Are you planning an international relocation from the UAE to France?
Moving to a new country involves various considerations and preparations. Sanaa Rejeb, Crown Relocations' Business Development Manager, shares valuable insights to answer five commonly asked questions about relocating to France.
From transit times to customs duties and shipping vehicles, we've got you covered.
1. Transit times for sea shipments to France
You should allow 6 to 8 weeks for a shipment to reach your new home. For moves from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Crown offers direct sailing from Jebel Ali to Le Havre or Fos-sur-Mer ports, ensuring faster and more reliable transit times.
The direct sailing to Le Havre takes 35 to 40 days, while Fos-sur-Mer takes 30 to 35 days. The door-to-door transit times include:
- Sailing time from port to port
- 3 to 5 working days in both the UAE and France for customs clearance
- Loading, unloading, and final delivery.
2. Door-to-Door Quotations – Avoiding Surprises
At Crown Relocations, we aim to provide comprehensive quotations for international moves. However, it’s essential to consider potential additional costs at the destination; some common examples include:
- Major Cities: Delivery access often requires a parking permit issued by the local Town Hall (La Mairie)
- Apartment Blocks: May have limited or unsuitable lift access or narrow stairwells that require the hire of an external elevator
- Historical Cities: Often have access limitations for large vehicles and shipping containers, requiring an additional shuttle vehicle to transport items.
- Large/Heavy Furniture: Consider whether items will fit in your new home and be easily manoeuvred, particularly upstairs. If items need to be dismantled and reassembled or hoisted through upstairs windows, this will attract additional costs.
If you have a final delivery address at the time of enquiry, your dedicated Move Manager will work with you to discuss the details and provide tailored solutions to avoid surprises or unnecessary additional expenses.
3. Customs Duties on Household Goods
You may qualify for exemption from French customs duties and taxes on your household goods and vehicles if they are for personal use, (i.e. not in commercial quantities), and meet the specific requirements:
- Your shipment must arrive and be customs cleared no later than 12 months from the date of your arrival in France.
- Your goods must have been used for a minimum of 6 months before being imported into France.
- You will need to transfer your primary residence to France. Evidence, such as an Employment Certificate from your employer in France, utility bills or tax return forms will be required.
- Proof that you have lived outside of the EU for at least 12 months prior to the shipment import into France.
If you are a French national, providing that you have cancelled your UAE visa, you should get a change of residence certificate (‘Certificat de changement de résidence’) from the French Consulate in Dubai.
If you are not a French national, ask your UAE employer for an Employment Certificate that includes your period of employment. Your dedicated Crown Relocations Move Manager will discuss your personal situation and provide tailored templates and advice.
Customs duties and taxes will apply if France is your secondary residence, or if you ship new items/vehicles owned for less than 6 months.
Please also note that you may not sell, loan, rent or pledge any exempt belongings within 12 months of their date of their entry into France.
4. Sending Furniture and Personal Items to a Secondary Residence
If you want to send small quantities of furniture and personal effects to a second property in France, Crown Relocations offers a regular EU Shared Container Service via Rotterdam or Antwerp. This cost-effective solution is ideal for those with a secondary residence in France.
Find out more about the service here.
5. Shipping Vehicles to France
It is possible ton ship a car and/or motorbike, along with your household goods to France. However, the vehicles and personal effects should have the same owner. Crown Relocations can assist with arranging transportation, customs clearance, handover, and delivery. You will be responsible for mandatory insurance, technical inspection, and registration of the vehicle in France.
Ready to move?
Relocating your household goods from the UAE to France may seem daunting, but with proper planning and the assistance of Crown Relocations, the process can be smooth and hassle-free.
Our expert team of Move Managers are ready to guide you through each step, ensuring a seamless transition to your new home in France. Contact us today for personalized assistance and a door-to-door moving quote without any surprises or hidden costs.
Call us on +971 4 230 5300