Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Mauritania Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Mauritania Property Pack
Buying property in Mauritania as a foreigner involves navigating a complex legal framework where building ownership is permitted but land ownership remains restricted. The purchase process requires careful attention to leasehold arrangements, thorough due diligence through official registries, and compliance with specific banking and notarial procedures that can take 1-3 months to complete.
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Foreigners can purchase buildings in Mauritania but typically receive long-term leasehold rights rather than outright land ownership.
The complete property purchase process involves multiple verification steps through the Land Registry and requires 1-3 months with total costs ranging from 6-15% of property value.
| Purchase Stage | Key Requirements | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Verification | Check foreign ownership eligibility and leasehold terms | 1-2 weeks |
| Title Verification | Confirm property registration with Land Registry | 1-2 weeks |
| Due Diligence | Verify authenticity through official authorities | 1-2 weeks |
| Banking Setup | Open Mauritanian account for legal fund transfers | 1 week |
| Notarization | Complete legal documentation and tax payments | 2-4 weeks |
| Registration | Final property registration and title transfer | 1-2 weeks |
| Total Process | Complete purchase from search to title receipt | 1-3 months |
How do I find out if foreigners are legally allowed to buy property in Mauritania?
Foreigners can legally purchase buildings and structures in Mauritania but cannot own the underlying land outright.
As of September 2025, the Mauritanian legal framework permits foreign investors to acquire long-term leasehold arrangements, typically spanning 99 years, rather than full ownership of land. This leasehold model gives you usage rights and the ability to own any structures built on the property.
No general residency requirement exists for foreign property ownership in Mauritania. You can purchase property as a non-resident, which makes it accessible for international investors looking to enter the Mauritanian real estate market.
The land itself almost always remains under state ownership or is subject to complex lease agreements managed by government authorities. This system protects national land rights while still allowing foreign investment in the property sector.
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What type of property ownership titles exist in Mauritania and which one is safest to buy?
Three main types of property titles exist in Mauritania: leasehold certificates, freehold titles, and construction permits.
Leasehold certificates are the most common option for foreign buyers and represent long-term usage rights to the property. These certificates typically span 99 years and are issued by the Land Registry for buildings and structures.
Freehold title ownership is extremely rare for non-citizens in Mauritania and is generally reserved for Mauritanian nationals. Even when available, these titles often come with significant restrictions for foreign buyers.
Construction permits accompany new developments and must be verified alongside the main property title. These permits confirm that any structures on the property comply with local building regulations and zoning laws.
The safest property to purchase comes with clear, undisputed, and up-to-date leasehold certificates that have been properly registered with the Land Registry. Always prioritize properties with transparent chain-of-ownership documentation and avoid any property with unclear or disputed title history.
What are the first steps to check that the land or house is properly registered with the authorities?
Start by obtaining copies of all essential documents from the current property owner before proceeding with any purchase.
Request the following key documents: current title deed or leasehold certificate, recent Land Registry certificates from the Direction Générale des Domaines et du Patrimoine de l'État, deed of sale and transfer with signatures, property tax receipts, and an affidavit of non-encumbrance.
Visit the Land Registry office in person or send a legal representative with power of attorney to cross-check all documents against official records. The Land Registry maintains comprehensive records of property ownership, encumbrances, and legal status.
Engage a local notary and lawyer to conduct thorough due diligence on the property. They will identify any mortgages, liens, ongoing disputes, or unregistered inheritances that could affect your ownership rights.
Verify that property tax payments are current and that no outstanding debts exist against the property. Request receipts for the most recent tax payments as proof of compliance with local obligations.
Who issues the official property title deed and how do I verify its authenticity?
The Land Registry (Direction Générale des Domaines et du Patrimoine de l'État) officially issues and manages all property title deeds and lease agreements in Mauritania.
To verify authenticity, you must physically visit the Land Registry office or send a legal representative with proper power of attorney documentation. The registry staff will cross-reference your documents against their official entries and confirm the property's legal status.
