{"id":635,"date":"2023-03-09T01:37:12","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T01:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/default.houzez.co\/?p=635"},"modified":"2026-06-13T21:07:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-13T21:07:26","slug":"can-foreigners-buy-property-in-madagascar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madagascarinvest.com\/fr\/can-foreigners-buy-property-in-madagascar\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Foreigners Buy Property in Madagascar?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many foreigners are drawn to Madagascar due to the astonishing beauty of its landscapes, the remarkable friendliness of its people and the uniqueness of its wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The peaceful and laid back vibes of Madagascar make the island an alluring destination for foreigners, not only for a short holiday trip, but even as a place to settle down permanently or have a vacation home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This leads many foreign citizens to ponder: \u201cCan you actually buy property in Madagascar as a foreigner?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

En bref <\/strong>Yes, foreigners can buy property in Madagascar<\/a> through a 99-year lease, which gives foreigners the right to use, exploit, develop, and resell a property on the same terms as a citizen of Madagascar. A tax fee must be paid to the government of Madagascar when establishing the lease. There are no <\/strong>ongoing\/recurring fees to pay in order to maintain the lease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And in this article we will explain how foreigners can buy property in Madagascar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Buy a Property as a Foreigner in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are 3 distinct ways that foreigners can buy property in Madagascar:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Purchase a property with a 99-year lease<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Purchase a property through a Madagascar company<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Purchase a property through a national intermediary<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Method 1: Purchase a Property in Madagascar With a 99-Year Long Lease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    As a foreign citizen, you are not able to purchase a property in Madagascar on a freehold title. However, foreign citizens are able to obtain what\u2019s known as a \u201clong lease\u201d for up to 99 years,<\/strong> also known as a \u201cbail emphyt\u00e9otique\u201d in French. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is, in essence, the same as owning the property. Leasing a property for 99 years gives you all the same rights to exploit, develop, and resell the property as a citizen of Madagascar would have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Furthermore, the lease can be extended beyond the initial lease period for an additional 99 years, if you\u2019re lucky enough to outlive your lease, or if you want your descendants to inherit the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In other words, there are no restrictions as to what you can do with the property you have purchased\/leased on a 99-year lease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Therefore, leasing a property in Madagascar is, practically speaking, the same as owning a property with a freehold title. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishing a 99-year lease when purchasing a property in Madagascar is a relatively simple procedure, and Madagascar Invest can help you through the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Method 2: Purchase a Property in Madagascar Through a Company<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Another safe and effective way for foreigners to acquire property in Madagascar is by purchasing it through a locally registered company. This structure gives you, and any other shareholders, full rights to use, develop, and resell the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, if the company is majority foreign-owned<\/strong>, the property must still be acquired through a 99-year emphyteutic lease<\/strong>, as foreign entities cannot hold freehold land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you choose this route, Madagascar Invest can assist with creating your company locally<\/a>. Setting up a SARL (equivalent to an LLC)<\/strong> is one of the simplest and most common options for foreign investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We prepare all required documents, you sign them, and we handle the registration with the relevant authorities. Once registered, your company can acquire and manage property in Madagascar for personal use, rental activity, or business operations. Keep in mind that all companies must file annual taxes, even if they exist solely to hold real estate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You may also acquire property through an SCI (Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 Civile Immobili\u00e8re)<\/strong>, a civil real estate company often used for shared ownership, inheritance planning, and tax optimization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An SCI requires at least two partners who collectively hold shares, making it ideal for families, couples, or investment groups. It offers flexible management through customizable statutes, options for tax optimization (IR or IS), simplified inheritance via share transfers, and limited liability for partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, an SCI must respect specific conditions: its activities must remain strictly civil, and a majority foreign-owned SCI cannot hold freehold land, meaning it must also acquire property through a 99-year lease. During acquisition, the structure, shareholder composition, and intended use must fully comply with Malagasy property laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whether you opt for a SARL<\/strong> or an SCI<\/strong>, Madagascar Invest handles the full setup process. If you want to purchase a property as a foreigner with a company, Madagascar Invest can help you set up your company locally<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Method 3: Purchase a Property Through a Madagascar Intermediary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Many foreigners opt to purchase a property through an intermediate owner of Malagasy citizenship. This is most often a trusted friend or a spouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you decide to purchase a property through a Malagasy individual, it is important that there is complete trust and transparency between the parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In essence, the Malagasy individual is the one who maintains 100% ownership over the property, and therefore, the foreign investor has no legal right or claim on the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Unless expectations are properly managed, and there is sufficient trust between the parties, this way of purchasing a property can often lead to conflict between the parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At Madagascar Invest, we do not recommend purchasing a property with a Malagasy intermediary, unless there is absolute trust and clear expectations between the parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Points cl\u00e9s \u00e0 retenir<\/h2>\n\n\n\n