English-Speaking Lawyers in Dijon

Question 1

What legal steps are involved in buying a Burgundy wine domaine?

Answer

A domaine acquisition involves: (1) reviewing the compromis de vente and SAFER pre-emption right waiver (the state agricultural land agency has a right of first refusal); (2) checking the AOC appellation status of every parcel; (3) reviewing any existing bail rural or bail à ferme (agricultural leases, which run 9+ years and are strongly tenant-protective); (4) confirming viticultural exploitation rights. An avocat in droit rural and droit viticole, alongside a notaire, is essential.

Question 2

What are the droits de mutation for buying property in Dijon?

Answer

Dijon is in the Côte-d'Or department (21): the standard resale rate is ~7.7 % (departmental 5.80 % + communal 1.20 % + state 0.70 %). Agricultural land and domaines may qualify for partial exonerations under certain conditions. New-build VEFA purchases are subject to ~2–3 % reduced registration duty plus 20 % TVA.

Question 3

Are there SAFER pre-emption rights I need to worry about as a foreign buyer?

Answer

Yes. SAFER (Sociétés d'Aménagement Foncier et d'Établissement Rural) has a right of pre-emption on most agricultural land sales in France, including vineyards. The notaire must notify SAFER of the sale; SAFER has two months to exercise its right. While SAFER pre-emption is rare for established wine estates at fair market value, it is a real risk for below-market deals or where SAFER has a local restructuring mandate. An avocat will flag this risk early.

Question 4

What visa options exist for a non-EU investor relocating to Dijon?

Answer

Non-EU nationals can apply for a Passeport Talent – Investisseur visa if making a significant economic investment creating jobs (threshold: €300,000+ and 10 jobs). For lifestyle movers or retirees, the visiteur long-stay visa is the standard route — proof of income at 120 % SMIC is required. An immigration avocat in Dijon can assess which category applies and prepare the prefecture dossier.

Question 5

How are French capital gains taxed when I sell a Dijon property?

Answer

Non-residents pay 19 % plus-value tax plus social levies (7.5 % for EU/EEA or 17.2 % for non-EU). An abatement applies after year 5 of ownership, reaching full income-tax exoneration after 22 years and full social-levy exoneration after 30 years. The gain is calculated as sale price minus acquisition cost (purchase price + notaire fees + eligible works). An avocat or tax adviser will compute the net liability and ensure the notaire withholds the correct amount at completion.

Factor	Detail
Property transfer tax	Droits de mutation ~7.7 % on resale in Côte-d'Or department
Average property price	~€2,800–3,500/m² for apartments; domaines vary enormously
Wine estate investment	Burgundy AOC vineyards: €1M–€15M+ per hectare for premier/grand cru
Capital gains tax (non-resident)	19 % + social levies; exoneration after 22 years (income tax) / 30 years (social)
Rental demand	Strong: 35,000+ students at Université de Bourgogne
Bar association	Barreau de Dijon
Key industries	Agri-food, pharmaceuticals, logistics, tourism
TGV to Paris	1h 35min

English-Speaking Lawyers in Dijon

Cabinet Bourgogne

Avocats Côte-d'Or

Droit Immobilier Dijon

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