Are you considering an international move to France for work or personal reasons? Bonne chance! Prepare yourself for an adventure in learning the French language (if you haven’t already), experiencing French cuisine and immersing yourself in French culture.
Keep in mind that you will also be dealing with French bureaucracy. Your dealings with France’s government agencies will start before you even leave your current home. There are several requirements you must meet in order to satisfy France’s customs authority.
The Purpose of France’s Customs Requirements
There’s a reason France’s government asks immigrants to furnish this information: Authorities want to know that you’re not coming into the country for the purpose of re-selling your goods.
This isn’t uncommon amongst customs authorities. If you can prove you’re not going to be moving to France in order to profit from the sale of your personal belongings, you won’t have to pay VAT on the shipment.
What You Need to Move to France
There are several documents you need in order for your shipment to clear customs in France. Your moving company will provide you with some of them.
You will have to create an inventory list of everything you’re packing. It must include the value of each item in euros. It’s important to know that the list must be written in French – the French customs authority will not accept it if it is written in another language. You’ll also need to include your address in your country of origin as well as your address in France.
The French government also requires people moving to France to supply a Change in Residency Certificate or an employment contract with a French employer. You can obtain the Change in Residency Certificate from the French consulate or embassy in your country of origin. The Change in Residency Certificate confirms that you have been living in this country for over a year. It also contains the dates from which you’ve lived here until the date you move to France.
Another necessary document is proof of residency in France. You’ll need to supply a phone bill, deed of ownership to a home, or some other paperwork that shows you have a place to live in France.
One of the other documents you’ll need is from the French government. It’s a declaration form that you will not sell your personal goods for profit when you arrive in France, and that your home in France is a residence, and not used for business purposes.
Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd.: Your International Shipping Experts
If you’re planning on moving to France, call Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd. today at 416-661-4228. We have over a decade of experience in international moving. We’ve moved customers to destinations all over the globe, including France. In fact, our customers are so happy with us, they’ve used us more than once! What makes us different? Customer service is our top priority. Our staffers are professional and courteous. They take time to answer every question, no matter how small. Find out what makes Orbit different – call us today at 416-661-4228.
By Adi Shaked
