Moving to France from New Zealand: Everything You Need to Know

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The Remitly editorial team is a global group of writers and editors passionate about helping Kiwis thrive in New Zealand and beyond.

Key Highlights

Find out the visa options if you are from New Zealand and want to live in France. This covers popular choices like the Working Holiday Visa.
Learn about French culture and the everyday way of life there, such as how people dine and why the language is important.
Look at the cost of living in both New Zealand and France. See how things like housing, groceries, and bills compare.
Use our step-by-step relocation guide to help your move from New Zealand be easy and less stressful.
Find out what the application process is, such as what documents you need and how to find a place to stay.
See what support and resources are out there for New Zealanders. These things will help you settle in and find your way in France.

Introduction

Are you thinking about leaving New Zealand for life in France? It can be a big and exciting step. France has a lot to offer, like a rich culture, great food, and beautiful views. You might want to move for work, a better quality of life, or to enjoy your retirement in a place with deep history. This guide will help you know what to expect. We’ll cover things like how to get a visa and tips for starting out as a new expat. Our aim is to help make your move from New Zealand to France go as smoothly as possible.

Why New Zealanders Choose to Move to France

Many New Zealanders want to live in France because of the great quality of life you can get there. The country has lively major cities like Paris and Lyon, as well as quiet villages in the countryside. So, there is something for everyone. People want the world-class food, lovely buildings, and the nice, slow way of living. These things make many Kiwis think about moving.

Also, France has good roads and transport, a strong healthcare system, and good schools. This helps people feel safe when they live there. The chance to learn French and find out more about the deep culture is also a big reason why New Zealanders choose France. Now, let’s have a look at the main reasons to move, and what problems you might have to deal with.

Top Reasons for Relocating from New Zealand to France

The choice to move from New Zealand to France is often because people want to grow both in their work and in their personal life. France has a strong economy and people know it for its special culture. This makes a lot of Kiwis want to live there. The country has busy cities and calm places in the countryside, so there is something for everyone.

The reasons people from New Zealand, like families, workers, and retirees, are drawn to France are:

Exceptional Quality of Life: Life in France is about balance. People make time for good food, relaxing, and being part of their community.
Professional Opportunities: There are many chances to work. Big industries like finance, tech, and luxury goods are all here.
Rich French Culture: There is so much French culture to enjoy. People can see art, learn about history, fashion, and amazing food.
Excellent Public Services: The French have good health care and schools known around the world.

If you want to move your career forward, or just want life to slow down a bit, living in France can be great for you. Some main visa choices for New Zealanders include long-stay visas for work or study, the Talent Passport for skilled workers, and the Working Holiday Visa for young people who want to travel and work at the same time.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Moving to France can be exciting for New Zealanders, but there are a few things that can get in the way. The biggest challenge is often the language barrier. You may know some French from school, but it takes time and practice to use it well when talking with others. Dealing with all the paperwork to get residency or sort out official things can also feel hard.

For most New Zealanders, living in France is more good than bad. But, you need to get used to a new way of life. Here’s what can help you deal with the usual problems:

Language Barrier: Start every chat in French if you can, even if your French is not great. Locals will like that you try. Do not worry if you make mistakes. Ask them to speak to you in French, so you can get better.
Bureaucracy: The application process will need you to be really organised and keep calm. Keep all papers together. Read and follow each step.
Cultural Differences: Remember, good manners matter a lot. Say “Bonjour” when you enter, and “Merci, au revoir” when you leave a shop.

Making friends with local people can take a bit of time. Joining local groups or signing up for a French class will help you meet others. Taking on these small things is what makes living in France such an adventure for people like us from New Zealand.

Understanding Visa Options for New Zealand Citizens

If you are from New Zealand and want to move to France, it’s important to know about the visa rules first. If you plan to stay in France for over 90 days, you must get a long-stay visa. The type of visa you need will depend on your reason for going, like work, study, family, or retirement.

The application process can be long and may need a lot of papers. You have to show what you plan to do there and that you have enough money. Getting the right visa is a must if you want to get a residency permit when you arrive to live and stay in France. Now, let’s look at the types of visas New Zealand citizens can get, and what you need for long-term stays.

