Your Complete Guide to International Moving Services, Customs Requirements & More

Thinking about relocating to France? Whether you're headed to Paris, the French Riviera, Bordeaux, Lyon, or a charming village in Provence, we’re here to make your international move as smooth as possible. Our team offers comprehensive services for door-to-door, door-to-port, and port-to-port relocations.

Our Services for Moving to France:

• Full Container Load (FCL) shipping

• Groupage/shared container service (cost-effective for smaller moves)

• Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipments

• Airfreight for small or urgent shipments

• Packing and export wrapping services

• Crating for fragile or high-value items

• Vehicle shipping (autos, motorcycles, scooters)

• Storage at origin or destination

• Customs clearance assistance

• Destination services (delivery, basic assembly, unpacking, debris removal)

• Marine Insurance coverage options
   

Customs Information: Household Goods
 

To import used household goods and personal effects duty-free into France:

Required Documents

• Passport copy

• French residence visa or long-stay visa

• Proof of residence in France (rental contract, utility bill, etc.)

• Detailed inventory list, in French, dated and signed

• Original bill of lading or air waybill

• Certificate of Transfer of Residence (Attestation de changement de résidence)

• Proof of living abroad for at least 12 months

• Proof the goods have been owned and used for at least 6 months

Important Notes

• Goods must arrive within 12 months of your arrival

• Items must not be sold for 12 months after import

• All documents must match the shipper’s name
   

Customs Information: Autos & Motorcycles

Required Documents

• Original title (Certificat d’Immatriculation)

• Purchase invoice or bill of sale

• Passport and French visa/residency permit

• Proof of residence in France

• Certificate of Conformity (COC) if available

• Original bill of lading

• Attestation of transfer of residence

• Inspection certificate (if applicable)

Taxes & Duties

• Vehicles owned and used for 6+ months as part of a relocation may be duty-free

• Otherwise, VAT (20%) and customs duties (10%) may apply

Registration

Register your vehicle through:  ANTS Vehicle Registration

Prohibited or Restricted Items

• Firearms and ammunition

• Illegal drugs or narcotics

• Explosives and fireworks

• Endangered species or animal products

• Perishable food, meat, and dairy

• Counterfeit goods

Alcohol and tobacco allowed in limited quantities, with duties/taxes.

Moving Timeline: What to Expect

• 1–2 Months Before: Get a quote, organize documents, begin downsizing

• 2–4 Weeks Before: Packing, confirm inventory, schedule pickup

• Arrival in France: Customs clearance, delivery, unpacking & setup

Address Format in France

Name
123 Rue de l’Exemple
75001 Paris
France

Include apartment number, floor (e.g., 3e étage), and building code (e.g., Bâtiment A)

Moving with Pets to France

• Microchip required

• Valid rabies vaccination

• EU Health Certificate from USDA-accredited vet within 10 days of travel

French Embassy – Bringing Pets

Hooking Up Utilities in France

• Electricity/Gas: EDF, Engie

• Internet/Phone: Orange, Free, SFR

• Healthcare: Register for French public healthcare (PUMA) after arrival

Cost of Living Comparison

Local Support

We partner with vetted movers throughout France to provide final-mile delivery, basic assembly, and optional storage services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I ship new or unopened items?
A: Only used household goods are eligible for duty-free import. New items may be taxed.

Q: Do I need to be present for customs clearance?
A: Not always, but you must be reachable and your documents must be complete.

Q: How long does shipping take?
A: Typically 4–8 weeks by sea, LCL 4-7 weeks & groupage 2-3 months aprox., 1–2 weeks by air.

Helpful Links

French Customs: https://www.douane.gouv.fr
Vehicle Registration: https://ants.gouv.fr
Service Public: https://www.service-public.fr
Visa Info: https://france-visas.gouv.fr

Get a Free Quote

Click below to get a custom quote for your move to France.
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