Your move to France, made easy.
Planning a move to France?
✦ TL;DR
Applies to people shipping their household and personal belongings to France, including shipments treated as personal effects under a transfer of residence.
You must present Cerfa n°10070*03 for duty free personal effects when eligible, plus a detailed signed inventory, your transport document, and valid passport or ID.
Sanitary and plant health checks can apply in France, especially for food, animal products, plants, or wooden packaging. Clean outdoor items well and declare anything that might carry soil or organic matter.
For commercial goods imported into France from outside the EU, import VAT applies. Customs duty is generally simplified or waived on low value consignments under current EU rules, subject to ongoing reforms.
Minimum shipment size is 2 boxes. There is no maximum size limit.
There are a few key things to understand before you start packing. France follows EU customs and sanitary rules, and visa choices matter for long stays. Good preparation and a reliable partner make the move smoother.
At Swift Cargo, we make international moving simple, secure, and low stress. This page covers what you need to know about shipping your belongings to France. You will find clear guidance on customs clearance, seasonal demand, and minimum shipment size. We also explain our door to door service, insurance options, and practical tips for packing and documentation.
Whether you are relocating for work, family, or study, Swift Cargo and our local partners handle your move with care and efficiency. We take the complexity out of shipping and clearance, so you can focus on settling into life in France with confidence.
Our process
Fill out our standard application on our platform.
Complete your request
Tell us where you're moving and what you're bringing. Most customers finish the inventory in under ten minutes.
We match your shipment
We plan the best routes and capacity for your relocation and confirm any special handling or permits.
You choose your offer
Review your options, book your move, and track everything from packing to delivery.
Peak months
Planning freight shipments around France's busier and quieter periods can help reduce delays. Demand changes through the year, so planning ahead is useful.
- April & May
Freight volumes often rise as businesses and households prepare for summer activity and seasonal turnover. Booking earlier and finalising documents helps avoid congestion in ports and airports. - September
In autumn, imports can become busier as European retail and end of year planning ramps up. Higher demand may mean longer carrier lead times, especially if customs or sanitary checks are triggered. - November & December
After Toussaint holidays, many lanes get busy. Shipments move less smoothly, and pressure accentuate until end-of-year celebrations.
Customs
France applies EU customs rules, with clearance managed by French Customs (Douanes). If you are shipping household or personal items, you must follow the required documentation process and be prepared for possible inspections.
Documents you need for personal goods
To clear your items through French Customs, you will need:
- Ocean Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Completed Cerfa n°10070*03 form (duty free entry of personal property, when eligible)
- Passport or photo ID matching the name on your customs form
- Detailed, signed inventory list (two copies recommended)
- Each package labelled with a list of contents, in English
- Copy of your visa or residence documents, if applicable
- Proof of residence change , such as an employer letter or lease, when claiming transfer of residence relief
- Full name and residential address in France for delivery
Sanitary checks and delays
Household and personal goods entering France may be inspected by French Customs, and plant or animal products can trigger veterinary or phytosanitary checks.
- Inspection time varies and depends on what you ship and your paperwork.
- To reduce the risk of delays, clean all items thoroughly before packing, especially anything that may have touched soil, plants, or outdoor materials.
For sea freight travellers
If you are travelling by sea, follow the carrier's arrival formalities and be ready to present your customs documents to French officers on entry.
Restricted goods
Pharmaceuticals
Explosives
Biohazard
Chemicals
Corrosives
Counterfeit Goods
Ivory
Batteries
Flammables
weapons
Drugs and Narcotics
Hazardous
Minimum shipment size for France
When shipping to France with Swift Cargo, there are minimum volume requirements to ensure efficient handling and delivery.
- Minimum shipment: 2 boxes
This is the smallest shipment size accepted for freight or relocation services to France.
- No maximum size limit
Swift Cargo can manage shipments of any size, from small personal moves to full household relocations.
These minimums apply specifically to shipments entering France.
Download the customs forms
- Transfer of Residence personal effects form (Cerfa n°10070*03): Check French Customs for the latest form
- Letter of importation authorization (model): Use your freight forwarder or Douanes guidance
Contact French Customs
Taxes and duties
Understanding France's import tax rules helps you avoid surprises during customs clearance. Here is what you need to know:
General tax rules
- Commercial goods imported into France from outside the EU are subject to import VAT, unless a specific relief applies.
- Under EU rules, since 1 July 2021, VAT applies to all commercial imports into France from non EU countries, with no low value VAT exemption.
Tax exemptions
- Most used personal belongings may qualify for duty and VAT relief under Transfer of Residence rules, if you meet the conditions.
- This relief applies when your shipment meets French and EU Transfer of Residence conditions and is declared with Cerfa n°10070*03.
