English-Speaking Lawyers in Paris; Lyon

Question 1

Do I need an avocat or a notaire to buy property in Paris or Lyon?

Answer

You need both. The notaire is legally required to authenticate the acte authentique de vente (final deed) and collect the droits de mutation. An avocat is not mandatory but is strongly recommended to review the compromis de vente, negotiate conditions suspensives, and protect your interests independently — the notaire acts for both parties.

Question 2

What are the droits de mutation for resale property in Paris and Lyon?

Answer

Both cities fall under the standard Île-de-France / Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regime: approximately 7.7 % of the purchase price for resale properties. This is made up of departmental tax (5.80 %), communal tax (1.20 %), and state collection fee (~0.70 %). New-build (VEFA) purchases are taxed at a lower rate (~2–3 %) but subject to 20 % TVA on the full price.

Question 3

How do I obtain a French carte de séjour as an expat moving to Paris or Lyon?

Answer

EU/EEA nationals must register with the local mairie after three months. Non-EU nationals apply for a titre de séjour through the OFII prefecture in Paris (75) or Lyon (69). Required documents typically include a valid passport, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient resources, and a valid long-stay visa (type D). An immigration avocat can prepare your dossier and accompany you to the prefecture if needed.

Question 4

Can a non-EU investor buy commercial property in Paris without restrictions?

Answer

Yes — France imposes no general nationality restrictions on real estate purchases. However, certain strategic sectors (defence, critical infrastructure, sensitive technologies) require prior authorisation from the Ministry of Economy (Décret Montebourg). An avocat specialising in droit des affaires can screen your acquisition and file the necessary declarations.

Question 5

What is the SCI (Société Civile Immobilière) and is it useful for Paris property investment?

Answer

An SCI is a civil property company widely used by investors and families to hold French real estate. It enables shared ownership, simplifies succession planning, and can provide IS (corporate tax) or IR (income tax) regimes. For Paris buy-to-let investments, an SCI à l'IS allows mortgage interest deduction and depreciation (amortissement). An avocat in droit immobilier and tax will structure the SCI correctly and prepare the statuts.

Factor	Detail
Property transfer tax	Droits de mutation ~7.7 % on resale; 2–3 % on new-build VAT regime
Average apartment price (Paris)	~€10,500/m² (2025); luxury arrondissements exceed €20,000/m²
Average apartment price (Lyon)	~€4,500/m² (2025); Presqu'île and 6th arr. command premium rates
Notaire fees	Included in droits de mutation; buyer pays; seller pays own agent
Capital gains tax (non-resident)	19 % + 7.5 % social levies (EU/EEA) or 19 % + 17.2 % (non-EU)
Visa / immigration hub	OFII Paris & Lyon process most expat residence permit applications
Bar associations	Barreau de Paris (largest in France); Barreau de Lyon (3rd largest)
Language	French; large English-speaking legal community in both cities

English-Speaking Lawyers in Paris; Lyon

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