Moving from NYC to Paris sounds exciting! Imagine swapping the hustling and bustling of NYC’s streets for those of charming Paris cafe’s, historical neighborhoods, and an entirely different way of living. But wait – don’t go packing up your stuff just yet! There is something that is going to need to be done first – Paperwork!
When moving from New York to Paris there are many other steps that must be taken in addition to booking flights and arranging for international shipping. These include obtaining the correct immigration documents, customs declarations, shipping records, and proof of residence. If you do not have each of the required documents, it may result in delays with respect to the delivery of your household goods and/or unexpected expenses.
Relocating to France for work, school, retirement, or family can be made much simpler if you understand what paperwork is needed to relocate from the United States to France.
The purpose of this guide is to explain all of the necessary documentation required by French Customs authorities, as well as the expected administrative expenses associated with relocating internationally, and what you will need to do prior to your move to ensure that it goes smoothly.
1. Passport and Visa Requirements for Moving to France
If you are planning on moving internationally from New York City to Paris, it will be most important for you to obtain your passport and immigration status.
American citizens usually do not need a short-term visa to enter France for up to 90 days during each 180-day period as per the Schengen Agreement. However, if an American citizen wants to move to France to permanently reside there, they will face different immigration requirements.
In general, for a stay of more than 90 days, non-EU nationals usually need to obtain the appropriate French long-term stay visa (or equivalent) unless they qualify for a waiver.
Depending on your circumstances, common visa categories include:
- Long-Term Stay Visa – This is for people who may reside in France for a longer period of time than standard short-term stays, however, they will not be allowed to work.
- Employment Visa: For applicants relocating for qualifying employment.
- Student Visa: For individuals enrolling in French educational institutions.
- Family Visa: For eligible individuals joining family members in France.
- Talent Residence Routes: Professional qualifications, Researchers, and Entrepreneurial professionals.
Applicants will need to provide proof of their living arrangements (housing), income/financial assistance, access to medical care/insurance and other documentation as required by their particular visa.
France has many types of long-term visas. For example, there’s the VLS-TS (long-term visa/residence permit), which means you have to get your visa validated online within three months of arriving in France. The remaining types of long-term visas give you two months to apply for a residence permit. Get details on Moving from UAE to San Marino.
2. French Customs Clearance Documents for Household Goods
Preparation of your customs documents is the single most important part of shipping your personal items via ship from New York to Paris.
The United States is not a member of the European Union, however, it must adhere to all of the appropriate French import laws when shipping personal effects to France.
Those moving permanently into a new home that will serve as their primary residence are able to avoid paying customs duties or other import taxes on certain categories of personal goods brought along.
To apply for this relief, French Customs generally requires:
- An estimated, dated, and signed detailed list of household items in duplicate.
- Customs declaration Form Cerfa 10070.
- Proof of previous residence outside the European Union.
- Evidence establishing your new principal residence in France.
- Supporting documentation for special items, where applicable.
The moving firm may need copies of your passport and/or other immigration papers for coordination of clearances.
Importantly, the documents must contain consistent name, address, and delivery information.
3. Packing List and Household Goods Inventory
A detailed packing list for international moving helps customs officials identify the items arriving in France.
Instead of writing vague descriptions such as “household items,” organise your belongings into clearly identified categories.
For example:
| Household goods | Quantity | Estimated used value |
| Living room furniture | 5 pieces | $1,200 |
| Kitchen appliances | 4 items | $650 |
| Clothing and personal items | 8 boxes | $900 |
| Electronics | 3 items | $1,100 |
| Books and decorations | 6 boxes | $400 |
| Total illustrative value | $4,250 |
These values are examples, not official customs valuations.
Furthermore, assign numbers to every shipping carton and record its contents. For expensive electronics, retain available receipts and serial numbers.
Finally, prepare digital copies of your inventory so you can quickly respond to questions from your moving company or customs representative. Looking for a International Movers from USA to Denmark.
4. Documents Needed for Duty-Free Household Shipping to France
If you’re permanently relocating from the USA to France, your used personal possessions may enter without customs duties or import taxes.
However, French Customs imposes several conditions.
| Eligibility requirement | General rule |
| Previous residence | At least 12 months outside the EU |
| Ownership and use | Personal belongings owned and used for at least 6 months |
| Import timeframe | Generally within 12 months after establishing residence in France |
| Property restrictions | No selling, lending, or renting exempt goods for 12 months after importation |
| Intended use | Personal household use rather than commercial purposes |
Some exceptions or special arrangements may apply.
For instance, newly purchased furniture and goods imported for business purposes may not qualify for the same exemptions. Alcohol, tobacco, and certain specialised goods also have separate rules.
Therefore, verify eligibility before shipping rather than assuming every household item qualifies automatically.
