How to move to Mauritania and buy a property?

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

Who is the author of this content?

THE AFRICANVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in African countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Mauritania. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At The AfricanVestor, we explore the Mauritanian real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

How easy is it compared to moving and buying property in Western countries?

Buying property in Mauritania as a foreigner is moderately more complex than in most Western countries due to the fundamental difference in land ownership structure.

Unlike Western countries where you can own land outright (freehold), Mauritania only allows foreigners to lease land through long-term agreements of up to 99 years while purchasing the buildings themselves. This leasehold system adds an extra layer of complexity to the transaction process.

The bureaucratic requirements are also more intensive, requiring government approval for foreign buyers, mandatory notarization of all documents, and registration with multiple authorities. Western property purchases typically involve fewer governmental approvals and can often be completed through standardized procedures.

However, the process remains achievable with proper local legal assistance and typically takes 1-3 months to complete, which is comparable to many European property transactions. The main challenge lies in navigating the local legal framework and ensuring proper due diligence.

What are the exact steps to move to Mauritania and legally buy property?

The property acquisition process in Mauritania follows a structured eight-step procedure that must be completed sequentially.

1. **Property identification and initial screening** - Engage with a licensed local real estate agent or conduct independent searches to identify suitable properties2. **Comprehensive due diligence** - Verify the seller's legal title, confirm absence of encumbrances, liens, or disputes, and validate all property documentation3. **Purchase terms negotiation** - Agree on price, payment schedule, and conditions, then sign a preliminary purchase agreement4. **Document notarization** - All sale contracts and transfer documents must be notarized by a certified Mauritanian notary5. **Government approval application** - Submit foreign buyer application with all required documentation to relevant government authorities6. **Secure fund transfer** - Execute payment through official banking channels with proper documentation for regulatory compliance7. **Land Registry registration** - Register the completed transaction with the national Land Registry to establish legal ownership8. **Final documentation receipt** - Obtain the leasehold certificate and all associated property documents as proof of legal ownership

Each step requires specific documentation and can take several weeks to complete, making local legal representation essential throughout the process.

Which documents are mandatory and which are optional in the process?

The document requirements for property purchase in Mauritania are divided into mandatory legal requirements and optional but recommended supporting documents.

**Mandatory documents that cannot be waived include:**

- Valid passport or national identification for both buyer and seller- Signed deed of sale and transfer documents with official stamps- Current title deed or existing leasehold certificate from the seller- Updated property tax receipts and land tax clearance certificates- Official Land Registry certificate confirming property status- Notarized affidavit of non-encumbrance from the seller

**Optional but strongly recommended documents include:**

- Notarized power of attorney if completing the purchase remotely- Bank statements and proof of funds documentation- For new constructions: architectural plans, building permits, and location survey maps- Apostille certification and official translations for all foreign-issued documents- Professional property valuation report for mortgage applications

It's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.

Can I handle the process without being physically in the country?

Remote property purchase in Mauritania is legally possible but requires careful preparation and reliable local representation.

You can complete the entire transaction from abroad by appointing a trusted local lawyer with notarized power of attorney to act on your behalf. This power of attorney must be authenticated and translated into Arabic or French, depending on the region.

All financial transactions must be conducted through official banking channels using convertible currency accounts, which can be managed remotely through international wire transfers. The appointed lawyer will handle document signing, government approvals, and Land Registry registration on your behalf.

However, remote purchases carry higher risks and require more extensive due diligence since you cannot personally inspect the property or verify local conditions. Many buyers choose to visit Mauritania at least once during the process to meet their legal representative and inspect the property before finalizing the purchase.

What types of property can foreigners buy, and what is off-limits?

Foreign property ownership in Mauritania is structured around building ownership with land leasehold arrangements, providing access to most property types without significant restrictions.

