How to Purchase Property in Tahiti

Tahiti is a dream destination for many people, particularly those who have spent the most of their adult lives surrounded by concrete and cubicle walls. Photos of huts surrounded by dazzling, clear blue ocean might make living in Tahiti seem all-too-appealing. 

 

 

 

You may even have been to Tahiti on vacation, which has led you to romanticize the island as a place where you can live “the good life.” However, in order to purchase real estate on the island of Tahiti, you must first receive permission from the French Polynesian administration, and then you must apply for residence on the island after you have relocated there.

 

 

 

Tahiti Property for Sale

Tahiti is a French Polynesian island that is situated a long way away from all of the world’s major continents. The beauty and uniqueness of the location are enhanced by its isolation, but there are some drawbacks as well. 

 

 

The vast majority of the things you’ll find on the island are imported from countries such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and China, which pushes up the price of everything from toiletries to food and other necessities.

 

 

For those who want to purchase a home in Tahiti, it is necessary to first understand the country’s history and culture. To far, the vast majority of house purchases have been made by local people. In fact, until 2012, non-Tahitian residents were only permitted to purchase a 20 percent interest in a property. As a result, there is a small expatriate community on the island, making it difficult to discover local inhabitants who are new to the island as well.

 

 

 

 

Real Estate in Tahiti is expensive.

Although real estate in Tahiti is far from inexpensive, if you already reside in one of the country’s more costly districts, it may not be too difficult to make the move to Tahiti. Someone relocating to the island from Los Angeles would most likely not notice a significant difference in cost of living compared to someone relocating from a lower-cost city such as Memphis or Indianapolis.

 

 

 

 

 

Non-locals wishing to purchase land in Tahiti are often motivated by the desire to build a holiday home on the island. With easy access to the island through a number of airports throughout the year, it may be a wonderful retreat for people who are able to travel at any time of year. 

 

 

 

Through your vacation, you may also avoid the residence requirements for living in Tahiti, albeit you will still need a passport. As long as your stay is shorter than 90 days, you will not be required to get a visa.

 

 

 

Obtaining Purchase Permission from the Government

Purchasing a home in Tahiti is a little more complex than purchasing a home in the United States. You’ll need permission from the French Polynesian government before you can acquire any property on the island.

 

 

 If your presence will have a positive impact on the economy, the government is more likely to approve your acquisition. You will be viewed as an asset if, for example, you are developing a large hotel or restaurant on the island and will be more likely to get clearance for your project.

 

 

 

Obtaining permission to acquire real estate in Tahiti may be a lengthy and difficult procedure. Before you can complete the transaction, you’ll need to wait for approval from the seller. While it is common for multiple owners to be associated with a single property when purchasing an existing home, you will need to obtain the approval of each of those owners before the sale can proceed. If you are purchasing an existing home, it is also common for multiple owners to be associated with a single property.

 

 

 

To live in Tahiti, you must meet certain requirements.

In addition to the difficulties associated with purchasing property, you’ll have to fulfill the standards for residing in Tahiti as well. Upon arrival, you will need to submit an application for permission to permanently remain on the island to French Polynesia’s administration of the High Commission of the French Republic in French Polynesia within two months of your arrival.

 

 

 

 You’ll need to receive this permission before your visa expires, so make sure you get it soon.

Permits to live in a country are divided into two categories. A temporary permission is good for six to twelve months, but a resident card allows you to stay in the country for up to ten years. To qualify for the latter, you must demonstrate that you have resided in French Polynesia for a minimum of five years. 

 

 

 

In order to be eligible for a resident card in Tahiti, you must have lived on the island for at least five years prior to making the purchase. If you have not been on the island for five years, you will need to spend some time on the island before you can apply for a residence card.

 

 

 

Along with the requirements for living in Tahiti, it’s important to remember that the majority of the population speaks Tahitian. Workers in more touristic regions will be able to communicate in English, but if you want to live on the island, you’ll want to learn the local language, Tahitian. Some of the locals will also speak French, so if you are fluent in the language, you will have a distinct advantage in that region.