Moving to New Caledonia from France

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What to Expect

Considering a move from France to New Caledonia? Here's how the two compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from France to New Caledonia. Expect a noticeable climate shift — Noumea averages 79°F vs 60°F in Paris, making it significantly warmer.

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Who Else Is Making This Move?

What the data shows about people moving from France to New Caledonia.

Living there in 2020
46,642 ↑ 6% vs 2015

people born in France live in New Caledonia · UN DESA

Who's moving to New Caledonia?

Top countries of origin for New Caledonia's foreign-born residents.

Foreign-born population · UN DESA (2020)

Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in New Caledonia compared to France.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2023

per 100,000 people per year

FR
1.6
NC
3.1

France performs better than New Caledonia across all safety metrics.

What about the environment?

CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

FR
4.0t
NC
17.1t

France performs better than New Caledonia across all environment metrics.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

FR
49.4
NC
19.2
Internet access The World Factbook, 2021

share of households with internet

FR
86.0%
NC
82.0%

France performs better than New Caledonia across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

FR
7.3%
NC
11.2%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

FR
$55,200
NC
$35,700

France performs better than New Caledonia across all employment & economy metrics.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

FR
82.6 yrs
NC
78.8 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

FR
3.1
NC
5.0

France performs better than New Caledonia across all family life metrics.

Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

What's the Climate Like?

Monthly averages — select a city to compare.

Paris Rain: 25.6 in/yr (650 mm)
60° / 47°F

Avg. annual high / low

Noumea Rain: 42.2 in/yr (1072 mm)
79° / 68°F

Avg. annual high / low

Months Paris Noumea
Jan–Mar 48°/38°F (9°/3°C) 84°/73°F (29°/23°C)
Apr–Jun 65°/50°F (18°/10°C) 77°/68°F (25°/20°C)
Jul–Sep 74°/58°F (23°/14°C) 74°/63°F (23°/17°C)
Oct–Dec 52°/43°F (11°/6°C) 81°/69°F (27°/21°C)
View all months
Month Paris Noumea
Jan 44°/36°F (6.9°/2.5°C) 84°/73°F (28.9°/23.0°C)
Feb 47°/37°F (8.2°/2.8°C) 84°/74°F (29.0°/23.2°C)
Mar 53°/41°F (11.8°/5.1°C) 83°/73°F (28.5°/22.8°C)
Apr 58°/44°F (14.7°/6.8°C) 80°/71°F (26.9°/21.4°C)
May 66°/51°F (19.0°/10.5°C) 77°/68°F (25.2°/19.8°C)
Jun 71°/56°F (21.8°/13.3°C) 75°/65°F (23.7°/18.5°C)
Jul 76°/60°F (24.4°/15.5°C) 73°/63°F (22.6°/17.2°C)
Aug 76°/60°F (24.6°/15.4°C) 73°/63°F (22.8°/17.2°C)
Sep 69°/54°F (20.8°/12.5°C) 75°/64°F (23.8°/17.7°C)
Oct 60°/49°F (15.8°/9.2°C) 78°/67°F (25.5°/19.2°C)
Nov 51°/42°F (10.4°/5.3°C) 81°/69°F (27.0°/20.7°C)
Dec 46°/38°F (7.8°/3.6°C) 83°/71°F (28.2°/21.9°C)

Data: Météo-France Météo-France, Météo-France Regional Service New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna Météo-France Regional Service New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna

Visitor Visa Requirements

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

France passport

France passport holder visiting New Caledonia

Visa Free
France passport holders can enter New Caledonia 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 New Caledonia?

Connectivity is usually fine (New Caledonia: 19.2 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does New Caledonia offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is New Caledonia safe for expats?

France performs better than New Caledonia across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in New Caledonia is 3.1 per 100,000 people, compared to 1.6 in France.

What's the weather like in New Caledonia compared to France?

The average high temperature in Noumea is 79°F, compared to 60°F in Paris. Noumea receives around 42.2 in of rainfall per year, while Paris gets 25.6 in.

What language do they speak in New Caledonia?

Both France and New Caledonia share the same official language: French.

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At a Glance

FR NC
Population 68,305,148 297,160
Currency Euro (€) CFP Franc (CFPF)
Languages French French
Driving side Right Right
Calling code +33 +687
Time zones 14 1
Emergency number 112