Fiji
Data updated Oct 14, 2026
Overall Score
62.2
Good
Avg. Rent (1BR)
$727
-57% vs US Avg
Safety Index
57.6
COL Index
32
Overall Score
62.2
GoodEstimated Cost
$932/mo
single person, incl. rent
Verdict
Best for retirees
based on our recommended destinations
Fiji works for someone who wants island life without the French Polynesia price tag and who can work remotely or live off savings, not for someone chasing a cheap full-time retirement. There's no retirement or passive-income visa and no current digital nomad visa, so most Americans end up doing border runs or working through a local employer or business structure to stay long term. If you're flexible on how you maintain legal status and don't need top-tier hospital care, the lifestyle trade works. If you need a formal long-stay visa pathway, it doesn't exist here yet.
The marketing says "cheap island," and day-
Fiji vs. the Oceania average
Scores out of 10, shown as the gap between Fiji and the average of the 13 other countries in Oceania. 4 clear strengths, 2 clear gaps.
- Cost of Living+1.8
- Public Transport+1.3
- English Speaking+1.1
- Residency Pathway+0.7
- Tax Friendliness0.0
- Expat Community-0.1
- Safety-0.5
- Healthcare-0.6
🚚 Moving to Fiji
Planning the move? Compare free quotes from international movers.
Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Fiji. Takes 10 seconds.
How much are you shipping?
When are you moving?
Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.
We may earn a commission if you request quotes through this tool.
Recommended Destinations in Fiji
Best for Retirees
Best for Geoarbitrage
Best for Remote Workers
- Capital
- Suva
- Official Language
- English, Fijian, Fiji Hindi
- Time Zone
- UTC+12:00
- Region
- Oceania
- Population
- 896,444
- Healthcare Index
- 47.2
- Climate Zones
- tropical
View on Interactive Map
Explore data visually
🏙️ Top Cities in Fiji
Explore cost of living, walkability scores, and expat ratings for individual cities in Fiji.
CoL Index: 48
Est. Total: ~$1,516/mo
CoL Index: 45
Est. Total: ~$1,471/mo
CoL Index: 48
Est. Total: ~$1,150/mo
CoL Index: 45
Est. Total: ~$1,661/mo
CoL Index: 42
Est. Total: ~$1,194/mo
CoL Index: 32
Est. Total: ~$1,000/mo
CoL Index: 32
Est. Total: ~$1,400/mo
CoL Index: 32
Est. Total: ~$1,117/mo
CoL Index: 32
Est. Total: ~$744/mo
How far does $1,500 go in Fiji?
With a monthly budget of $1,500, you can live comfortably in Fiji. After accounting for an average rent of $$727, you have approximately $773remaining for daily expenses.
Calculate your FIRE timeline with these costs →💰 Cost of Living in Fiji
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means it's cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means rent is cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means groceries are cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means eating out is cheaper.
Estimate the cost of shipping your belongings to Fiji →
See how Fiji's cost of living compares with New Zealand
🛒 Grocery & Family Costs
Family Costs
Can I afford to live in Fiji?
Comfortable (1.0×): balanced baseline lifestyle. Adjusts day-to-day costs only — rent is unaffected.
Fiji
You could save
1,697/mo
Monthly Costs
Attractiveness Scores
Based on national averages. City-level costs may vary. Browse cities in Fiji →
⚕️ Healthcare System
Our Top Pick for Nomads: SafetyWing
Flexible, subscription-based health cover for remote workers in Fiji.
Get Covered with SafetyWing →Looking for more options? Check Ekta.
An estimation of the overall quality of the health care system. Higher is better.
Quality & Affordability:
Fiji's healthcare system includes public and private sectors. Public hospitals provide free or low-cost services but may face resource limitations. Private facilities may offer care with shorter wait times, though costs vary.
Insurance Insights:
Residents and expats often choose private health insurance to access better facilities and cover potential medical evacuations.
See how Fiji's healthcare compares with New Zealand
🛂 Visa & Residency Pathways
🛂 Visa Services
Ready to apply for a Fiji visa?
Get help with your application — tourist, long-stay, and residency visas processed online.
General Overview
Available Visa Types:
Process & Requirements:
Fiji offers a 'clear' and relatively straightforward path to long-term residency, making it an attractive destination in the Pacific. The most common route is to apply for a Residence Permit on 'Assured Income.' This is effectively a retirement or passive income visa, requiring an applicant to prove they have a stable income from abroad sufficient to support themselves in Fiji. The income requirements are not excessively high, making this an accessible option for many retirees and financially independent individuals. Other routes include permits for investors and those with specific skills needed in the country.