Types of Visas Available for Moving to France

New Zealanders can choose from a few visa options to move to France. Each type of visa in France is designed for different needs. For short visits of up to 90 days, you do not need a visa to go to the Schengen Area. If you want to stay in France for longer than that, you will need a long-stay visa. This long-stay visa works as a residence permit.

The type of visa you will use depends on why you want to live in France. You need to do the application process before you leave New Zealand and have your visa approved before you go. Here are some main visas for New Zealanders:

Working Holiday Visa: This is a top pick if you are a young New Zealander between 18 and 30. You can travel and work in France for up to one year.
Long-Stay Visa (Work): If you have a job offer in France, you can use this. Most of the time, you need your employer in France to sponsor you.
Talent Passport: This helps skilled people, researchers, artists, and investors get a multi-year residence permit.
Student Visa: Choose this if you are going to study in a French school or university.
Visitor Visa: If you are not planning to work but can prove you have enough money to live in France, this is the right type of visa for you.

Every visa has its own set of rules

Special Requirements and Long-Term Residency Options

If you are from New Zealand and want to stay in France for a long time, getting the long-stay visa is just the start. When you get to France, you have to make sure you validate your visa. This will turn your visa into your first residence permit. The steps to do this are done online, and you need to finish it within three months of your arrival. If you do not do this, it can make your legal status in France more tricky.

When your first stay ends, you will need to apply at your local prefecture for a new residence permit (called carte de séjour). To get this, you usually have to show that you still have a job, can look after yourself, or you are studying. There are not many extra requirements just for new zealand citizens. The french rules are for all people who are from a country outside the EU.

If you want to stay for good, you can try for permanent residency after five years if you have lived in France all the time and legally. To get this, France wants to see that you are now part of their country. This means you need good enough proficiency in the French language and to show that you know about french culture and what is important to them.

Beginner’s Guide to Moving from New Zealand to France

Planning a move from New Zealand to France can seem too much at first. But if you break it up into smaller and easier tasks, the process gets a lot simpler. This guide for people new to relocation will help you every step of the way. From sorting out the first bit of paperwork to settling in during your first few weeks in your French home, it will cover all you need. Good planning is what helps you have a smooth and stress-free move.

You need to gather all the right papers, and you also have to sort out how to send your things across. If you make a clear plan, it will save you time and stop a lot of trouble. Now, let’s go over the papers to get and steps to follow so you can move from New Zealand to France without any problem.

Essential Documents and Resources You’ll Need

When you plan to move to France from New Zealand, getting your papers ready is very important. The application process for a visa and residence permit in France needs you to give a full file of documents, and if you have everything from the start, you will not face many delays. You must give these to the French embassy or the consulate that looks after New Zealand.

It is smart to have a checklist for the application process and to keep both paper and computer copies of all your important papers. Here is a list of documents you will most likely need:

Valid Passport: Your passport should have at least six months left after the date you plan to stay in France.
Visa Application Form: You will have to fill this in and sign it.
Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements to show you have enough money to look after yourself.
Proof of Accommodation: This could be a rental agreement or a letter from your host in France.
Health Insurance: You need documents to show your health insurance will cover you in France.
Employment Contract or Proof of Enrolment: You give this based on the visa you want to get.

You should always check the French embassy or French government websites to find the latest list for the documents you need, because what you have to give can change.

Step-by-Step Process for a Smooth Relocation

Moving to France is a big job, so you need to plan well and follow the right steps. Getting ready early can help things go well and make your relocation easy and not stressful. The move really starts long before you get on the plane.

First, you need to look up and choose what visa you need. You should know that the application process for a visa can take a long time, sometimes a few months, so it’s good to start as soon as you can. When that is going, you can look at other parts of your move to France and sort those out.

Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow for your next step:

Step 1: Do your research about visa options and start your application process.
Step 2: Get all the papers you need. This might be passports, birth certificates, and money records.
Step 3: Find a place to stay in France and get papers that show your accommodation.
Step 4: Work out how you’re going to move your things. Sell or put into storage what you will not take with you.
Step 5: After your visa is approved, buy your plane tickets. Then get excited about the next step for your new life.

Each one of these steps will take you closer to starting over in France.

