International Removal Guide
Moving to France
Ah, France. Home to the Eiffel Tower, the Lourve and more French bread than you could eat in a lifetime! So why would you want to move to France from the UK? Host to world-class cuisine and a high quality of life, moving to France has become a popular option for many expats. So whether you’re moving to France for work, study, retirement or adventure, relocating anywhere requires careful planning and a well versed moving company like Euromovers!
In this international removals guide we examine all the essential information needed for a successful move to France, as well as comparing it against other popular expat destinations. Got a question? Get in touch!
1. Why Move to France?
There’s more than just one thing to consider when thinking about Moving to France. With its rich history, world-renowned culture, and high quality of life, France remains one of the top destinations for expatriates in 2025. As it stands, France has one of the largest economies in Europe, boasting a GDP of over $3 trillion, making it an even more attractive location for business professionals and entrepreneurs.
Offering excellent infrastructure and a strong social system, France has a diverse economy with growing industries in fashion, technology and gastronomy. Additionally, France enjoys a more affordable cost of living compared to other western nations like the USA and UK, especially outside of the major cities like Paris and Lyon. So whether you’re drawn to its charming countryside, vibrant urban life, or crave the cuisine, France continues to be a one of the most desirable places to live and work.
Quality of Life
France consistently ranks in the top 30 in global quality of life indexes. It boasts a strong work-life balance, access to public healthcare and a generally slower place of life in rural regions. The social security system also provides strong support for residents, making it a great place for both families and retirees.
Economic and Employment Opportunities
Home to the world’s 7th largest economy, France has strong industries in fashion, finance, and tourism. Cities like Paris, Lyon and Marseille have large business hubs that offer plenty of job opportunities for skilled workers. The country’s thriving startup ecosystem also helps to attract many entrepreneurs looking to break into the European market.
Climate and Natural Beauty
No matter if you like the beach life or mountain life, France has something to offer everyone. From the Mediterranean beaches of the Cote d’Azur to the snow capped Alps, France offers a diverse range of climates and landscapes. Outside of the modern and large cities, the countryside is dotted with picturesque villages and vineyards, making it a paradise for outdoor lovers.
Ease of Integration
Integrating into the French way of life can be a tricky affair if you don’t speak the language. Although France has a high standard of living and many English speaking communities, unless you speak French you’ll find it difficult to fully integrate. Another sticking point of integration is the bureaucracy. Filling out complex French forms takes time, and the time to process these forms is even longer, so it’s good to keep this in mind should you decide to take the plunge and move to France from the UK.
2. Key Facts and Figures
Here are some of the key facts and figures about France as a country:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | 68 million |
| Official Language | French |
| Currency | Euro |
| Time Zone | GMT+1 |
| Major Cities | Paris, Lyon, Nice & Bordeux |
3. French Visa & Immigration Requirements
Before considering a move to France, you need to carefully examine all the options for visas and residency before you you plan your move. Although more complex than most, there are several different ways to get residency when moving to France. The processing time for these visas can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
- Talent Student Visa: For highly skilled professionals
- Student Visa: For those attending French universities
- Family Reunification Visa: For those joining family members in France.
4. Preparing for Your Move to France
A. Choosing the Right Removal Company
During your research for a trustworthy International Removal Company, be sure to check if they are members of an internationally accredited association, such as Euromovers or IAM. Also check to see if they have specific case studies that relate to you desired destination. If they’ve not previously shipped goods to your chosen country, we’d advise choosing another removal company.
The services you would typically expect from your chosen International Removal Company should include:
- Packing and Unpacking Assistance
- Secure Transportation of Goods
- Customs clearance and documentation
- Storage Solutions (if required)
B. Shipping Options
Located in Europe, sending your goods via truck to France from the UK via the channel tunnel is the most cost-effective option. Although much quicker, air-freight is considerably more expensive. You can ship your goods via a container ship, but this is also more expensive than using a removal truck to move your goods across to France.
- Sea Freight: Cost Effective for larger shipments; transit times range from ~5 days from the UK to France.
- Air Freight: More expensive than sea freight, but significantly quicker, making ideal for time-sensitive goods. Usually takes a day or two for items to arrive in France.
- Road Train: Using the Channel Tunnel if moving from the UK will be cheaper than sea-freight.
*BONUS* – why not check out our article all about Air Freight vs Sea Freight?
