Moving to French Polynesia from Palau

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What to Expect

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

If you moved from Palau to French Polynesia, and you’d need to navigate life in French.

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Key Indicator Comparison

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

Is it safe?

Homicide rate World Bank, 2018

per 100,000 people per year

PW
11.2
PF
0.3

French Polynesia performs significantly better than Palau across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Adult obesity rate World Health Organization, 2024

share of adults with obesity

PW
40.5%
PF
49.1%

Palau performs better than French Polynesia across all health & wellbeing metrics.

What about the environment?

CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

PW
82.8t
PF
3.5t

French Polynesia performs significantly better than Palau across all environment metrics.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people World Bank, 2023

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

PW
7.3
PF
35.5
Internet access World Bank, 2024

share of households with internet

PW
83.9%
PF
72.7%

Palau generally does better on infrastructure, though French Polynesia leads in broadband per 100 people.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2025

percentage of the labour force without work

PW
1.7%
PF
11.7%
GDP per capita World Bank, 2025

a broad measure of economic output per person

PW
$19,532
PF
$22,440

French Polynesia generally does better on employment & economy, though Palau leads in unemployment rate.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy World Bank, 2024

average years of life at birth

PW
69.4 yrs
PF
84.2 yrs
Infant mortality World Bank, 2024

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

PW
18.6
PF
4.4

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

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Palau 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.

Palau passport

Palau passport holder visiting French Polynesia

Visa Free
Palau 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?

Internet is rarely the blocker — French Polynesia has 35.5 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 Palau across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in French Polynesia is 0.3 per 100,000 people, compared to 11.2 in Palau.

How is healthcare in French Polynesia compared to Palau?

Palau 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 Palau, the official languages are English and Palauan.

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At a Glance

PW PF
Population 17,663 282,465
Currency United States Dollar ($) CFP Franc (CFPF)
Languages English, Palauan French
Driving side Right Right
Calling code +680 +689
Time zones 1 3