🇫🇷 France, Here We Come!
- Mar 28
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 30
From iconic cities to world-renowned cuisine and culture, France offers a unique blend of lifestyle, history, and professional opportunity for individuals, families, and professionals starting a new chapter abroad. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your relocation from Japan to France smooth, informed, and stress-free.
------------
Jump to ➡️
1. Preparing for the Move to France
------------
🛬 1. Preparing for the Move to France
Visa & Immigration Requirements
Before relocating to France, securing the correct visa or residence permit is essential. The type of visa depends on your employment, study plans, or long-term residency goals.
Common visa categories for relocating individuals and families include:
Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour): Required for stays over 90 days
Employee Work Visa: For individuals with a confirmed job offer
Talent Passport: For highly skilled professionals, executives, or entrepreneurs
Student Visa: For those enrolled in French institutions
Family Reunification Visa: For spouses and dependents
Self-Employed/Entrepreneur Visa: For independent professionals
Permanent Residency: Available after meeting long-term residency requirements
France’s immigration process involves detailed documentation and coordination with local authorities. Momentum works with immigration advisors and destination partners to ensure your application is properly prepared before departure.
Pre-Move Planning Checklist
Relocating to France requires careful preparation. Starting at least 2–3 months in advance is recommended.
Your pre-move checklist should include:
Valid passports for all travelers
Visa approval and supporting documents
Certified Japanese versions of birth/marriage certificates (with French translations)
Vaccination and medical records
Driver’s license and international driving permit
Financial records and proof of funds
School records for children
Cancel or transfer services in Japan (utilities, mobile phone, bank accounts)
Momentum helps align your documentation, shipment, and move timeline for a smooth transition to your new home in France.
Language Considerations
French is the official language in France and is widely used in administration, business, and daily life.
Useful tips:
Basic French is highly recommended for integration and daily tasks
Government processes are typically conducted in French
Language courses and integration programs are widely available
Momentum can connect you with partners offering bilingual or language support services where needed.
🏠 2. Housing & Living Arrangements
Renting a Home in France
France’s rental market varies by region, with cities like Paris being highly competitive.
Key points to understand:
Lease Terms: Typically 12 months (or 9 months for students)
Application Process: Requires proof of income, guarantor (garant), and documentation
Deposits: Usually 1–2 months’ rent
Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Both options available, with furnished rentals often shorter-term
Useful Platforms: SeLoger, Leboncoin, PAP, and local agencies
Momentum’s destination partners can assist with housing searches and lease processes.
Utilities & Home Setup
Once you’ve secured a rental, you’ll need to arrange utilities. Unlike in Japan, many services in France are organized individually and may require separate contracts with different providers.
Common setup services include:
Electricity and Gas: Providers include EDF, Engie, TotalEnergies, and various alternative suppliers. Tenants typically choose their own provider.
Water & Waste: Water is managed by local municipalities or regional providers and may be included in rent or billed separately. Waste collection is handled by local authorities.
Internet: Providers include Orange, Free, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom, offering fibre and DSL services depending on location.
Mobile Phone: Major carriers include Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile, along with MVNO providers.
Tip: A French bank account (RIB) and proof of address are typically required to set up utility contracts. Deposits may be requested if you do not yet have a local credit history.
Neighborhoods & Commute
France has a well-developed transport network, but commuting patterns can vary depending on the city and region.
Key considerations:
Proximity to work or school
Access to public transportation
Urban vs. suburban or smaller town living preferences
Lifestyle factors such as proximity to parks, cultural areas, and business districts
Public transport is highly developed in cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse, while suburban and rural areas may require a car.
Momentum helps match your housing choices with your relocation goals.
🏫 3. Daily Life & Integration
Transportation & Getting Around
France offers an efficient and well-connected transport system across its major cities and regions.
Key points:
Public Transport: Extensive networks of metros, trams, buses, and regional trains are widely used, particularly in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.
Rail Network: France’s high-speed TGV trains connect major cities quickly and efficiently.
Driving: Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and road infrastructure is well-developed.
