Settling in Tahiti in 2026: the complete checklist of procedures and the best addresses
Setting up in Tahiti requires preparing around ten steps in the correct order: right to stay, affiliation with the CPS, a bank account in Pacific francs, housing, insurance, driver's license, children's school, and internet connection. This guide covers each step with the official rules in effect in 2026 and guides you to the professionals listed in the Annuaire de Polynésie, which lists nearly 4,000 businesses in Tahiti and its islands.
- Citizens of the European Union enter without a visa; after 3 months, they register with the mayor of their town. Other nationalities require a long-stay visa.
- The currency is the Pacific franc (XPF), with a fixed exchange rate: 1,000 XPF = 8.38 €, or 1 € ≈ 119.33 XPF.
- Prices are on average 31% higher than in mainland France (food: +45%), according to the ISPF.
- A mainland or EU driver's license must be exchanged after 6 months of residence.
- Tahiti is 11 hours behind Paris in winter (12 hours in summer).
1. Check your right to stay
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity: the rules for entry and stay for foreigners are set by Ordinance No. 2000-372 of April 26, 2000, and not by mainland France's common law. In practice:
- French citizens: no stay formalities required.
- EU citizens: free entry; for stays longer than 3 months, register with the mayor of the town of residence. A residence permit is optional.
- Other nationalities: apply for a long-stay visa before departure at the competent consulate.
Job alert: A 2019 law gives hiring priority to long-term residents for a list of activities called « protected ». If you're coming to work, check whether your profession is affected before signing.
2. Prepare your budget: the real cost of living
The French Polynesian Statistics Institute (ISPF) compared prices with mainland France: in 2022, they were on average 31% higher. The gap rises to 45% for food and 35% for housing and energy. With « mainland » consumption habits, the extra cost reaches 44%; by adopting a Polynesian basket (local products, fish, fruit), it drops to 19%. Inflation remained moderate in 2025 (+1.3% according to the IEOM).
To reduce costs, identify supermarkets and grocery stores near you and farmers' markets: our guide Shopping in Tahiti details the stores and regulated-priced products (PPN).
3. Open a bank account in Pacific Francs
Three retail banks share the market: Banque de Tahiti, Banque de Polynésie, and Banque Socredo, with OPT also present via Fare Rata. The directory lists 39 bank branches across the islands. In case of refusal to open an account, the right to banking applies: the IEOM designates a bank that must open you an account with basic services free of charge.
All the details (documents required, exchange rate, mandatory insurance) are in our guide Banks and Insurance in French Polynesia.
4. Enroll with the CPS
Social protection is managed locally by the Social Insurance Fund (CPS), and not by mainland France's Social Security. It manages three regimes:
- Employee regime (RGS): employees, students, retirees;
- Self-employed (non-salaried regime): self-employed, merchants, and independent professionals;
- RSPF (solidarity regime): people without activity under the income threshold, accessible after six months of residence or if your center of interests is in French Polynesia.
If you are employed, your employer initiates the affiliation. Arrange for health insurance or a mutual during the transition period. For emergency numbers and hospitals, consult our health guide.
5. Find housing
The rental market is concentrated along the west coast of Tahiti (Papeete, Faa’a, Punaauia, Paea) and in Pirae, Arue, and Mahina. Residential leases are governed by a 2012 national law, which includes provisions for insurance on rented housing. Save time by going through an agency: the directory lists 38 real estate agencies, and our article Finding a Real Estate Agency in French Polynésie explains how to compare them.
On-site tip: Do the commute from home to work during peak hours before signing, because traffic to Papeete is heavy in the morning and evening.
6. Moving your belongings… or not
A container from mainland France takes several weeks and is expensive; many new arrivals only send essentials and buy things locally. If you're shipping a vehicle, know that you'll need to pay the circulation tax (TMC) before registration (simulation with DICP at 40 46 13 13). Movers and freight forwarders are listed in the Service Providers section.
7. Pets: plan 2 to 7 months in advance
French Polynesia is rabies-free: a dog or cat can only enter with an import permit issued by the Biosafety Directorate, requested at least two months before arrival, following an anti-rabies serology test. Details are in our guide Animals in French Polynésia.
8. Car and Driver's License
- License exchange: mandatory after six months of residence for a mainland France, DROM-COM, or EU license (12 months for a license outside the EU), at the DTT in Pirae, with a tax stamp of 7,500 XPF.
- Insurance: mandatory, and required before vehicle registration.
- In the meantime: renting remains the simplest solution; see our guide Car rental in Tahiti.
For maintenance (garages, tires, parts), read Maintaining Your Car in Tahiti.
9. Enrolling Your Children
The Polynesian school calendar is shifted: the 2026-2027 academic year started on August 11, 2026 and ends in early July 2027; starting in 2027, the school year will begin on August 23. Registration is done with the town hall for primary school and with the school for secondary education. All information (private schools, daycares, activities) is in our family guide.
10. Internet and phone
The main operators are Vini (ONATi, OPT group), Vodafone (Pacific Mobile Telecom), and Viti. Compare their offers in our article Telecom Operators in French Polynesia. Note: the use of Starlink remains prohibited in 2026, except in rare cases in 'white zones'.
11. Start your business
The procedures are handled at the Center for Business Development and Formalities (CDFE) of the CCISM: registration within 30 days of signing the bylaws (fees: 7,000 XPF), then the TAHITI number is issued by the ISPF within 15 days, and the business license must be declared within 30 days of starting the activity. Our guide RTE and TAHITI number explains everything. Once registered, list your business for free in the directory.
12. Build your contact list
Primary doctor, pharmacy, mechanic, plumber, veterinarian: note them down during the first week. The directory allows you to search by activity and by town, with the map, hours, and customer reviews. Start with your town: Papeete (1,600 listed businesses), Punaauia, Faa'a, Pirae, or Moorea.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to settle in Tahiti?
No for French citizens and EU citizens (registration at the town hall after 3 months for the latter). Other nationalities must obtain a long-stay visa before departure.
How much does life cost in Tahiti compared to mainland France?
Approximately 31% higher on average according to ISPF (2022), and 45% higher for food. The gap significantly decreases by consuming locally.
What is the currency in French Polynesia?
The Pacific Franc (XPF) is fixed at parity with the euro: 1,000 XPF = 8.38 €.
Is my driver's license valid in Tahiti?
Yes, for 6 months of residence for a mainland or EU driver's license (12 months outside the EU). After that, it must be exchanged at the DTT in Pirae.
What is the time difference between Tahiti and Paris?
Tahiti is at GMT−10: 11 hours behind Paris in winter, 12 hours behind in summer.
