Moving from the Netherlands to France

Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it can also be a daunting task, especially when moving internationally. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what you need to know about moving from the Netherlands to France, focusing on the practical aspects of the move itself. From finding a reliable moving company to navigating customs rules and settling into your new home, we cover the essential steps to ensure a smooth transition.

Finding a moving company

One of the first things to do when planning your move is to find a reliable moving company that specializes in international moves. Several companies offer services for moving between the Netherlands and France, each with its own strengths and areas of expertise. Here are a few options to consider:

• Amsterdam Removal: This company offers weekly rides between the Netherlands and France, making it a convenient option for those with flexible moving dates. They offer competitive prices, especially for smaller moves, by combining multiple moves into one truck to share transportation costs. This can be a significant advantage if you are moving with fewer possessions.
• De Haan: This family business has extensive experience in moving to France. They offer a full range of services, including packing, transportation and storage, and have excellent customer reviews. De Haan also offers secure temporary storage facilities, which can come in handy if there is a gap between your moving and move-in date. They have a modern fleet of vehicles that travel across Europe on a weekly basis, ensuring efficient and reliable transportation of your belongings.
• Holland Movers: If you are looking for a premium moving experience, Holland Movers may be the right choice. They specialize in the luxury segment and offer meticulous attention to detail. In addition to standard moving services, they can also help transport vehicles and pets.
• Expat Moving Company Holland: This company focuses on providing a smooth and stress-free moving experience to, you guessed it, expats. They act as a central point of contact for all aspects of your move to ensure everything goes smoothly.
• Briand: This smaller company specializes in moves between the Netherlands and France, especially for smaller households. They offer transparent pricing with sample rates for transportation-only moves on their website.

When choosing a moving company, it is essential to compare services, prices and customer reviews to find the best match for your needs. Be sure to request quotes from several companies and ask about their experience moving to France.

Paperwork and documentation

Moving to France from the Netherlands involves certain paperwork and documentation, even though both countries are part of the European Union. Here is a summary of the essential documents you will need:

• Valid passport or identity card: This is a basic requirement for any international move and is needed for identification purposes throughout the process.
• Visa (if applicable): EU citizens can live and work in France without a visa. However, non-EU citizens must obtain a long-stay visa and residence permit to legally reside in France.
• Removal certificate: This document is issued by the French consulate and confirms your intention to move to France. It is an essential document for various administrative procedures.
• Detailed Inventory: This list must include all the items you are moving, valued in euros. It must be signed by you as the owner of the goods and is used for customs clearance and insurance purposes.
• Declaration of non-resale: This document confirms that the goods you are importing are for personal use and not for resale. It is required by French customs to prevent the importation of goods for commercial purposes.
• Proof of residence in France: This can be a recent utility bill, rental contract or other official document showing your new address in France. It is often required to register with local authorities and open a bank account.
• Bill of lading or air waybill: This document is issued by the moving company and serves as a receipt for your goods. It contains details about the shipment, including its origin, destination and contents.
• Sales invoices for new items: If you are importing items purchased within six months prior to the move, you must provide the original sales invoices. This is to prove the value and ownership of the items and may be required for customs purposes.

Importing a car

When taking a car to France, you must follow a specific procedure to register your vehicle. Here are the main steps:

• Apply for CIT: First request the Certificate of Conformity (CIT) from the Dutch RDW.
• Obtaining Carte Grise: With the CIT, you can request your French Carte Grise (registration certificate) from:
  • The Préfecture de Police in Paris, or
  • A préfecture outside of Paris
• Required documents:
  • Your car's CIT
  • Proof of insurance
  • Completed forms (available on the préfecture's website)

The Carte Grise is an official document that gives you permission to drive on French roads for a year. This document is also needed to apply for your French driver's license.