

AU
0.8
PF
0.3

French Polynesia performs significantly better than Australia across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Adult obesity rate World Health Organization, 2024

share of adults with obesity

AU
30.6%
PF
49.1%

Australia performs better than French Polynesia across all health & wellbeing metrics.

What about the environment?

CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

AU
14.1t
PF
3.5t

French Polynesia performs significantly better than Australia across all environment metrics.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people World Bank, 2024

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

AU
36.5
PF
35.5
Internet access World Bank, 2024

share of households with internet

AU
96.1%
PF
72.7%

Australia performs better than French Polynesia across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate World Bank, 2025

percentage of the labour force without work

AU
4.1%
PF
11.7%
GDP per capita World Bank, 2025

a broad measure of economic output per person

AU
$65,130
PF
$22,440

Australia performs better than French Polynesia across all employment & economy metrics.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy World Bank, 2024

average years of life at birth

AU
83.0 yrs
PF
84.2 yrs
Infant mortality World Bank, 2024

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

AU
3.1
PF
4.4

Australia generally does better on family life, though French Polynesia leads in life expectancy.

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Australia and French Polynesia. To live, work, or study long-term in French Polynesia, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check French Polynesia's immigration authority.

Australia passport

Australia passport holder visiting French Polynesia

Visa Free
Australia passport holders can enter French Polynesia without a visa.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from French Polynesia?

Connectivity is usually fine (French Polynesia: 35.5 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does French Polynesia offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is French Polynesia safe for expats?

French Polynesia performs significantly better than Australia across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in French Polynesia is 0.3 per 100,000 people, compared to 0.8 in Australia.

How is healthcare in French Polynesia compared to Australia?

Australia performs better than French Polynesia across all health & wellbeing metrics.

What language do they speak in French Polynesia?

The official language in French Polynesia is French. In Australia, the official language is English.

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At a Glance

AU PF
Population 27,614,411 282,465
Currency Australian Dollar (A$) CFP Franc (CFPF)
Languages English French
Driving side Left Right
Calling code +61 +689
Time zones 8 3
Emergency number 000 —