Almost every publication about Seychelles describes this country as paradise. Everything is heavenly there - from nature to tax legislation. However, there are plenty of rules to follow before you become a proud property owner in Seychelles.
Seychelles is famous for its tropical climate and cool ocean breeze. Some people choose this country as their holiday home, others want to reside here for the rest of their life. Nevertheless, all potential buyers must remember that the citizens of Seychelles are the priority in the eyes of the government. Therefore, foreigners must learn certain rules to avoid complications in the purchasing process.
Do you need a visa to travel to Seychelles?
Actually, no. Seychelles is a visa-free country except for Kosovo passport holders. But before coming to the country, you must get a valid Travel Authorization from the Seychelles Electronic Border System. While you can find all requirements on the website, note that you need to apply only up to 5 days before the trip.
That is pretty much everything you need to do, and it’s very convenient.
Can foreigners buy property in Seychelles?
Every property sale in Seychelles is approved by the government. As a foreigner, you are not allowed to purchase properties owned by the state.
You can only buy real estate for residential purposes. In case of interests in commercial properties, the government can grant you a long-term lease, but not sell into full ownership. The same rule applies to certain islands: you can choose any of 100, but far not each of them allows full ownership.
But worry not, with such a variety you can consider many places for buying property in Seychelles. Moreover, there are 2 most popular and developed islands out there - Eden Island and Praslin.
Finding your real estate agent and a notary is not an obligation. But due to legislative complications, it is better to find specialists just to keep your mind in a peaceful state.
How much do you need to buy property in Seychelles?
Even visitors to Seychelles must have enough money on them for the whole stay. So it makes sense that foreign buyers need to have a security deposit of at least USD 80,000 in the Central Bank of Seychelles.
A bank deposit certificate is one of the documents you must submit to buy property in Seychelles. It proves your financial means to buy or build an acceptable home.
Several obligatory payments come hand-in-hand with property purchasing:
Stamp duty. For foreigners, it starts at 11%,
The transfers tax. Adds up to 5%,
A processing fee to the Office of the Principal Secretary. About 1,5%,
Notary fees. Around 2% of the total amount.
Please note!
Only the buyer pays the purchasing taxes and fees.
What can you buy in Seychelles right now?
1 065 971 €
Townhouse on Eden, Seychelles
238 sq.m544
ResidenceRemote Transaction
The limited number of stylish Maisons for sale on Eden Island in Seychelles have been carefully designed to optimise comfort and privacy. Specifically designed to provide privacy from adjacent properties, these homes offer immaculate interiors that feature large windows and uninterrupted views of the surrounding waters and forests.
If...
Property Investor
1 158 664 €
Townhouse on Eden, Seychelles
244 sq.m433
ResidenceRemote Transaction
The limited number of stylish Maisons for sale on Eden Island in Seychelles have been carefully designed to optimise comfort and privacy. Specifically designed to provide privacy from adjacent properties, these homes offer immaculate interiors that feature large windows and uninterrupted views of the surrounding waters and forests.
If...
Property Investor
5 950 000 €
Villa on Mahe, Seychelles
450 sq.m33
ResidenceRemote Transaction
Even in a country renowned for its surreal natural beauty, this location is simply stunning: perched on a secluded Jurassic outcrop, nestled between a verdant mountain backdrop and an unimpeded 180+degree view of the Indian Ocean. It’s almost as if one were on a secluded island with nothing around for miles, the almost palpable peace and...
Property Investor
4 495 617 €
Villa on Eden, Seychelles
487 sq.m44
ResidenceRemote Transaction
4 bedroom villa for sale on Iden Island in Seychelle.
The price of this property includes a golf cart, which makes travel around Eden Island convenient and comfortable. And also your own pier right in front of the house.
The territory of the island is surrounded by tropical gardens, well-groomed paved paths with signs will make your walks as...
Property Investor
3 244 260 €
Villa on Mahe, Seychelles
300 sq.m33
ResidenceRemote Transaction
An exclusive modern beachfront villa for sale in Beau Vallon, Seychelles. There are only 5 properties along this entire 130 metres stretch of exclusive and pristine beach on Mahé's North Western coast.
Beautiful sunset & panoramic views are visible from this Western facing property, and any new owner would not be disppointed by...
Property Investor
894 489 €
Apartment on Eden, Seychelles
215 sq.m33
ResidenceRemote Transaction
Completed in 2016, this stunning 3 bedroom luxury apartment is virtually brand new as the owners rarely visit Seychelles and never rented out their apartment. The unit offers great privacy due to the absence of structures to the West of the development. This location provides the property with views of the basin, part of the ocean and...
Property Investor
829 604 €
Apartment on Eden, Seychelles
241 sq.m433
ResidenceRemote Transaction
Beautiful 3 Bedroom Luxury Apartment with Amazing Balconies for Sale at the 5* Eden Island, Seychelles
This pristine property is built on a reclaimed coral reef, on the Seychelles' only deep-water marina. The fully equipped marina is ideal for visiting super-yacht owners and fishing enthusiasts alike, as each residence on the island has...
