For entrepreneurs and digital nomads considering French Polynesia (PF) as a base for their business in 2025, the maze of company creation and maintenance costs can feel like yet another state-imposed hurdle. If you’re weary of opaque fees and unpredictable annual charges, you’re not alone. This guide delivers a clear, data-driven breakdown of what it really costs to start and maintain a standard company—specifically a SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée)—in French Polynesia, with all figures sourced from official government portals and updated for 2025.
Company Formation Costs in French Polynesia: What to Expect in 2025
Setting up a SARL in French Polynesia involves several mandatory steps, each with its own price tag. Here’s a transparent look at the average outlay, based on the latest data:
| Cost Item | Amount (XPF) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 1 | ~$0.01 |
| Registration fees (Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés) | 60,000 | ~$540 |
| Publication of legal notice (Journal d’Annonces Légales) | 15,000 | ~$135 |
| Notary fees / Legal documentation (average) | 15,000 | ~$135 |
| Total Average Creation Cost | 90,000 | ~$810 |
*USD conversion based on an approximate rate of 1 XPF = 0.009 USD (2025 average).
Pro Tip: Streamline Your Setup
- Prepare all legal documents in advance to minimize notary fees.
- Use official online portals for registration to avoid unnecessary intermediaries.
- Publish your legal notice in the most cost-effective approved journal.
Annual Maintenance Costs: Staying Compliant Without Overpaying
Once your SARL is up and running, annual maintenance is unavoidable. Here’s the breakdown for 2025:
| Maintenance Item | Annual Cost (XPF) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Annual registry renewal fee | 60,000 | ~$540 |
| Mandatory accounting services (average) | 60,000 | ~$540 |
| Annual legal publication (if changes) | 30,000 | ~$270 |
| Total Annual Maintenance | 60,000–150,000 | ~$540–$1,350 |
*USD conversion based on an approximate rate of 1 XPF = 0.009 USD (2025 average).
Pro Tip: Optimize Your Annual Costs
- Negotiate fixed-fee arrangements with local accountants to avoid surprise charges.
- Only trigger legal publications when absolutely necessary (e.g., statutory changes).
- Set calendar reminders for registry renewals to avoid late penalties.
Case Study: The Lean SARL Founder
Consider an entrepreneur who sets up a SARL in 2025, using only the minimum capital (1 XPF, or ~$0.01). By handling document preparation personally and choosing the most affordable legal publication, their total creation cost is kept to the average 90,000 XPF (~$810). For ongoing compliance, they stick to the essentials—annual registry and accounting—keeping yearly costs at the lower end of the 60,000–150,000 XPF (~$540–$1,350) range. This approach minimizes state-imposed friction while ensuring full legal compliance.
Summary: Key Takeaways for 2025
- Company creation: Expect to invest around 90,000 XPF (~$810) for a standard SARL setup.
- Annual maintenance: Budget between 60,000 and 150,000 XPF (~$540–$1,350) depending on your accounting needs and statutory changes.
- Optimization: Proactive document management and selective use of legal publications can keep costs at the lower end of the spectrum.
For further details and official guidance, consult these authoritative resources:
- Service Public PF – Company Creation
- CCISM PF – Business Creation
- Legifrance – Official Legal Text
- Service Public France – Business Rights
With the right strategy, French Polynesia can offer a streamlined, cost-effective environment for your entrepreneurial ambitions in 2025—without unnecessary fiscal drag.