Moving to France

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the French visa and residence permit system is a critical first step, and the requirements depend significantly on your nationality. If you are a citizen of an EU member state, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you generally have the right to live and work in France without a visa. You may need to register your presence after a certain period, but the process is considerably simpler.

For non-EU citizens, obtaining the appropriate visa before arriving in France is almost always mandatory. Common routes include:

• Work Visas: For individuals who have secured employment with a French company. The type of visa will depend on the nature and duration of the job.
• Family Reunification Visas: For spouses, children, or other dependent family members joining a legal resident in France.
• Student Visas: For those enrolled in a recognized French educational institution.
• Visitor/Long-Stay Visas (Visa Long Séjour valant titre de séjour - VLS-TS): For individuals who can prove sufficient financial means to live in France without working, often for retirement or independent living.

After arrival with a VLS-TS, you will typically need to validate it or apply for a residence permit (titre de séjour) within a specific timeframe. The process involves submitting documents to the local préfecture or OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration). It is crucial to verify the most up-to-date requirements and procedures directly with official French government websites or your local French consulate/embassy, as rules can change.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in France can be competitive, especially in major cities. The rental market operates differently than in some other countries, so understanding the process is key.

How to Find Housing:

• Online Portals: Websites are the most common way to search, listing properties from real estate agencies (agences immobilières) and private landlords (particuliers).
• Real Estate Agencies: While they charge fees (often a month's rent plus taxes, split between landlord and tenant), agencies can offer a wider selection and guide you through the process.
• Word of Mouth/Social Media: Especially for temporary or shared accommodation, local expat groups can be useful.

Typical Rental Process:

1. Application File (Dossier de Location): You'll need to compile a comprehensive file including proof of identity, income (payslips, tax returns), and often a guarantor (garant) who commits to paying your rent if you default. For non-residents, proving sufficient funds or using a service like GarantMe can be helpful.
2. Viewing & Offer: Once you find a property, you'll view it and, if interested, submit your application file.
3. Lease Agreement (Contrat de Location/Bail): If your application is accepted, you'll sign a lease, typically for one year (meublé - furnished) or three years (non-meublé - unfurnished), with a notice period for termination.
4. Inventory (État des Lieux): A detailed inventory of the property's condition is conducted at move-in and move-out. This is crucial for deposit return.

Deposits: A security deposit (dépôt de garantie) is standard, usually one month's rent for unfurnished properties and up to two months' rent for furnished ones. This is held by the landlord and returned after you move out, minus any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Temporary vs. Long-Term: Consider temporary accommodation (e.g., Airbnb, short-term rentals, aparthotels) for your initial weeks to allow time for in-person viewings and to finalize your long-term rental.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating to France is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively, though exact prices are always determined by a personalized quote.

• Volume and Weight of Goods: This is the primary driver of cost. More items mean more packing materials, larger containers, and higher shipping expenses. Decluttering significantly before your move can reduce costs.
• Distance of the Move: The further you are moving from, the higher the transportation costs will be. Cross-continental moves will naturally be more expensive than shorter distances within Europe.
• Method of Transport: Options include sea freight (most economical for large volumes, but slower), air freight (fastest, but most expensive), or road transport (common for moves within Europe). A combination might be used.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months, end of year) can sometimes incur higher costs due to increased demand. Off-peak moves may offer more competitive pricing.
• Accessibility at Origin and Destination: Difficult access (e.g., narrow streets, no elevator, high floors, long carrying distances) can require additional labor and specialized equipment, increasing costs.
• Additional Services: Opting for services like professional packing and unpacking, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, storage solutions, or specialized handling for delicate items (e.g., pianos, art) will add to the overall cost. Insurance for your belongings is also an important consideration.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, always request a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline and smart packing strategy can significantly reduce stress during your move to France. Here’s a checklist-style guide:

4-8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter and Downsize: Go through all your belongings. Sell, donate, or discard items you don't need or won't use in France. This reduces volume and cost.
• Research and Plan: Finalize visa/residence permit applications. Research schools, healthcare, and banking in France.
• Obtain Quotes: Contact moving companies for detailed quotes based on your inventory.
• Gather Important Documents: Create a dedicated folder for passports, visas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, academic transcripts, financial statements, and rental agreements. Keep these with you, not in packed boxes.
• Notify Utilities & Services: Inform your current utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet) of your move-out date. Cancel or transfer subscriptions (gym, magazines, streaming services).

