Before you leave — what to prepare in France
| Document / Task | Do before departure? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copies of all documents | Yes — notary or town hall | Frequently requested on arrival |
| Birth certificate extract (under 3 months) | Yes — from birth commune | CPS, mairie PF, DICP |
| Divorce decree / family documents | If applicable | CPS dependants, school enrolment |
| Pension career statement | Yes — from Assurance Retraite | Avoid pension contribution gaps |
| Private health insurance / repatriation cover | Yes — before departure | Covers the 2–4 weeks before CPS rights open |
| Vehicle transfer certificate (if shipping car) | If transporting a car | Vehicle registration at STT in PF |
| Recommended vaccinations | Yes — GP visit | Dengue, Hep A/B, typhoid, leptospirosis |
| End-of-lease / subscription cancellation letters | Yes | Avoid unnecessary double billing |
Timeline of steps on arrival
Find accommodation and get proof of address
Rent receipt, lease agreement or host declaration. Essential for every subsequent admin step — without a Polynesian proof of address, nothing can progress.
Register at your commune's town hall (mairie)
Documents: ID + proof of address. Get a residence certificate — useful for school services, electoral roll registration and local social assistance.
Open a local bank account
Banque Socredo, Banque de Polynésie or Banque de Tahiti. Essential for receiving salary, paying rent and local suppliers. See our budget & tax guide.
Register with CPS (healthcare)
Through your employer or directly if self-employed. Rights open in 2–4 weeks. Keep private travel/expat health cover active in the meantime.
Register with DICP (tax residence)
Legal deadline: 3 months after settling. Simultaneously notify your French tax office of your departure and file a partial income return.
Vehicle: buy or register
If importing a vehicle: file with STT (Land Transport Service). If buying locally: transfer registration at STT. Polynesian roadworthiness test may differ from French CT.
Enrol children in school
Town hall for the catchment certificate, then contact the school directly. See our full guide: Schooling in French Polynesia.
Register a GP with CPS
Choose a declared attending doctor (médecin traitant) with CPS to optimise reimbursement rates. See our healthcare guide.
Admin tasks by theme
1Town hall & civil status
Register as a resident, get a residence certificate. Birth declaration if baby born in FP. Civil marriage: notify mairie at least 1 month in advance.
2CPS (health & local pension)
Open rights from day of employment. Choose a GP. Register dependants (spouse, children). Ask about AMD (free medical aid) if on low income.
3DICP (tax)
Declare tax residence within 3 months. Get a Polynesian tax number (NIF). File annual IRPP return each spring. See our tax guide.
4Driving licence
FR/EU licence: valid without restriction or conversion. Non-EU nationals: exchange for a Polynesian licence at DTT. Present foreign licence + proof of residence.
5Vehicle registration
STT (Land Transport Service) in Papeete. Local purchase: transfer registration. Import: customs + CTM (roadworthiness check). Local car insurance mandatory.
6Phone & Internet
Operators: OPT (Vini), SFR Pacifique, Pacific Mobile. Local SIM at OPT office with ID. Fibre broadband in Tahiti, satellite on outer islands.
7Pets
Import application at DRMM. ISO microchip + rabies vaccine + neutralisation test + antiparasite treatment + official health certificate. Start 3–6 months before departure.
8Utilities (electricity & water)
Electricity: EDT (sign up online or in-branch). Water: managed by commune (varies). Security deposit usually required for electricity. Keep copies of all contracts.
Bringing your pets to French Polynesia
French Polynesia applies strict pet import rules to protect its island ecosystem. The process takes time — start 3 to 6 months before departure.
| Step | Details | Recommended timing |
|---|---|---|
| ISO microchip identification | Mandatory (ISO 11784/11785 standard) | Before any other step |
| Rabies vaccination | Mandatory, up to date. 2 injections for first-time vaccination | At least 4 weeks before departure |
| Rabies neutralisation titre test | Blood test at approved laboratory (ANSES in France) | Result 30 days after 2nd vaccine dose |
| Antiparasite treatment | Deworming + ectoparasite treatment | 48–72 hours before boarding |
| Official health certificate | Issued by official vet (ISPV in France) | Less than 10 days before arrival in FP |
| DRMM import authorisation | Online application at drmm.gov.pf | 1–3 months before arrival |
Key administrative contacts
| Service | Role | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| CPS | Healthcare, pension, family benefits | cps.pf — HQ in Papeete |
| DICP | Polynesian tax (IRPP, TGC) | dicp.gov.pf — Papeete |
| STT / DTT | Vehicle registration, driving licence | Papeete (Fare Ute) |
| DRMM | Pet imports | drmm.gov.pf |
| High Commission | Residence permits (non-EU nationals) | haussariat.pf — Papeete |
| SEFI | Employment, training, unemployment | sefi.pf — Papeete + branches |
| CCISM | Business creation, trade register | ccism.pf — Papeete |
| EDT | Electricity (subscription) | edt.pf |
| OPT (Vini) | Phone, internet, post | opt.pf — branches on all islands |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register at the town hall when arriving?
It is strongly recommended to register at your commune's town hall within the first few weeks. This is needed for school services, social assistance and Polynesian electoral roll registration.
How do I register with CPS?
Through your employer (automatic hiring declaration) or directly with CPS if self-employed. Documents: ID, Polynesian proof of address, employment contract or business registration. Rights open within 2–4 weeks.
Is a French or EU driving licence valid in French Polynesia?
Yes, a French or EU driving licence is valid without any time limit or conversion requirement. Non-EU residents must obtain a Polynesian driving licence from the DTT.
Can I import my car from mainland France?
Yes, but high customs duties (up to 45%) and shipping costs usually make this uneconomical. Buying a second-hand car locally is generally better value. If you import, you must register at the STT.
Can I bring my pet to French Polynesia?
Yes, with strict conditions: ISO microchip, up-to-date rabies vaccination, neutralisation titre test, antiparasite treatment, official health certificate and DRMM import authorisation. Start 3–6 months before departure.
How do I get healthcare coverage before CPS rights open?
Keep private travel or expat health insurance active during the 2–4 weeks while CPS rights are processing. The French CMU does not exist in Polynesia. Low-income residents can apply for free medical aid (AMD) from CPS.
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