Authentic title deeds contain official government seals, registration numbers, and stamps that can be verified directly with the issuing authority. Look for watermarks, official letterhead, and authorized signatures on all documentation.
Request a recent certificate of non-encumbrance from the Land Registry to confirm no liens, mortgages, or legal disputes exist against the property. This certificate should be dated within 30 days of your verification visit.
Never accept photocopied or unofficial documents as proof of ownership. Insist on seeing original documents and obtaining certified copies directly from the Land Registry for your records.
What role does a notary play in the Mauritanian property purchase process?
A certified notary serves as the central figure in Mauritanian property transactions, handling legal documentation, verification, and registration processes.
The notary prepares and verifies all sale documents, confirms current ownership status, and conducts comprehensive checks for encumbrances or family claims against the property. They ensure all legal requirements are met throughout the purchase process.
During the transaction, notaries oversee the signing of purchase agreements, witness document execution, and ensure all parties understand their legal obligations. They also handle the calculation and collection of transfer duties and taxes.
After the sale agreement is signed, the notary files all documentation for official registration with the Land Registry and remits required transfer fees and taxes on behalf of the buyer. They coordinate with government authorities to complete the ownership transfer.
The notary issues legal copies of all executed documents and provides official certification of the completed transaction. Choose a notary with specific experience in foreign property purchases to ensure proper handling of international buyer requirements.
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What taxes, registration fees, and other official costs should I expect to pay at the time of purchase?
Property purchase costs in Mauritania typically range from 6-15% of the total property value when including all taxes, fees, and professional services.
| Cost Type | Rate/Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Building Transfer Registration | 1-2% of purchase price | Official registration fee for building ownership transfer |
| Leasehold Transfer Fee | 15% of leasehold value | Transfer fee for leasehold rights assignment |
| Annual Property Tax | 3-10% of rental value | Ongoing annual tax on built property structures |
| Notary Fees | 1-3% of property value | Professional fees for legal documentation and verification |
| Legal Services | 1-2% of property value | Attorney fees for due diligence and contract review |
| Banking and Transfer Costs | 0.5-1% of transaction | International transfer fees and currency conversion |
| Total Transaction Costs | 6-15% of property value | Complete cost including all fees, taxes, and services |
How do I open a Mauritanian bank account or transfer funds legally for the transaction?
Opening a Mauritanian bank account is mandatory for official property fund transfers and requires specific documentation and procedures.
Bring proof of address (hotel booking or rental agreement), valid international identification (passport), and property registration documents to any major Mauritanian bank. Account opening typically takes 1-2 business days with proper documentation.
Request a "convertible" account type that allows easier currency exchanges and international transfers. This account type facilitates both incoming funds from your home country and local payments to sellers and service providers.
Avoid cash payments entirely as they create legal complications and offer no protection against fraud. Use official banking channels for all transactions and maintain detailed records of all transfers and payments.
Coordinate with your home country bank to ensure large international transfers comply with both your domestic regulations and Mauritanian banking requirements. Some transfers may require additional documentation or approval processes.
What is the normal process and timeline for signing the sale agreement and registering the property?
The complete property purchase process in Mauritania follows a structured timeline spanning 1-3 months from initial search to final title receipt.
Property search and initial due diligence typically require 1-2 weeks to identify suitable properties and conduct preliminary verification of ownership and legal status. This includes visiting properties and reviewing basic documentation.
Negotiation and preliminary agreement phases usually take approximately one week, during which you agree on price, terms, and conditions with the seller. A preliminary purchase agreement may be signed during this phase.
Notarization and government approval processes require 2-4 weeks for complete legal documentation, official verification, and regulatory compliance. This is often the longest phase due to government processing times.
Final funds transfer, document submission, and property registration typically take 1-2 weeks once all approvals are obtained. The notary coordinates these final steps with the Land Registry.
Title receipt and final ownership transfer usually occur within one week after registration completion. You'll receive official documentation confirming your leasehold ownership rights.
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How do I make sure there are no hidden debts, disputes, or family claims tied to the property?
Comprehensive verification through multiple official sources is essential to identify any hidden liabilities or claims against the property.
