Can a French residency card holder buy a second-home in EU and spend time there?

Reader Question: I recently received my VLS-TS visa through marriage to my French spouse and now live in France. Is it possible to buy a second-home in the EU with this visa – we would realistically like a home in Spain – or do I need to remain in France? 

In general, there are no blanket restrictions on residency card holders purchasing properties elsewhere in the EU. 

Indeed, second homes are popular throughout the bloc – for example, Belgians are now the largest purchasers of second-homes in France by nationality.

Read more: MAP: Which areas in France are most popular with second-home owners?

However, countries and certain regions within them may have general restrictions on second-home property purchases in place, or in the case of France’s taxe d’habitation, have specific taxes on second-homes.

For example, Spain’s prime minister recently proposed that non-resident non-EU citizens be charged up to an extra 100% in taxes when purchasing a property in the country.

Read more: Could France follow Spain’s plan for 100% tax on non-EU buyers of second homes?

As of February 2025, the plans have not been implemented. 

The Connexion is not aware of any particular policies that prevent people from purchasing a second home in the EU, however one issue you may come up against is banks being more hesitant to loan you funds to purchase a property as non-EU citizen (and non-resident of the country). 

Do not spend too much time in other country

You should be aware of how much time you spend at the property even if there are no restrictions on purchasing

As a residency card holder of France and not an EU/Swiss/EEA citizen, you should still respect the 90/180 days rule when in other EU countries outside of France. (ie. not spend more than 90 consecutive days in that country) 

Read more: Does 90/180 day rule affect visiting France if I have Spanish residency?

You should also be aware of spending too much time consecutively outside of France, as this may invalidate your visa requirements with certain permits which require a certain continuity of residency in France.

Read more: How long can someone remain outside of France before residency permit is invalid?

If you spent the majority of your time at this other residence, tax authorities there could also view this as your primary residence, affecting both your taxes in France and the other country.