The Polynesian job market
The labour market in French Polynesia is concentrated in Tahiti (around 75% of jobs). The economy rests on three pillars: tourism, pearl farming and public transfers. The private sector is dominated by local SMEs.
🏠 Tourism & Hospitality
5-star hotels, guiding, entertainment, fine dining. Profiles sought: foreign languages, hospitality certifications. Year-round employment with peak season April–November.
🏥 Healthcare
Medical specialists (critical shortage), nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists. Public hospital (CHPF) and private clinics. EU diploma recognition facilitated.
🏗 Construction & Public Works
Major infrastructure projects, civil engineering. Government stimulus plan drives demand. Well-paid positions for engineers and technicians.
💻 IT & Tech
Developers, system administrators, cybersecurity. Rare but well-paid positions. Remote work possible for international clients.
🏫 Education
DGEE teachers, CNAM/UPF trainers. Local contracts or secondments from the French National Education system.
⚖ Law & Consulting
Lawyers, notaries, chartered accountants. Niche but growing — economic growth generates demand for legal and tax advisory.
🏛 Pearl farming & Aquaculture
Pearl farms in the Tuamotu-Gambier archipelago. Marine biologists, farm managers. Rare expertise, competitive salaries, exceptional lifestyle.
⚡ Renewable energy
Polynesia's energy transition: solar, hydrogen. Engineering and technician roles growing strongly since 2023. A sector with a bright future.
Salary levels by sector 2026
| Sector / Position | Gross monthly salary (XPF) | Gross monthly salary (€) |
|---|---|---|
| SMIG (minimum wage) | 155,000 | ≈ €1,298 |
| Hotel / restaurant employee | 160,000 – 220,000 | €1,340 – 1,843 |
| Qualified technician / tradesperson | 200,000 – 280,000 | €1,675 – 2,345 |
| Nurse (public) | 250,000 – 330,000 | €2,094 – 2,764 |
| Secondary school teacher (DGEE) | 270,000 – 370,000 | €2,261 – 3,099 |
| Civil / construction engineer | 350,000 – 500,000 | €2,932 – 4,188 |
| Doctor (salaried, CHPF) | 550,000 – 800,000 | €4,607 – 6,701 |
| Senior developer | 320,000 – 480,000 | €2,681 – 4,021 |
| Hotel general manager | 500,000 – 900,000 | €4,188 – 7,539 |
| Chartered accountant (self-employed) | 400,000 – 700,000 | €3,351 – 5,864 |
How to find a job in French Polynesia
Check the SEFI (Employment Service)
SEFI (sefi.pf) is the Polynesian equivalent of France Travail/Pôle Emploi. It posts local job listings, supports job seekers and manages vocational training programmes.
Browse local job boards
EmploiPF.com and Keljob Polynésie list private sector roles. Major company websites (Air Tahiti Nui, OPT, SFR Pacifique, Carrefour Polynésie) post directly.
Use LinkedIn
LinkedIn is used for managerial and skilled roles. Joining groups like “Emploi Polynésie française” and following local companies is strongly recommended.
Join expat communities
Active Facebook groups (“Expatriés Polynésie française”, “Job Tahiti”) give access to the hidden job market and community recommendations.
Speculative applications
The Polynesian economy is made up of SMEs. Direct applications to hotels, clinics, consulting firms and law offices in Papeete are often effective.
Work permits and administrative formalities
| Situation | Work authorisation | Steps required |
|---|---|---|
| French national | None — free access to the labour market | SEFI registration if job-seeking |
| EU / EEA national | None — free access | High Commission registration recommended |
| Non-EU national | Residence permit + work authorisation mandatory | Application to the High Commission of the Republic in FP |
| Posted employee | Generally no permit for intra-group postings | Assignment letter + declaration to the Labour Directorate |
| Self-employed (non-EU) | Residence permit “entrepreneur / liberal profession” | Full application + financial guarantees |
Starting a business in French Polynesia
Sole trader (EI)
Simplest form. Unlimited personal liability. Registered at Papeete Trade Register (RCS). Ideal for tradespeople, consultants, liberal professions.
SARL (Ltd equivalent)
Limited liability company. Separates personal and business assets. Formalities at RCS + legal publication. Most common form for local SMEs.
SAS (simplified joint-stock)
Maximum flexibility in articles of association. Preferred for projects with investors or multiple partners. President classified as employee (CPS coverage).
SA (public limited)
For large-scale projects (min. capital 1,000,000 XPF). Board governance structure. Suitable for hotel or industrial projects and fundraising.
The CCISM (ccism.pf) provides free support to business creators: legal advice, training, networking.
Labour law in French Polynesia
| Point | Rule in French Polynesia |
|---|---|
| Applicable code | Polynesian Labour Code (separate from French Labour Code) |
| Legal working week | 39 hours (≠ 35h in mainland France) |
| Paid holiday | 2.5 days per month worked (30 days / year) |
| Public holidays | 11 national public holidays + Autonomy Day (29 June) + Territory Day (5 March) |
| CDI notice period | 1 week (< 6 months) / 1 month (6 months–2 years) / 2 months (> 2 years) |
| Unemployment benefits | Managed by the SEFI (separate from mainland France Travail) |
| Pension contributions | Polynesian Pension Fund (CRP) — not transferable to French pension system |
| Trade unions | CSTP-FO, O Oe To Oe Rima, CSIP |
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a work permit to work in French Polynesia?
French and EU/EEA nationals do not need a work permit. For non-EU nationals, a residence permit with work authorisation is required, issued by the High Commission of the Republic in French Polynesia.
What is the minimum wage in French Polynesia?
The Polynesian SMIG is approximately 155,000 XPF gross per month in 2026 (≈ €1,298), or around 895 XPF gross per hour. It is set by order of the Polynesian government.
Which sectors are hiring the most in French Polynesia?
Tourism and hospitality, healthcare (medical specialists critically needed), construction and public works, IT and education. Pearl farming and renewable energy are niche sectors with strong potential.
How do I find a job in French Polynesia from mainland France?
Via SEFI (sefi.pf), EmploiPF.com, Pôle Emploi International, LinkedIn and major local company websites. Expat Facebook groups are also very useful.
Can you easily start a business in French Polynesia?
Yes, but there is no auto-entrepreneur status. Available forms: EI, SARL, SAS or SA. Register at Papeete RCS. The CCISM provides free support to business creators.
Does French labour law apply in French Polynesia?
No. French Polynesia has its own Labour Code. Key differences: legal week is 39h (not 35h), separate minimum wage (SMIG ≠ SMIC), separate pension fund (not transferable to France).
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