Case C‑562/22

JD

v

OB

(Request for a preliminary ruling from the Rayonen sad Burgas)

Judgment of the Court (Eighth Chamber) of 18 January 2024

(Reference for a preliminary ruling – Freedom of establishment – Free movement of capital – Restrictions – Acquisition of agricultural land in Bulgaria – Acquisition of agricultural land conditional on residence on Bulgarian territory for a period of five years)

1. EU law – Principles – Equal treatment – Discrimination on grounds of nationality – Prohibition under Article 18 TFEU – Subsidiary nature in relation to the specific rules on non-discrimination laid down by the FEU Treaty – Articles 49 and 63 TFEU laying down such specific rules

   (Arts 18, 49 and 63 TFEU)

   (see paragraph 25)

2. Free movement of capital and liberalisation of payments – Provisions of the Treaty – Scope – Acquisition of rights of ownership over agricultural land – Included

   (Art. 63 TFEU; Council Directive 88/361, Annex I)

   (see paragraphs 27, 30, 31)

3. Free movement of capital and liberalisation of payments – Restrictions on immovable property transactions – Legislation of a Member State making the acquisition of a right of ownership over agricultural land located in its territory subject to a residence requirement for the acquirer of five years – Not permissible – Justification – None

   (Art. 63 TFEU)

   (see paragraph 48, operative part)

See the text of the decision.