Obtain a complete chain-of-title documentation showing all previous owners and transfers over at least the past 20 years. This reveals any patterns of disputed ownership or irregular transfers that could indicate problems.
Request a current non-encumbrance certificate from the Land Registry that confirms no registered liens, mortgages, or legal claims exist against the property. This certificate should be dated within 30 days of your purchase.
Check local court records for any ongoing litigation involving the property or previous owners. Your attorney should search both national registry databases and local court systems for dispute histories.
Investigate family inheritance claims by verifying that all heirs have properly transferred their rights to the current seller. Unresolved inheritance issues can create ownership disputes years after purchase.
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What are the common mistakes foreigners make when buying property in Mauritania?
Foreign buyers frequently make critical errors that can result in financial losses or legal complications in Mauritanian property transactions.
Accepting unclear or unofficial title documents represents the most common mistake, as buyers often trust sellers without independently verifying ownership through official Land Registry records.
Failing to verify the true owner or seller's legal authority leads to situations where buyers purchase from individuals who lack proper ownership rights or legal authority to sell the property.
Buying "off-plan" properties from unlicensed developers creates significant risks, as these developers may lack proper permits, financing, or legal standing to complete construction projects.
Overlooking hidden debts, family inheritance disputes, or historical claims against the property can result in buyers inheriting legal problems that existed before their purchase.
Using cash transactions instead of official banking channels eliminates legal protections and creates documentation problems that can invalidate the purchase or complicate future ownership transfers.
What kind of property scams or fraudulent practices should I be particularly cautious about?
Property scams in Mauritania often involve false documentation, unauthorized sellers, and fraudulent investment schemes targeting foreign buyers.
Ponzi property schemes operated by unscrupulous dealers promise unrealistic returns on property investments, often involving non-existent developments or properties with disputed ownership.
False power-of-attorney documents allow unauthorized individuals to sell properties they don't own, creating situations where buyers pay for properties they can never legally possess.
Fake title deeds and forged Land Registry documentation appear authentic but lack proper registration or contain falsified information that doesn't match official records.
Unlicensed developers selling off-plan properties often take buyer deposits without proper permits, financing, or legal authority to develop the promised projects.
Multiple sales fraud involves selling the same property to multiple buyers simultaneously, creating competing ownership claims that can take years to resolve through legal proceedings.
What practical steps can I take to protect myself against confusion, delays, or bad faith sellers during the process?
Implementing systematic verification procedures and working with qualified professionals provides the strongest protection against fraudulent sellers and transaction problems.
Always use a local, reputable lawyer and notary with specific experience in foreign property purchases and verified credentials from the Mauritanian Bar Association or relevant professional organizations.
Never sign documents or make payments without first obtaining verified Land Registry documentation and completing independent title checks through official government channels.
Insist on transparent, bank-documented payments for all transactions and avoid any seller who requests cash payments or unofficial transfer methods that bypass banking regulations.
Require all purchase contracts, power-of-attorney documents, and property records to be professionally translated into your native language and notarized by certified legal translators.
Confirm property boundaries through official surveys and speak with neighboring property owners to identify any historical disputes or boundary disagreements that could affect your ownership.
It's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Successfully purchasing property in Mauritania as a foreigner requires careful navigation of leasehold arrangements, thorough due diligence through official registries, and strict adherence to legal and banking protocols.
Following these systematic verification procedures and working with qualified local professionals significantly reduces risks associated with fraud, legal disputes, and transaction delays in the Mauritanian property market.
Sources
- TheAfricanVestor - Mauritania Real Estate for Foreigners
- TheAfricanVestor - Moving to Mauritania Buy Property
- UK Government - Living in Mauritania
- Mauritania Embassy - Investment Procedures
- TheAfricanVestor - Mauritania Real Estate Tips for Foreigners
- World Bank - Doing Business in Mauritania
- US State Department - Investment Climate Mauritania
- Exco Afrique - Fiscal Guide 2024
- PWC - Mauritania Tax Summaries
- US Trade Gov - Mauritania Trade Financing