Property Investor
13 811 277 €
Villa on Mahe, Seychelles
950 sq.m77
ResidenceRemote Transaction
Outstanding 7 Bedroom Luxury Hillside Resort Residence with Incredible Panoramic Ocean Views for Sale in Mahé, Seychelles
This is a seven bedroom residence over ground and first floor levels (built area 950m2, plot size 1.49 hectares). The villa is constructed on stilts connected by wooden walkways with separate living and sleeping...
Property Investor
3 244 260 €
Villa on Eden, Seychelles
500 sq.m55
ResidenceRemote Transaction
*The purchase of this private automatically qualifies the buyer and related family members to 6 residence permits from the Seychelles government.
This chic 5 bedroom luxury private waterfront villa is located on a private beach at Eden Island in Seychelles.
You could move in this paradisiac villa tomorrow as the sale includes modern design...
Property Investor
Price on request
Villa on Mahe, Seychelles
2800 sq.m68
ResidenceRemote Transaction
Stunning 6 Bedroom Contemporary Luxury Tropical Hilltop Villa with Breathtaking Ocean Views for Sale in Mahé, Seychelles
*The purchase of this private automatically qualifies the buyer and related family members to 6 residence permits from the Seychelles government.
A contemporary tropical style villa set in an exclusive private...
Property Investor
Price on request
Villa on Mahe, Seychelles
3050 sq.m68
ResidenceRemote Transaction
Unbelievable 6 Bedroom Private Hilltop Villa with Incredible Ocean Views for Sale in Mahé, Seychelles
*The purchase of this private automatically qualifies the buyer and related family members to 6 residence permits from the Seychelles government.
A contemporary Palladian styled villa set in an exclusive private Residential Estate on...
Property Investor
1 390 397 €
Apartment on Eden, Seychelles
150 sq.m433
ResidenceRemote Transaction
Brand new 3 bedroom luxury apartments for sale on Eden Island, Seychelles.
This specific apartment is located on the third floor with stunning views of the yacht & superyacht marina at Eden Island as well as the mountain scenery behind the property. Fully furnished with built-in appliances and decor. Open plan kitchen combined with living...
Property Investor
2 734 448 €
Villa on Eden, Seychelles
468 sq.m544
ResidenceRemote Transaction
Stunning 4 Bedroom Luxury Villa with Beautifully Rare Infinity Pool & Marina Views for Sale on Eden Island, Seychelles
*THE PURCHASE OF THIS PROPERTY AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFIES THE BUYER & RELATED FAMILY MEMBERS TO 6 RESIDENCE PERMITS FROM THE SEYCHELLES GOVERNMENT
This luxurious 4 bedroom villa also has its own private mooring nearby...
Property Investor
Price on request
Villa on Eden, Seychelles
317 sq.m545
ResidenceRemote Transaction
4 Bedroom Luxury Villa for Sale on Eden Island, Seychelles *THE PURCHASE OF THIS PROPERTY AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFIES THE BUYER & RELATED FAMILY MEMBERS TO 6 RESIDENCE PERMITS FROM THE SEYCHELLES GOVERNMENT PROPERTY FEATURES 24hr Security Gated Community 4 Private Beaches (Accessible Only to Owners or Resort Guests) Electrically Powered...
How difficult is the property purchase process in Seychelles?
Step 1. Checking the property
You found a property. You like it. Time to do a title search: check every mortgage duties or active litigations. To see these, verify the property with the Land Register in Seychelles.
Step 2. Buying permission
You need to apply to the Ministry of Land Use and Habitat to get buying permission. Don’t forget to provide your ID, a certificate of no criminal record, proof of residents, and, of course, prove your funds.
Do not forget to conduct your due diligence. You are not obliged to do it, but it is better to know in time that the property you chose is in a good state.
Step 3. The purchase agreement
The third step requires a notary, who will help you to make the contract. Both you and the buyer need to sign in within a month. After that, the stamp duty is paid. The notary sends the agreement to the Registrar for approval.
Can I get a residence permit for buying a property in Seychelles?
Yes, and no.
Buying any property in Seychelles does not give you the right to a residence permit.
But you can get one by making an investment of USD 1 million or more towards a new or pre-existing business, and get benefits from this business for 5 years at least.
Recently, Seychelles has started to issue citizenship to those who invest in local businesses from $1 million and live in the country for 11 years and not be absent for more than a year continuously.
So, once again, buying property is not the way to get a residence permit in Seychelles.
In conclusion
You do not need a visa to travel to Seychelles, only a valid Travel Authorization.
You cannot buy state-owned property as a foreigner.
Every property sale in Seychelles is approved by the government.
You must open a local bank account with a security deposit of at least USD 80,000.
Do not underestimate the role of a real estate agent and a notary, they can be very helpful.
Buyers pay all purchasing taxes.
Conduct due diligence on the property you want to buy.
