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French Polynesia (including Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea) is a French Overseas Collectivity with substantial local autonomy — its own assembly, president, and tax system — while remaining under French sovereignty for defence, currency, and foreign affairs. It is among the wealthiest per-capita economies in the Pacific, built on tourism and black pearl exports.
Tax overview
Full fiscal autonomy from mainland France — no personal income tax, no wealth tax, and no general inheritance/gift tax on individuals. Instead, a graduated wage levy (CST, contribution de solidarité territoriale) applies, maxing at 25% for high earners.
Safety
Good — Generally low crime under French-standard policing; no active independence unrest, unlike New Caledonia.
Healthcare
French/EU-standard public healthcare (Sécurité sociale) in Papeete; outer-island facilities are more limited, with referral to Papeete or mainland France for complex care.
Education
French national curriculum available; higher education options are limited locally, and most students pursue university in mainland France.
Investment routes
There is no citizenship or residency-by-investment scheme, and there is no distinct 'French Polynesian citizenship' — residents hold French/EU citizenship. Non-European property buyers must obtain a government 'Certificat d'Investissement' verifying legitimate source of funds, but this authorises a purchase, not a residency right.
Agricultural land and land in protected zones cannot be purchased by foreigners at all; customary (Polynesian family collective) land cannot be purchased by anyone and is only available via long-term (30–99 year) emphyteutic lease.
Work permits
Non-EU nationals need a French long-stay visa before arrival (renewable annually, can lead to permanent residency); a 'carte de commerçant étranger' route exists for self-employed non-EU nationals in commerce, industry, or crafts.
French Long-Stay Visa (non-EU)
Standard national visa route, renewable annually; permanent residence available after 5 years' continuous legal residence.
Economic opportunity
Tourism is the dominant industry, with black pearl farming the second-largest export earner (around 54% of exports in recent years) alongside handicrafts and noni products.
GDP
≈ USD 6.5 billion (2024)
Key industries
The zero personal income tax regime is a genuine draw for high-earning individuals who can establish the required French long-stay residence, though the Certificat d'Investissement process adds friction for non-European buyers.
Who this programme suits
French Polynesia suits EU citizens and high earners drawn by the zero-income-tax regime who are prepared to navigate French national (not local) immigration law — it is a tax-planning destination within French sovereignty, not an independent citizenship jurisdiction.
EU/EEA citizens exercising freedom of movement who want a zero-income-tax French territory
High-net-worth individuals establishing French Polynesian tax residency via the long-stay visa route
Tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs, subject to the Certificat d'Investissement for non-European buyers
Common origin countries