5. Proof of Residence in New York and Paris
The French customs authorities require proof that you are actually moving your primary residence.
Consequently, you should collect supporting documents from both countries.
Documents in New York can be such as your last year’s lease agreement, utility bill, tax statement, relocation letter from your employer or other documentation to verify where you reside.
A document from Paris can be a copy of your french lease, property ownership papers, utility bill, employment contract, etc. as long as you have something that shows you are living there.
When your shipment is delivered prior to you securing permanent housing, contact the customs agent who will be managing your move to determine what other types of documentation are acceptable for customs clearance.
You should also update your old and new addresses consistently across all of the appropriate records. Get details on Moving from UAE to Slovakia.
6. Bill of Lading and International Shipping Documents
When choosing international movers from New York to Paris, ask which shipment documents your relocation company will prepare.
Depending on whether you use sea freight or air freight, important records can include:
| Shipping document | Main purpose |
| Bill of Lading | Records the ocean shipment and carriage details |
| Air Waybill | Identifies and tracks an air freight shipment |
| Packing List | Describes boxes, furniture, and shipment contents |
| Customs Declaration | Supports customs clearance in France |
| Insurance Certificate | Records applicable shipment insurance coverage |
| Delivery Instructions | Provides the final Paris delivery address and contact details |
Your mover or freight agent will normally coordinate the transport documents.
However, please obtain a copy of the documentation for your own reference. Also, review the contents of the shipment, including the description of what is being shipped, who will receive the shipment (consignee), and where the shipment should be delivered (delivery address).
Also, make sure to find out if the quoted moving company provides additional services like handling your items at their final destination, providing customs brokerage assistance, storing your items for you, and delivering those items to your home.
7. Moving Pets from New York to Paris: Required Documents
Relocating with a dog or cat requires additional planning.
The majority of times when you move your pet from the U.S. to France for non-commercial purposes you’ll have to provide proper identification, proof of a current rabies vaccine and a veterinary health certificate that meets all of France’s requirements.
At a minimum, the microchip should fulfill all relevant criteria and have its identity confirmed prior to receiving a rabies vaccination that will be used for international travel.
The relevant certificate must be prepared by a USDA accredited veterinarian, and have USDA endorsement if necessary.
October 2026: New EU Animal Health Certificates have gone into effect on October 1, 2026, regarding non-commercial travel. In general, a new non-commercial certificate is effective for 30 days after its creation. However, USDA endorsement must take place within ten days of the animal arriving at its destination in the EU. Looking for a International Movers from USA to Portugal.
8. Estimated Paperwork and Administrative Costs
When calculating the cost of moving from New York to Paris, remember that shipping charges aren’t your only expenses.
Visa applications, translations, document certification, and veterinary services may also affect your relocation budget.
| Paperwork or service | Indicative cost |
| Standard French long-stay visa application | €99 |
| Document translation | 30–100 per page |
| Apostille or document certification | Varies by issuing authority |
| Veterinary examination and certification | 150–400+ |
| Shipping documentation administration | Varies by mover |
| Customs duties on qualifying used household goods | Potentially €0 |
The cost of translating and veterinary services are estimated figures, and should not be considered as a formal tariff or quote. There could be additional charges associated with visa assistance, veterinary certification, translation, or other types of handling.
France-visas has an established fee of €99 for all standard long stay visa applications, however there are some exceptions/reductions in place for some applicants.
In this way, you can ask for an itemized quote and make sure you have extra money for any administrative costs that may be unforeseen.
9. Important Documents to Carry Personally
Some paperwork should never go inside your household shipping container.
Also, store your critical paper documents, and create secure digital backups that can be carried in your carry-on luggage.
The documentation in your personal file should include the following items: passports, visas, birth/marriage certificates (as required), employment/university records/documents, accommodation records/details, insurance records/details, prescription records/details, and important financial data.
You also need to find out about having certified translations and apostilles made on your documents if they are required by the French authorities in connection with an immigration application or administrative process.
You should keep the details that are available to you as long as you possibly can, especially if your household possessions are going to be delivered to you several weeks after your arrival in Paris. Get details on Moving from UAE to Slovenia.
10. New York to Paris International Moving Paperwork Checklist
1. Check passport validity and visa requirements
2. Prepare French long-stay visa application, if required
3. Collect New York and Paris residence evidence
4. Create a detailed signed household inventory
5. Complete French customs Form Cerfa 10070, where applicable
6. Confirm Bill of Lading or Air Waybill details
7. Arrange shipping insurance if required
8. Prepare pet documents and special-item permits
9. Keep original personal documents in hand luggage
11. Common Paperwork Mistakes to Avoid
The experienced traveler can often miss important details when moving abroad.
Two of the most prevalent errors made by individuals planning to move to another country are (1) creating an incomplete list of all items within their home and (2) mistakenly believing that being granted access to a foreign nation as a visitor entitles one to remain there indefinitely.