Step-by-Step Guide: Relocating from New Zealand to France

Moving from New Zealand to France is a big step. You need to plan the whole move well. A good way to do this is to follow each stage, one by one. This guide puts the relocation into three main parts: getting ready, sorting out the move, and settling in after you get there.

If you follow these steps, you will find it easier to keep everything in order. It will help you handle the things you need to do for an overseas move. Let’s look at each part to get you set for your new life in France.

Step 1: Preparing Your Application and Gathering Documents

The first and most important thing you need to do when you move to France is get ready for your visa application. The application process comes with a lot of forms and organisation is very important. Start by picking the right visa type for your move and take time to look at all the requirements on the official french embassy website.

Collecting all of your papers may take some time, so start early. You might have to get things like your birth certificate translated into french, and the translation has to be done by a certified person.

Here is a checklist for this part of the journey:

Complete the Visa Application Form: Make sure you fill it out with the right information.
Gather Core Documents: You will need your passport, photos, proof that you have enough money, and where you will be staying (accommodation).
Obtain Supporting Paperwork: Depending on your visa, you might need a work contract, a letter saying you got into university, or your marriage certificate.
Submit Your Application: Hand in your finished application to the right french authorities.

If you keep all of your papers in order, it will help the application process go well. It will also make it easier for you when you work on getting your residence permit later on.

Step 2: Arranging Housing, Work, and Shipping Belongings

With your visa process started, the next thing to do is to get ready for the move. You need to sort out where you will live first. For your visa, you will often have to show proof of accommodation. Start to check out places to rent in your city of choice. The rental market, for example in Paris, can be tough with many people looking, so don’t wait too long.

If you do not have a job offer with your work visa, now is the right time to turn up the job hunt. At the same time, think about what will happen to your household goods. It can be a really big task to move stuff from New Zealand to Europe.

Here are the main things to do at this stage:

Secure Accommodation: Find a rental and sign a lease, or set up somewhere to stay for a short time.
Continue Job Search: If you need to, start to network and apply for new jobs.
Declutter: Choose what household goods to keep, sell, give away, or throw out.
Get Shipping Quotes: Contact international movers for prices on sending your things by air freight or by sea.
Arrange Shipping: Book a spot to send your things and make sure to pack them right.

If you sort out these things well, the move to France will be much easier.

Step 3: Settling In – What to Do Upon Arrival

Congratulations, you have made it to France! Now, it is time to settle in and finish a few important tasks. The first thing you need to do after you arrive is to validate your long-stay visa. This starts your time as a real resident. Most people do this online, and you need to finish it within three months.

Living in France as a New Zealander means the process will be new. If you take care of the main admin tasks early, you can relax and start to enjoy your new home much sooner.

Here is what you should do when you get there:

Validate Your Visa: Go online and finish the process to turn your visa into your first residence permit.
Register for Healthcare: Start signing up for the French health insurance system (PUMA).
Open a Bank Account: You need this for paying bills, getting paid, and every day life.
Set Up Utilities: Make sure you get power, gas, and internet set up at your accommodation.
Explore Your Neighbourhood: Walk around, find the local shops, and have a go at speaking French.

Doing these things will help you feel good, get settled, and become part of life in France.

Everyday Life in France for New Zealand Expats

Everyday life for New Zealand expats in France is a mix of trying new things and keeping a bit of home with you. Life moves at a slower pace here. People like to take their time and really value quality, community, and tradition. You will soon see how much food, talking with others, and free time mean to the French way of life.

When you go to the local market or try to make new friends, you will start to get used to what living in France is like. It can be both a challenge and a good adventure. Here, we’ll talk about some big parts of French culture you will find. We’ll also share how you can meet people and settle into your new community.

new zealand, french culture, everyday life, france, french, expats

French Culture, Language, and Lifestyle Adjustments

Getting used to French culture is a big part of being an expat. One of the main things to get used to is the need for the French language. You may hear some English in business or in big cities. Still, you need to know some French to get by in everyday life, to do well at work, and to feel like you fit in.

Life in France can move at a slower pace. Meals often last a long time and are seen as a time for friends and family to come together. There is a great focus on work-life balance, and people often have lots of time off. Good manners are important in France. It is expected that you greet people politely every day.

