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Guides by country of residence

Buying a property in France from the Netherlands: tax, financing, inheritance, visas

The Dutch are among the most active foreign buyers in France, particularly in Dordogne, Limousin and Provence. English fluency and a dynamic housing market make the process very smooth. EU resident status simplifies everything: no tax representative imposed on resale, social levies reduced to 7.5% if you are affiliated to a social security scheme in the Netherlands, free movement with no stay limit, and no currency risk since France and Netherlands share the euro.

The towers of the Vieux-Port of La Rochelle at dusk and the masts of the moored yachts
La Rochelle, Atlantic Coast

By Jean Mascla, founder of Home Select Updated · 5 min read

Buying from Netherlands

The French notaire follows a clear process, and the euro avoids any conversion. You can sign in person or by notarised power of attorney.

What changes for you

  • 10-day cooling-off period, then authentic deed 2 to 3 months later.
  • 5 to 10% deposit on the notaire’s escrow account.
  • Power of attorney possible at a notary in the Netherlands or a consulate, apostilled.

Points to watch

  • Check borrowing capacity in France if your income is in the Netherlands.
  • The compromise clauses are binding: a partner notary’s advice secures the process.

Financing from Netherlands

The euro eliminates currency risk. French banks lend to EU residents, with a usual down payment of 10 to 20%.

What changes for you

  • 10 to 20% down payment generally required for non-resident EU buyers.
  • Income proof from Netherlands accepted, translated if necessary.
  • Borrower insurance: possible from France, check cross-border coverage.

Points to watch

  • Compare the offered rate with conditions in the Netherlands: competition helps.
  • Early repayment penalty may be capped by French law.

Ownership tax from Netherlands

The Netherlands taxes foreign real estate via box 3 (deemed income), with a tax credit for French IFI. The treaty avoids double taxation.

What changes for you

  • French rental income taxed at a minimum 20% rate (non-resident), with a tax credit in the Netherlands via the treaty.
  • IFI beyond €1.3M net real estate wealth in France.
  • Property tax and second-home residence tax to budget for.

Points to watch

  • Declare French rental income to both tax authorities (France then Netherlands).
  • IFI is declared annually: a partner wealth adviser can optimise.

Capital gains on resale

As an EU resident, you are not subject to mandatory tax representation below €150,000. Taxation follows the general French regime.

What changes for you

  • 19% tax + social levies (7.5% or 17.2% depending on affiliation).
  • Holding-period allowances: total exemption at 22 years (income tax).
  • No mandatory tax representative as long as the sale price is under €150,000.

Points to watch

  • Keep all renovation invoices: they reduce the taxable gain.
  • Above €150,000, an accredited tax representative becomes mandatory.
The towers of the Vieux-Port of La Rochelle at dusk and the masts of the moored yachts

La Rochelle, Sud-Ouest

Social levies: the EU regime

As an EU resident affiliated to a social security scheme in the Netherlands, you may qualify for the reduced 7.5% rate instead of 17.2%.

What changes for you

  • Reduced 7.5% rate (solidarity levy) if you hold an S1 form issued in the Netherlands.
  • The gap between 17.2% and 7.5% directly affects the net income of a let.
  • Application to file with the URSSAF non-residents (2-year retroactive limit).

Points to watch

  • Without S1, the full 17.2% rate applies to rents and capital gains.
  • Status may change: annual monitoring prevents surprises.

Inheritance and transfer

Dutch law offers great testamentary freedom, unlike French law (forced heirship). The EU regulation allows choosing the applicable law.

What changes for you

  • European Succession Regulation (EU 650/2012): you can choose the law of your nationality by will.
  • France-Netherlands succession treaty: avoid double taxation.
  • SCI or usufruct structures possible, to be structured before signing.

Points to watch

  • French forced heirship applies if French law is chosen.
  • Indivision between heirs can block management: structure early.

Stay and travel

EU citizen or resident: full freedom of movement, no length-of-stay limit in France.

What changes for you

  • No day limit: you can stay in France year-round.
  • No visa required: national ID card or passport is enough.
  • Tax residence: beware not to shift it unintentionally (more than 183 days/year).

Points to watch

  • Tax residence is determined globally (home, stay, economic interests).
  • Prolonged presence may turn a second home into a primary residence for tax purposes.

Structuring ownership

SCI, usufruct, joint ownership: several structures exist. The choice depends on your tax position in the Netherlands and wealth goals.

What changes for you

  • SCI: tax-transparent in France, but its treatment in the Netherlands varies (to be checked).
  • Usufruct (bare ownership / usufruct): IFI and succession optimisation tool.
  • Joint ownership: simple but can block management if heirs disagree.

Points to watch

  • SCI may have an unfavourable tax status in the Netherlands: check beforehand.
  • Usufruct must be decided BEFORE purchase, not after.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sign from Netherlands?

Yes, by notarised power of attorney at a notary in the Netherlands or a French consulate. The partner notary coordinates the process.

Do I need a tax representative on resale?

As an EU resident, a tax representative is only mandatory if the sale price exceeds €150,000. Below that, you handle it directly.

Is an SCI attractive from Netherlands?

SCI is tax-transparent in France, but its tax treatment in the Netherlands depends on your situation. A partner wealth adviser analyses the structure before purchase.

How is the capital gain taxed if I resell while living in the Netherlands?

As an EU resident, you are not subject to mandatory tax representation below €150,000. Taxation follows the general French regime.

Which social levies apply to a resident in the Netherlands?

As an EU resident affiliated to a social security scheme in the Netherlands, you may qualify for the reduced 7.5% rate instead of 17.2%.

Can I borrow in France while living in the Netherlands?

The euro eliminates currency risk. French banks lend to EU residents, with a usual down payment of 10 to 20%.

How long can I stay in my French property?

EU citizen or resident: full freedom of movement, no length-of-stay limit in France.

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