Moving to Réunion

A move to Réunion takes 6 months to prepare. Your personal belongings enter free of VAT and octroi de mer if you provide a dated, signed inventory and proof of settlement.

Full container or shared container

In a full container, your belongings travel alone. In a shared container, they share the space with other shipments. Ask for several quotes and check that each one includes customs clearance and delivery to your address.

The VAT and octroi de mer exemption

• It covers personal belongings already in use.
• You have one year after settling to bring them in, in one or more shipments.
• For 12 months, you cannot sell, rent or lend them.
• Furniture from a second home is not eligible.

The details are on the octroi de mer exemption for a move page.

The papers to prepare

• A detailed inventory of your belongings, dated and signed in 2 copies.
• Proof of settlement: certificate of change of residence, employment contract, transfer notice or order.
• Proof of purchase, all taxes included, for your valuable items.
• Form cerfa 10070 if you are bringing a vehicle.

These are the documents required by French customs.

The car

Your car enters tax-free if you bought it with all taxes included in mainland France. On arrival, you have 1 month to change the address on the vehicle registration certificate. The shipping your car to Réunion page gives the conditions.

The schedule

1. 6 months before leaving

   3 steps

   • Ask several removal companies for quotes, for a full container or a shared one.
   • If you are a transferred public servant, check whether your relocation costs are covered.
   • Decide whether to ship your car or buy one locally.

2. 3 months before leaving

   4 steps

   • Draw up a detailed inventory of your belongings, dated and signed, in 2 copies.
   • Gather proof of purchase, VAT included, for your valuable items.
   • Prepare proof of settlement: employment contract, transfer order or certificate of change of residence.
   • Fill in form cerfa 10070 if you import a vehicle. It includes the commitment not to sell it for 12 months.

3. 1 month before leaving

   2 steps

   • Check the school start and holiday dates of the Réunion education authority.
   • Estimate your monthly budget on the island.

4. After arriving

   4 steps

   • Change the address on your vehicle registration certificate within a month of moving. It is free for up to 3 changes.
   • Bring in your belongings within a year of settling to keep the exemption.
   • Do not sell, rent or lend the belongings you imported tax-free for 12 months.
   • Find your cyclone shelter and write down the emergency numbers.

The moving checklist lists the 13 steps to tick off, from 6 months before leaving to your arrival.

Public servants

A public servant transferred at their own request between mainland France and Réunion can have their costs covered after 4 years in their previous post. The conditions are on the relocation allowance page.