The application process is managed by the Department of Immigration and, while it can be bureaucratic, the requirements are well-documented. The availability of a clear path for non-workers is a significant advantage over many other Pacific island nations (URL: https://www.immigration.gov.fj/).
Residency & Citizenship Notes:
The pathway to permanent residency is 'clear', requiring five years of temporary residence. The pathway to Fijian citizenship is also 'clear'. An individual can apply for naturalization after five years of legal residence in Fiji. The applicant must be of good character and have a basic knowledge of the English language. A key advantage is that Fiji allows for dual citizenship, so applicants are not required to renounce their previous nationality. The relatively short five-year timeline and acceptance of dual citizenship make the path to a Fijian passport an achievable and attractive goal for long-term residents.
🛂 Visa Matcher
See which Fiji visas you qualify for
Answer 11 quick questions and get matched to the right visa for your situation.
Free · No signup required to see results
Detailed Visa Options
🧳 Tourist & Short-Stay Information
Extension Notes
Visitors can apply to extend their permit for a further three months at a time, up to a maximum of six months. This requires an application to the Department of Immigration.
Official Source: View Source
General Visa Notes
Fiji grants visa exemption to US citizens for up to 4 months (120 days). A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay and proof of a return or onward ticket are required.
Official Source: View Source
🌴 Retirement / Passive Income Visa
This country does not have a dedicated retirement visa, but the following notes provide guidance on pathways for retirees.
Income Notes
For applicants aged 45+. Requires proof of an 'assured income' sufficient to support themselves. While there's no set monthly income, the applicant must deposit a sum (e.g., FJD 100,000) into a Fijian bank account, with the final amount determined by the Director of Immigration.
Official Source: https://www.immigration.gov.fj/services/permit-info/reside-in-fiji
Health Insurance Notes
For the 'Residence Permit on Assured Income', it is a mandatory requirement for applicants to have and maintain a comprehensive medical insurance policy from a Fiji-based insurer.
Official Source: https://www.immigration.gov.fj/services/permit-info/reside-in-fiji
💻 Digital Nomad Visa
Income Notes
Fiji has a program for digital nomads. There is no specific minimum income requirement; rather, applicants must 'provide proof of adequate financial means' to support their stay. Applicants must also have comprehensive travel health insurance. The permit allows a stay of up to 12 months.
Official Source: View Source
Tax Notes
Income earned remotely by a digital nomad from foreign sources is exempt from Fiji income tax. This tax exemption is a key feature of the visa. Source: Fiji Revenue & Customs Service.
📈 Investor Visa
Investment Details
Investment Options & Notes
The minimum investment is FJD 50,000 (approx. $22,000 USD) into an approved business venture in Fiji. This grants an initial 3-year permit. For a 7-year permit, the investment must be FJD 250,000. This is for active investment.
Official Source: View Source
Path to Citizenship
Citizenship Notes
An investor holding an Investor Permit can apply for citizenship after 5 years of continuous residence in Fiji out of the 10 years preceding the application. A basic knowledge of English is required. Fiji allows dual citizenship. Source: Fijian Citizenship Act 2009.
Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.
Compare health insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
🛡️ Safety & Stability
An estimation of overall safety level. Higher is better.
An estimation of the overall level of crime. Lower is better.
World Bank political stability estimate, rescaled to 0-100. Higher is better.
Safety Notes:
Fiji is generally safe, with petty crime such as theft and burglary occurring occasionally. The safety index is 57.6.
Kidnapping Risk: Very low; no significant threat reported.
🏦 Taxation & Finance
🏦 Tax Snapshot
FEIE Interaction
FTC Utility: low
Fiji's top income tax rate is 20%, which is well below the US top marginal rate of 37%. For most US expats in Fiji, the FEIE is the preferred strategy as local Fiji taxes paid will often be insufficient to fully offset US tax liability via the Foreign Tax Credit. The FTC is more useful for high-income earners where Fiji taxes paid on passive or investment income (including the 10% CGT and 9% dividend WHT) can be credited against US tax.
Presence Day Count Notes
The standard 330-day physical presence test applies within any 12-month period. Fiji's relaxed entry conditions for US citizens (visa-free stays of up to 4 months) make it straightforward to establish physical presence. Bona fide residence requires establishing a tax domicile in Fiji, which involves registering with FRCS as a tax resident, typically triggered by staying more than 183 days in a tax year.
FBAR Trigger Notes
US persons with Fiji bank accounts exceeding USD 10,000 aggregate at any point during the calendar year must file FinCEN 114 (FBAR). Fiji financial institutions are subject to FATCA reporting under the Fiji-US IGA. Common Fiji banks include ANZ, Westpac, and BSP Financial Group. FNPF accounts held by US persons may also require FBAR and Form 8938 reporting depending on balance thresholds.