2-4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you won't need until after your move, such as books, seasonal clothing, and decorative items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
• Arrange for Mail Forwarding: Set up mail redirection to your new French address or a trusted contact.
• Book Flights/Travel: Confirm your travel arrangements to France.
• Confirm Moving Services: Finalize arrangements with your chosen moving company.
• Health Check-ups: Get any necessary medical or dental check-ups before you leave. Obtain copies of prescriptions.

1 Week Before Moving:

• Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a bag with items you'll need immediately upon arrival in France (toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, important documents, chargers, snacks).
• Empty Fridge/Freezer: Plan meals to use up perishable food.
• Confirm Utility Disconnection: Double-check that all utilities will be disconnected on your move-out day.
• Clean Your Current Residence: If required by your lease.

Packing Tips:

• Use Quality Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and strong tape.
• Label Clearly: Label each box with its contents, the room it belongs in at your new home, and "FRAGILE" if applicable. Numbering boxes can help with inventory.
• Don't Overpack Boxes: Heavy items like books should go into smaller boxes. Distribute weight evenly.
• Protect Valuables: Consider professional packing for fragile or valuable items, or pack them yourself with extra care.
• Take Photos: Photograph electronics before unplugging and furniture before disassembling to aid reassembly.

For a smooth relocation to France, request a free quote on relocation123.com today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to France: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to France can be an exciting adventure! This guide provides a clear overview of the customs and import procedures for your personal belongings, ensuring a smoother transition.

If you're relocating as a new resident (from outside the EU)

Bringing your household goods and personal effects into France as a new resident can be duty-free, provided you meet specific criteria. Your belongings must be for your principal residence, and you should have resided outside the EU for at least one year. The items, including vehicles, must have been used by you for at least six months prior to import.

What you'll need

• Passport copy.
• Detailed inventory list in French, valued in EUR, dated and signed (separate lists for sea and air shipments if applicable).
• Certificate of non-resale.
• Certificate of change of residence from the French Consulate, indicating your arrival and departure dates. This document is specifically for French nationals returning to France and should state you've been abroad for at least 12 months to qualify for duty exemption.
• Certificate of transfer or employment from your employer, on letterhead, showing employment dates in the origin country and transfer date (within the last 12 months).
• Proof of residence in France (e.g., electricity or phone bills, lease contract) dated within three months of your shipment's arrival.
• Declaration of duty exemption entry for personal effects from outside the EU (Cerfa N° 10070*03), dated and signed.

Good to know

• Goods must be imported within 12 months of your transfer of residence.
• If your goods arrive in separate consignments, all items must be listed on the first inventory submitted to Customs.
• Your imported goods must remain in your possession for at least 12 months from the date of importation.
• Personal goods can circulate freely within the European Community, but some sensitive items are subject to specific regulations due to health, security, environmental, and cultural considerations.
• If documents are missing for moves from outside the EU and you need your household effects immediately, you may inquire with the customs office about available options.
• You can authorize another person to handle customs formalities on your behalf.
• Customs duties are payable in cash or with certified bank or postal cheques.
• Upon request, Customs can provide a "carte de libre circulation" for items like cameras or radios, which certifies their status for a 10-year period.

If you're furnishing a secondary residence (from outside the EU)

Importing personal effects or furniture for a secondary residence in France is subject to duties and taxes.

What you'll need

• Authorization certificate from the Regional Customs Directorate of the secondary residence area (requested in triplicate).
• Detailed inventory in French, valued in EUR, dated and signed.
• Evidence of ownership or renting in France.
• Evidence of your normal residence abroad.
• Bill of transport and insurance for the removal goods.
• Passport copy.

Good to know

• Approximately 10% duty and 20% VAT are typically due, calculated based on the transportation cost plus the inventory value.

