- Download our Moving to France Guide (PDF)
Expats will find shipping to France a fairly painless affair. The country has plenty of ports, a high-density rail system and is home to one of the largest international airports in the world, Charles de Gaulle.
Expats can therefore choose to ship by sea, by air or by land. There are plenty of service providers who can help to ship goods door to door, or who can take responsibility for just a part of the process.
Despite the apparent ease of sending goods abroad, expats should note that shipping is usually expensive. It’s often the case that one can purchase new or used household goods upon arrival for less, or can simply find furnished accommodation.
Those committed to keeping their furniture should pay attention to a few key points if planning to ship to France. First, expats should seek at least three quotes from shipping service providers, and make sure that their chosen provider ticks all the boxes.
Common services to look for in a shipper
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Pick-up of goods at your location
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Basic disassembly and reassembly of furniture
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Border clearance and customs formalities at the destination
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Professional wrapping of all wooden, metal and fabric furniture
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Export documents for household goods only
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Wooden crate lift van or palletising
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Preparing a professional inventory list
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Unloading of all items to destination residence, and setting all items per request
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Agent fees and NVOCC deconsolidation charges
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Removal of packing debris from destination resident
Most shippers will charge by the weight and/or volume of the items. Expats should be aware that shippers often tack on additional expenses for certain packing materials, handling and hoisting of excessively large items, as well as for certain processing requirements.
Expats are advised to purchase insurance from a company other than the shipping company used, thus ensuring reliable coverage for broken cargo.
Shipping duty-free to France
Expats can ship used household goods and personal belongings duty free to France, provided the goods are more than six months old and they have lived outside the EU for more than a year. In order to do so though, expats must have proof of residency in France along with additional paperwork.
Because such stipulations are subject to change at short notice, expats are advised to check with the relevant government department for an up-to-date list of terms and requirements before shipping duty free to France.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Insurance.
Medical insurance specifically designed for expats. With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider.
Moving Internationally?
International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices.
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.
Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!
