Moving to France from the US is the beginning of an exciting adventure, but bureaucracy, customs laws, and international shipping can make the process stressful. With Aragon Moving Systems, a licensed international moving company (NVOCC) with over 25 years of experience, you get complete peace of mind. We will manage the entire process for you from door to door: from professional packing in the US to fast clearance from French customs. Get a free quote now and start planning your new life in France.
Our agents in France are highly reliable and have extensive knowledge of French customs and local laws. They’ll make sure that your belongings stay safe and arrive on time. We also coordinate with them to keep track of your shipment and remain updated on the entire process.
Valid U.S. Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay)
Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour) – apply at the French consulate before departure
Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour) – apply within 2 months of arrival in France
Proof of Accommodation (rental lease, property ownership, or host attestation)
Proof of Financial Resources (bank statements, income proof, employment contract, or pension)
Health Insurance Coverage (international or French-compliant plan)
Employment Contract or Job Offer (if working in France)
University Enrollment Letter (if studying)
Marriage Certificate / Birth Certificates (for accompanying family – translated and apostilled)
FBI Criminal Background Check (apostilled and translated into French)
Medical Certificate (sometimes required, depending on visa type)
Inventory List for Personal Belongings (for customs clearance)
Apart from the local corps at ARAGON MOVING SYSTEMS, our international corps specializes in shipping overseas. Besides providing you with quality overseas shipping, we also provide door to door services so that your moving is done quickly and efficiently. This means dealing with language barriers, customs regulations and acting in precise coordination and punctuality. Our customers receive expert guidance from a team of international movers who have helped more than thousands of people through moving and packaging; people who you could trust with all the formalities and details, and who can deliver your shipment safely.
Your search for the best moving company has led you here.
| comparison parameter | Sea freight (LCL/FCL) | Air freight |
| Transit Time | 4-6 weeks on average | 5-10 days |
| Economic cost | Economical (affordable for the contents of an entire house/car) | Significantly expensive (calculated by volumetric weight) |
| Cargo flexibility | High (heavy furniture, electrical appliances, vehicles) | Low (may be limited to personal items and boxes only) |
Paris is ideal for internationals moving to France. It offers a high quality of life, strong public services, and a global culture. English is widely spoken, though French helps. Living costs are high, especially rent, but salaries generally match expenses.
Nice offers a sunny Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture, and an international-friendly atmosphere. It’s perfect for retirees and expats alike. English is widely spoken, and the cost of living—especially rent and groceries—is affordable compared to other major French cities.
Lyon offers a high quality of life, rich cuisine, scenic beauty, and great schools. While the international community is smaller and French is helpful, the city is affordable, well-connected, and full of cultural attractions, ideal for families and professionals alike.
Marseille offers rich history, Mediterranean charm, diverse culture, and vibrant food. It’s France’s oldest city with global influences and a lively atmosphere. While traffic is heavy and French is helpful, it remains welcoming to internationals with some English-speaking job opportunities and year-round coastal appeal.
You can move to France without a job, but you’ll need proof of sufficient financial means to secure a long-stay visa. Common paths include student visas, retirement residency, or self-employment. Health insurance and proof of accommodation are also required. Planning and documentation are essential.
The average cost of moving from the US to France ranges from $7,000 to $10,000, because the volume of the contents (number of rooms), the geographical distance to the destination ports, and the need for premium services such as packing and customs clearance directly affect pricing. Therefore, it is recommended to order an in-home estimate to receive a final and transparent quote.
Choose a business structure: most common for foreign entrepreneurs are:
SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) – flexible and popular for agencies
SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée) – similar to an LLC
Register the company with the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE) or Infogreffe.fr
Apply for a long-stay visa (e.g., Profession libérale or Entrepreneur visa)
After arrival, apply for a Carte de Séjour (residency card)
Register with the Chamber of Commerce
Obtain a SIRET/SIREN number
Open a French business bank account
Hire a local accountant (expert-comptable) familiar with French tax laws
Register for VAT (TVA) if applicable
File taxes according to French regulations
Set up a physical or virtual office in France
If hiring, register with URSSAF (social security)
Translate legal documents into French if needed
Adapt your contracts and terms to French law
Original Vehicle Title (clear of liens, or with lien-holder permission)
Bill of Sale (proof of purchase and ownership)
Copy of Passport & U.S. ID
Import Declaration (DAU) – filled at French customs
Customs Entry (Cerfa form 846A) – issued upon arrival
Non-EU Vehicle Compliance Certificate (from the French DRIRE/UTAC office)
Proof of Insurance (temporary or international policy)
Proof of Residency in France (for duty-free import eligibility if applicable)
Shipping Invoice (from freight company)
Emissions & Technical Compliance Testing (vehicle must pass French regulations)
Payment of Taxes/Duties
10% Import Duty (if applicable)
20% VAT (based on car value + shipping cost)
To move to France, you’ll typically need at least €21,600 annually or €1,800 monthly to prove financial independence, plus €30,000 in savings. Costs vary by city but plan for €1,200–€2,000/month in living expenses. Additional funds may be required for visa fees, relocation, and initial housing deposits.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | 900 |
| Utilities | 189 |
| Internet | 30 |
| Public Transport | 64 |
| Groceries | 300 |
| Leisure & Dining Out | 280 |
| Fitness Club | 35 |
| Total | 1,798 |
