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- Last Updated: 04 September 2019
Moving to France
What you need to know when moving to France
Relocating to France? The team at Transworld can help make your move simple and stress-free. We take care of all your shipping needs, from door to door, so you can focus on starting your new chapter living in France.
It’s safe to say we’ve had our fair share of experience when it comes to moving overseas. We’ve put together useful tips and advice around relocating to France:
Shipping your personal belongings: your options
As you plan your move to France, there are some options to consider when it comes to shipping. Ask yourself these questions to find out which option is best for you and your family:
- How much do you want to take?
- What’s your budget?
- How soon do you want your goods to arrive?
FCL - Full container load
If you’re moving your entire household to France, you’ll likely need exclusive use of a 20’ or 40’ container (FCL).
Depending on the access to your home and council approval, the container may be able to be loaded at your residence, sealed and taken directly to port for shipping on first available vessel.
Transworld delivers to everywhere in France, so no matter where you’re living, we’ll deliver your possessions right to your new residence.
Key benefits:
- Bigger capacity : Enabling you to ship your complete household
- Exclusive use: As soon as your container is loaded and sealed, it’s delivered straight to port for immediate shipping
- Shipping to any location: Transworld offers a door to door service to all parts of France.
Groupage: for when you’re happy to share
For those with a small household or just looking to ship a few items, groupage shipping is the answer.
This way you share a container with other clients moving to the same destination. Groupage is an economical way of shipping, as you only pay for the space you use. Keep in mind, this service may take a little longer while we wait to fill the container for your destination but it is a very cost effective option. Transworld operates regular groupage service to France.
Key benefits:
- Reduced cost: Because you’re sharing the load, our groupage option is going to cost you less.
- Pay for what you use: You only pay for the space your shipment occupies in the container
- Ship to anywhere in France Our groupage service covers the whole of France.
Air Freight: for when time is of the essence
Air Freight is the fastest option, though the most expensive. Ideal if you’re not taking a lot, or for those extra items you’ll need soon after your arrival.
How long will shipping take?
- FCL: Approximately 8-9 weeks.
- Groupage: Approximately 12 weeks.
- Air Freight: Approximately 2-3 weeks.
Want to find out how much shipping to France costs? Get a free quote today!
Customs and Quarantine
As part of our door-to-door service, our Transworld team will take care of all the Customs requirements involved in moving to France. And as France has no quarantine restrictions, clearance and delivery can be effected with minimal delay.
Our Transworld team understand what’s involved in shipping your household to France and will prepare you accordingly.
We take care of:
- Providing you with the necessary French customs forms.
- Compiling an inventory of all packed items for Customs clearance.
What you need to do:
- Make sure your passport, residency document and visa are all up to date.
- Produce a signed ‘Attestation de non-cession’ i.e statement that you have lived abroad for over a year, that you have owned your items for more than 6 months and that you don’t plan to sell them for 12 months.
- We'll also need to know the details (brand name and serial number) of any electrical items you are shipping.
What you can and can’t ship to France
Prohibited and restricted items
When shipping your belongings into France, there are certain regulations you need to be aware of:.
Alcohol must be inventoried separately with brand name, type, number of bottles, and value (import licence or liquor licence may be required).
The following items are prohibited altogether:
- Paints, polishes and cleaning solutions
- Live plants
- Drugs and narcotics
- Pornographic material
- Ivory and animal skins
- Explosives and matches
Firearms and weapons
The importing of guns, weapons and ammunition into France is highly regulated. You may require registration and certificates and have authorisation from the French Defence Ministry (you’ll need to provide make, caliber, serial number and purpose).
Some weapons are strictly prohibited. We recommend contacting the French Defence Ministry to establish whether you can bring your firearm into France.
Vehicles
People moving to and intending to live in France for some time may bring in one vehicle duty free, if it has been owned and used 6 months prior to shipping.
The car must pass the inspection for compliance with French standards and must be roadworthy. As the owner, you will need to supply the following documents:
- Purchase Invoice
- Original title showing owner's name and vehicle serial number
- Insurance certificate from French insurer
- Registration card
- Plate numbers
Bringing pets to France
The good news is, you can bring your pet with you when you move to France!
You will need an import permit, vaccination certificates and have your pet microchipped. Your pet may also be subject to quarantine.
At Transworld, we’re with you every step of the way
We are proud to provide our customers with a door-to-door service, taking care of all the details involved in relocating to France. We’re the experts, and we’re here to take the stress out of moving overseas, so you can relax and leave it to us!
From packing, to shipping and Customs formalities, through to your new home in France, we’re with you all the way.
From the outset, you’ll have a dedicated team member on-hand throughout the process to answer your queries, keep you informed and make sure your requirements are fully met.
The Transworld team are here to make your move to France as simple and straightforward as possible. Give us a call today for a free quote!