Moving to French Polynesia from New Zealand

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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.

Living there in 2020
111

people born in New Zealand 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 New Zealand.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

NZ
1.1
PF
0.3

French Polynesia performs significantly better than New Zealand across all safety metrics.

What about the environment?

CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

NZ
6.0t
PF
3.5t

French Polynesia performs significantly better than New Zealand 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

NZ
35.9
PF
25.6
Internet access The World Factbook, 2021

share of households with internet

NZ
96.0%
PF
72.7%

New Zealand performs better than French Polynesia across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

NZ
3.7%
PF
11.7%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

NZ
$48,800
PF
$18,600

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

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

NZ
82.5 yrs
PF
78.4 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

NZ
3.4
PF
4.4

New Zealand performs better than French Polynesia across all family life metrics.

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

Visitor Visa Requirements

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

New Zealand passport holder visiting French Polynesia

Visa Free
New Zealand 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: 25.6 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 1.1 in New Zealand.

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.

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At a Glance

NZ PF
Population 5,053,004 299,356
Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZ$) CFP Franc (CFPF)
Languages English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language French
Driving side Left Right
Calling code +64 +689
Time zones 5 3
Emergency number 111