If you’re moving to France from Ireland, the simplest and least stressful route is by ferry, not flying. Irish citizens can live in France without a visa, bring a car, and avoid residency panic—but only if the paperwork is handled properly.
Rosslare–Cherbourg is the workhorse route. Paris is doable without a car, rural France is not. French admin is slow, toll roads are expensive, and yes, the croissant really does taste better the morning after you arrive.
We at SeaFrance Holidays see the same mistakes every year. This guide exists so you don’t make them.
Moving to France from Ireland: The Reality, Not the Fantasy
There’s a romantic version of relocating to France. Sunlit cafés. Affordable property. A slower pace of life.
Then there’s the version involving French exit rules, motorway toll queues, and a bank clerk explaining—politely—that your documents are missing one stamp.
On my last inspection crossing from Rosslare, the salt air hit just after boarding. Diesel. Sea spray. Strong coffee from a paper cup. That’s when it becomes real. You’re not visiting. You’re relocating.
This guide covers the entire process, ferry-first, because that’s how most long-term movers actually do it.
Can You Live in France with an Irish Passport?
Short answer: Yes. Fully. Legally. Indefinitely.
Irish citizens hold a unique position in the EU. Even post-Brexit chaos, nothing changed for Ireland.
What Irish Citizens Don’t Need
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No visa
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No residence permit (for the first 3 months)
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No work permit
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No minimum income threshold
What You Do Need
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Proof of address in France
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Health cover (private initially, then state)
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Registration with French authorities after 90 days
But there’s a catch.
You must actively register your presence if staying long-term. Many don’t. That causes problems later when applying for healthcare or tax residency.
Ferry vs Flying: Why the Ferry Wins for Relocation
Flying works for holidays. Relocating is different.
You’re bringing:
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Documents
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Household items
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Pets
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A car you already own
Flying turns that into an expensive puzzle.
Ferry vs Tunnel Cost Comparison
| Route | Typical Cost (Car + 2 Adults) | Luggage Limits | Stress Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rosslare–Cherbourg | €450–€750 | Unlimited | Low |
| Dublin–Paris (Flight) | €200–€400 | Strict | High |
| UK Land Bridge + Tunnel | €600–€900 | Moderate | Very High |
If you’re doing this on a budget, ferry wins every time.
Rosslare to Cherbourg Sailing Time (And Why It Matters)
This route exists for movers, not tourists.
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Sailing time: 16–18 hours
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Overnight cabins: Essential
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Arrival: Morning, rested
Arriving in Cherbourg means you’re already in Normandy. Paris is a 3.5–4 hour drive. Brittany is closer. The south? Plan a stop.
That first French motorway toll booth will sting. €12.80 gone in seconds. Welcome.
Book a cabin even if you think you won’t sleep.
You will. And arriving functional matters more than saving €90.
Moving to Paris vs Provincial France
Moving to Paris
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No car needed
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Higher rents
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Faster admin (sometimes)
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Brutal competition for apartments
Moving Elsewhere
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Car required
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Lower costs
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Slower paperwork
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Better quality of life
On my last relocation consult, a family insisted on Paris. Six months later, they were in Tours. That’s common.
Relocating to France with a Car
This is where most people mess up.
Key Rules
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You can drive on Irish plates initially
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You must register the car in France if staying long-term
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Registration involves taxes, emissions checks, and patience
French exit tax doesn’t apply to cars—but vehicle import duties might, depending on age and emissions.
French motorway tolls are another shock. Budget €20–€30 per 300 km.
Pets: The Quiet Deal-Breaker
France is pet-friendly. The paperwork isn’t.
You’ll need:
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EU pet passport
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Microchip
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Rabies vaccination
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Tapeworm treatment (dogs, timing matters)
Ferries are far easier than flights for animals. Period.
Do not miss the tapeworm timing window.
We’ve seen entire relocations delayed over this.
Healthcare: How Irish Citizens Join the French System
You start private. You end public.
Step-by-Step Reality
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Private insurance on arrival
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Register residence
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Apply to CPAM
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Receive Carte Vitale (eventually)
Eventually can mean months. Keep receipts.
How to Move to France from Ireland (Ferry-First Method)
H2: How to Move to France from Ireland
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Choose your region before booking a property
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Book Rosslare–Cherbourg ferry with cabin
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Secure temporary French address
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Register locally after 90 days
No fluff. No shortcuts.
French Exit Rules, Taxes, and the Myth of “No Paperwork”
France wants to know where you live, how you earn, and where you pay tax.
Reality Check
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Tax residency triggers at 183 days
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Double taxation treaties apply
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Ignoring registration causes delays later
The system works—but only if you play along.
Best Times to Book Your Ferry
| Month | Price Level | Demand | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January–March | Low | Low | Best value |
| April–June | Medium | Medium | Popular with movers |
| July–August | High | Very High | Avoid |
| September–October | Medium | Medium | Ideal window |
| November–December | Low | Low | Rough seas |
September sailings are the sweet spot.
Good prices. Calm seas. Fewer families.
How to Become a French Citizen (Eventually)
Irish citizens don’t need to rush.
General path:
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5 years residency
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Language proficiency
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Integration proof
Many never apply. Permanent residency often suffices.
FAQ: Real Questions We’re Asked Every Week
Can I live in France with an Irish passport permanently?
Yes. Registration is required after 90 days.
Is moving from Ireland to France expensive?
Less than expected—if you use ferries and avoid Paris initially.
Do I need a visa to move to Paris?
No, if you’re Irish.
How long is the Rosslare to Cherbourg sailing time?
Typically 16–18 hours.
Can I bring my Irish car to France?
Yes, but you must re-register it.
Are French motorway tolls expensive?
Yes. Budget accordingly.
Is healthcare free in France?
Subsidised, not free.
Can I work immediately in France?
Yes, as an Irish citizen.
Do I need to speak French?
Not legally. Practically? Absolutely.
What’s the hardest part of relocating to France?
Administration. Always.
Is rural France cheaper than Paris?
Significantly.
Can I move pets easily by ferry?
Yes. Much easier than flying.
Final Word from SeaFrance Holidays
We at SeaFrance Holidays don’t sell fantasies. We sell routes, timings, and reality.
The ferry matters. The paperwork matters. The croissant on your first French morning? That matters too.
For detailed relocation planning, ferry bookings, and regional advice, visit seafranceholidays.com.