Duty free status for official use
Some individuals or organisations may import goods into France without paying duties, provided the items are for official use. This includes:
- Diplomatic missions
- Government posts
- Official humanitarian staff
To qualify, you must:
1. Contact French Customs (Douanes)
2. Request any required clearance reference
3. Provide documents supporting your exemption claim
This status may apply to embassy staff, foreign aid workers, or volunteers on specific official missions.
Cargo insurance
Shipping goods across borders always comes with some risk. That is why cargo insurance is recommended when sending valuable items to France, whether you choose sea freight or air freight.
Why you need insurance
Moving cargo by sea or air exposes your shipment to possible damage. Insurance can protect you against:
- Rough weather during transit
- Improper storage or handling
- Fumigation treatments
- Accidental loss or damage
What is covered
Coverage depends on your insurance provider. Most policies include:
- Protection during transport
- Coverage for specific risks such as fire, theft, or moisture damage
- Limitations and exclusions based on your declared value
Always review the terms before you finalise cover.
How to get insured
You can arrange cargo insurance through:
- A general insurance company
- A specialist broker
- Your bank
- Swift Cargo's own insurance program.
Note: Our insurance is charged as a small percentage of your declared shipment value.
Visa requirements for moving to France
If you are planning to relocate to France, you may need a valid visa depending on your nationality and how long you will stay. There are several visa categories, so the best approach is to check the official France-Visas portal and confirm which option fits your purpose and length of stay.
Main visa categories
Most France visas fall into one of these categories:
Visitor visas
For short stays, tourism, or business visits
Working and skilled visas
For temporary or longer term work
Student and training visas
For education or professional development
Family and partner visas
For joining relatives or partners in France
Note: If you are moving to France for more than 90 days, a long stay visa is usually required.
For detailed and up to date information, use the official France-Visas assistant.
List of shipping ports in France
Swift Cargo operates through major international gateways in France. Whether you are relocating or shipping goods, we provide sea freight and air freight options to the destinations below:
Ports/Airports and shipping methods
- Paris (CDG) – Air freight available
- Le Havre – Sea freight available
- Marseille-Fos – Sea freight and air freight available
- Dunkerke – Sea freight available
- La Rochele – Sea freight available
- Lyon St Exupery – Air freight available
- Nantes - St Nazaire – Sea freight and air freight available
- Bordeaux – Sea freight and air freight available
- Bayonne – Sea freight available
Transit time per destination
| From | To | Est. transit time |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | Paris | 21-24 days |
| Bangkok | Lyon | 24-26 days |
| Bangkok | Marseille | 19-22 days |
| Bangkok | Bordeaux | 22-25 days |
| Bangkok | Toulouse | 22-25 days |
| Bangkok | Le Havre | 15-18 days |
| Bangkok | Dunkerque | 23-25 days |
| Bangkok | Bastia | 24-27 days |
Door to door relocation service
Swift Cargo offers a full door to door moving service to France. From packing your goods to unpacking them in your new home, we take care of each step of the process.
1. Packing and loading.
We offer professional packing services to keep your items safe during transport to France. Common packing materials:
- Packing boxes
Available in different sizes and suited to standard household items, helping keep goods stable and protected through handling and transit. - Bubble wrap
Used for fragile items such as glassware, ceramics, and electronics to reduce shocks and prevent breakage. - Wooden crates
Ideal for large or sensitive items. For France, any non EU wood packaging must comply with ISPM 15 markings and treatment requirements.
Full Packing Service: Do not want to pack yourself? Our team can pack all types of goods, including furniture and oversized items. Fill out the contact form and a consultant will organise the right packing plan for your move to France.
2. Pickup
Our agents collect the packed goods from your home or warehouse. Movements are tracked and documented so your shipment to France is handled securely.
3. Customs clearance
We manage the customs process for France. See the Customs section above for required documents and inspection details.
4. Delivery and unloading
Once your shipment arrives in France, we deliver it directly to your home. Our team unloads all boxes at your doorstep.
5. Unpacking and setup
We also offer unpacking services. Our team places your goods where you want them so you can settle in without stress.
Import your vehicle
Bringing a car into France is possible but requires advance approval and compliance with French and EU rules for safety, registration, and customs.
What you need
- Vehicle import authorisation – Apply before the car arrives
- Key documents – Passport, registration papers, bill of lading, sales invoice, and relevant French customs forms
- Compliance – Your car must meet French and EU safety and emissions standards
Costs to expect
- Import duties may apply
- Import VAT may apply
- Additional taxes may apply depending on the vehicle
Extra fees may apply for inspection, cleaning, or required modifications.
We Can Help - Swift Cargo handles the process from start to finish, including paperwork, transport, and customs support.
