Moving to France in 2026: The Complete Hub
Everything for your move to France, in one place. City-by-city relocation guides (Marseille, Lyon, Nice, Paris), route-by-route cost breakdowns, and the official admin steps — each written by our movers with sourced local detail. Start with your destination city or your route below.
City guides — moving to France
- Moving to Marseille (2026): The Complete Relocation Guide
- Moving to Lyon (2026): The Complete Relocation Guide
- Moving to Nice (2026): The Complete Relocation Guide
- Moving to Paris (2026): The Complete Relocation Guide
Moving routes to & from France
- Moving from France to the UK (2026): Complete Guide
- Moving from France to Norway (2026): Complete Guide
- Moving from France to the Netherlands (2026): Complete Guide
- Moving from France to Switzerland (2026): Complete Guide
- Moving from France to Sweden (2026): Complete Guide
- Moving from France to Poland (2026): Complete Guide
- Moving from France to Greece (2026): Complete Guide
- Moving from France to the UK (2026): Complete Guide
- Moving from France to Spain (2026): Complete Guide
- Moving from France to Portugal (2026): Complete Guide
- Moving from France to Norway (2026): Complete Guide
- Moving from France to Italy (2026): Complete Guide
- Moving from France to Germany (2026): Complete Guide
- Moving from France to Belgium (2026): Complete Guide
For the practical side of the move – crews, customs paperwork and a fixed price – start here: international movers in France.
What your move will cost
- Cost of Moving from France to the UK 2026: Complete Price Guide
- Cost of Moving from France to Portugal 2026: Complete Price Guide
- Cost of Moving from France to Switzerland 2026: Complete Price Guide
- Cost of Moving from France to Spain 2026: Complete Price Guide
Essential admin & paperwork in France
- Owning French Property as Non-Resident 2026: Tax + Rental
- French Driving Licence Abroad 2026: EU Validity + Exchange
- Customs for Household Goods from France 2026: EU + Third Countries
- French Pension Abroad 2026: Carsat, Treaties and Withholding
- French Bank Account After Moving Abroad 2026: BNP, Société
- French Health Cover Abroad 2026: CFE, S1 Form and EHIC
- Selling French Property Before Moving Abroad 2026: Plus-Value
- France Exit Tax 2026: Article 167 bis CGI Explained
- Leaving France 2026: Consulate Registration and Departure Steps
Frequently asked questions
Do EU citizens need a residence permit to move to France?
As an EU, EEA or Swiss national you have the right of free movement and do not need a residence permit or visa to live and work in France, and there is no compulsory registration procedure for stays. You simply need a valid identity card or passport, and you may request a residence card voluntarily if you wish (Service-Public.fr).
Do I have to pay customs duties on my household goods?
No. France is part of the EU single market, so household goods moved from another EU country circulate freely with no customs formalities, duties or import VAT. Different rules apply only if you are importing goods from outside the EU (Douane).
How much does an international move to France cost and how long does it take?
The cost depends mainly on the volume of your belongings (measured in cubic metres), the distance and the services you choose, such as packing, storage or insurance, so we recommend an itemised, survey-based quote rather than relying on averages. A road move between EU countries typically takes from a few days to a couple of weeks door to door, depending on the route (Your Europe).
What deposit will I need to rent a home in France?
For an unfurnished long-term lease the security deposit (depot de garantie) is capped at one month’s rent excluding charges, and for a furnished lease it may be up to two months’ rent. The deposit must be returned within one or two months of you handing back the keys (Service-Public.fr).
How do I register for healthcare in France?
Once you live in France on a stable basis you are covered under universal health protection (Protection universelle maladie, PUMa); you register with your local health insurance fund (CPAM) to obtain a social security number and Carte Vitale. Before you are affiliated, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers medically necessary care (Ameli.fr).
Can I keep driving on my EU licence in France?
Yes. A valid driving licence issued by an EU or EEA country is recognised in France for as long as it remains valid, so you do not normally need to exchange it while you are resident. You must exchange it only in specific cases, such as after certain offences or when it expires (Service-Public.fr).
Sources
- Service-Public.fr – EU citizens living in France
- French Customs (Douane)
- Your Europe – Living in the EU
- Service-Public.fr – Rental deposit
- Ameli.fr – French health insurance
- Service-Public.fr – EU driving licence
Hiring an international mover? See our full International removals to France service — Flyto’s own European hubs, vetted local partners and one English-speaking coordinator, door to door.
