Planning a move to France is an exciting step — whether for work, family, lifestyle, or a long-term personal project. This guide covers everything you need to know about relocating smoothly, from living costs and regional differences to customs regulations and shipping requirements.
Our goal is to help you prepare confidently and avoid unnecessary delays, surprises, or expenses.
🌍 Why Move to France?
France remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations thanks to its:
✔ High quality of life
Excellent healthcare, reliable public services, and a balanced lifestyle.
✔ Diverse regions
From Paris and its business opportunities to the Mediterranean coast, charming countryside villages, and vibrant mid-sized cities.
✔ Renowned culture
Cuisine, art, history, and a deep appreciation for leisure and social life.
✔ Strong education system
A wide network of schools, universities, and international programs.
💶 Cost of Living in France
Living costs vary widely depending on the region you settle in.
Average Monthly Costs (No Rent Included)
- Individual: €2,200–€2,300
- Family of Four: €5,500–€5,700
These numbers cover food, transportation, utilities, and daily expenses.
Rent Expectations
- Paris: Highest in the country; small apartments can be expensive.
- Major cities (Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Bordeaux): More affordable than Paris but still competitive depending on the neighbourhood.
- Countryside / Smaller towns: Offers much better value for money.
🏙 Best Places to Live in France
Paris
Ideal for professionals seeking career opportunities, international companies, and cultural experiences. The cost of living is high, but the lifestyle is unmatched.
Lyon
Known for a strong job market, excellent transportation network, and a more relaxed pace compared to Paris.
Côte d’Azur (Nice, Cannes, Antibes)
Perfect for those who want sun, sea, and a Mediterranean lifestyle. High demand means premium prices.
Bordeaux & Toulouse
Increasingly popular with families and professionals due to affordability, modern infrastructure, and growing industries.
📦 Moving Your Household Goods to France
Relocating used household goods and personal effects to France requires several documents and customs compliance. Preparing these ahead of time ensures a smooth entry. At A1 Relocations, we ensure you get every information for a stress-free move!
✔ Required Documents
- Passport
- Valid visa (if applicable)
- Detailed inventory list valued in euros
- Certificate of change of residence from French authorities or consulate
- Employer transfer letter (if moving for work) indicating overseas stay longer than 12 months
- Proof of previous residence abroad
- Proof of new residence in France (rental contract, recent utility bill)
- Bill of lading / Air-waybill – Provided by A1 Relocations
- Receipts for items purchased within the last six months
🛃 Customs Regulations for Shipping to France
France allows duty-free import of personal household goods under specific conditions.
✔ Conditions for Duty-Free Entry
- Items must have been owned and used for at least six months before shipping.
- Shipment must arrive within 12 months of your relocation.
- Goods must be for personal use only — not for resale.
- A signed declaration confirming non-resale for 12 months after arrival is required.
❗ When Taxes Apply
If duty-free conditions are not met, expect:
- VAT: approximately 20%
- Customs duty: around 10%
This typically applies when goods are new, unused, or intended for a secondary residence.
🚚 Shipping Options: Sea & Air Freight
Sea Freight
A cost-effective solution for larger shipments.
Transit time: approximately 3–5 weeks from Asia to France.
Air Freight
Faster but more expensive — ideal for urgent or essential items.
Transit time: around 5–7 days.
Customs Clearance
Typically completed within 3–4 business days, provided all documentation is correct.
🧳 What Our Relocation Service Includes
We ensure your move is efficient, secure, and stress-free with:
✔ Door-to-door relocation
Packing at origin, customs assistance, delivery, and unpacking at destination.
✔ Professional packing
Use of export-grade materials for fragile, bulky, and valuable items.
✔ Storage solutions
Short- or long-term storage available depending on your requirements.
✔ Customs & documentation support
We guide you through the entire process to avoid delays.
✔ Final delivery & setup
Your belongings are delivered to your new home, assembled, and placed where needed.
📝 Useful Tips for Settling in France
- Learn basic French — even simple phrases help significantly.
- Open a local bank account early for payments, utilities, and salary.
- Register with the French healthcare system if staying long-term.
- Start house hunting early — good apartments are competitive.
- Keep copies of all relocation documents for at least 12 months.
📬 Need Help Planning Your Move?
A1 Relocations provide tailored relocation services to ensure your move to France is seamless from start to finish. Whether you need full packing services, customs support, or end-to-end logistics, we are here to assist.
Just let us know your origin country, expected moving date, and what you plan to ship — we’ll
