Donation

A contract of donation involves a donor transferring property to a donee free of charge.

In general, a donation of movable property may be concluded either verbally or in writing. A donation consisting of a considerable sum of money must, however, be made by public deed.

All donations of immovable property, such as land, buildings, and airspace, or of rights relating to immovables must also be made by public deed. When the deed is being prepared, the parties are required to furnish the notary with certain documents. Some donations of immovables are exempt from the payment of taxes and duties otherwise due on other types of transfers. However, the applicable exemptions and the rates at which tax and duty are calculated vary considerably depending on the relationship between the donor and the donee and on the nature of the immovable being donated.