Security Guard Services in French Polynesia

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in French Polynesia

French Polynesia applies the French private security rules set out in Book VI of the Internal Security Code, with the local adaptations laid down in Articles L645-1 and R645-3. Officers must hold a professional card, and the High Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia exercises the powers of the prefect.

Regulator: Conseil national des activités privées de sécurité (National Council for Private Security Activities, CNAPS). Law: Internal Security Code (Code de la sécurité intérieure), Book VI (private security activities), made applicable to French Polynesia by Article L645-1 (Title I except Article L613-10, Title II bis and Title III, as worded by Law No. 2026-798 of 18 August 2026) and by regulatory Article R645-3 (amended by Decree No. 2024-1116). cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr

Requirements

• Hold a professional card, which certifies that the conditions of Article L612-20 are met
• No conviction recorded in bulletin no. 2 of the criminal record that is incompatible with the duties
• Undergo an administrative investigation, which may include checks of police and gendarmerie files, revealing no conduct incompatible with the duties
• Not subject to an expulsion order that has not been revoked or to a ban from French territory that has not been enforced
• Demonstrate professional aptitude as set by a decree of the Conseil d’État (Council of State), including knowledge of the principles of the Republic
• Have a sufficient command of the French language to carry out the activity
• For foreign nationals, hold a residence permit authorizing work in French Polynesia or a local work authorization (Article L645-1, 6°)

Application Steps

1. Obtain a recognized private security qualification or other proof of professional aptitude
2. Submit an application for a professional card
3. Undergo criminal record checks and the administrative investigation
4. Once the card is issued, work for an authorized private security company

Agency Licensing

Book VI of the Internal Security Code applies to companies as well as to individuals. According to guidance published by CNAPS, managers of private security companies and of their secondary establishments must hold an approval. The local arrangements for the company authorization procedure have not been confirmed.

Sources

• Légifrance: Internal Security Code, Article L645-1 (French Polynesia)
• Légifrance: Internal Security Code, Article R645-3 (French Polynesia)
• Légifrance: Internal Security Code, Article L612-20 (professional card conditions)
• CNAPS: official website

Regulations change. Confirm current rules with the competent official authority before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.