C. Customs Regulations
Be aware of French customs policies. At the very least you need to be able to provide the following:
- Detailed Inventory List
- Passport and proof of residence in France
- Copy of visas
- Work permit or Residency Documents
Due to new laws since Brexit, anyone moving to France from the UK has a personal allowance of 430 Euros when arriving by plane or ship (doesn’t include ferries), or 300 Euros when arriving by train or car. However, this doesn’t apply to commercial items, and covers what most people will see as gifts, rather than household items. So if you’re buying goods to take with you, be sure to keep the receipt!
In order to get your goods imported in France duty-free, there are three specific criteria that must be met.Â
- You must have owned the goods for a minimum of 6 months. If this is a car or vehicle the timeframe increases to 12 months.
- You are moving to France permanently
- You must have lived outside France for at least the last 12 months
D. Decluttering and Packing
Here at Euromovers we’re firm believers in using the three R’s when it comes to decluttering before you pack:
- Reduce: Decrease the amount your taking by removing old clothes and items you no longer need.
- Re-Use: Those boxes you’re about to throw away? They can be re-used for moving!
- Recycle: If you’ve not got a use for it, maybe someone else will? Recycle any old clothes and put them into a donation box for you local clothes bank
5. Estimated Moving Costs to France
At Euromovers, our calculated cost of moving abroad is based upon 3 main factors: The shipment size (ft³), destination, and customs duty. Here’s a further breakdown of these costs to help with your move to France:
- Shipping Costs: Sea Freight for a 20ft container can be anywhere from £6000-£7000 from the UK. Plus transport costs when you get there. While air freight can be upwards of £7,000. If shipping from the US, expect to pay almost £10k for a 20ft shipping container. The cheapest option to move to France from the UK would use a road train and would be in the region of £2500-£35000 to drive the goods under the Channel Tunnel to France.
- Custom Duties: If you’re importing goods into France from a non-Eu country, depending on the value, you’ll be taxed accordingly. Goods up to 300 Euros you will pay zero duty or VAT. If the value is between 300 and 700 Euros then you would pay 20% VAT on the total value above 300 Euros, plus a custom duty that can range from between 0 and 2%. If the goods are worth more than 700 Euros, then declaration is mandatory, with duty as high as 12% to be paid depending on the specific items. However, if you can provide proof that the goods are entirely of British origin, custom duties may be waived.
- Why not use this handy import calculator to figure out how much VAT you would be due on your current inventory of goods.
- Insurance: At Euromovers we offer varying levels of cover including marine transport insurance. On average, insurance costs are between 1-3% of the shipment value.
- Temporary Accommodation: If you’re awaiting a visa or your home isn’t ready yet, you may need to use short-term accommodation. In smaller towns like Dijon, you should budget around 50-70 Euros a night for a comfortable sleep. In larger cities like Paris or Lyon, expect to pay more 100 Euros for a nights stay.
6. Settling In: French Housing, Schools, & Healthcare
A. Housing
The housing costs in France depend greatly on where you plan to live. If you’re an expat, then the following are excellent examples of friendly expat neighbourhoods in three of the big cities.
Paris – Le Marais, Saint Germain-des-Pres, and Montmartre
Lyon – Croix-Rousse and Vieux Lyon
Nice – Old Town and Mont Boron
B. Education
Did you know that in France, foreign language education begins as early as nursery school (ecole maternelle), with English being the most common choice? By Primary School (ecole elementaire), students receive at least 20 minutes of foreign language instruction every day, often focusing on English. This early emphasis on language learning means that if you’re relocating to France from the UK with children, finding a school that offers English instruction is quite feasible.
However, if you prefer your children to be primarily educated in English, international school are available, but can be quite costly. For example, the British School of Paris charges an annual tuitions fees of between 20 and 30 thousand Euros. As such, while many private schools integrate English into their curricula, if you want English instruction you’ll have to pay a premium for the pleasure.
Below is a list of the Top 3 Education Institutes in France:
C. Healthcare
France has a very well developed and modern health service that serves both public and private customers through what is called Carte Vitale. However, if you’re not a native French speaker you may struggle with the public service, and as such we’d recommend private insurance to ensure full coverage.
