Moving to France
from Australia
France is a beautiful country, with a rich history and stunning natural landscapes. As one of the oldest nations globally, France’s landmarks, fashion, film and culture are deeply influenced by the country’s long-standing history.
Moving and Living in France
Historically and culturally France is among one of the most important nations in the Western world, having played a highly significant role in historic international affairs, with former colonies in every corner of the globe. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Alps and Pyrenees, France is the geographic, economic and linguistic bridge joining Northern and Southern Europe.
France is the largest country in Europe and one of the most diverse – with German influences along the northern border, Spanish notions in the south and Italian elements from Nice to Marseille. As one of the oldest nations globally, France’s landmarks, fashion, film and culture are deeply influenced by the country’s long-standing history.
France’s major cities and provinces are bursting with life and activity, from the vibrant riverside cafes and restaurants on the Seine River in Paris to Provence’s quaint medieval artists’ villages and sun-drenched seaports, the architectural grandeur and political history of the Palace of Versailles, and the winter wonderland of powdery snow in the French Alps. There is so much more to France than the traditional tourist destinations, with multiple film, food and cultural festivals and destinations of natural beauty.
Explore the glorious French countryside and its landmarks with dramatic scenery, hiking and alpine sports in the Chamonix Valley, a jaunt along the French Riviera coastline, a journey to the quaint canals and rich history of Bruges or a day trip to the UNESCO listed island of Mont Saint-Michel. Delve into the history of the Lascaux Caves, admire the Monet Garden in Giverny, visit the Champagne province just east of Paris to learn about the rich history of Champagne or visit the expansive purple lavender fields in The Valensole Plateau.
Go sailing in Saint-Tropez on the Mediterranean, attend the Cannes Film Festival, watch the sunset behind the Eiffel Tower and the lights sparkle every hour or shop in the upmarket French department store of Galerie Lafayette. And, if all that activity makes you hungry, there’s plenty to choose from; from Michelin star restaurants to Croque Monsieur in street-side cafes, boeuf bourguignon, escargot, and steak tartare. Dig into a traditional onion and beef stock soup of Soupe à l’oignon, help yourself to a macaron or fresh pastry, enjoy a soufflé or sit down to an array of fresh French cheeses and meats.
Moving to France from Australia with OSS
At OSS World Wide Movers, our network of FIDI / FAIM accredited partners cover the whole of France.
Our partners in France are well versed in all aspects of the requirements for importation of personal and household goods.
This guarantees you a seamless, tailor made move to France, right through to your new home not only your personal effects and vehicles, but also for your much loved pets as well.
There is so much more to France than the traditional tourist destinations, with multiple film, food and cultural festivals and destinations of natural beauty.
Moving your household goods to France
Can I pack my own goods when I move to France?
If you are sending items which have been packed by yourself “Packed by Owner” then they will attract a more stringent inspection by Customs on arrival in France.
Providing a detailed carton by carton inventory will assist Customs in inspecting your effects, and may avoid unnecessary delays.
But it is advisable to have your goods packed by OSS if you are looking at sending larger consignments, to ensure the clearance process can be conducted with minimum fuss.
How do I move my car to France?
Moving motor vehicles and motorbikes when moving to France is possible provided Customs criteria are met.
The service we provide is usually a depot to depot service, meaning the motor vehicle will need to be collected by you from our partner’s depot in France following customs clearance. Customs may require evidence that the owner of the vehicle has lived abroad for 12 months or longer, so a copy of your passport with a date stamp showing arrival in France, or a copy of the lease or rental agreement in France would be sufficient. For in-depth detail about these requirements, click here.
Can I move my boat to France?
Moving to France with a boat is similar in the requirements to moving a vehicle to France, when it comes to the registration requirements and process.
Customs and Quarantine in France will have a special interest in the boat due to its exposure to marine life, however as Australia has a fairly clean marine environment, your boat should pass customs and quarantine without any problem. For more information about the entry requirements, click the link here.
How long will my move to France take?
When moving your household goods to France by sea freight, this will typically take 10 – 12 weeks for an FCL service. For services such as LCL and shared container services (i.e. groupage), these will take longer to reach your destination as your goods will need to be consolidated with other consignments heading to the same destination. Please discuss these options & shipping times with your removal consultant, as shipping times will vary greatly for each destination when using this type of service over an FCL service.
What insurance should I have when moving to France?
Electrical Goods and Compliance when moving to France
For France, there are two associated plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the standard European plug which has two round pins and plug type E is the plug that has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. The C type plug also fit in a type E outlet. France operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. You can use all your equipment in France if the outlet voltage in your own country is between 220V-240V. This is the case in most of Europe, Australia, the United Kingdom and most countries in Africa and Asia.
Can I move to France with pets?
Moving overseas with your pets presents a unique set of logistical challenges. When moving with your loved pet, eg Cat or Dog, this process will be managed with a specialist ‘OSS approved’ pet moving provider who understands the needs of both pets and their owners, and will take care of all the relevant arrangements for your move to France.