401k/IRA Treatment
Pension Income
Foreign pension income received by Fiji tax residents is assessable income. It is taxed at progressive rates up to 20%. Fiji's domestic pension system is managed through the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF); withdrawals from the FNPF are generally exempt or concessionally taxed for residents.
Locally TaxedSocial Security
US Social Security benefits received by a Fiji tax resident are treated as foreign-source income and are assessable under Fiji income tax law. There is no US-Fiji totalization agreement or tax treaty to provide exemption or reduced rates. Benefits would be taxed at progressive rates up to 20%.
Locally TaxedRoth Distributions
Roth IRA distributions represent return of after-tax contributions plus tax-free growth under US law. Fiji does not specifically recognize the Roth IRA structure. In practice, qualified distributions may have limited Fiji tax exposure as they represent capital, but the tax treatment is not codified. Expats should seek local tax advice. Given the absence of a US-Fiji treaty, there is no formal protection.
Not Taxed LocallyUS 401k/IRA Distributions
Fiji has no income tax treaty with the United States. US 401k and IRA distributions received by a Fiji tax resident would be treated as foreign-sourced pension or employment income and are assessable under the Income Tax Act at progressive rates up to 20%. No treaty exemption or reduced rate is available.
Locally TaxedCapital Gains Tax
Fiji introduced a capital gains tax (CGT) of 10% effective from 2011. CGT applies to gains on disposal of assets including land, buildings, shares, and other capital assets. Both individuals and companies pay the same 10% flat rate. The tax is administered by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS). Gains are calculated as proceeds minus cost base. Principal private residences held for more than 10 years may qualify for exemption under certain conditions.
Fiji levies a flat 10% capital gains tax on gains from disposal of capital assets including real property, shares, and other investments. The CGT was introduced in the Income Tax Act and is administered by the FRCS. No distinction is made between short-term and long-term gains.
Dividend Tax Rate
Dividends paid by Fiji resident companies to non-residents are subject to a withholding tax of 9% under domestic law. Dividends paid to resident individuals are included in assessable income and taxed at progressive income tax rates, but a tax credit is available for underlying corporate tax paid (dividend imputation-style relief). No specific flat final withholding rate applies to residents.
withholding
Rate: 9.0%
9% withholding tax applies to dividends paid to non-resident recipients under Fiji domestic law. Treaty rates may differ where applicable.
progressive
Rate: 20.0%
Resident individuals include dividends in assessable income and are taxed at progressive rates up to 20%. Franking credit relief is available for tax already paid at the corporate level.
Tax Treaties Notes:
No US-Fiji tax treaty. Taxes residents on worldwide income. VAT (9%).
Retiree Tax Benefits:
No retirement visa is available. Simple tax system.
Cost Savings vs. U.S.:
Moderate savings (e.g., spending around the average single-monthly cost). Healthcare may require private insurance for better facilities.
Pick between Form 2555 (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) and Form 1116 (Foreign Tax Credit) with an expat tax service.
Get help with my expat taxesWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Recommended services for Fiji
Recommended Partner
Fidelity →See how Fiji's taxes compares with New Zealand
☀️ Climate & Environment
Climate Zones:
Our proprietary index for drinking water quality and sanitation. Higher is better.
Seasonal Variations:
Fiji has a tropical marine climate with a hot, humid rainy season from November to April and a cooler, drier season from May to October. The islands are prone to tropical cyclones during the wet season.
😊 Quality of Life
🌐 Infrastructure & Connectivity
Our proprietary ranking of public transit accessibility and reliability.
Internet Reliability:
Fiji offers decent internet connectivity and expanding infrastructure for the Pacific region.
Speed & Quality: Fixed broadband is widely available with submarine cable connections and growing fiber networks.
Availability: Good coverage in Suva, Nadi and major towns, moderate coverage across main islands.
Cost: Reasonable pricing, around $20-45/month for high-speed residential plans.
Reliability for Remote Work: Generally reliable connectivity in urban areas and tourist zones.
Transportation Network:
Fiji has reasonable transportation infrastructure serving its main islands with tourism-focused services.
Roads: Good road network on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, the main islands.
Rail: Limited narrow-gauge rail on Viti Levu, primarily for tourism.
Domestic Travel: Regular flights and ferry services connect the islands; Nadi serves as the main international hub.
Recommended services for Fiji
Recommended Partner
Traveling Mailbox →Frequently Asked Questions about Fiji
Click any question to expand the answer.
📚 Related Reading
Share This Guide
Fiji's rules change. We'll tell you when.
Visa, tax, and cost updates for Fiji, before they catch you out. Free with RA Postcards.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to RA Postcards and special offers from Rewire Abroad and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.