Here are some cultural points you should know about:

Language is Key: Even knowing basic French will help you a lot in your daily life.
Manners Matter: Always say “Bonjour” and “Merci, au revoir.”
Savour the Moment: Life is often more relaxed. Take your time with long meals and good chats.
Embrace Local Life: Shopping at your local market is a big part of living in a neighbourhood.

To live in France, you will need to adopt these customs. After a while, you will find it gives you a new look at life and it can be a great reward.

Moving to France and building a new social life can seem hard, especially if you are still learning French. But, making new connections is so important if you want to feel at home. You will need to put yourself out there and talk to others. Try making friends with both locals and other expats.

Don’t worry too much if your French is not perfect yet. Most French people like it when you try, and they are often happy to help you practice. Try joining clubs, classes, or other community groups that match your hobbies. This is a good way to find people who like the same stuff you do.

Here are a few tips for making new friends:

Join Expat Groups: Meet other new zealanders and expats both online and in person. You can swap advice and find friendship.
Take a Class: Sign up for a French class, a cooking class, or join a sports club.
Get Involved Locally: Take part in local events and festivals in your area.
Be Open and Patient: Good friendships take some time to grow. Be open, enjoy trying new things, practice your French, and give it time.

It will not happen all at once. Building a community takes time, but it can be one of the best things about starting your new life in France.

Cost of Living: France vs. New Zealand

One thing many people ask about when they move is the cost of living. How do France and New Zealand compare? The answer is not the same everywhere. What you pay will be much higher in big places like Paris than in smaller towns. This is a bit like the way Auckland is not the same as other parts of NZ.

In general, you will see that the cost for things like food shopping and eating at a café is much the same in the main cities of New Zealand and France. There are differences in what you actually get, though. France has higher taxes. These taxes help pay for things so everyone has good public services like health care and buses or trains. This can help you when you are looking at what you have to pay. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to expenses in these two major cities.

Housing, Groceries, and Utilities

Housing is typically your largest expense in France. Paris has some of the highest rental prices in Europe, but cities like Lyon and Bordeaux offer a more affordable, yet still vibrant, urban lifestyle. Outside of the major cities, housing costs drop significantly. Utilities such as electricity, heating, and internet are generally on par with what you might pay in New Zealand.

Groceries can be a pleasant surprise. While supermarket prices are similar, the quality and affordability of fresh produce, bread, cheese, and wine from local markets are exceptional. Eating out can range from affordable bistro lunches to high-end dining experiences.

Here is a general comparison of average monthly costs (in NZD) to give you an idea:

Expense	Paris (approx. NZD)	Bordeaux (approx. NZD)
1-bed apartment (city centre)	$2,500 – $3,500	$1,300 – $1,800
Basic Utilities (for 85m2 apt)	$250 – $350	$200 – $300
Monthly Groceries (per person)	$500 – $700	$450 – $600
Monthly Public Transport Pass	$130 – $150	$60 – $80

Healthcare, Education, and Daily Expenses

Besides housing and food, there are other regular costs that add to the overall cost of living in France. The French healthcare system is known all over the world. It gets money from social security contributions. When you sign up with the public healthcare system (PUMA), most of your medical bills will be paid back. Many people also choose to get a private ‘mutuelle’ to cover extra costs.

Education is also important to think about. In France, public schools are free and have a good standard. If you want your kids to learn in English, international schools are there in most major cities, but their fees are high.

Here are some more everyday costs:

Healthcare: Payments to the public system are taken out of your pay. The cost of a good mutuelle is about $50-$150 NZD each month.
Education: Public schools do not charge fees. International school costs go from $15,000 to $40,000 NZD each year.
Transport: Buses and trains work well and are not too pricey in cities, so you may not need a car.
Leisure: Eating out in an affordable place can cost $25-$35 NZD for one meal, while a movie ticket is about $20 NZD.

These all add up when you look at the cost of living in France, especially in major cities with international schools.

Finding Work and Managing Finances in France

For many expats, moving to France means you have to look for work and learn how their money system works. The French economy has many types of jobs. There are good career opportunities in different areas, mostly for skilled people. But, to get a job, you will often need a work visa. It also helps a lot if you know some French.

You will also need to handle your money when you get there. This can mean opening a bank account and also learning about their tax system. It is important to plan all of this. Good planning helps you use your money well and get the most out of your job experience in France. Below, we talk about what jobs you might get and also how you can handle your money when you move.

