Moving to Réunion

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence on Réunion

Navigating the visa and residence requirements for Réunion depends heavily on your nationality. As an overseas department of France, European Union (EU) citizens generally enjoy freedom of movement and do not require a visa to live and work on the island. They may still need to register their presence or obtain a local identification document.

For non-EU citizens, the process is more involved and typically mirrors the requirements for mainland France. Common routes for obtaining a long-term visa or residence permit include:

• Work Visa: If you have secured employment with a Réunion-based company, your employer will usually initiate the process for a work permit, which then allows you to apply for a corresponding visa.
• Family Reunification Visa: If you are joining a spouse, parent, or child who is legally residing on Réunion, you may be eligible for a family reunification visa.
• Student Visa: For those planning to pursue studies at a recognized educational institution on the island.
• Visitor/Long-Stay Visa (without work rights): For individuals with sufficient financial means to support themselves without working, who intend to reside on the island for an extended period.

It is crucial to verify the most up-to-date requirements with the official French consulate or embassy in your country of origin or the local prefecture upon arrival. Requirements, necessary documents, and processing times can change, so always consult official government sources well in advance of your planned move.

Housing & Rental on Réunion

Finding suitable housing on Réunion can be an exciting part of your relocation. The market offers a range of options from apartments in urban centers like Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre to houses in more residential or rural areas. Here’s a guide to the typical process:

• How to Find Housing:
  • Online Portals: Websites specializing in real estate in France and its overseas territories are a primary resource. Local real estate agency websites are also very useful.
  • Real Estate Agencies: Engaging a local real estate agent can be highly beneficial, especially if you are not on the island to conduct viewings yourself. They can help navigate the local market, understand rental laws, and assist with negotiations.
  • Word of Mouth/Local Networks: Once on the island, local connections can sometimes lead to private rental opportunities not advertised elsewhere.
• Typical Rental Process:
  • Application: You will typically need to submit a comprehensive application, including proof of identity, income (often requiring proof of stable employment or sufficient funds), and sometimes a guarantor.
  • Lease Agreement (Contrat de Location): Once approved, a detailed lease agreement will be signed by both parties. Ensure you understand all clauses, especially regarding duration, rent, and responsibilities.
  • Inventory (État des Lieux): A crucial step is the "état des lieux" (inventory and condition report) conducted at the beginning and end of the tenancy. This document details the condition of the property and its contents, protecting both tenant and landlord.
• Deposits: A security deposit (dépôt de garantie) is standard, typically equivalent to one or two months' rent for unfurnished properties and up to two months for furnished ones. This is held by the landlord and returned after you vacate the property, minus any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: Many newcomers opt for short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb, gîtes, or serviced apartments) upon arrival to allow time for house hunting and to get a feel for different neighborhoods before committing to a long-term lease. Long-term leases are generally for a minimum of one year, often renewable.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating to Réunion is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively, though exact figures will always come from a personalized quote:

• Volume and Weight of Your Belongings: This is often the primary cost driver. The more items you ship, the higher the cost, whether by sea or air freight.
• Distance of the Move: Moving from a distant origin country will inherently be more expensive than moving from a closer location due to longer transit times and greater logistics involved.
• Seasonality: Shipping costs can fluctuate with demand. Peak moving seasons (e.g., summer months in many countries, or end-of-year holidays) might see higher prices due to increased demand for shipping containers and services.
• Accessibility at Origin and Destination: If your current home or your new home on Réunion has difficult access (e.g., narrow streets, no elevator for an upper-floor apartment, long carries), this can incur additional labor costs.
• Choice of Shipping Method:
  • Sea Freight: Generally the most economical option for larger volumes, but with longer transit times.
  • Air Freight: Faster but significantly more expensive, typically reserved for essential items or smaller shipments.
• Extra Services: Costs will increase if you opt for additional services such as:
  • Full packing and unpacking services.
  • Dismantling and reassembling furniture.
  • Storage at origin or destination.
  • Special handling for fragile, valuable, or oversized items.
  • Insurance for your belongings.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always recommended to request a free, no-obligation quote from a professional relocation service.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is essential for a smooth relocation to Réunion. Here’s a checklist-style guide, typically spanning 4-8 weeks before your move:

8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter & Inventory: Start going through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This significantly reduces shipping volume and cost. Create a detailed inventory of items you plan to move.
• Research & Quotes: Begin researching relocation companies and obtaining quotes for shipping your belongings.
• Visa & Residence: If you haven't already, ensure all visa and residence permit applications are submitted and progressing.
• Schooling/Healthcare: Research schools for children, and understand the local healthcare system and insurance options.

6 Weeks Before Moving:

• Book Relocation Services: Finalize your choice of relocation company and book your moving date.
• Documents: Gather and organize all critical documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, school records, professional qualifications, financial statements, and pet vaccination records. Make digital copies and keep originals secure.
• Notify Landlord/Sell Property: Give notice to your current landlord or begin the process of selling your property.

4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Utilities & Services: Contact utility providers (electricity, water, internet, phone) to arrange for disconnection at your current address and connection at your new home on Réunion.
• Mail Forwarding: Set up mail forwarding to your new address.
• Medical & Pet Preparations: Arrange for any necessary medical check-ups and obtain prescriptions. For pets, ensure all vaccinations and paperwork comply with French import regulations.
• Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you won't need until after your move (e.g., seasonal clothing, books, decorative items).

2 Weeks Before Moving:

• Confirm Travel Plans: Finalize flights and temporary accommodation on Réunion if needed.
• Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a separate bag with essentials for your first few days on the island (toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes).
• Notify Banks/Insurance: Inform your bank and insurance providers of your upcoming move.
• Clean Out: Start emptying your refrigerator and freezer.