License Conversion: Japanese driver’s licenses may be exchangeable under certain agreements, depending on your status and location.
Cycling: Increasingly popular in cities, with expanding bike lanes and urban cycling infrastructure.
Health Insurance & Medical Services
France has a high-quality healthcare system, and access to health coverage is essential for residents.
Healthcare must-knows:
Public Healthcare (Sécurité Sociale): Covers a large portion of medical costs for registered residents.
Supplementary Insurance (Mutuelle): Commonly used to cover remaining costs not reimbursed by the public system.
Registration is required upon arrival to access healthcare services.
General practitioners (médecins généralistes) are typically the first point of contact, with referrals to specialists when needed.
Appointments are usually required, though access is generally efficient.
Momentum’s partners can guide you through healthcare registration and insurance setup.
Schools & Education
France offers a structured and high-quality education system with a range of options for international families.
Options include:
Public Schools: Free and state-run, following the national curriculum and widely available across the country.
Private Schools: Fee-based, including both secular and religious institutions, often with smaller class sizes.
International Schools: Available in major cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Nice, offering English-language, IB, or other international curricula.
Bilingual Programs: Some schools offer French-English bilingual education to support integration.
Enrollment requires registration documents, proof of address, vaccination records, and academic history.
Momentum supports families with school selection and transition planning.
🧩 4. Culture, Customs & Etiquette
Everyday Social Etiquette
French culture values politeness, formality in initial interactions, and an appreciation for social customs and communication.
What to expect:
Greetings: A handshake in formal settings; in social situations, light cheek kisses (la bise) may be common.
Politeness: Saying “Bonjour” before starting any interaction is expected and considered respectful.
Communication: More nuanced and expressive than in some countries, often combining politeness with discussion.
Tipping Culture: Service is usually included in bills; small tips or rounding up are appreciated but not required.
Cultural Differences to Be Aware Of
More formal communication in initial interactions, especially in professional settings
Strong appreciation for language, culture, and etiquette
Structured meal times and importance of food culture
Work-life balance is valued, with clear separation between professional and personal time
Work Culture for Japanese Expats
France’s business environment is professional, with a mix of structure and discussion-based decision-making.
Key workplace norms:
Hierarchies exist, with clear roles and decision-making authority
Meetings often involve discussion, debate, and exchange of ideas
Emphasis on qualifications, expertise, and professional credentials
Work-life balance is important, with defined working hours and vacation time
Communication can be indirect but intellectually expressive, especially in meetings
Momentum can provide cultural orientation and guidance for professionals adapting to French workplaces.
📦 5. Shipping & Settling In
What to Bring vs Buy in the France
Shipping household goods from Japan to France requires careful decisions, especially considering space, costs, and European housing standards.
Recommended to bring:
Personal electronics and devices: Laptops, tablets, and phones are generally compatible with French voltage (230V), but you will need plug adapters (Type C or E).
Favorite kitchen tools or appliances: Japanese rice cookers, donabe pots, and specialty kitchen items are often preferred by expats, but check voltage compatibility.
Specialty clothing and footwear: French sizes and styles may differ, especially for children or petite adults.
Japanese books, learning materials, or toys for children adjusting to the new language environment.
Medications and health supplements not available or difficult to find in France.
Better to buy locally:
Large appliances: Many homes include basic appliances, and purchasing locally ensures compatibility and warranty support.
Furniture: Local dimensions and styles may suit your space better. IKEA, Conforama, and Maisons du Monde are commonly used options.
Cleaning supplies and household goods: These are inexpensive and easy to purchase after arrival.
Seasonal clothing: It’s often better to buy locally to match France’s climate, particularly for winter or regional variations.
Momentum helps optimize your shipment based on practicality and cost.
Customs & Import Procedures
France requires accurate documentation and clear declarations when importing household goods, with customs processes managed by French Customs (Douane).
Key points:
Transfer of Residence Relief: Individuals relocating to France can import used household goods and personal belongings duty-free under relocation provisions.
