A non-Seychellois can own freehold property in the Seychelles, but only within government-approved Designated Areas and developments — and always subject to a Sanction permit and the 12% Sanction Duty. Freehold is prohibited outright on the outlying islands. Condominium units are the exception on cost: their Sanction Duty is 1.5% rather than 12%. Where freehold isn't available, foreign access is typically structured through long leasehold, so what you can 'own' depends entirely on the specific location and development.
Freehold, where it is allowed
Freehold — full, marketable ownership — is available to foreigners inside approved developments and Designated Areas. Eden Island is the best-known example, offering foreigners clear freehold title on villas, maisons and apartments. Outside these approved zones, freehold acquisition by a non-Seychellois is far more constrained, and on the outlying islands it is not permitted at all.
Leasehold and the condominium route
Where freehold is not on offer, foreign access is often via long leasehold. Condominium units sit in a category of their own: they carry a Sanction Duty of just 1.5% of market value versus 12% for a standard freehold house, with a minimum value of SCR 30,000/m². For many foreign buyers the apartment/condominium route is materially cheaper to enter.
Practical takeaway
There is no single answer to 'can I own freehold in the Seychelles?' — it depends on the exact parcel and scheme. There is also an indicative cap of around three residential properties per foreign national, which should be confirmed, and the outlying-islands freehold ban is absolute. Always verify the tenure, the Designated-Area status and the applicable duty with a local lawyer before committing.
Sources
Primary and expert sources behind this answer:
- Seychelles Planning Authority — Guidance on Property Acquisition by Non-Seychellois (SPA.gov.sc, March 2025) ↗
- Chambers & Partners — Real Estate 2026, Seychelles ↗
- Eden Island Seychelles — Official development site ↗
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Figures marked as official are drawn from the Seychelles Planning Authority guidance; figures marked directional are market estimates and must be confirmed with a local notary, lawyer or tax adviser for your specific property.
Luxury buyer's agent, on the buyer's side only — Mauritius, Dubai, Marbella, Greece, the Maldives and the French Alps. Every price and every rule on this page is sourced (developers, sales offices, official EDB/MRA texts) and dated; pages are re-verified quarterly.
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