Moving to France

EU/EEA citizens can move freely but must register with the local Préfecture if staying over 3 months. Non-EU nationals need a Long-Stay Visa (Visa de long séjour) before arrival. Apply for your Carte Vitale (national health card) once registered. Open a French bank account early — many landlords require proof.

• Sea freight from North America takes 10–18 days; from the Middle East 14–20 days; from Australia 30–40 days.
• EU movers benefit from seamless intra-EU transport — no customs inspection for goods moving within the EU.
• Non-EU movers can claim a customs exemption (Franchise Douanière) for used personal effects owned 6+ months.
• Road freight from the UK post-Brexit requires customs documentation, though household goods remain largely duty-free.
• Paris apartment access can be challenging — confirm stairwell and lift dimensions before shipping large furniture.

• Passport and Long-Stay Visa (for non-EU nationals).
• Cerfa Form 10070*03 — Déclaration en Douane for personal effects (non-EU imports).
• Proof of prior residence abroad (utility bills, rental contracts) showing 12 months outside France.
• Detailed inventory list (inventaire détaillé) with item values.
• Proof of new address in France (acte de propriété or bail/lease agreement).

French customs (Direction générale des douanes) manage non-EU imports. Personal effects qualifying for franchise douanière are duty-free if the applicant was a non-EU resident for 12+ months and is establishing primary residence in France. Prohibited items include counterfeit goods, certain firearms, and restricted animal products.

• Not registering with the Préfecture promptly — this delays your Titre de Séjour and Carte Vitale.
• Forgetting to get the cerfa form certified before your shipment arrives — it cannot be backdated.
• Shipping wine or spirits in large quantities — France has strict alcohol import regulations.
• Underestimating how long apartment searches take in Paris — allow 2–3 months.