Application Process: Documentation must confirm that goods have been owned and used prior to arrival and are intended for continued personal use.
Used household items are generally duty-free, provided they meet relocation requirements.
New or high-value items may be subject to customs duties and import VAT depending on declared value and classification.
Prohibited or restricted items include: firearms (strictly regulated), certain food products, plants and seeds, hazardous materials, and counterfeit goods.
Food: Many food items are restricted, particularly meat, dairy, and fresh products. Commercially packaged goods may be allowed but must be declared.
Alcohol and tobacco: Subject to strict limits, duties, and taxes, and must always be declared.
Customs inspections: French Customs (Douane) may inspect shipments to ensure compliance with import regulations.
Momentum’s French destination agent will guide you through documentation requirements and coordinate with customs authorities to ensure efficient clearance.
Delivery, Unpacking & Settling In
Once your goods arrive in France, your destination agent takes over the final delivery process.
You can expect:
Delivery arranged to match your move-in schedule
Placement of furniture in designated rooms
Basic unpacking of boxes and removal of packing materials
Debriefing on how to file claims for any missing or damaged items
Storage options if your new home is not yet ready
Momentum works closely with trusted partners to ensure a smooth handoff from Japan to your new home in France, keeping communication open from door to door.
🤝 6. Support & Resources
Community & Support Networks
France offers a well-established network of expat communities, cultural groups, and professional organizations across major cities.
Popular support networks include:
Japanese Chambers of Commerce in France (e.g., Paris), supporting business networking and community engagement.
Japanese cultural and language organizations, including the Maison de la Culture du Japon à Paris and other local cultural centres offering language and community programs.
Japanese Embassy and Consulates in France, including the Embassy of Japan in Paris and Consulates in cities such as Lyon, Marseille, and Strasbourg, providing passport services, consular support, and community information.
Parent groups and cultural clubs connected to Japanese schools and supplementary weekend programs across major cities.
Online communities on platforms like Facebook and Meetup for networking, family support, business connections, and cultural exchange.tup for networking, family support, business connections, and cultural exchange.
Momentum’s partners can provide introductions to local networks and expat communities based on your destination.
Local Government Services & Registration
While structured and administrative processes can be detailed, France’s national and local government systems provide a wide range of services for new residents.
Key services to take advantage of:
Residence permit validation: Required for long-stay visa holders through the French immigration system (OFII or prefecture).
Driver’s license services: Managed through ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés) for license exchange and vehicle registration.
Public libraries: Many offer free or low-cost access to books, internet, language courses, and community programs.
Local municipal offices (Mairie): Provide services such as local registrations, waste and recycling information, and community services.
Healthcare registration: Access to the public healthcare system (Sécurité Sociale) requires registration, often followed by obtaining a Carte Vitale.
Public schools and local education offices: Assist with enrollment, assessments, and language support services for children.
Documentation such as your passport, visa or residence permit, proof of address, and social security number (once issued) may be required for many of these registrations.
Momentum’s Role After the Move
At Momentum Worldwide Movers, our support doesn’t end once your shipment leaves Japan. Through our trusted network of partners in France, we ensure continuity of service, communication, and care on the ground both before and after your move to France.
Our support continues beyond your arrival:
Coordinated delivery with our destination agent in France
Support navigating customs procedures and insurance claims
Introductions to bilingual real estate professionals or school consultants
Follow-up check-ins to ensure everything arrived safely
Local guidance tailored to your destination, lifestyle, and family needs
Your journey may be global, but we at Momentum ensure continuity, clarity, and confidence throughout your relocation journey from Japan to France.
🇫🇷 Wrapping Up
Relocating to France offers a rich cultural experience, strong public services, and a high quality of life. With the right preparation and expert support, your move from Japan can be smooth and well-coordinated. Momentum Worldwide Movers works with trusted partners across France to guide you every step of the way.
✉️ Let’s Get Moving
Have questions about relocating to France? Reach out to our team for personalized advice, timeline planning, or a no-obligation consultation. We’re ready when you are.
