What Can I Take to France When I Move?

Moving to France is an exciting step, but once you start packing, you may find yourself wondering what you can actually take with you. Can you bring all your furniture? What about your favourite foods, your pets or your car? And will you have to pay customs duties on your belongings?

The good news is that you can usually take most of your everyday possessions when moving to France. However, the rules depend on where you are moving from and what you intend to bring.

Can I Take My Furniture and Personal Belongings?

If you are moving from the UK to France, you can generally bring your furniture, clothes, books, kitchen equipment, personal electronics and other household belongings. However, since Brexit, moving personal possessions from the UK to France can involve customs formalities.

If you are transferring your main residence from outside the EU, you may qualify for relief from customs duties and taxes on your personal belongings. Conditions generally include having lived outside the EU for at least 12 months, having owned and used the items for at least six months, and importing them within 12 months of moving your residence. You will also need to provide an inventory of your belongings and supporting paperwork.

There are additional restrictions on certain goods, and the rules differ if you are furnishing a holiday home rather than moving your main residence. It is worth checking the requirements with French Customs or your removal company before arranging your move.

Can I Take My Car to France?

You can bring your car when moving to France, but importing it permanently involves more than simply driving it across the Channel. You may need to register it in France, obtain the appropriate certificate of conformity, arrange any necessary inspections and pay applicable taxes.

If you qualify for transfer-of-residence customs relief, your vehicle may also be eligible, subject to the relevant conditions. Before bringing it over, check the paperwork required for French registration and consider whether importing your existing car makes financial sense.

Can I Bring Food and Drink?

This is an area where you need to be particularly careful. If you are travelling from the UK into France, you generally cannot bring meat, milk or products containing them for personal use. This includes familiar favourites such as sausages, bacon and many cheeses.

Some exceptions apply, including certain baby foods and special foods required for medical reasons. Other food products may be permitted, subject to the applicable rules.

Plants, seeds, fruit and vegetables can also be subject to restrictions and phytosanitary requirements. If you are planning to bring plants from your garden or treasured houseplants to your new home, check the rules before packing them.

What About Pets?

You can move to France with your dog or cat, but you will need to arrange the correct travel documentation. Pets travelling from Great Britain generally need an approved microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate or other accepted documentation.

You should speak to your vet well before your moving date, as vaccinations and paperwork need to be completed in the correct order. If you have several pets or animals other than dogs and cats, check the specific requirements that apply to them.

Can I Take My Medication?

You can generally bring medication for your personal use, but there are limits and additional rules for certain controlled medicines. Keep medication in its original packaging where possible, and carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor, particularly if you take regular medication.

If you need a substantial supply, or your medication contains controlled substances, check the French requirements before travelling. It is also sensible to make arrangements for obtaining future prescriptions once you are living in France.

What Should I Leave Behind?

Weapons, ammunition, certain animal and plant products, protected wildlife items and some medicines can be prohibited or require special authorisation. Alcohol and tobacco may also be subject to specific allowances, duties or taxes.

It is also worth thinking practically. Moving everything you own may not be the most cost-effective option. Large appliances might not be compatible with your new home, furniture may not fit older French properties, and bulky items can be expensive to transport. Take the opportunity to sort through your belongings before booking a removal company.

Plan Your Move Before You Pack

The best approach is to make a detailed inventory, keep receipts or proof of ownership for valuable items, and speak to an international removal company familiar with moves to France. Ask which customs documents you need and whether they will help you prepare them.

For the latest information, consult French Customs and the UK government's France travel advice.

With a little preparation, you can avoid unnecessary delays and costs, leaving you free to concentrate on settling into your new French home.

Why not have a chat with our team before your move, we can put you in touch with some of our favourite removal companies - https://www.anewlifeinfrance.com/get-help