Job Opportunities for New Zealanders in France

France has a strong economy that gives new zealanders many career opportunities, mainly if you have special skills. The main fields are aerospace, technology, luxury goods, finance, and tourism. Major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse are popular spots for these industries where people come from around the world to work.

It can be tough for someone from new zealand to find work in france. But it is not impossible. Some expats get jobs through big company moves. For others, it is about who you know. You can look for jobs on the web, talk with recruiters on LinkedIn, or contact companies right away. All these are good ways to make a start.

Some fields with a lot of demand are:

Technology and IT: There is a rise in tech jobs in france and they need workers who know their stuff.
Tourism and Hospitality: Jobs are there for english speakers, but knowing french is still very important.
Teaching English: A common job for new arrivals wanting to start their careers.
Skilled Trades and Engineering: These are wanted most in aerospace and renewable energy.

Being able to speak french will give you more chances for work and career opportunities. If you want to do well, learning french is a good step.

Opening a Bank Account and Transferring Money

Opening a French bank account is one of the first things you need to do after you get to France. It’s very important to have one. You will need it to rent an apartment, set up power and water, and get your pay. The process can feel slow and full of rules, so be sure to take all your paperwork with you.

You will need to show proof of who you are. Bring your passport for this. You must also show where you live in France, like a bill for power or your rental contract. At times, you have to show your visa or residence permit. Some banks may let you start the process online before you fly over, so this can save you some time.

Here are the main steps for looking after your money:

Choose a Bank: Look up different banks in France, including online and old-style ones, and pick the one that is best for you.
Gather Documents: Get your passport, a bill or a rental letter for proof of address, and your residence permit together.
Schedule an Appointment: Lots of French banks will ask you to come in for a meeting before you can have an account.
Transferring Money: Move your NZD funds with a special money service. This way, you get better rates and pay less to send it to your new bank in Euros, rather than doing it through your bank.

Having your French account set up will help you settle into your new life in France

Shipping Belongings from New Zealand to France

Moving from New Zealand to France means you need to send all your things far away. You have to decide what to take with you, and how you want to send it. Good planning makes it easier to do.

You can use sea freight if you have a lot to ship. It costs less for big loads. If you want it there faster, you can pick air freight, but it costs more. Getting help from a moving company can make everything easier. They help you pack, and they know how to handle customs.

Here’s how you choose the right mover, and what you should know about customs.

Choosing a Moving Company and Customs Requirements

Choosing the best moving company is key for a stress-free relocation to Europe. Pick the one with experience in moving household goods to France. They should offer a full, door-to-door service. It is a good idea to get quotes from a few companies so you can look at their costs and the services they give.

Dealing with French customs is also a big part of this process. The moving company should guide you on what documents you will need. Usually, to bring in your household goods without paying duty, you need to show you are making France your main home now.

Here is what to think about when you plan to ship your things:

Get Multiple Quotes: Make sure you check prices for packing, shipping, insurance, and more.
Check Reviews: Find movers with a history of good service.
Understand Customs: You will need to give an inventory list, proof that you are moving your main home, and your passport or visa.
Choose Your Shipping Method: Think about whether you want a shared container, full container (sea freight), or a faster air freight way to move your things.
Insure Your Belongings: Check your items are covered by good insurance for the whole trip.

A top moving company can help you all the way through your relocation.

Tips for Moving Household Goods and Personal Items

Getting ready to move your household goods and personal things to France? It helps a lot to stay organised. First, start by going through all your stuff and see what you need. Moving to another country is a good time to get rid of things you do not use. Take only the things that you really need. This can help you save money when you ship them.

Next, make sure you pack everything in the right way. Good packing stops your items from breaking while they are being moved. You can have professional movers do the packing for you, but you can also pack by yourself. If you do, use strong boxes. Use the right stuff for packing. Put a clear label on every box that shows what is inside and which room it should go in.

