MOVING TO FRANCE
Entry Requirements
A Carte de Travail is needed by all alien residents working in France. This means everyone except international civil servants. If in doubt, contact the consulate. The employer applies for a Carte de Travail from the Ministry of Labor in France. A resident visa is required for stays longer than three months. It is important that the employer in France, when making application for the Carte de Travail, indicates that family members will be accompanying the employee, thus insuring the resident visas for all members. Officers of all business must have letters stating assignments, capacity, location, and a repatriation guarantee from their companies for both themselves and their dependents. There are no health requirements unless persons are entering the country from an infected area.
Customs Regulations and Restrictions
Duty-free importation of household goods in possible with a visa for a stay of one year or more. The visa must be applied for two months in advance. Another important document is a certification of change of residence which can be picked up at the consulate when you obtain your visa. These must be filled out, signed by you, arid notarized. One more step - an itemized list of all household effects in duplicate - date it, sign it, and you're home free.
Points For The List
All items must be in a used condition, in the owner's possession for at least six months, and constitute what be considered effects of a normal household. Sporting goods and cameras, one stereo system, one radio and one typewriter are allowed. Do not pack drugs, medicine, camera equipment, film or jewelry in accompanied baggage unless you have an import permit. Appliances listed must include brand name, serial number and be marked "new" or 'used"
Automobiles
One car may be included in the household goods shipment if it has been in the owner's possession for at least one year. You need a certificate of registration and a driver's license. It is recommended that you not take a car to Paris; public transportation is excellent and parking is complicated. If you must have a car, get one of French make in order to insure the availability of parts and repairs.