Moving to Samoa from French Polynesia
What to Expect
Considering a move from French Polynesia to Samoa? Here's how the two countries compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.
If you moved from French Polynesia to Samoa, and you’d need to navigate life in English and Samoan. You’ll also switch from driving on the right to the left.
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Key Indicator Comparison
The numbers behind daily life in Samoa compared to French Polynesia.
Is it safe?
per 100,000 people per year
French Polynesia performs better than Samoa across all safety metrics.
What about the environment?
tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year
Samoa performs significantly better than French Polynesia across all environment metrics.
Will I have good infrastructure?
fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work
French Polynesia performs better than Samoa across all infrastructure metrics.
What are the job prospects?
percentage of the labour force without work
a broad measure of economic output per person
French Polynesia generally does better on employment & economy, though Samoa leads in unemployment rate.
Is it good for families?
average years of life at birth
deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better
French Polynesia performs better than Samoa across all family life metrics.
Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank
Visitor Visa Requirements
Short-stay tourist visa rules between French Polynesia and Samoa. To live, work, or study long-term in Samoa, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Samoa's immigration authority.
Samoa passport holder visiting French Polynesia
Visa FreeData: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely from Samoa?
Connectivity is usually fine (Samoa: 0.8 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Samoa offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?
Is Samoa safe for expats?
French Polynesia performs better than Samoa across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in Samoa is 6.2 per 100,000 people, compared to 0.3 in French Polynesia.
What language do they speak in Samoa?
The official languages in Samoa are English and Samoan. In French Polynesia, the official language is French.
