Canadian buyers, and Quebecers in particular, keep a strong bond with France: language, culture and a familiar civil law ease the project. Paris, Provence and the South West are among the most sought after destinations.
Canada is outside the European Union: a resale may require an accredited tax representative and stays remain subject to the Schengen rule of 90 days in 180. Since 2024, Canada applies the Apostille Convention, which lightens document legalisation. The France Canada tax treaty avoids double taxation, but taxation at death, specific to Canada, should be anticipated.
French Realty prepares and coordinates your project on the French side, in French and English, and connects you with partners used to Canadian cases. We inform and guide: the transaction, the notarial deed and personalised tax advice remain the responsibility of our partners.
French-speaking edge: bilingual notaires, civil law familiar to Quebec
Apostille since 2024: simpler document legalisation
Resale: accredited tax representative often required (non-EU)
At death: Canadian taxation and French succession to reconcile
The purchase process seen from Canada
The French notaire secures the sale and title, in a civil law logic close to Quebec's. You can sign remotely by power of attorney.
What changes for you
A single notaire authenticates the sale and registers title, a familiar framework for a Quebec buyer.
The preliminary contract binds the parties, with a ten day cooling off period for the buyer, before the final deed.
Since 2024, the apostille replaces consular legalisation for many Canadian documents, which speeds up the process.
Points to watch
The deposit (5 to 10 % of the price) is paid at the compromis stage, into the notaire's escrow account.
Plan for the Canadian dollar to euro exchange and transfer timing.
A notarised power of attorney lets you sign without crossing the Atlantic.
How French Realty supports you Partner notaire
We coordinate the full practical side and connect you with a bilingual partner notaire. The deed itself remains the notaire's work.
Yes, practically: the language and a close civil law make the notarial path clearer. The tax and stay rules, however, depend on non-EU status.
Will I pay tax twice between France and Canada?
The France Canada treaty generally neutralises double taxation through a tax credit, but filings remain due in both countries.
Must I appoint a tax representative to sell?
In principle yes, above 150,000 euros of sale price, due to non-EU status, subject to exemption cases.
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.
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Your dedicated concierge prepares your purchase, coordinates partners and looks after your property, in French and English. Billed by time spent.
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