Part of our Moving to Europe, Australia & New Zealand guide
Moving to France from the USA (2026 Guide)
Customs relief, documents, ports and delivery for shipping household goods from the United States to France.
Short answer
French customs (douane) let you import household goods from the U.S. free of duty and VAT when you transfer your main residence to France. You need a detailed, dated and signed inventory in two copies, proof you lived abroad for at least a year, and proof you are settling in France. Containers usually arrive at Le Havre or Fos-sur-Mer (Marseille).
Duty-free import rules for France
Standard EU removal-goods relief applies: at least 12 months living outside the EU, goods owned and used for at least 6 months, and import within 12 months of moving. Full EU conditions are on our customs guide.
- France asks for a detailed inventory with estimated values, dated and signed, in two copies. List everything, even items shipped later.
- Goods for a second home do not qualify.
Official source: Service-Public.fr: moving to France from outside the EU (customs).
Confirm a mover's FMC license and any association claim in associations and licensing, and read reviews with where to research international mover reviews. More official customs offices are listed on those pages and in the customs guide.
Ports and delivery
Main container ports are Le Havre and Fos-sur-Mer (Marseille). Your mover's destination agent clears customs and delivers to your new home. Common delivery cities include Paris, Lyon, Nice, Bordeaux.
Good to know
A certificate of change of residence from a French consulate can serve as proof you lived abroad.
Getting quotes for France
Ask every mover to price the same surveyed volume door to door, and check each line against our quote checklist. Pick a method in shipping methods, and check restricted items before you pack.
City-to-city routes to France
Leaving from a U.S. city
- Moving abroad from Los Angeles
- Moving abroad from New York
- Moving abroad from San Francisco Bay Area
- Moving abroad from Miami
Licensed movers for France
Compare the licensed movers we work with on our 2026 rankings: Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations, My International Movers.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm current rules with the official customs office before you ship.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do French customs want for a household move?
A detailed, dated, signed inventory in two copies, proof of residence abroad for 12 months, proof of settling in France, and registration papers for any vehicle.
Can I furnish a holiday home in France duty-free?
No. Relief applies to your main residence, not a second home.
Do I have to ship everything at once?
No, but every item must be on the inventory you present at the first customs clearance, and all goods must arrive within 12 months.
How long does it take to ship household goods to France?
It depends on the U.S. departure port, the sailing schedule, transshipments, and whether you use a full or shared container. Ask each mover for the port-to-port transit time and the door-to-door estimate in writing.
Which movers can ship my belongings to France?
Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers — the four licensed movers we work with — handle international household moves. Request free quotes from the four we work with with one form.
Get free quotes from licensed movers
One short form for International Moving Company. Pick items from the inventory list or upload a quick video walkthrough. Your request is shared with Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers so you can compare their quotes. Free, no obligation.