Top 3 Rated Hospitals in France:
7. France Cost Comparison
The Cost of Living in France varies depending on the city.
| Expense | Paris | Lyon | Nice | Annecy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1 bedroom) | £1,500 /month | £900 /month | £900 /month | £700 /month |
| Meal (restaurant) | £15 | £12 | £13 | £11 |
| Public Transport | £75/month | £50/month | £40/month | £45/month |
| Internet | £20/month | £20/month | £20/month | £20/month |
Comparing France to Other Expat Destinations.
| Factor | France | UK | USA | Germany | Spain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | Moderate | High | High | Moderate | Lower |
| Job Opportunities | Strong in finance, tech and hospitality | Competitive | Strong in tech and finance | Strong in engineering | Growing in tourism |
| Healthcare | Universal and high quality | NHS (free but stretched) | Expensive without insurance | Excellent public health care system | Universal and affordable |
| Cultural Adaptation | Moderate, French language required | Easy for English speakers | Easy for English speakers | Easy for English speakers | Easier for English speakers |
| Visa Requirements | Moderate for non-EU citizens | Complex | Complex | Moderate | Easier for EU citizens |
Pros of Moving to France Over Popular Expat Destinations:
- Excellent Healthcare – ranked among the best in the world with affordable access.
- Rich Culture and History – Museums (Louvre) and Historic sites.
- Diverse Landscapes – From mountains to coastlines, France has it all.
- Work-Life Balance – The French place a high emphasis on leisure time and have strong labour protections in place.
- Efficient Transport System – High speed rails links (TGV) to connect with the rest of mainland Europe, and well-connected public transport networks in and out of the major cities.
Cons of Moving to France:
- Bureaucracy – Complex paperwork for visas, taxes, and residency
- High Taxes – Income and social charges can be high for professionals
- Language Barrier – You need to be able to speak French to function effectively in many regions of France.
- Cost of Living in Cities – Paris and Lyon can expensive for expats.
8. Settling Down
Exploring Your New Home in France
Depending on your interests and lifestyle, selecting the right location to move to in France can make all the difference for your move. Here are some of our suggestions for locations to move to in France based on your particular lifestyle:
- Urban Life: Paris is ideal if you like urban life. With a global audience, vibrant nightlife and many cultural attractions, it’s ideal for professionals who enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle.
- Beach Life: Located on the French Riviera, Nice is the perfect location if like life on the beach. With stunning beaches, Mediterranean weather, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere, if you’re looking for a Spanish style home with a French way of life, choose Nice!
- Outdoor Life: Surrounded by the Alps, Annecy is perfect for those who love hiking and skiing. Known as the “Venice of the Alps” due to its picturesque canals, if you like outdoor life, then pick Annecy as your new home.
- Food and Cuisine: The French are world-renowned for the cuisine, but one city stands out as France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon. With a host of Michelin-starred restaurants and a world-class culinary scene, if you like your food, try Lyon.
- Festivals and Culture: If culture and festivals are more your thing, why not move to Avignon? Famous for its performing arts festivals and medieval architecture, it’s a hub for culture and history lovers alike.
9. FAQs About Moving to France
Q: How long does it take to ship household goods to France?
Most international moves will use sea freight, with popular shipping routes including:
- UK to France: ~5 days by sea
- USA to France: ~30 days by sea
- Australia to France: ~40 days by sea
Q: Can I bring my pet with me to France?
Yes, you can bring your dog and cat to France, but they need to meet specific requirements, including microchipping, rabies vaccination, and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or EU Pet Passport.
Q: What are the Living Costs like in France?
Depending on where you live the living costs in France are generally cheaper than the UK. However, in big cities like Paris and Lyon, expect to pay a premium, much like living in London.
Q: Do they have an NHS in France?
Yes, the French version of the NHS is called Carte Vitale. However, if you're not a French speaker, then we'd recommend getting private health insurance to ensure full coverage.
10. Cultural Tips for Expats in France
- Learn Basic French – Even a small effort will help integration.
- Respect Business Etiquette – Formal greetings and politeness are very important in professional settings.
- Understand Lunch Culture – Similar to the Spanish Siesta, the French take long lunch breaks, particularly in smaller towns.
- Use Public Transport – It’s expected to use the excellent and efficient public transport systems around France as part of the culture.
11. Conclusion: Moving to France from the UK
France is a big country, much bigger than the UK, and is host to a diverse landscape, rich history and a very vibrant culture. From the bustling streets of Paris to the serene vineyards of Bordeux, and the sunny beaches of the Cote d’Azur to the snow capped Alps, France offers a variety of lifestyles to choose from. If you can speak the language, then it should be at the top of your list. Whether you seek a slower pace in the countryside or the excitement of a major city, moving to France provides an opportunity for a fresh start in a country known for its quality of life, excellent cuisine, and a strong sense of community.
For a seamless move to France from the UK, the team here at Euromovers can help you every step of the way. We’re here to assist with packing, shipping and even customs clearance to ensure a stress-free transition abroad.
Choose Euromovers as your trusted international removal company, and get a Quote Today!
