By Garen Ajderhanyan · 8 July 2026 · 6 min read
In brief
A Turkish buyer acquires property in France under the same conditions as a resident: nationality does not come into it. The process follows the French procedure, offer, preliminary contract, cooling-off period, then authentic deed at the notary. The points to prepare from Turkey are the transfer and justification of funds, French taxation of the property, which the France-Turkey tax treaty governs to avoid double taxation, and the question of residence, which falls under a different law from that of ownership. A notary and a tax adviser should be consulted before committing, not afterwards.
Can a Turkish citizen purchase freely in France?
The question comes up every time, phrased in the same way: can a foreigner really purchase here, without authorisation, without any particular structure? The answer is yes, and it deserves to be stated clearly, because many of our Turkish contacts arrive with experience of markets where the foreign purchaser must obtain administrative clearance.
France does not make the purchase of property conditional on nationality or residence. A buyer from Istanbul or Ankara acquires under the same rules as someone from Nice, in full ownership. No prior authorisation, no local company required, no ownership ceiling.
One qualification, always the same: purchasing is free, residing is not. Becoming the owner of a flat on the Promenade des Anglais confers no right of residence. That is another matter, which I address below.
How does one bring funds from Turkey?
This is the point that requires the most forward planning, and the one I recommend preparing first. The price and fees pass through the notary's account, a trusted third party who secures the transaction. The funds must arrive in euros, and their origin must be documented: this is a legal obligation to combat money laundering, not mistrust of the buyer.
In practical terms, this means gathering early, with one's bank, the supporting documents for the provenance of funds and arranging the exchange. An international transfer of this amount is prepared weeks in advance, not the day before signing. Buyers who anticipate this aspect encounter no difficulty, those who discover it late lose time.
What taxation when one holds property from Turkey?
Holding property in France means entering French property taxation: the property tax each year and, depending on the value of property assets held in France, the wealth tax on property may apply. On resale, capital gains taxation follows its own rules for a non-resident.
A tax treaty binds France and Turkey, precisely to prevent the same income being taxed twice. Each situation remains particular, and I never substitute myself for a tax adviser: these matters are examined before making an offer, not after signing.
Does purchasing confer a right of residence?
No, and this is a frequent confusion. Ownership and residence fall under two distinct areas of law. Purchasing a residence on the Côte d'Azur gives neither visa, nor residence permit, nor automatic route to either.
Questions of visa and duration of presence are dealt with separately, with a specialist adviser. We direct our clients to the right contacts, without mixing the two matters: it is more honest, and it avoids unpleasant surprises.
Why the Côte d'Azur for a Turkish buyer?
Geography matters. Direct connections between Istanbul and Nice bring the Riviera to less than three hours' flight, which changes everything for a residence one wishes to reach within the day.
Added to this is a Mediterranean way of life that speaks to this clientele: the light, the sea, dining, a certain gentleness. And a discretion to which our Turkish buyers are attached, in the manner of viewing as of acquiring. It is a way of working we know well, from 107 Promenade des Anglais.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a Turkish buyer purchase in Nice without coming to France?
- Yes. A power of attorney allows one to be represented at the signing of the preliminary contract as well as the authentic deed. The notary specifies the required form according to the place where it is drawn up. I nevertheless recommend visiting the property: it is not a legal obligation, it is common sense.
- Is a French bank account required to purchase?
- It is not compulsory for the purchase itself, the funds being able to pass through the notary. A French account becomes useful afterwards, for service charges, local taxes and the property's regular direct debits.
- Is the contract drawn up in Turkish?
- No, the authentic deed is drawn up in French. The notary can arrange for a sworn translator when the buyer does not master the language, and this is a precaution I advise: one does not sign what one does not understand.
- Does purchasing property allow one to obtain a visa?
- No. Ownership confers no right of residence. The visa and residence permit fall under a separate process, to be prepared with a dedicated adviser.
References
The author
Garen AjderhanyanEditor of La Gazette de la Promenade
Editor of La Gazette de la Promenade. He writes on Riviera property and the art of living, from Nice.