Can a non-citizen buy land in Uganda?

In short, yes — foreigners can buy land and property in Uganda with relatively few barriers. However, buying land as a foreigner or non- citizen in Uganda may present a few different challenges compared to buying land if you’re a Ugandan citizen.

1. The first challenge may come around financing the purchase because lenders are often less willing to offer mortgages to foreign customers.
2. Secondly, some property types may not be as suitable for foreign buyers as domestic.
3. Finally, there are potential tax implications if you’re a foreign or non-resident owner of property in Uganda which you’ll want to know about in advance.

This guide covers all you need to know to get you started on buying your dream home or investment property in the US.

What type of land can a foreigner buy in Uganda? 

You may be wondering whether foreigners can buy a place to live in Uganda, or even:
can foreigners buy investment property in Uganda?

The good news is that there are a few legal barriers to foreigners buying land in Uganda. Ugandan land laws provide for 4 land tenure systems i.e. mailo, customary, freehold and leasehold.

A foreigner can acquire land under leasehold land tenure system from both government and private individuals, however a land transaction on other land tenure systems can be legally structured to enable a foreigner buy land. 

Foreigners can buy land, residential homes and condominium units, or invest in commercial real estate. The only common barrier they may run into is …

 How a foreigner can acquire property/land in Uganda?

Always seek the services of a lawyer to help you navigate around the legal restrictions and also the registration of the lease (reach out to our legal department)           

A lease is created by contract from private individuals or by operation of the law (Government institutions). Parties are allowed to negotiate on the terms and conditions and reach an agreement.

The lessee is grant exclusive possession of the land for a period of between 3-99 years.

Foreigners can thus hold leasehold interests which have a duration of no more than 99 years. After the expiry of the period of 99 years most lease agreements provide for automatic renewal while if the lease was granted by a public authority, the lessee may apply for a fresh lessee and will be given priority over other applicants. 

______________________________________________________________________
Ettaka.com Co. Ltd