Removals to and from France
MOVING TO OR FROM FRANCE
GB Liners have been helping families and individuals move to and from France for decades. From Paris to the French Riviera, our France removals team ensures a seamless, stress-free move.
While all GB Liners’ branches know how to quote for, arrange and operate moves to France from the UK, our London branch is our centre of expertise. You can contact them by phoning 020 8574 1285 or emailing london@gbliners.com if you require specialist advice.
living in france
Advice on living in France can be obtained from:
Why Choose GB Liners for Removals to or from France
As one of the UK’s most experienced European removals companies to France, GB Liners offers a fully managed door-to-door service backed by decades of European moving expertise. Your move can often be coordinated quickly and efficiently, and you’ll benefit from a crew that knows the routes and border procedures inside out. We offer a complete range of moving services between the UK and France, designed to suit every type of move and every budget.
From collection at your UK address to delivery in France, we manage every stage of your move. Your belongings are handled by trained GB Liners professionals, providing full peace of mind.
GB Liners is accredited by both FIDI and the British Association of Removers (BAR), recognised industry standards for quality, reliability, and compliance in removals. While most moves are handled directly by our own team, we also work with a carefully chosen network of reliable French removal partners when needed.
CUSTOMS FORMALITIES WHEN MOVING TO FRANCE
Moving household goods from the UK to France involves customs documentation due to post-Brexit regulations. GB Liners’ European removals specialists can help to handle all customs formalities for you, ensuring compliance and peace of mind.
Most EU Customs regimes have several factors in common:
- People moving to an EU country on a transfer of residence basis (i.e. moving their main place of residence from the UK to that EU country for work or personal reasons) are generally permitted to import their household and personal belongings free of duty and tax.
- There is usually a requirement to prove that the person moving has previously resided in the UK for a specified qualifying period, by means of presenting documents such as Council Tax bills, bank statements, utility bills etc.
- There is usually a requirement to prove that permission for residency or employment in the destination country has been granted.
- There is usually a requirement to prove identity by providing a passport copy.
- New items (usually less than 6 months old) may be subject to tax.
- Certain item are usually prohibited e.g. guns, animal skins or products, etc.
- Certain items are usually restricted e.g. alcohol, tobacco etc.
You will need to be able to supply any required information or documentation before the move is packed, to allow us to have it checked by our agent in France for confirmation that everything is in order. This is essential to ensure that there are no delays at the destination border due to missing or incorrect documentation.
For a move to an EU country being made for any reason other than a transfer of residence, then you should ask us to check the specific Customs requirements for your circumstances and this should be done as early in the process as possible. If, for example, your circumstances were such that carrying-out the move would incur a significant duty or tax liability then that may influence your decision to move altogether. It is essential therefore, that such issues are raised as early as possible.
If you are furnishing a holiday or secondary home in an EU country (that is a home other than your main place of residence), then usually you will have to pay duty or tax on the items that you are moving.
france overview
The following information outlines the documentation required when moving household goods to France on a transfer of residence basis, to the best of current knowledge and belief. It does not cover cars, secondary homes, inheritances, or any other exceptional circumstances and for any moves falling into these categories, it is essential that you advise us of your circumstances so that we can check requirements with a local agent in France.
Customs regulations and document requirements for France
- A signed completed Inventaire French Customs Form which we will supply.
- Signed “certificat de non cession” (French Customs Form named Certificate of no sales).
- Proof of Residence in France (Lease Document or Utility Bill).
- Copy of Photo Page of Passport.
- Company Letter of Transfer OR change of residence provided by the French Consulate in the UK (proving more than one year stay outside the EU required and more than one year expected stay in France required) OR a copy of your rental agreement or Council Tax bill (proving you have been in the UK for more than one year stay outside the UK required).
- Personal effects need to arrive within 1 year of a person’s arrival in France otherwise duty will be applied.
- Import of alcohol into France: Duties and tax will apply regardless of whether the transferee is a French returning citizen, diplomat, etc.
Documents required for export clearance out of France (for UK bound moves)
- Completion of UK Transfer of Residence (ToR) application and generation of a ToR approval letter which you will need to pass onto us.
- Copy of Photo Page of Passport.
- If you do not qualify for ToR relief, then a very detailed value list should be supplied and duty and tax will be charged.
Popular Destinations in France
GB Liners provides professional removal services across France. Some of our most popular destinations for movers include:
- Moving to Paris: Ideal for professionals and families relocating to the French capital.
- Moving to the Dordogne: A favourite for retirees and second-home owners.
- Moving to Brittany: Convenient access from the UK and a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
- Moving to Nice or the French Riviera: For those looking to enjoy their days in the sun.
- Moving to Lyon: Popular with businesses and families seeking a city with good connections.
- Moving to Toulouse: A growing destination for professionals in the aerospace and tech sectors.
Wherever in France you’re moving, GB Liners ensures the same high-quality service and support every step of the way.
Get a Free Quote for Your Move to France
Planning a move to France? GB Liners makes it simple. Our experienced team will provide a detailed quote tailored to your exact requirements. We’ll assess the volume of your belongings, timeline, and any special items or services needed, such as packing or storage, and deliver a clear, transparent quote with no hidden charges.
With decades of experience in European removals to France, you can trust GB Liners to handle every stage of your move safely, efficiently, and professionally.