Property owners in French Polynesia

Registering a holiday rental, step by step

From registering your business activity to submitting your receipt to the local town hall, these are the steps for legally offering a furnished house, villa or apartment to short-stay guests.

Before you begin

Identify your situation

You are starting a new activity

Start with the CCISM to prepare your business registration file and obtain the receipt acknowledging submission of your business creation declaration.

You already have a business

Prepare evidence of the addition or amendment of your activity: a business declaration endorsed by the CCISM, an amended K-bis extract or an updated ISPF registration certificate.

The process

Four steps to registration

The first document depends on your situation; the remaining steps are the same.

Step 1

CCISM registration or update

Register the activity or amend the details of your existing business.

Step 2

Declaration to the Tourism Department

Submit your activity declaration, declaration of no criminal convictions and the relevant supporting document.

Step 3

Receive your registration receipt

The Tourism Department emails the receipt confirming the accommodation declaration.

Step 4

Submit to the town hall

Give a copy of the receipt to the town hall of the municipality where the property is located.

After registration

Key obligations

House rules

State the maximum occupancy and the rules on safety, hygiene, suitable living conditions and respect for neighbours.

Listings and intermediaries

Include the registration number in your listings and provide intermediaries with the required documents.

Records and changes

Keep a record of rented days and report significant changes to the operator or activity.

Administrative penalties may apply for non-compliance. Check current rules and penalty amounts with the relevant authorities.

Tax on rental income

Taxation of furnished holiday rentals

Tourism registration does not replace tax registration. Anyone renting out furnished accommodation must register with the Tax and Public Contributions Department (DICP). The precise tax treatment depends on factors including the owner's status, income, operating structure and services provided.

Business licence tax (patente)

Furnished accommodation providers are generally subject to the patente. An exemption from payment applies when annual gross receipts are below XPF 2,000,000, with a pro-rata adjustment if the activity starts during the year. This exemption does not remove the registration requirement.

Transaction tax and CST

Gross rental receipts must be declared to the DICP, normally by 31 March of the following year. They are used to calculate transaction tax and the territorial solidarity contribution applicable to self-employed activities.

VAT

Property rentals are generally exempt from VAT, but the exemption does not automatically apply to hotel or tourist accommodation services. The VAT treatment must therefore be confirmed with the DICP based on the activity actually carried out.

Tourist tax

Where introduced by the municipality, tourist tax is collected from guests by the accommodation provider and paid to the municipality. Check the rates, exemptions and reporting arrangements applicable to your property with the local town hall.

Plan ahead for 2027: municipalities must adopt their resolutions by 31 October 2026 for stays from 1 January 2027.

Reform: official DICP information

Property tax

The owner remains liable for property tax. For seasonal and furnished holiday rentals, the DICP states that, from 2025, the assessed rental value is calculated as 12% of the property's market value . Municipal surcharges may also apply.

Check before renting out your property: tourist tax, filing requirements, exemptions and applicable rates may vary according to the municipality, turnover and the owner's circumstances. This summary is neither tax advice nor a tax calculation.

Read the official DICP guide Check current tax rules

Practical advice

Prepare your property for holiday rentals

Find our separate recommendations on furnishing, equipment and linen.

View the practical guide

Need support?

We help you organise the steps

Iaorana Agency can guide you in preparing your property and direct you to the relevant contacts. Each property's administrative, tax and planning position must be checked individually.

Informational summary based on documents provided by the Tourism Department and the legislation cited in them. Procedures may change: confirm the required documents and process with the Tourism Department, the CCISM and your town hall. Photo: Tingey Injury Law Firm / Unsplash.