Pets that are imported from non-EU countries must be declared and presented to Customs for document and identity checks before they can be allowed into the territory of the European Union. Importing an undeclared animal can result in a fine and confiscation of the animal.
Only the following animals accompanying a traveller are considered pets within the meaning of veterinary regularities and as such are tolerated under the conditions set out below:
- dogs (including guide dogs), cats, ferrets;
- reptiles;
- amphibians;
- invertebrates (except bees and crustaceans);
- rodents and domestic rabbits;
- ornamental fish;
- all species of birds (except poultry).
Please note there is a ban on importing certain attack dogs into France. The dogs concerned are Category 1 dogs without a pedigree recognised by the French Ministry of Agriculture belonging to the following breeds: Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier (pitbull), Mastiff (boerbull) and Tosa.
For more information about taking your pets with you to France, click here.
Tax implications when moving to France
If you are considering a move to France then it’s very important that you understand the vast tax differences between the two nations. The taxes in France are extensive. In fact, as someone who lives in or makes money from France, you may pay taxes on the following things, among others:
- personal income on an annual basis
- investments
- corporate or business income
- inheritance
- property
- wealth
- purchased goods and services
You are liable to pay taxes in France if:
- France is your main place of residence or home – if your spouse and children live in France and you work abroad, you may still be considered a French tax resident.
- You are resident in France for more than 183 days in a calendar year – not necessarily consecutively.
- Your main occupation is in France.
- Your most substantial assets are in France.
You also need to note that VAT is taxable on certain goods and services and will be included in the sales price of the relevant items. The standard rate of VAT in France is currently 20%. However, you should note there are reduced French VAT rates for certain pharmaceuticals, public transport, hotels, restaurants, and tickets to sporting/cultural events (10%); food and books (5.5%); and TV licenses and newspapers (2.1%).
The personal income tax rates for non-residents – Non-residents usually pay tax on their France-sourced income at a minimum French tax rate of 20% for French-sourced income up to €27,519 and 30% for income above this threshold. If you don’t plan to use an accountant, be sure to do your research thoroughly so that you don’t end up facing fines or penalties. Please note that this information is general in nature and not specific to your circumstances.
It is vital that you understand and obtain specific accounting and taxation advice suitable to your individual circumstances prior to your arrival.
Restricted and Prohibited items when moving to France
When looking to relocate to France you will need to consider the extensive list of restricted and prohibited items. The following is a sample of the extensive list you can see via this PDF: Moving to France – FIDI Guide
Prohibited items
- Narcotic and psychotropic drugs (except when accompanied by a prescription, medical certificate or an import and export authorisation).
- Counterfeit goods.
- The following breeds of dogs are prohibited: Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Mastiffs/Boerboels, Tosas, and Molossers.
- Endangered species and their derivative products protected under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
- Pornographic products or objects which include the representation of minors.
Restricted items
- Plants and plant products require a Common Health Entry Document for Plant Protection. For further information, please visit the Ministry for Agriculture, Agri-food and Forestry. Meat, fish, milk, other dairy and animal origin products have certain restrictions surrounding their importation, therefore it is important to understand the rules surrounding their entry to France.
- Endangered animals, plants, and their derivative products protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) may require protected species permits.
- Live animals (including pets) and animal based products are subject to a mandatory health inspection at the first point of entry on EU territory. They must also have a microchip or tattoo, and have been properly vaccinated against rabies. A Common Veterinary Entry Document certifying the healthy inspection must be provided with the customs declaration. Pets travelling within the EU must have a valid pet passport.
- Cultural goods leaving France must travel with a certificate, and cultural goods leaving the EU must leave with a certificate and an export authorisation. For further information, please visit the Ministry for Culture and Communication.
- Weapons and ammunition, depending on their category, are subject to prior transfer agreement, import authorisation, transfer permit, or export authorisation.
For an extensive listing please refer to the EU Customs Tariff (TARIC) page by clicking here.
Visa and Immigration Information
When travelling or moving to France, make sure your passport and visas are correct and valid. Check these links to find out some of the latest requirements.
Consulate / Embassy in Australia
Contact the Embassy of France by visiting:
6 Perth Avenue
YARRALUMLA
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Australia
Phone: +612 6216 0100
Fax: +612 6216 0132
Email: information.canberra-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Embassy website: http://www.ambafrance-au.org/-English-
Visa Information
General Visa Information can be found here: https://au.ambafrance.org/-Visas-new-
Passport Information
Please contact the Consulate-General of France in Sydney by visiting:
Level 26, St Martins Tower
31 Market Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Australia
Phone: +612 9268 2400
Fax: +612 9268 2431
Immigration Information
Follow this link for immigration information and related services: http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/
Social Media Links
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Ambafrancecanberra
Twitter Page: https://www.twitter.com/FranceAustralia
All about France – Moving to a new lifestyle
