Moving to French Polynesia from Cook Islands

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What to Expect

Everything you need to know before relocating from Cook Islands to French Polynesia — costs, safety, healthcare, and practical first steps.

If you moved from Cook Islands 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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Key Indicator Comparison

Key indicators for anyone considering a move from Cook Islands to French Polynesia.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2012

per 100,000 people per year

CK
3.5
PF
0.3

French Polynesia performs significantly better than Cook Islands across all safety metrics.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

CK
18.2
PF
25.6

French Polynesia performs significantly better than Cook Islands across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

CK
13.1%
PF
11.7%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2022

a broad measure of economic output per person

CK
$15,600
PF
$18,600

French Polynesia performs significantly better than Cook Islands across all employment & economy metrics.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

CK
77.1 yrs
PF
78.4 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

CK
15.9
PF
4.4

French Polynesia performs significantly better than Cook Islands across all family life metrics.

Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from French Polynesia?

Internet is rarely the blocker — French Polynesia has 25.6 fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 people. The real questions are legal: digital nomad visa eligibility, your employer's overseas-work policy, and tax residency in both countries.

Is French Polynesia safe for expats?

French Polynesia performs significantly better than Cook Islands across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in French Polynesia is 0.3 per 100,000 people, compared to 3.5 in Cook Islands.

What language do they speak in French Polynesia?

The official language in French Polynesia is French. In Cook Islands, the official languages are Cook Islands Māori and English.

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At a Glance

CK PF
Population 8,128 299,356
Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZ$) CFP Franc (CFPF)
Languages Cook Islands Māori, English French
Driving side Left Right
Calling code +682 +689
Time zones 1 3