Access to Land - Seychelles

Information on accessing land in Seychelles

Investors can lease land from the government and/or buy land from the private sector. Investors wishing to lease land from the government have to submit a project concept to the Seychelles Investment Board (SIB). As such, it is advisable to identify a site before a project proposal is submitted.

Anyone can buy property in Seychelles , whether local or non-local. If one is a Seychelles passport holder, she can purchase property at any time without permission. The taxes are usually 5%of the sale price and notarial fees are 2%.

For non-Seychelles passport holders, one can apply for permission for property, but will need to obtain a Sanction to Purchase form IP/3 from the Ministry of Land Use and Habitat and fill it. There is a three (3) month processing time. Resort developers who wish to purchase land or develop need to apply to the Seychelles Investment Bureau.

Note that when one buys or sells property the buyer can appoint any notary they wish. There is no obligation to use the agent's or seller's recommended notary.

Purchase of land or property from an individual

When the seller is a private individual, the investor should contact a notary or attorney who will manage the transfer of ownership of the plot which will then be registered at the Registration Division.

The cost of registration is set at SCR100 per parcel and the duty payable is a 5% Stamp Duty plus a 1.5% Sanction processing fee and 11% Sanction Duty based on the value of the property in the case of residential properties only. 

Lease of state land

The government leases out tourism, commercial or industrial land for a term ranging from 60 to 99 years depending on the type and scale of the development. Commercial and industrial lands are leased at different rates, between SCR30 per m2 to SCR300 per m2 depending on the location and topography of the land. However, these rates can change depending on prevailing circumstances.

Upon signing the lease, an initial premium equivalent to one year’s rent needs to be paid. After which, a grace period will come into effect for a period of 18 or 24 months depending on the scale of the development. Once the grace period has elapsed, the annual ground rent will be payable on a bi-annual basis to the Ministry of Habitat, Infrastructure and Land Transport (MHILT) accounts section.

The rent will be reviewed upwards only every 5 years, at a rate of between 15% and 25% of the current rent and can also be reviewed on the open market rate. Upon transfer, the developer will be liable for Stamp Duty and Registration Fees. The development must be in accordance with plans submitted to and approved by the Seychelles Planning Authority.

Purchase of immovable property

All non-Seychellois and foreign companies or Seychellois companies of which any shares are held by a non-Seychellois that wish to purchase immovable property in Seychelles require sanction from the government. Applications for sanctions to purchase immovable property are available at the Land Division of the MHILT or can be downloaded from www.luh.gov.sc. Following approval, investors will register ownership of their property at the Registration Division.

Information on land acquisition/rights

Ministry of Habitat, Infrastructure and Land Transport
Habitat/Infrastructure Departments
Independence House
P.O. Box 1097
Victoria, Mahe
Tel: (248) 4674444

Seychelles Investment Board
Tel: (248) 4295500
Fax: (248) 4225125
Email: sib@seychelles.sc
Web: www.sib.gov.sc
https://www.investinseychelles.com/