By Garen Ajderhanyan · 9 July 2026 · 6 min read
In brief
A buyer from the Gulf, the Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, purchases in France without nationality conditions. The process follows the French line: offer, preliminary contract, authentic deed at the notary. Two matters require attention: the holding structure, an SCI often being chosen for family succession and a degree of discretion, to be decided with the notary, and the documentation of funds, a legal obligation in the fight against money laundering, not a matter of mistrust. Taxation, property tax, IFI, capital gains, is prepared with an adviser. Tax treaties exist with several Gulf states. With us, discretion lies in the way we show and negotiate, off-market and private viewings, never in the transparency owed to the law.
Can a buyer from the Gulf purchase freely in France?
Yes, and without complication. France does not condition the purchase of property on nationality or residence. A buyer from Dubai, Doha or Riyadh acquires according to the same rules as someone from Nice, in full ownership, without prior authorisation.
The usual nuance applies here too: purchasing is free, residing is not. Becoming an owner on the Côte d'Azur confers no right of residence. The visa is a separate matter, to be prepared with dedicated counsel.
Should one purchase in one's own name or via a structure?
Many of our buyers from the Gulf ask the question, and it is a good question. Holding in one's own name is the simplest. But the société civile immobilière, the SCI, is often chosen when the purchase forms part of a family logic: it facilitates succession between relatives, organises ownership in shares, and offers a degree of discretion in the way the property is held.
It is not an obligation, and it is not a tool for opacity: an SCI is registered and known to the administration. It is a structuring choice, decided with the notary, according to family and patrimonial circumstances, before the offer rather than after.
How are funds documented?
The price and fees pass through the notary's account, a trusted third party who secures the sale. Funds arrive in euros, and their origin must be documented: this is a legal obligation in the fight against money laundering, which applies to every buyer, whatever their provenance.
It is best to prepare early, with one's bank, the supporting documents and the exchange. An international transfer is prepared weeks in advance. Buyers who anticipate it proceed with peace of mind.
What taxation for an owner from the Gulf?
Property tax is due each year. Depending on the value of property assets held in France, wealth tax on property may apply. On resale, capital gains taxation follows rules specific to non-residents.
France has signed tax treaties with several Gulf states, to avoid double taxation. Each situation is particular: I always refer to a tax adviser, upstream of the offer.
Why the Côte d'Azur for a buyer from the Gulf?
The season, first. When the Gulf summer becomes difficult, the Riviera offers its mildest months: our buyers often come from June to September, and seek a residence conceived for this period, shaded terrace, sea view, calm.
To this is added a requirement for discretion to which we respond through manner: properties presented off-market, private viewings, confidentiality of exchanges. Discretion, for us, is a quality of service. It is a way of working that we hold from 107 Promenade des Anglais.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a buyer from the Gulf purchase via a company, such as an SCI?
- Yes. The SCI is often chosen for family succession and to organise ownership in shares. It is not obligatory nor a tool for opacity: the company is registered. The choice is decided with the notary, according to the situation.
- Can the purchase be made in complete confidentiality?
- Confidentiality lies in the manner of service: properties presented off-market, private viewings, discreet exchanges. The sale itself is registered like any transaction. The law requires its transparency, and we respect it.
- Must one come in person to purchase?
- Not necessarily: a power of attorney allows one to be represented at the signing. I nevertheless recommend visiting the property. It is not a legal obligation, it is common sense.
- Does purchasing a property confer a right of residence?
- No. Ownership and residence fall under two distinct areas of law. The visa is dealt with separately, with dedicated counsel.
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.