Property Investment in France as a Foreigner

Foreigners can freely buy, lease, and sell real estate in France.

Statistics confirm the liquidity of investments: residential real estate prices grow every quarter by an average of 1.1%. Seven years ago, an apartment of 100 m² cost an average of €437,000, and today it is sold for €580,000.

€5,800

Average price per 1 m²

1.1%

Average price growth per quarter

8.6—29.7 %

Associated costs, of the property value

Property Investment in France as a Foreigner

How the residential property price index is growing in France

Cost of a 3-bedroom apartment in France

€6 million

Apartment in the centre of Paris

€1.2 million

Apartment within a 30-minute drive from the Eiffel Tower

€350,000

Apartment in Bordeaux

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France residency or citizenship by real estate investment

France has a Visitor Visa program, VLS-TS Visiteur, which allows you to live in France for up to 12 months. The status can be updated an unlimited number of times.

The Visitor Visa is suitable for financially independent individuals who plan to live in France. The visa provides the same rights as a residence permit, but prohibits the holder from working or doing business in the country.

To obtain a visa, the applicant confirms the presence of passive or remote income of €1,800 per month. It is also necessary to buy or rent residential property in France.

After 5 years of residence in France, a foreigner has the right to apply for a passport by naturalisation.

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Taxes and associated costs

Countries to buy a property and get residency or citizenship

We offer proven properties that comply with the conditions of government programs for investors. You can buy real estate and obtain a residence permit or citizenship.

Country

Property investments

Status

Obtaining time

Malta11 properties

€375,000+

Permanent residency

6+ months

Show 11 properties

€375,000+Permanent residency6+ months

Grenada22 properties

$270,000+

Citizenship

8+ months

Show 22 properties

$270,000+Citizenship8+ months

UAE140 properties

AED 750,000+

Residence permit

2+ months

Show 140 properties

AED 750,000+Residence permit2+ months

Spain36 properties

Not limited

Residence permit

4+ months

Show 36 properties

Not limitedResidence permit4+ months

Portugal73 properties

Not limited

Residency after D Visas

6+ months

Show 73 properties

Not limitedResidency after D Visas6+ months

Show all countries

40+ guides with European countries

Find out how much it costs to buy and rent real estate in each country, what the market dynamics are and what taxes you need to pay when buying and selling.

Property Investment in Lithuania as a Foreigner

Foreigners can freely buy, sell and rent out real estate in Lithuania.

€3,700

Average price per 1 m²

2.5%

Average price growth per quarter

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Property Investment in Italy as a Foreigner

Foreigners can buy, sell, and rent out real estate without restrictions in Italy.

€4,000

Average price per 1 m²

Average price growth per quarter

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Property investment in Hungary as a foreigner

Hungary doesn’t limit sales of properties and land to foreigners, except for agricultural land and architectural monuments. However,...

€2,900

Average price per 1 m²

3.4%

Average price growth by quarter

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Property Investment in Denmark as a Foreigner

Denmark limits real estate sales to foreigners: one must have a residence permit and live in the country for at least five years to buy...

€5,300

Average price per 1 m²

1.5%

Average price growth per quarter

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Property Investment in Croatia as a Foreigner

To purchase a property in Croatia, one must get approval from the Minister of Justice. Foreigners can rent out real estate only through...

€3,400

Average price per 1 m²

Average price growth per quarter

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Property Investment in Belgium as a Foreigner

Selling real estate to foreigners in Belgium is not limited: you can buy and sell housing and commercial real estate or rent it out.

€3,047

Average price per 1 m²

1,1%

Average price growth per quarter

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Material prepared by Igor Buglo, Head of the Maltese office, MBA

Updated:

06 March, 2025

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner buy property in France?
Yes, foreigners in France can buy and sell real estate without restrictions, and rent it out.
Are property prices falling in France?
No. While real estate prices in France are growing slower than the European Union average, they still grow by approximately 1.1% each quarter.
What is the average cost of a house in France?
The average cost of residential real estate in France is €5,800 per 1 m².
What are the pitfalls of buying a house in France?
Common things to be cautious of are:
buying property for renovation — the estimated costs of renovation works can be significant;
additional fees and taxes that accompany the property purchase;
French inheritance law — those buying real estate in France must put a certain clause into the sales contract from the get-go. Without that, they won’t be able to put the property in their will.
France also doesn’t have any residency or citizenship by investment programs.
How much tax do you pay when buying a house in France?
In France, real estate owners pay property and residence taxes. The municipal property tax rate varies by property location and value. Residence tax is exempt for primary residences but charged to renters if the property is leased, with rates depending on condition, location, and size.
Properties valued over €1.3 million incur a wealth tax up to 1.5%, with the top rate applying to properties over €10 million.
What is the return on investment in real estate in France?
The return on investment (ROI) in real estate in France can vary depending on factors such as location, property type, market conditions, rental demand, and financing costs.