Moving to France: Residence, Customs and Settling In
Relocating to Paris, Lyon, Marseille or Strasbourg? This guide covers the titre de séjour, duty-free customs rules for household goods, and how to get your belongings there in 7–10 days.
Moving to France is an exciting prospect, and the good news is that France's EU membership means your used household goods can generally enter duty-free. That said, non-EU nationals still have meaningful administrative requirements — most importantly securing the right long-stay visa and a titre de séjour (residence permit) once in the country. Avrupaya handles your international move door to door, delivering from Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, or Strasbourg in 7–10 days with full insurance coverage.
Long-stay visa and titre de séjour
Turkish nationals moving to France permanently need a national long-stay visa (visa long séjour, type D) before they travel, issued by the French embassy in Turkey. Once in France, this must be converted into a titre de séjour by applying to the relevant préfecture — a process now largely managed online through the ANEF platform (Administration numérique des étrangers en France). Start the visa process as early as possible, as processing times can stretch to several weeks.
Local registration and day-to-day admin
Unlike Germany or Austria, France does not have a strict universal registration deadline for residents. However, registering with your local mairie (town hall) is practically necessary for school enrollment, access to local services, and some social benefits. Make it an early priority after arriving.
Customs: importing household goods duty-free
- France is an EU member, so used personal household goods are generally exempt from customs duty when you are relocating your main residence.
- You will need a detailed inventory list and evidence that items have been in your personal use for at least six months.
- New or still-packaged items do not qualify for the exemption and may attract duty.
- Avrupaya handles all customs documentation so your belongings cross into France without hold-ups.
Moving to France with Avrupaya
Our door-to-door service covers every corner of France — from Haussmann apartments in Paris to addresses in Provence or Alsace. Standard delivery takes 7–10 days; an express option is available in 3–4 days. Pricing is based on shipment volume in cubic metres, the distance from your Turkish origin city, and access conditions at delivery such as floor level and elevator availability. Every shipment is insured for 100% of its declared value.
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Frequently asked questions
Will I pay customs duty when moving household goods to France?
No, provided you are relocating your main residence and the goods have been in your personal use for at least six months. France follows EU rules on duty-free importation of used personal effects for relocation.
What documents do I need for a titre de séjour in France?
Requirements vary by permit category but typically include a valid passport, your long-stay visa, proof of address in France, photographs, and evidence of employment or family ties. The ANEF online platform guides you through the full checklist.
How long does delivery from Istanbul to Paris take?
Standard road freight with Avrupaya takes 7–10 days door to door from Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir to Paris or other French cities. Express delivery in 3–4 days is available on request.
How do I get a French tax number (numéro fiscal)?
Your numéro fiscal is obtained from the Direction générale des Finances publiques, either by visiting a local tax office or applying online at impots.gouv.fr. You will need your titre de séjour and a French residential address.