Funafuti: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Funafuti in 2026

Funafuti is the capital of Tuvalu, one of the smallest and least visited countries in the world. It is an atoll of narrow islets around a large lagoon, and almost all life is concentrated on the main islet of Fongafale, home to about six thousand people. Here are the government, the country's only airport, the hospital, a bank and a few guesthouses. During the day the runway serves as public space: people walk, play football and dry laundry on it.

People move here almost exclusively for work: with international organisations, on coastal protection and connectivity projects, in embassies and public services. For living by choice Funafuti is hard: the islands rise only a few metres above the sea, there is one flight every few days, housing and food are limited, and foreigners cannot buy land.

Cost of living in Funafuti

Prices come from two independent price databases for 2026. Tuvalu's currency is the Australian dollar, about 1.44 Australian dollars per US dollar in early October 2026. Average prices are low, but the choice of housing is very small, and almost all food and goods arrive by sea and air, so they cost more than in Australia and Fiji, and supply interruptions happen.

Where to live in Funafuti

Almost all housing is on Fongafale along the single main road between the lagoon and the ocean. Foreigners rent houses from local families, rooms in guesthouses or live in housing provided by the employer. Near the airport and government buildings it is easier to get to work, while the northern and southern tips of the islet are quieter. People get around by scooter, bicycle and on foot: there is no public transport as such, and the whole islet can be crossed in half an hour.

Entry and residence

A visa for Tuvalu is issued on arrival for up to one month. For Russian citizens it is paid, with a fee of $70 (100 Australian dollars), and at the border you must show a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket, an accommodation booking and sufficient funds. Work requires a permit arranged by the employer or host organisation.

There is no residence for investors, remote workers or retirees. Long-term life in Tuvalu is almost always tied to a contract or marriage to a citizen.

Taxes and money

Tuvalu's tax system is small: tax on salary is withheld by the employer, and for the exact rates and thresholds for the current year, ask an expert. Payments are made in Australian dollars. Funafuti has one state bank and a few ATMs, cards are not accepted everywhere, so cash is always needed. Money transfers from abroad are slow and expensive.

Renting and land

Land in Tuvalu belongs to local families and is not sold to foreigners, so you cannot buy a house or plot; only a lease agreed with the owning family is possible. Available housing is scarce and found through the employer and contacts. Before moving in, check the rainwater tank, electricity and storm protection.

Climate and daily life

The climate is tropical: around 28-31 degrees all year, with a cyclone season from November to April. The country's highest point is only a few metres above sea level, water comes ashore during king tides and storms, so the country is reclaiming new land on Fongafale. The languages are Tuvaluan and English. Funafuti has one hospital, and serious patients are sent abroad for treatment, most often to Fiji, so insurance with evacuation is needed. Flights come from Fiji several times a week and are cancelled in bad weather.

Pitfalls

• No residence for investors or remote workers.
• Foreigners cannot buy land, only lease it.
• Flights only from Fiji several times a week.
• Food and goods supply interruptions.
• One hospital; serious cases are evacuated.
• Rising sea levels and storms.

Murblz specialists help with work permits, documents and housing for project staff in Tuvalu. A consultant in the chat will calculate the cost of support.