Your One-Stop Resource for Moving to France

Whether you are relocating to Paris, Lyon, Nice, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille, Provence, Normandy, or the French Riviera, East Coast Shipping can assist with the complete international moving process from the United States to France.

We help customers ship household goods, furniture, personal effects, antiques, artwork, vehicles, motorcycles, baggage, boxes, and full containers to France. Our team can assist with packing, export documentation, marine insurance, ocean freight, customs coordination, and destination delivery through our trusted overseas partners.

International Moving Services to France

France Customs Guide for Household Goods

France may allow duty and VAT relief for used personal effects and household goods when you are transferring your main residence to France and meet the required conditions.

Restricted and Prohibited Items

France and the European Union have strict rules for certain products. Restricted or prohibited items may include firearms, ammunition, drugs, counterfeit goods, certain food products, hazardous materials, plants, and animal products.

Shipping Cars and Motorcycles to France

East Coast Shipping can assist with shipping vehicles, motorcycles, classic cars, and specialty vehicles to France. Vehicles may be loaded inside containers with household goods or shipped separately depending on the service required.

Estimated Transit Times to France

Popular Moving Destinations in France

Moving to France FAQ

How much does it cost to move to France?

The cost depends on shipment volume, packing requirements, service type, access conditions, and final destination in France.

Can I ship furniture to France?

Yes. We regularly ship furniture, household goods, artwork, antiques, and personal effects to France.

Can I bring my car to France?

Yes, but vehicle imports require advance documentation review and may be subject to duties, VAT, and compliance requirements.

Do I need an inventory list?

Yes. A detailed inventory is required for customs clearance.

Helpful France Resources

• French Customs - Transfer of Main Residence
• France-Visas Official Website
• French Customs / Douane

2026 France Immigration Updates

France has introduced stricter immigration and integration requirements for many non-EU residents. Beginning in 2026, some applicants for multi-year residence permits and long-term resident cards may face new civic integration and French language requirements.

Anyone relocating to France should review visa, residence permit, and documentation requirements early, especially if shipping household goods under a transfer of residence.

Customs Reminder for Household Goods

French Customs may allow duty and VAT relief for used household goods when transferring your main residence to France, but the shipment must meet eligibility requirements. Goods generally need to be imported within the allowed time frame connected to your move, and customs may request proof of residence, inventory, and supporting documents.

Shipping & Port Delay Watch

Overseas moves to France can be affected by port congestion, customs inspections, labor strikes, weather delays, vessel schedule changes, and documentation issues. French port strikes have occurred in recent years, so customers should allow flexibility in their move timeline.

To help avoid delays, customers should prepare customs documents, passport copies, inventories, residence paperwork, and any vehicle documents as early as possible.

What This Means for Customers Moving to France

• Start visa and residence planning early.
• Confirm whether your shipment qualifies as a transfer of main residence.
• Prepare a detailed inventory before shipping.
• Avoid packing restricted items without approval.
• Allow extra time for customs clearance and destination delivery.
• Ask us before shipping autos, motorcycles, alcohol, antiques, artwork, batteries, or high-value goods.