Moving to French Polynesia from New Zealand
What to Expect
Considering a move from New Zealand to French Polynesia? Here's how the two compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.
If you moved from New Zealand 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 New Zealand to French Polynesia.
Who's moving to French Polynesia?
Top countries of origin for French Polynesia's foreign-born residents.
- 22,404
- 2,236
- 681
- 615
- 419
- 360
- · · ·
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11.111
New Zealand
Key Indicator Comparison
The numbers behind daily life in French Polynesia compared to New Zealand.
Is it safe?
per 100,000 people per year
French Polynesia performs significantly better than New Zealand across all safety metrics.
How's the healthcare?
share of adults with obesity
New Zealand performs better than French Polynesia across all health & wellbeing metrics.
What about the environment?
tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year
French Polynesia performs significantly better than New Zealand across all environment metrics.
Will I have good infrastructure?
fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work
share of households with internet
New Zealand performs better than French Polynesia across all infrastructure metrics.
What are the job prospects?
percentage of the labour force without work
a broad measure of economic output per person
New Zealand performs better than French Polynesia across all employment & economy metrics.
Is it good for families?
average years of life at birth
deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better
New Zealand generally does better on family life, though French Polynesia leads in life expectancy.
Sources: World Bank (2022–2025), World Health Organization (2024), The World Factbook (2021–2022), United Nations SDG Indicators (2009). How we calculate this
Can you move from New Zealand to French Polynesia?
Short-stay tourist visa rules between New Zealand 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.
New Zealand 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 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 New Zealand across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in French Polynesia is 0.3 per 100,000 people, compared to 1.5 in New Zealand.
How is healthcare in French Polynesia compared to New Zealand?
New Zealand 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 New Zealand, the official languages are English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language.
