Germans, Dutch, Italians, Spaniards, Scandinavians: residents of other EU countries form a major share of foreign buyers in France, drawn by the climate, heritage and quality of life, everywhere in the country.
EU resident status opens a simplified framework: no tax representative imposed on resale, possible exemption from social levies and free movement with no stay limit. Residents of the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) enjoy the same advantages. Two parameters do vary by country: the applicable tax treaty and the currency, the euro avoiding any exchange for the euro area but not for non-euro countries.
French Realty prepares and coordinates your project on the French side, in French, English and Portuguese, and connects you with partners used to European buyers. We inform and guide: the transaction, the notarial deed and personalised advice remain the responsibility of our partners.
Resale: no tax representative imposed (EU status)
Reduced social levies possible through your European affiliation
Free movement: no limit on length of stay
Tax treaty and currency vary by your country
The purchase process seen from the European Union
The French notaire secures the sale and title. Many EU countries share a Latin-tradition notariat, which makes the path clear.
What changes for you
A single notaire authenticates the sale and registers title, a framework close to that of many EU countries.
The preliminary contract binds the parties, with a ten day cooling off period for the buyer, before the final deed.
For the euro area, payment is made without conversion; non-euro countries must manage an exchange.
Points to watch
The deposit (5 to 10 % of the price) is paid at the compromis stage, into the notaire's escrow account.
A notarised power of attorney lets you sign remotely if needed.
How French Realty supports you Partner notaire
We coordinate the full practical side and connect you with a partner notaire. The deed itself remains the notaire's work.
Yes: no tax representative imposed on resale, possible exemption from social levies and free movement with no stay limit. It is a markedly simpler framework than non-EU status.
Will I have to manage a currency exchange?
Not if you reside in the euro area. For non-euro EU countries, an exchange remains to be managed on the purchase and flows.
How do I find the rules specific to my country?
The tax treaty between France and your country sets the specifics. We point you to a partner tax lawyer to analyse it.
What if I live in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein?
These countries form the European Economic Area: you enjoy the same favourable framework as EU residents, namely no tax representative, possible exemption from social levies and free movement.
Our role, made clear
This guide is informational and is not personalised advice. French Realty informs, prepares and coordinates; regulated acts (transactions, tax or legal advice, notarial deeds) are carried out by qualified partners under their own responsibility. Have your situation validated by a professional.
Ready to move forward on your project?
Your dedicated contact prepares your purchase, coordinates partners and looks after your property, in French, English and Portuguese. Individually quoted.
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