Property Type	Foreign Ownership Status	Ownership Structure
Residential Houses	Fully Permitted	Building ownership + 99-year land lease
Apartments/Condos	Fully Permitted	Unit ownership + shared land lease
Commercial Buildings	Fully Permitted	Building ownership + 99-year land lease
Office Spaces	Fully Permitted	Unit ownership + shared land lease
Vacant Land	Restricted	Leasehold only (no ownership)
Agricultural Land	Restricted	Special permits required
Coastal Properties	Limited	Government approval required

The key limitation is that foreigners cannot own land outright but can secure long-term leaseholds of up to 99 years, which provides effective ownership rights for practical purposes. There are no formal restrictions on property type for buildings, making both residential and commercial real estate accessible to foreign investors.

How reliable are real estate agents in Mauritania, and how should I choose one?

Real estate agent reliability in Mauritania varies significantly, making careful selection crucial for successful property transactions.

The real estate industry in Mauritania is less regulated than in Western countries, with agents operating under different professional standards and licensing requirements. Quality agents typically have formal licenses, established local networks, and transparent fee structures, while less reliable agents may lack proper credentials or operate informally.

**Key criteria for selecting a trustworthy agent:**

- Verified professional license and registration with local real estate associations- Established office location with physical presence and contact information- Demonstrable track record with foreign clients and successful transactions- Transparent commission structure (typically 3-6% of property value)- Strong local knowledge of legal requirements and market conditions- Willingness to provide client references and portfolio of previous sales

Always insist on multiple agent meetings, request client references, and verify their credentials independently. The best agents will encourage you to use independent legal counsel and will be transparent about all aspects of the transaction process.

Will the legal system protect me as a foreign buyer, and what precautions should I take?

Mauritania's legal framework provides basic protections for foreign property buyers, but enforcement can be inconsistent, requiring proactive precautionary measures.

The country operates under a civil law system with property rights generally recognized and enforced, though judicial processes can be slow and bureaucratic. Foreign buyers have the same legal rights as domestic buyers regarding property disputes and contract enforcement, but practical challenges exist in navigating the local legal system.

**Essential precautions for legal protection include:**

- Engage a reputable local lawyer specializing in property law from the outset- Demand comprehensive title searches covering at least 10-15 years of ownership history- Ensure all contracts are notarized and registered with appropriate authorities- Conduct independent property valuations and structural inspections- Verify all seller documentation and confirm absence of liens or encumbrances- Maintain detailed records of all transactions and communications- Use official banking channels for all financial transfers with proper documentation

While the legal system provides theoretical protection, practical enforcement depends heavily on proper documentation, local legal representation, and adherence to formal procedures throughout the transaction process.

What are the classic mistakes or pitfalls foreigners usually make?

Foreign buyers in Mauritania commonly make several critical errors that can result in financial losses or legal complications.

**The most frequent mistakes include:**- **Inadequate ownership verification** - Failing to conduct thorough title searches or verify the seller's legal right to transfer property ownership- **Poor professional selection** - Choosing unlicensed agents or inexperienced lawyers without proper vetting or reference checks- **Document irregularities** - Proceeding without proper notarization, government approvals, or complete registration processes- **Informal cash transactions** - Using undocumented cash payments that bypass official banking channels and regulatory requirements- **Insufficient due diligence** - Skipping property inspections, market valuations, or neighborhood assessments before purchase decisions

**Additional common oversights involve:**

- Misunderstanding the leasehold vs. ownership distinction and its long-term implications- Underestimating total transaction costs and failing to budget for all fees and taxes- Attempting remote purchases without adequate local representation or power of attorney arrangements- Ignoring local market conditions and overpaying due to lack of comparative market analysis

It's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Mauritania versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

How long does the buying process typically take from start to finish?

The complete property acquisition process in Mauritania typically requires 1-3 months from initial property identification to final ownership documentation.

The timeline varies significantly based on property complexity, government processing speeds, and the thoroughness of due diligence procedures. Simple transactions with clear title and readily available documentation can be completed in 4-6 weeks, while complex cases involving title disputes or extensive approval processes may extend to 12-16 weeks.