Use these easy tips so your move is smooth and stress-free:

Create an Inventory: Write down a full list of what you are shipping. You will need this for both customs rules and insurance.
Pack an Essentials Box: Pack all important papers, any medicine, and enough clothes for a few days in one box. Bring this onboard your flight or send it using air freight.
Check for Prohibited Items: Find out about French customs laws. Some things are restricted or not allowed when going into France.
Don’t Ship Food: Do not pack food that can go off.
Communicate with Your Mover: Keep talking to your relocation company so you know where your things

Support Networks and Resources for New Zealanders in France

Moving to a new country can be a big change, and it really helps to have a good support network. For new zealanders living in france, there are many ways to get help. You can join online forums or meet in person with other expats. This will give you great advice, new friends, and you will feel part of a group.

These networks are helpful when you want to ask questions or tell your story. You can get real tips on how to live in france. Let’s look at where new zealanders can find these support groups and some useful organisations you should know about.

Where to Find Expat Advice and Support Groups

Finding advice and help as an expat in France is now much easier because of the internet. Online groups and social media give you a lot of information. You can use these to connect to New Zealanders and other expats who have already gone through the move.

You can use these forums to ask about all sorts of things. This can be about the visa process or finding the best bakery in your new area. These groups also help you make friends even before you get to France. A lot of these online groups set up regular events and meetups that you can join in person.

Here are some good places to begin your search for a community:

Facebook Groups: Look for groups like “Kiwis in Paris” or “New Zealanders in France.”
Internations: This is a worldwide expat group. They have local groups in big French cities.
Expat Forums: These websites help you get advice and connect with other expats.
Meetup.com: Search for groups with the same hobbies as you, from hiking to language swap groups.

Joining these groups can be a big help while you settle into your new life in France.

Useful Contacts and Community Organisations

Along with informal support groups, there are a number of official and local groups that can really help expats from New Zealand who are now living in France. You can join these groups to get real help, learn about French culture, and meet more people from New Zealand who are also living abroad.

The New Zealand Embassy in Paris is the main place to go for official help. If you are in France, you should register with the Embassy after you arrive. This way, they can get in touch with you if something goes wrong. They also hold a few events that bring Kiwi people together.

Here are some important contacts and groups:

New Zealand Embassy, Paris: This is where you go for help with consular issues and for any official news you need.
Local ‘Accueil’ Organisations: You will find that many French towns run “welcome” groups. These are usually run by volunteers. Groups such as AVF Accueil des Villes Françaises are there to make it easier for new people to get settled.
The Kea Network: This is a worldwide group for people from New Zealand who are living in other places. You can make business links and go to events meant for the community.
Australia New Zealand Association (ANZA) Paris: This group puts on social and cultural events in Paris for Australians and New Zealanders.

These options will help you meet new people, get support, and feel like you belong as you get to know life as an expat

Conclusion

To wrap up, moving from New Zealand to France can be a big and exciting step. There will be many new things to learn and try. It’s important to know why you want to go, which visa you need, and the main steps for making the move easy. You should also get ready for life to be a bit different in France. Try to keep your money in check, and look for people who can help you settle in. Take on the changes, and enjoy what makes life in France special. If you want to get started, reach out to us for a free chat to help you with every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need as a New Zealander to move to France?

You will need a valid passport to apply for a visa for France. Fill in the visa application form. You have to show proof that you have enough money. You need to show where you will stay for your accommodation in France. You must also have health insurance that covers a lot. The French embassy can ask for more papers, based on your visa type. For example, you might need a work contract or a letter from your university. Make sure to check the French embassy website for the newest list of items you must bring.

How do I apply for the France Working Holiday visa?

To get the Working Holiday Visa for France, you need to be a New Zealand citizen between 18 and 30 years old. The application process asks you to send in a form, your passport, and proof that you have enough money. You also need return travel tickets and health insurance. You give all of these to the French team that handles visa applications in New Zealand.

How can I find work in France after moving from New Zealand?

To look for work in France, use online job boards. Try professional networking sites like LinkedIn. You can go to recruitment agencies as well. Connect with expat groups. This can help you find more job openings. If you get better at French, it will open up more options for you. It makes the job search in France easier and more successful.

What is daily life like for New Zealand expats in France?

Daily life for New Zealand expats in France is often slower. People spend more time enjoying good food and talking with others. There is a big focus on French culture. Living there means you need to get used to new customs. You will have to deal with some paperwork and get used to the French language. But the lifestyle is full and gives you many great things in return.