Import your pets
France follows EU pet movement rules. Dogs, cats, and ferrets must meet health and identification requirements, including microchipping and valid rabies vaccination. Some age and breed restrictions apply, so check the official rules before travel.
Key requirements
- Valid entry documents
Follow EU and French requirements and obtain any needed veterinary paperwork before travel. - Microchip & vaccinations
Your pet must be microchipped and up to date on rabies vaccination and other core vaccines. - Rabies blood test
A rabies titer test may be required for non EU origins. - Age and entry limits
Pets under 16 weeks cannot be imported from outside the EU, and certain Category 1 attack dogs are not allowed.
Eligibility by origin country
Banned dog breeds in France
The following dogs (Category 1 - attack dogs) cannot be imported under any circumstances:
- Japanese Tosa
- Fila Brasileiro
- Pit Bull Terriers
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- Unregistered or non-pedigree Mastiff (Boerbull)
We Can Help - From paperwork and vet checks to booking flights and entry coordination. We make sure your pet arrives safely and legally in France.
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What our customers say - France moves
About France
Shipping activity in France
France is a major European logistics gateway, with strong sea and air freight connections. International cargo moves through large ports and airports, supporting both business imports and personal relocations.
National freight volume:
1M Tons
cargo shipments handled daily
1.3 Million
containers processed daily across ports
2 Billion
items distributed by air freight each year
France cost of living
Relocating to France can change your monthly budget, especially if you are coming from a lower cost country. Everyday expenses vary a lot between regions. Housing is often the biggest adjustment. Large cities and popular coastal areas tend to be more expensive, while smaller towns can be more affordable. It helps to compare neighbourhoods early, and to budget for deposits and set up costs when you sign a lease.
Utilities and internet are another key part of living costs in France. Bills for electricity, water, and heating vary by home size and region. Groceries are generally predictable but can feel higher if you are used to lower priced markets. Dining out ranges from inexpensive local cafes to higher end restaurants, so your total cost depends on your habits and where you live.
Transportation costs in France depend on your city and commuting needs. Public transit is widely available in major urban areas, while regional travel can require a car. Fuel, parking, and intercity rail can take a noticeable part of your monthly budget.
Income levels in France vary by sector and region. How far your salary goes depends on your profession, your visa or work status, and whether you live in a major city or a smaller area. Planning with a conservative budget at first makes settling easier.
Overall, moving to France may change your monthly expenses, mainly due to housing, food, transport, and set up costs. To make the transition smoother, plan your budget carefully, compare cities based on affordability, and prepare for one time relocation costs such as deposits, insurance, and registration. With good preparation, France offers strong public services, reliable infrastructure, and a high quality of life.
Security in France
France is generally a safe destination for expatriates, but safety levels vary by city and neighbourhood. Most newcomers live comfortably without major issues.
Official French crime reporting shows that petty theft and pickpocketing are the most common issues for visitors and expats, especially in busy tourist areas and major transport hubs. Violent crime is less common, but like any country, risks can increase late at night or in certain districts. Staying aware of your surroundings and following local advice is usually enough for day to day safety.
It is still important to stay alert, especially in large cities where petty theft can occur. Choose a secure neighbourhood, lock your home and vehicle, and keep valuables out of sight. Staying informed about local patterns and transport safety helps reduce risk. With basic precautions, most people enjoy a safe and comfortable life in France.
Infrastructure and public services in France
France has a well developed public education system with options in both public and private schools. School access and quality are generally strong in major cities and regional centres, with local differences across departments. Families often choose schools based on catchment areas and commuting needs. If you are moving with children, check local mairie guidance for enrolment steps and required documents.
France provides healthcare through a mix of public hospitals, private clinics, and a national health insurance system. New residents typically register for coverage after settling, and many people also take supplementary private insurance. Access is usually strong in urban areas, while some rural areas may have fewer specialists. Keep your residence documents and address proof ready for registration.
Public services in France, including administration, emergency care, and social support, are widely available. In rural areas, you may need to travel further for certain services or specialist care. Planning your location with work, schools, and healthcare in mind can improve day to day convenience.
For many newcomers, France's infrastructure can feel reliable and well organised, especially in metropolitan regions. Large cities offer the widest range of schools, hospitals, and public services. Smaller towns can be quieter and less expensive but may have fewer specialised services or longer wait times. Choosing your city or suburb carefully will shape your access to education, healthcare, and administration.
Frequently asked questions
Shipping times to France depend on the origin country, routing, and whether your shipment is by sea or air.
- Sea freight: Transit is typically measured in weeks and can vary by departure port, carrier schedules, and any customs or sanitary checks on arrival.
- Air freight: Transit is typically measured in days and includes customs clearance and local delivery.
Keep in mind that peak seasons or public holidays in France may slow carrier capacity or inspections. We will provide a clear estimate once we know your shipment details.
