Moving to France from India

France is home to many Indian expats, drawn to the high quality of life, rich European multiculturalism, and healthy Mediterranean food and lifestyle. Many people from India speak their regional language and English, but few speak French. Learning as much French as you can prior to your move will ease your transition considerably. 

French residents enjoy all the modern amenities of life, but you will almost certainly want to bring a few cherished personal items with you. You probably have a lot of questions. What items can you bring? Are there prohibited items? What does it cost? 

The purpose of this brief guide is to give you the fundamentals of shipping your vehicle and personal goods to France. You will learn what is necessary to import personal items and vehicles as well as some tips for easing the process. 

Remember, before you attempt to import goods to France or any other country, you should check with your local customs officials for the most up-to-date guidance. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

Can I Import my Personal Items to France?

If you have been a resident of India for at least the past year and intend to move your primary personal residence to France, you can import your personal goods tax and duty free. Certain items, such as firearms, alcohol, drugs, and agricultural items, are restricted or subject to more scrutiny. 

If you are not moving your primary personal residence to France but are establishing a second home in the country, you will need to pay customs duty, VAT, and potentially other taxes on your household goods.

Taxes will be calculated based on the declared value of your inventoried goods. 

The Rules

• Unlike some countries, you can import your goods to France in multiple shipments as long as you complete your shipments within 12 months of your move.
• Anything you import into the country duty free cannot be sold, loaned, assigned, or leased for at least a year after you imported the goods into France.

You will need to present:

• A detailed inventory or manifest of your imported goods. (keep two copies on hand)
• Cerfa 10070 form (declaration)
• Documentation to prove your previous residence in India, and your new residence in France.

How Do I Import a Vehicle to France?

Importing a vehicle to France from India can be complicated. French Customs officials, called Douanes, enforce stringent guidelines for imports. All imported vehicles must meet French regulations and all paperwork must be complete in order to proceed without delays. 

You will be responsible for: 

• Providing a bill of sale for your vehicle, as well as valid vehicle registration.
• Ensuring that your vehicle is clean of foreign soil
• Freight and insurance fees
• Duties, taxes, and other fees (import processing, logistical services, customs brokers)

• Registration and insurance requirements (These are specific to the individual French State or Territory you are moving to.)
• Even more fees for transport, storage, and delivery charges to get your car from wharf to wharf.

Need Help with Your Move from India to France?

You don’t have to manage these logistical challenges alone. At A1 Auto Transport, we have a team of international shipping experts who know everything you need to know to get your household goods and vehicles transported and patriated without a hitch. If you’d like a free, no-obligation shipping quote, contact us. We will get you in touch with a shipping expert who specializes in your specific needs, getting you on your way in no time.