Moving from UAE to France (2026): Visas, Costs & The "Monte-Meuble"
MoveConnector Euro-Logistics Team
Relocation Expert
Introduction: Your "Vie en Rose" Awaits (With Paperwork)
Moving from the UAE to France is a transition from modern efficiency to historic charm. Whether you are moving to a Haussmannian apartment in Paris or a villa in Provence, the lifestyle upgrade is immense. However, French administration (l'Administration) is rigorous.
This guide is based on real relocations handled by MoveConnector partner movers delivering into Le Havre (North) and Fos-sur-Mer (South). We cover the essential steps for 2026, from the Passeport Talent to the logistical necessity of the Monte-Meuble.
Who This Guide Is For
- Skilled Professionals on the "Passeport Talent" visa.
- Retirees buying property in the South.
- Families relocating to Paris or Lyon.
This guide is NOT for:
- Tourists shipping luggage.
- Commercial importers.
Part 1: Ship from Dubai or Buy in France?
France has excellent shopping, but certain items are worth bringing.
The Decision Matrix: What to Pack
| Item Type | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| High-Quality Furniture | ✅ Ship It | Furniture in France is expensive. Your UAE furniture is worth shipping. |
| Electronics | ✅ Ship It | Personal-use items only. Professional/high-power devices without CE marking may be questioned. |
| Beds/Mattresses | ⚠️ Measure | French bedrooms are small. A UAE "Super King" bed might not fit in a Parisian room. |
| Cars | ❌ Sell in UAE | Homologation (DRIEAT) for non-EU cars costs €2,000+ and takes months. |
| Luxury Brands | ❌ Sell/Keep | Do not ship large quantities of new luxury bags/clothes; Customs may suspect commercial resale. |
Part 2: How Much Does It Cost to Move from UAE to France? (2026)
Shipments typically enter via Le Havre (for Paris/North) or Fos-sur-Mer (for Marseille/South).
Estimated Sea Freight Costs
| Home Size | Shipment Type | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bed | LCL (Shared Container) | 9,000 – 14,000 |
| 2-3 Bed Home | 20ft Container (FCL) | 18,000 – 26,000 |
| Large Villa (4+ Bed) | 40ft Container (FCL) | 28,000 – 39,000 |
In summary: Most full household moves from the UAE to France cost between AED 9,000 and AED 26,000 door-to-door, depending on volume and whether a 'Monte-Meuble' (external lift) is required.
The "Hidden" Cost: Le Monte-Meuble
In cities like Paris, Lyon, and Nice, buildings often have:
- Narrow staircases
- Tiny elevators (or none at all)
- Strict "Syndic" (building management) rules protecting common areas.
The Solution: A Monte-Meuble (external furniture lift) hoists your furniture directly through the window from the street.
- Cost: €300 – €600 per half-day.
- Permit: Requires a street parking permit (
Autorisation de Stationnement) booked 2-3 weeks in advance. > Note: In some cities, the resident—not the mover—must request the parking permit from the local Mairie (City Hall).
Part 3: Visas & Residency (Titre de Séjour)
1. The Visa Options
- Passeport Talent: The gold standard for skilled UAE professionals. Valid for 4 years.
- VLS-TS (Long Stay): For spouses, students, or visitors. Valid for 1 year.
2. Arrival & OFII Validation
Upon arrival, you do not go to a physical office immediately.
- Requirement: You must validate your visa online via the ANEF (Étrangers en France) portal within 3 months.
- Tax: You pay a residence tax online.
- Failure: If you forget this step, your visa becomes illegal, and you cannot re-enter France.
Part 4: Customs & The "Cerfa 10070"
You can import goods duty-free under the Franchise de Déménagement if you follow the rules.
How to Qualify:
- Residency: Moving your primary residence to France.
- 12-Month Rule: Lived outside the EU for at least 12 months.
- Ownership: Goods owned and used for at least 6 months.
What a French Customs Inspection Is Like
- Formal but Polite: French officers focus on paperwork accuracy.
- The Check: Inventory is checked against the Cerfa 10070 form.
- The Trigger: They look for "new-looking" items (tags attached) or high-value electronics not listed as used.
- The Delay: Missing French translations on your inventory cause delays, not fines.
Critical Documents
- Cerfa 10070: This is the specific French customs form for duty-free entry. Your mover will help you fill it out.
- Non-Cession Certificate: A sworn statement that you will not sell the goods for 12 months.
- Inventory: Must be in French, detailed, and valued (Double valuation: one for insurance, one for customs).
- Proof of Residence: Lease agreement or utility bill (
Justificatif de Domicile) in France.
Part 5: France Pre-Shipping Checklist
Before booking your move, ensure you have ticked these critical boxes:
- Housing Access: Check if you need a Monte-Meuble. (Is the elevator too small for a sofa?).
- Address Proof: Secure a rental contract or letter from a host (
Attestation d'Hébergement). - Inventory: Translated to French (e.g., "Vaisselle" not "Dishes").
- Visa: Validated online (or ready to be).
Typical UAE → France Timeline
- Week 1: Packing & export customs (Dubai).
- Week 2–5: Sea freight to Le Havre / Fos.
- Week 6: Customs clearance (Cerfa 10070 processing).
- Week 7: Trucking to residence + Monte-Meuble setup.
- Week 8: Final delivery.
Conclusion: A Smooth "Déménagement"
Moving to France is a logistical ballet. The key to success is arranging the Monte-Meuble if you live in a city and validating your visa via OFII immediately upon arrival.
This guide is regularly referenced by relocation consultants and international movers handling UAE–France transfers.
Don't let narrow stairs delay your delivery. Compare quotes from movers experienced with French customs (Cerfa 10070) and external lift logistics.