Removals and Moving from Ireland to France

Removals to France has never been easier.

We are a specialist removals company offering fully insured removals services between Ireland and France.

Being based in Galway allows us to effectively serve the whole of Ireland, providing a cost effective and reliable solution to your needs.

Galway based Removal Company specialised in removals to and from France with door to door deliveries to and from Ireland, moving and storage at very attractive prices.

We offer a  storage facility for all our customers (storage and handling charges would apply)

1. Planning Your Move

Legal Residency Requirements

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: You can live and work in France without a visa.

• Non-EU citizens (e.g. US, UK, Canada): You’ll likely need a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) for stays over 90 days.

  • Common types:

    • Work visa

    • Student visa

    • Family reunification

    • Visitor visa (no work allowed)

Tip: Start visa applications at least 2–3 months in advance via the French consulate in your country.

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2. Finding Accommodation

• Short-Term Stay: Airbnb, furnished apartments, or temporary rentals are good for settling in.

• Long-Term: Look on websites like:

  • SeLoger

  • Leboncoin

  • PAP

• Be ready to provide:

  • Proof of income

  • Employment contract

  • Guarantor (often a challenge for newcomers—some use GarantMe as a solution)

Popular expat cities: Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice, Toulouse, Montpellier.

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3. Working in France

• Job search platforms:

  • Pole Emploi

  • Indeed France

  • Welcome to the Jungle

Work Culture:

• 35-hour work week

• Generous vacation (5 weeks/year is standard)

• Punctuality and formal etiquette are important in business

Language: While many jobs in tech or international companies are in English, speaking French greatly improves your chances of finding work and integrating.

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4. Healthcare System

France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world.

• After 3+ months of legal residency, you can apply for PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie) for state health insurance.

• You’ll also need a mutuelle (top-up private insurance) to cover what the state doesn’t.

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5. Finances

Cost of Living (approximate monthly):

• Paris: €1,500–€3,000

• Other cities: €1,000–€2,000

Open a French bank account early (you’ll need it for rent, salary, utilities).

Taxation: Be aware of double taxation treaties. File taxes in both countries if required.

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6. Integration Tips

• Learn French – this is crucial, even at a basic level.

• Join expat groups (Facebook, Meetup) or take part in local activities.

• Get a Navigo pass if in Paris – cheap and unlimited public transport.

• Understand the “administrative culture” – bureaucracy can be slow and paper-heavy. Be patient and persistent.

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Need Help With Paperwork?

Consider hiring:

• A relocation consultant

• A French translator/interpreter

• Or use services like FranceConnect for e-government paperwork.