1 Week Before Moving:

• Final Packing: Finish all remaining packing. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
• Confirm with Movers: Reconfirm all details with your relocation company.
• Final Checks: Do a final walk-through of your current home to ensure nothing is left behind and everything is ready for the movers.

Ready to make your move to Réunion a reality? 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 Réunion: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Réunion can be an exciting adventure, and understanding the customs and import procedures for your belongings is key to a smooth transition. This guide will help you navigate the requirements for bringing your personal effects, vehicles, and other items into your new home.

If you're relocating as a new resident

Bringing your personal belongings to Réunion as a new resident requires specific documentation to ensure a smooth customs clearance process. This applies whether you are moving as an individual, a civil servant, or a military member.

What you'll need

• Information form with your arrival contact details and date of arrival in Reunion.
• Detailed, valued, dated, and signed inventory of used effects, in Euros and French, including your destination address.
• Attestation concerning prohibited articles, dated and signed.
• Colour scan of your passport or ID (both sides) if European.
• "Déclaration pour l’entrée à la Réunion" form, completed, dated, and signed.
• Proof of main residence outside Reunion for at least one year (e.g., last two tax returns).
• Proof of residence in Reunion: copy of lease contract, accommodation attestation from a third party (with their electricity bill and ID), or a hotel attestation/invoice less than three months old.
• Copy of your plane ticket.

Good to know

• For military personnel: a copy of your transfer order. If unavailable, a change of residence certificate is required before shipment.
• For civil servants and company employees: an order of transfer or employment attestation. If unavailable, a change of residence certificate is required before shipment.
• For individuals: a change of residence certificate or work contract, indicating the period spent in the country of origin, submitted prior to shipment.
• A fee based on the gross weight (in Euros per ton) is payable for all personal effects offloaded at Reunion Port. This RSM tax includes administrative fees.
• The inventory must be detailed per item, as taxation rates can vary based on item categories and materials.
• For non-exempt files where dock dues apply, an additional administrative fee will be charged.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a vehicle to Réunion involves specific requirements depending on whether it's new, used, or a classic/vintage model. Note that different rules apply to various vehicle types.

• New Vehicles:
  • Copy of identity document or passport.
  • Latest tax return.
  • Certificate of origin if bought in a foreign country.
  • Proof of residence in Reunion (lease, accommodation attestation, or hotel attestation/invoice less than three months old).
• Used Vehicles:
  • Copy of identity document or passport.
  • Most recent tax return.
  • Copy of vehicle registration documents.
  • Valid original Certificate of Administrative Status (CSA).
  • Change of residence certificate, transfer letter, or work contract.
  • Proof of residence in Reunion (lease, accommodation attestation, or hotel attestation/invoice less than three months old).
  • Descriptive inventory of the car or motorbike in Euros, in French, dated and signed.
  • Proof of main residence outside Reunion for at least one year (e.g., last two income tax notifications).
  • Purchase invoice if bought from a professional or owned for less than a year.
• Classic or Vintage Vehicles:
  • If your vehicle lacks a certificate of compliance, you must apply to the FFVE for a certificate of manufacture to obtain a classic vehicle registration certificate.
  • Import taxes for classic vehicles are significantly reduced to 5.5%.
• Registered Scooters (49.9 cm³ bought after July 1, 2004):
  • Descriptive inventory of the scooter in Euros, in French, stating brand and engine size, dated and signed.
• Inflatable Watercraft with Outboard Engine:
  • Descriptive inventory in French.
  • Invoice for the craft and its engine.
  • For registered craft, a copy of official documents ("carte de circulation").

Good to know

• Only vehicles classified as "VP" (private passenger vehicle) or "Caravane" on the registration document are typically exempt from Dock Dues (octroi de mer) during a change of residence.
• Vans, pick-ups, and commercial vehicles are generally subject to dock dues.
• A fee based on the gross weight (in Euros per ton) is payable on all offloaded motor vehicles (including motorbikes) at Reunion Port.
• For vehicles on hire purchase, an export authorisation from the credit company is required in addition to other documents.
• For non-transferred clients, a Change of Residence Certificate in their name, copy of ID, and marriage/PACS certificate are needed.
• For vehicles in Temporary Transit (TT), WW, or exported by a car dealer, specific invoices, export authorisations (T2L/COA/EX1), and temporary registration documents are required.
• An international "carnet" is needed for foreign vehicles if applicable, along with a certificate of sale.
• For each non-exempt file where dock dues apply, an additional administrative fee will be charged.

Frequently asked questions

What is the RSM tax?
The RSM tax is a fee based on the gross weight of offloaded personal effects and vehicles at Reunion Port, payable in Euros per ton, and includes administrative fees.

Do I need to translate my inventory?
Yes, your detailed inventory of used effects must be in French and Euros.

Are all vehicles exempt from dock dues if I'm relocating?
No, only vehicles classified as "VP" (private passenger vehicle) or "Caravane" on the vehicle registration document are typically exempt. Vans, pick-ups, and commercial vehicles are usually subject to dock dues.

What if I don't have a transfer order for my job?
If a transfer order or employment attestation is unavailable, you will need to provide a change of residence certificate to your agent prior to the shipment of your effects.

What kind of proof of residence in Reunion is accepted?
Accepted proofs include a copy of your lease contract, an accommodation attestation from a third party (along with their electricity bill and ID), or a hotel attestation/invoice less than three months old if you're temporarily staying in a hotel.

Is there a special process for classic cars?
Yes, if your classic vehicle lacks a certificate of compliance, you must obtain a certificate of manufacture from the FFVE to get a classic vehicle registration certificate. This also allows for a reduced import tax rate of 5.5%.

For further assistance with your move to Réunion, please contact relocation123.com for personalized guidance and support.

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