Similarly, missing ownership evidence can complicate a claim for customs relief.
The shipping of restricted items into France without understanding the French import laws can cause delays in delivery. Restricted items that may need special treatment include: medications, plants, some foods, cultural artifacts, and weapons.
Finally, keep in mind that personal immigration approval and the customs clearance process for your household goods are two different things.
You will have less of a risk for shipment delays and late administrative expenses by reviewing both of these requirements early.
Related Services:
» Moving from UAE to North Macedonia
12. How Movers BS Can Help With Your New York to Paris Relocation
The process of moving internationally is a sequence of related actions. An illustration would be that you prepare your possessions in New York, then arrange for transport of your prepared possessions to France and when they arrive, you collect them.
Movers BS is going to be your main source of information about moving internationally (requirements), about shipping, about taking an inventory of your home, and about how to plan for a move.
Before you make a reservation, find out about the pack and ship support that will be provided, the shipping documentation required, how customs are handled, the different types of insurance available, projected transit schedules, and what services are offered once you arrive at your destination.
A well-organised move begins with accurate paperwork and clear communication.
Related Articles:
» Moving New York to Paris: customs, packing list, and timeline
» Moving from London to New York: Cost Guide + Container Options
» Moving from Toronto to New York: step-by-step checklist + timeline
» New York to Rotterdam Household Goods Shipping Guide
» New York to Rotterdam International Moving
Conclusion
Moving your household items from New York to Paris can be simplified if you are aware of what documents will be required for the move prior to having those items shipped.
The first thing to do is to get your passport and immigration papers. Then, you will need to prepare a list of what you plan to bring into the country, proof of where you live, and documentation that shows how you intend to travel. After that, find out if you qualify for French customs exemptions, and find out about any additional requirements for taking care of pets or items that may be prohibited.
The better prepared you are for your move to Paris and the more assistance you receive from a company that has moved people internationally, the more time you will spend getting used to living in Paris rather than having to deal with problems caused by paperwork that could have been avoided.
FAQs: Moving from New York to Paris
You generally need a valid passport, appropriate French visa or residence authorisation, proof of accommodation, evidence of previous residence, a detailed household inventory, and customs declarations for your shipment. Movers BS can help you discuss the shipping-document checklist and coordinate relevant moving arrangements.
Generally, Americans are allowed to enter France for up to 90 days in a 180-day Schengen period without a short-stay visa. However, to live in Paris for longer than this time frame typically requires an approved long-stay visa or another valid form of immigration status. Also, entering as a visitor will not grant authorization to work.
France generally offers customs duty and tax exemptions for eligible used household belongings when someone genuinely transfers their principal residence from a non-EU country. However, eligibility depends on residence history, ownership periods, import timing, and the intended use of the goods. New purchases, commercial goods, and certain restricted products may attract additional charges.
Create a numbered inventory that identifies furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, and other belongings. Include quantities, descriptions, estimated used values, and details of valuable items. Additionally, ensure the final inventory matches your shipment. Movers BS can discuss inventory preparation and relevant international packing requirements with you before your goods leave New York.
Cerfa 10070 is a French customs declaration used when eligible individuals bring personal property into France from outside the European Union and request applicable duty-free treatment. Applicants must provide supporting documentation, including a household inventory and proof of residence. Therefore, you should check whether the form applies to your situation and complete it accurately before customs clearance.
There is no guaranteed clearance period for every household shipment. Processing depends on transport arrangements, the customs entry location, document accuracy, inspections, and any outstanding duties or approvals. Ask your moving company for a realistic schedule based on your shipment and destination.
Movers BS can be contacted to discuss your proposed New York to Paris move, including shipment planning, inventory requirements, transport options, and available relocation services. Before confirming your booking, request a written scope of work covering packing, customs coordination, insurance, delivery, and any third-party services.
For most non-commercial pet movements, prepare compliant microchip identification, valid rabies vaccination records, and the applicable veterinary health certificate. USDA endorsement may also be mandatory. Importantly, new EU certificate requirements took effect in October 2026, so check the latest USDA instructions, endorsement timelines, and airline policies well before departure.
Some French immigration, civil registration, education, or administrative processes may require certified French translations of foreign-language documents. However, requirements vary depending on the receiving authority and the purpose of the paperwork. Therefore, avoid translating everything automatically. Instead, identify the documents each authority requests and confirm whether translation, apostille, or additional certification is necessary.
Ideally, begin organising immigration and shipping documents several months before your planned departure. Visa processing, residence evidence, customs inventories, and special approvals can take time. Additionally, booking international shipping early gives you more flexibility. Movers BS can be contacted during the initial planning stage to discuss available moving services and the documentation needed to coordinate your household shipment.
