Moving to France from UAE | A Relocation Guide

Introduction: Your "Vie en Rose" Awaits

Moving from the ultra-modern landscape of the United Arab Emirates to the timeless charm of France is a dream for many. From the romantic boulevards of Paris to the sun-kissed vineyards of Bordeaux and the lavender fields of Provence, France offers a rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and history. However, turning this dream into reality requires careful planning, especially when it comes to the logistical and bureaucratic aspects of an international relocation.

This comprehensive guide is tailored for UAE residents planning a move to France. We will navigate you through the essential steps, from understanding visa requirements and shipping your household goods to clearing French customs and settling into your new life. With this expert advice, you can approach your move with confidence and say "Bonjour" to your new home with ease.

Part 1: Visas and Residency in France

Before you can ship your belongings, you must secure your legal right to live in France. The process depends on your nationality.

For EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

If you hold a passport from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you have the right to live and work in France with minimal formalities. You will not need a visa, but you will need to register with the local authorities upon arrival if your stay exceeds three months.

For Non-EU Citizens

As a non-EU citizen moving from the UAE, you will need to apply for a Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour - VLS-TS) from the French consulate in your region before you travel. This visa acts as a temporary residence permit for your first year.

Common Types of Long-Stay Visas:

Work Visa: For those who have a job offer from a French company. Your employer will typically initiate the process to get a work authorization.
"Passeport Talent" Visa: For highly skilled professionals, researchers, artists, or individuals making a significant economic investment in France.
Student Visa: For individuals enrolled in a French educational institution.
Visitor Visa: For those who can prove they have sufficient financial means to live in France without working (e.g., retirees).

The Process:

Apply Online: Start your application on the official France-Visas website.
Gather Documents: You will need your passport, proof of financial resources, accommodation details in France, and specific documents related to your visa type (e.g., employment contract, university acceptance letter).
Attend an Appointment: You will need to attend an in-person appointment at a VFS Global centre in the UAE to submit your biometrics and documents.
Validate Your Visa: Upon arrival in France, you must validate your VLS-TS online within three months to make it official.

Part 2: Shipping Your Household Goods to France

The cost and method of shipping are major components of your relocation budget.

Sea Freight vs. Air Freight

Sea Freight: This is the most economical and common method for household moves. It's ideal for shipping furniture and a large volume of boxes. The door-to-door transit time from the UAE to France is typically 6 to 8 weeks.
Air Freight: This is much faster (7-15 days door-to-door) but significantly more expensive. Air freight is best for small, urgent shipments of essential items.

Recommendation: For a full home move, use sea freight for the bulk of your belongings and consider a small air shipment for essentials you'll need immediately upon arrival. Read our in-depth comparison: Sea Freight vs Air Freight: Best Option for Moving Abroad from UAE.

Cost of Shipping from UAE to France

A much cleaner, more modern, and mobile-friendly approach is to move away from a wide table and instead present the information as a list of distinct items with clear labels.

Shared Container (LCL) - 5 cbm

Estimated Cost: 9,000 - 14,000 AED
Best For: Studio or 1-bedroom apartment

Shared Container (LCL) - 10 cbm

Estimated Cost: 15,000 - 21,000 AED
Best For: 2-bedroom apartment with minimal furniture

20ft Full Container (FCL)

Estimated Cost: 18,000 - 26,000 AED
Best For: 2-3 bedroom home contents

40ft Full Container (FCL)

Estimated Cost: 28,000 - 38,000 AED
Best For: 4+ bedroom home or home + car

Air Freight (250 kg)

Estimated Cost: 14,000 - 20,000 AED
Best For: A few crucial boxes for immediate use

To understand if a shared or full container is right for you, read our guide: Shared Container vs Full Container Shipping.

Not sure of your volume? Get a quick estimate with our free Moving Volume Calculator.

Part 3: Navigating French Customs (Douanes Françaises)

Clearing customs is a critical step. With the correct paperwork, you can import your used personal and household effects into France free of customs duties and VAT.

