Eden Island is where most people from abroad end up owning in Seychelles. Built on reclaimed land off the east coast of Mahé and linked to the main island by a short causeway, it is a private marina development of villas, maisons and apartments, and just about the only place in the country where a foreigner can own property on freehold title. Buying here also opens a path to residency, which is why it draws owners from dozens of countries.
Why Eden Island is different
For most of its history Seychelles kept freehold land out of foreign hands. Eden Island was the exception the government created, the first place where non-Seychellois could hold freehold title to a home. That single fact reshaped the market. Buyers from England, France, South Africa, Italy and well beyond who could previously only take a lease were suddenly able to own outright, and around 500 homes have changed hands since.
What you can buy
Apartments
The most accessible way in, and the lightest on duty since they are treated as condominiums. A good fit for a lock-up-and-leave base or a rental asset.
Maisons
Cleverly designed townhouses, built in small back-to-back clusters for privacy, ranging from around 170 to 320 square metres, some with plunge pools.
Villas
The top of the market, each standing in its own garden with a pool. This is where the marina-front trophy homes sit.
Most homes come with their own mooring, either at the door or in the main marina, along with a buggy to get around the island and a parking bay on the mainland side.
Residency for owners
The real draw beyond the lifestyle is residency. Buying and owning a home on Eden Island in freehold qualifies you, and your immediate family, to apply to the government for a Seychelles residency permit. Eden Island owners are granted concessions that make this simpler than the general route, and the fee has sat at SCR 150,000 for the main applicant and spouse. There is no citizenship on offer, only residency, and the exact fees and terms are set by the government and change over time.
The lifestyle
Eden Island is built around a full-service marina and a set of enclosed lagoons and beaches. The Eden Plaza precinct holds restaurants, a supermarket, boutiques and coffee shops alongside the Eden Bleu Hotel, and the residential village has its own club house, pools, gym and courts. For an owner who wants everything on the doorstep and a boat at the door, it is hard to match anywhere else in the country.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Residency fees, duties and the concessions available to Eden Island owners are set by the Seychelles government and change from time to time. Confirm the current terms with Eden Island Real Estate, the Seychelles Planning Authority and a qualified Seychelles notary before you commit.