Retirement in Tahiti, the steps

Response to Lehmass

Hello and welcome to the FAQ section of the Tahiti Pratique blog, where today I 'm answering a question from Lehmass , who wants to retire to Tahiti . He wants clarification on the administrative procedures he needs to complete to be covered by local social security and to open a bank account . He also wants an idea of ​​rental prices in French Polynesia.

Housing prices

Unfortunately, housing is not cheap in French Polynesia. In fact, you should expect to pay around 100,000 to 135,000 Pacific francs, which is roughly between €850 and just over € 1000 , for a studio or one-bedroom apartment . However, prices are often slightly lower in Moorea than in Tahiti , although this isn't always the case . Demand for housing has always been very high, but recently, the influx of New Caledonians moving to Tahiti has added to the problem. Prices are therefore likely to continue rising.

Be covered by Social Security

So, regarding Social Security , you'll need to start by notifying the DRFIP in Rennes, which is the Public Finance Directorate , to let them know if you want your pension paid directly in French Polynesia. Only this organization can provide you with what's called form 980-06 . You need this form to be covered by the local CPS ( Social Security Fund ). Don't worry, it's very quick . It only took me two email exchanges for the DGFIP to send this form directly to the local CPS . I was even surprised it was so simple. Next, you'll need to find supplemental health insurance. And if you already have it, you can use it. As for how it works, it's simple, even though there's no health insurance card here . You pay for your healthcare and medications . You get reimbursed by the CPS and finally you send your supporting documents to your health insurance company for the additional reimbursement.

Opening a bank account

We will finish with the simplest approach, the opening a bank account. The 3 most well-known and used banks in Fenua are the Socredo, the Bank of Tahiti and the Bank of Polynesia. In fact, you can already start the first formalities online. In this case, when you arrive, you have an appointment and during the day you will have your open account. If you haven't done anything before arriving, you will first come to the bank you have chosen and fill out the paperwork you could have completed online. In the 48 hrs, you go back there, you finalize the opening of your account which will be operational the same day. For the rest, there are 2 solutions. Either you chose a local credit card and at that time you will be able to dispose of it within 3 days.. Either you chose a Visa. As these latter are made in France, the waiting time is a little longer. In fact, you will only get your sesame after 3 or 4 weeks of waiting. To obtain a check, it's the same deadline.

Ultimately

Lehmass, I hope I've shed some light on things. Now I invite anyone who wants to ask questions about vacationing in Tahiti or even about moving there to ask them in the comments section of these articles or videos , which belong to the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) category of the Tahiti Pratique blog or channel . I'll be waiting patiently while sipping my coconut 😉