The "Transfer of Residence" Exemption

To qualify for this duty-free exemption, you must meet the following conditions:

You have lived outside the European Union for at least the last 12 consecutive months.
You are moving your primary residence to France.
You have owned and used the goods you are importing for at least 6 months prior to your move.
You must import your goods within 12 months of the date you officially establish your residence in France.
You agree not to sell, lend, or dispose of the imported items for at least 12 months after their importation.

Required Documents for French Customs

Your moving company will guide you, but you will need to prepare:

CERFA Form n°10070: The official declaration for duty-free entry of personal belongings.
A detailed, valued, and signed inventory list: This must be provided in French, with two copies. Your moving company will typically assist with the translation.
Proof of Residence outside the EU: Documents showing you lived in the UAE for the last 12 months (e.g., utility bills, rental contract).
Proof of Your New Residence in France: A property title, rental agreement, or recent utility bill for your French address.
Copy of your Passport and Long-Stay Visa.
"Certificat de Changement de Résidence": A certificate issued by the French Consulate in the UAE stating your moving dates. This is a highly recommended document that facilitates smoother clearance.

Important: Do not ship alcohol, tobacco, or new items in their original packaging, as they will attract high taxes. For official information, refer to the French Customs (Douane) website.

Part 4: Packing and Preparing for Your Move

Professional Packing: Professional packing is essential for an international move to protect your goods and meet insurance requirements.
Prohibited Items: Do not pack firearms, narcotics, counterfeit goods, or certain plants and animal products.
Electronics: France uses the 230V standard and Type E plugs. Most modern electronics from the UAE (laptops, phones) are dual-voltage and will work with a simple plug adapter. However, larger appliances may not be compatible.
Valued Inventory: When preparing for your insurance policy, create a list of your items and their replacement value in Euros in France. This ensures that if an item is damaged, you receive enough money to buy a new one locally. Learn more in our Moving Insurance Explained guide.

FAQs: Moving from the UAE to France

1. Is it expensive to live in France compared to the UAE? The cost of living varies greatly. Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world, comparable to or exceeding Dubai in many aspects, especially rent. However, smaller cities and rural areas in France can be much more affordable. Groceries and public transport are often cheaper in France, while fuel and electronics may be more expensive.

2. Can I ship my car from Dubai to France? Yes, but it can be complicated and costly. To import it duty-free, you must have owned the car for more than 6 months. The vehicle will need to undergo a technical inspection ("contrôle technique") and may require modifications to meet EU standards before it can be registered. It is often more practical to sell your car in the UAE and buy one in France.

3. Do I need to speak French to move to France? While you can get by with English in major tourist areas of Paris, daily life (dealing with bureaucracy, shopping, integrating into the community) will be significantly easier and more rewarding if you speak French. It is highly recommended to start learning before you move and to enroll in language classes upon arrival.

4. How long does it take for my shipment to arrive in France? You should plan for a total door-to-door transit time of 6 to 8 weeks for a sea freight shipment from the UAE to France. This includes time for packing, inland transport, the sea voyage (approx. 4-5 weeks), customs clearance, and final delivery.

5. What is the "Certificat de Changement de Résidence" and do I really need it? This "Certificate of Change of Residence" is a document you obtain from the French Consulate in the UAE. It formally attests that you are moving your main residence. While not always mandatory, it is highly recommended by French customs authorities and can significantly speed up the clearance process for your household goods.

Conclusion: Your French Chapter Begins with a Plan

Relocating from the UAE to France is an exciting journey that opens the door to a new world of culture, cuisine, and experiences. A successful move is built on a foundation of careful planning, from navigating the visa process to understanding the nuances of French customs. By partnering with an experienced international mover, you can ensure that the logistical side of your relocation is handled with professionalism and care, leaving you free to focus on the adventure ahead.

Ready to start planning your move to France?

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Moving from UAE to France: A Complete Relocation Guide