# Moving to France from the USA

> Relocating to France from the United States — sea-freight costs, transit times, EU customs relief and French long-stay visa options for Americans.

Canonical: https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa/france
Direction: USA → France
Data last reviewed: 2026-06-15

## Typical moving costs

- Studio: $2,660–$4,200
- 1 bedroom: $4,060–$6,300
- 2 bedrooms: $5,460–$8,750
- 3 bedrooms: $8,050–$12,600
- 20ft container: $3,995–$6,110
- 40ft container: $6,630–$10,140

## Transit times

- New York → Le Havre: 14–24 days
- Miami → Marseille: 18–30 days
- Los Angeles → Le Havre: 32–45 days

## Customs & import notes

- France is in the EU: used household goods enter duty/VAT-free under transfer-of-residence relief.
- Generally requires you lived outside the EU 12+ months and owned/used the goods 6+ months.
- A detailed inventory and French residence documentation are required at import.
- New items, alcohol/tobacco over limits and vehicles have separate rules.

## Visa & residency options in France

- Long-stay visa (VLS-TS): The base route, converted to a residence permit on arrival.
- Visitor (visiteur) visa: For those with sufficient income who will not work locally.
- Talent Passport (Passeport Talent): For skilled workers, founders and investors.
- Profession Libérale: For self-employed professionals.

## Moving companies serving this route

- SDC International Shipping — Sea freight, Door-to-door overseas (https://www.sdcinternationalshipping.com/)
- International Van Lines — Best overall, Full-service moves (https://www.internationalvanlines.com/)
- Crown Relocations — Premium, Corporate relocation (https://www.crownrelo.com/)
- Seven Seas Worldwide — Budget, Small moves & students (https://www.sevenseasworldwide.com/)
- PSS International Removals — Worldwide shipping, Part & full loads (https://www.pssremovals.com/)
- Sirelo (compare multiple movers) — Compare several quotes at once (https://www.sirelo.com/)

## Related resources

- [Moving to the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-to-usa)
- [Moving from the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa)
- [Site-wide llms.txt](https://www.portunusai.com/llms.txt)