The questions foreign buyers ask most about property in Seychelles, answered plainly. Each answer links through to the full guide if you want the detail.
Can foreigners buy property in Seychelles?
Yes. Since the government lifted its moratorium in 2025, a non-Seychellois can buy privately owned residential property, as long as they obtain a government sanction and meet the price thresholds. Read the buyer guide →
What is the minimum a foreigner can pay?
A house with its land must be worth at least SCR 10 million, roughly USD 695,000. Bare land must be at least SCR 4,000 per square metre, and condominiums at least SCR 30,000 per square metre. See the thresholds →
What is a sanction?
It is the formal government approval a foreign buyer must obtain under the Immovable Property (Transfer Restriction) Act before a purchase can be registered. It takes around three months and stays valid for a year. See the glossary →
How long does buying take?
Plan for a few months overall, with the sanction review the long pole at around three months for a complete file. See the step-by-step →
What taxes and duties will I pay?
Every buyer pays 5 percent stamp duty. A foreign buyer also pays a sanction duty, 12 percent for a house or land and 1.5 percent for a condominium, plus notary fees of about 1 to 2 percent. See all costs →
Is there an annual property tax?
Yes. Non-Seychellois owners of residential property pay 0.50 percent of market value each year, due to the Seychelles Revenue Commission by 31 December. See the tax guide →
Does buying property give me residency?
Generally no. The exception is Eden Island, where owning a freehold home lets you apply for a residency permit. The main investor route otherwise is USD 1 million in a Seychelles business. See residency and property →
Can foreigners own freehold?
Rarely. Most freehold is closed to foreigners, with approved developments such as Eden Island the main exception. On the outer islands a foreigner can only take a long lease. See the Eden Island guide →
Can foreigners buy on Praslin or La Digue?
Yes, the same national rules apply on every island. What matters is that the property is privately owned, meets the thresholds, and is not State or subsidised land. See the island guides →
Can a foreigner buy land on a private or outer island?
Not as freehold. Outer-island property can only be held on a long-term lease, with sanction. See the land guide →
Is Seychelles or Mauritius better for property?
It depends on your goal. Mauritius is cheaper to enter and gives residency from a qualifying purchase. Seychelles is more exclusive and scarce, but has a higher bar and no residency from most purchases. See the comparison →
Why invest in Seychelles at all?
No capital gains, inheritance or wealth tax, a scarce market that holds value, a high-end tourism economy behind it, and a location outside the cyclone belt. There are trade-offs too, which we set out honestly. See the investment case →