For those considering setting up a standard company in PF (French Polynesia), this guide covers the average costs required for creating and maintaining a typical limited liability company (SARL) in 2025. All figures referenced are drawn from official local government resources and reflect the most current data available for the jurisdiction.
Company Formation Costs in PF (2025)
Creating a SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée) in PF involves several distinct fees, with requirements clearly laid out by local authorities. The following table details average expenses and their components, presented in XPF and converted to USD (at a rate of 1 XPF ≈ $0.0092 USD—for illustration: 90,000 XPF ≈ $828 USD):
| Cost Item | Amount (XPF) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 1 XPF | $0.01 |
| Registration fees (Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés) | 60,000 XPF | $552 |
| Publication of legal notice (Journal d’Annonces Légales) | 15,000 XPF | $138 |
| Notary fees / Legal documentation (average) | 15,000 XPF | $138 |
| Total Average Creation Cost | 90,000 XPF | $828 |
The overwhelming share of the creation cost comes from official registration fees. PF sets the minimum share capital at only 1 XPF—a purely symbolic sum, with actual cash outlays concentrated on document formalities and legal notices.
Annual Company Maintenance Costs
The ongoing operational expenses for a SARL are largely comprised of registry renewals and essential accounting/legal administration. Depending on company activity level and administrative requirements, these annual costs can vary considerably:
| Annual Maintenance Item | Amount (XPF) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual registry renewal fee | 60,000 XPF | $552 |
| Mandatory accounting services (average) | 60,000 XPF | $552 |
| Annual legal publication (if changes) | 30,000 XPF | $276 |
| Typical Annual Maintenance Range | 60,000–150,000 XPF | $552–$1,380 |
If the company undergoes statutory changes (such as directorship changes, capital adjustments, etc.), expect the higher end of maintenance due to additional publication requirements. For stable SARLs, costs remain toward the lower end of the range. These figures do not include any extraordinary legal, audit, or tax advisory needs.
Sources and Further Reading
Pro Tips for Company Setup and Maintenance in PF
- Prepare all legal documentation in advance to speed up the registration process—having a notary familiar with local procedures expedites filings.
- Budget for accounting support even for dormant or low-activity companies, as mandatory filings apply irrespective of turnover.
- Monitor company statutory data annually. Any managerial or structural changes trigger additional legal notice costs.
- Keep digital and paper archives of all registry receipts and publications for potential government audits or banking requirements.
Key takeaways: While PF maintains modest formal capital requirements, expect formation and annual maintenance fees to center on administrative and legal essentials, not operational turnover. Reviewing the most updated guidelines on local government pages is the best way to confirm any changes before proceeding with company registration or renewal. Accurately budgeting for company setup and ongoing requirements ensures full compliance and smooth business operations throughout the year.