Moving after marriage (Wedding Trousseaux & Gifts)

Wedding trousseaux and gifts can enter France duty-free under specific conditions.

What you'll need

• Marriage certificate or family record book.
• A copy of form Cerfa N° 10070*03.
• Detailed valued inventory in duplicate, dated and signed.

Good to know

• Duty-free entry applies to trousseaux and household effects, including new items.
• Presents received by the person transferring residency are customs duty-free for items with a unit value less than 1000 EUR.
• Required documents for duty-free entry must be submitted within two months before and four months after the marriage date.
• A guarantee deposit may be required.

Inherited belongings

Inherited goods can enter France duty-free.

What you'll need

• Certificate from an official authority or notary stating that the imported goods are obtained by inheritance and providing an inventory.
• Copy of the heir/heiress’ passport.
• Death certificate of the deceased person.
• French residence certificate of the person receiving the effects.
• Detailed and valued inventory in duplicate, dated and signed.
• Documents showing that the importer resides in France.
• A non-resale form signed by the importer.

Good to know

• The goods must be imported within two years of becoming the possession of the importer.
• Goods must be transported under the heir/heiress’ name.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Motor vehicles can be imported duty-free under the same conditions as general removal goods for a principal residence. This means the vehicle must have been used by you for at least six months, and you must have resided in the origin country for at least 12 months.

What you'll need

• All documents required for "Removal goods for the principal residence."
• Original certificate of title in the shipper’s name (leasing is not authorized).
• Copy of the vehicle purchase invoice and value declaration on the inventory.

Good to know

• Both the certificate of title and vehicle purchase invoice should be issued at least 6 months before the estimated time of departure (ETD) of the vehicle.
• To be exempt from taxes and duties, you must meet the same conditions applicable to personal effects and provide proof that VAT was paid in the original country.
• If the vehicle is not part of a general household removal, it may be subject to VAT.

Pets (Domestic animals: dogs, cats, birds)

What you'll need

• Health certificate issued by an official veterinary surgeon.

Good to know

• Conditions apply to domestic animals originating from both EU and non-EU countries.
• Wild animals subject to extinction threats have specific regulations.

Restricted & prohibited items

Restricted Items:

• Raw materials, semi-finished products: Subject to payment of duties.
• Medicine, narcotics: Require authorization from the Ministry of Health.
• Arms, ammunition: Require an import permit issued by the Directorate General of Customs.
• Electric scooter/bike/car: Subject to dangerous goods declaration.

Prohibited Items:

• Military or paramilitary equipment.
• Raw wood material.
• Lithium batteries.
• Live plants, dried flowers, fresh fruits.

Good to know

• Toys reproducing weapons are strongly discouraged due to potential customs inspection.
• It is recommended not to pack any food items.

Alcohol & tobacco

These items are subject to duties upon import.

What you'll need for Alcohol

• A separate inventory from your personal effects must be drawn up, detailing:
  • Type of alcohol (wine, whisky, rum, etc.)
  • Value of each bottle
  • Alcohol percentage and quantity per bottle (e.g., 75cl, 1l)

Good to know

• Importation of alcohol is subject to duties. "Fond de cave" (cellar provisions) is no longer allowed duty-free.
• Tobacco and related products are subject to payment of duties, with limitations.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay duties on all my personal belongings?
No, most personal effects for your principal residence can enter duty-free if you meet specific conditions as a new resident from outside the EU.

What is the time limit for importing my goods after moving to France?
Your goods must generally be imported within 12 months of your transfer of residence.

Can I import my car duty-free?
Yes, if the vehicle has been used by you for at least 6 months and you've resided in the origin country for at least 12 months, it can typically be imported duty-free along with your other personal effects.

Are there any restrictions on what food items I can bring?
It is generally recommended not to pack any food items due to potential customs restrictions and inspections.

What if my documents are not complete when my shipment arrives?
If you are moving from outside the EU and documents are missing, you may inquire with the customs office about existing possibilities to receive your household effects immediately.

Can someone else handle my customs paperwork for me?
Yes, you may authorize another person to handle the customs formalities on your behalf.

For personalized assistance with your move to France, please contact relocation123.com.

Get help with your move →