Buy a patient: what does this expression really mean?

Updated March 30, 2026 - The expression buy a patient is common in liberal professions, particularly medical, paramedical or legal. However, it is misleading if we take it literally. We don't buy people. We organize the transfer of an intangible professional asset, an organization, sometimes a premises and support for the takeover.

Depending on the case, the operation may involve:

• ▸a clientele or patient base;
• ▸a right to lease or premises;
• ▸equipment;
• ▸a name, an organization, contracts;
• ▸a transition with the transferor.

To complete, see Transition from BNC to SELARL for a doctor, SELARL BNC reform and Online real estate tax specialist.

In the liberal professions, transmission must remain compatible with the rules of ethics, the freedom of choice of the patient or client and the legal framework of the profession.

Hayot Expertise Advice: before talking about price, it is necessary to qualify exactly what is transmitted, what remains personal to the transferor and what must be documented in the deed.

• ▸exact purpose of the transfer;
• ▸support arrangements;
• ▸taxation of the operation;
• ▸operating continuity;
• ▸constraints specific to the profession.

We can help you reread the arrangement, valuation and the tax or legal implications of the transfer.

Quick link: Structuring a business takeover or incorporation

Buying a patientele does not mean buying a guaranteed flow. This means organizing the transmission of an intangible asset and an exercise framework, with great precision on what is actually transferred.

Contact: Do you want to check the feasibility and processing of a resumption of liberal activity? Our firm can help you lay the right foundations before signing. Make an appointment with Hayot Expertise

(Official sources: CNB, BOFiP, Service-Public)