**Typical timeline breakdown:**

- Property search and initial due diligence: 1-3 weeks- Purchase negotiation and preliminary agreement: 1-2 weeks- Document preparation and notarization: 1-2 weeks- Government approval processing: 2-6 weeks (most variable stage)- Fund transfer and final registration: 1-2 weeks- Final documentation and handover: 1 week

Government approval represents the most unpredictable element, with processing times varying based on administrative workload, document completeness, and seasonal factors. Working with experienced local professionals can help expedite the process and identify potential delays early in the transaction.

What taxes, fees, and additional costs should I expect, with a full breakdown?

Property purchase costs in Mauritania extend well beyond the purchase price, typically adding 6-15% to the total investment amount.

Cost Category	Percentage of Property Value	Description
Notary Fees	1-2%	Document authentication and legal certification
Registration Fees	1%	Land Registry and official record filing
Property Transfer Tax	2-5%	Government tax on ownership transfer
Legal Representation	1-3%	Attorney fees for transaction management
Translation & Certification	0.5-1%	Document translation and apostille services
Bank Transfer Fees	0.5-1%	International wire transfer and currency conversion
Property Inspection & Valuation	0.5-1%	Professional assessment and structural evaluation

Additional costs may include property insurance setup, utility connection fees, and initial property maintenance or renovation expenses. Cash buyers can avoid mortgage-related costs, while financed purchases incur additional loan origination fees, appraisal costs, and mortgage insurance premiums.

Can I buy in cash, and if so, are there any restrictions?

Cash property purchases in Mauritania are legal and often preferred by sellers, but must comply with anti-money laundering regulations and documentation requirements.

All cash transactions above certain thresholds must be conducted through official banking channels with proper source-of-funds documentation. Direct cash handovers are discouraged and may trigger regulatory scrutiny or create problems with property registration.

**Cash purchase requirements include:**

- Bank transfer through convertible currency accounts with transaction records- Source of funds declaration for amounts exceeding $10,000 USD equivalent- Currency exchange documentation if converting from foreign currencies- Bank statements proving legitimate fund origins- Tax compliance certificates from country of origin for large transactions

Cash purchases offer advantages including faster transaction completion, stronger negotiating position, and elimination of mortgage approval delays. However, they require more extensive financial documentation and may subject buyers to enhanced due diligence procedures by banking authorities.

Is mortgage financing available for foreigners, what are the rates and conditions, and what tips help secure one?

Mortgage financing for foreign property buyers in Mauritania is available but limited, with restrictive conditions and higher requirements than domestic borrowers face.

Local banks typically offer mortgages covering up to 60% of property value for foreign buyers, compared to 70-80% for Mauritanian citizens. Interest rates range from 5.9% to 14.5% annually, with most loans structured as 10-12 year terms rather than the 20-30 year mortgages common in Western countries.

Mortgage Feature	Foreign Buyer Terms	Requirements
Maximum Loan-to-Value	60% of property value	Professional property valuation
Interest Rates	5.9% - 14.5% annually	Varies by bank and creditworthiness
Loan Terms	10-12 years maximum	Shorter than domestic mortgages
Down Payment	40% minimum required	Must be documented through official channels
Income Requirements	3x annual income minimum	Verified employment and income documentation
Residency Status	Local residency preferred	Work permit or long-term visa advantageous

**Tips for securing mortgage approval:**

- Establish local banking relationships before property shopping- Provide comprehensive financial documentation including tax returns and employment contracts- Consider obtaining local residency status or work permits to improve approval odds- Shop multiple banks as terms and approval criteria vary significantly between institutions

It's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.

Does buying property open a path to residency or citizenship?

Property ownership in Mauritania does not automatically grant residency rights or citizenship, requiring separate immigration procedures for legal status acquisition.

Mauritanian immigration law treats property investment and residency applications as independent processes, with no preferential treatment for property owners in visa or residence permit applications. Foreign property owners must follow standard immigration procedures to obtain legal residency status.

**Standard residency pathways include:**

- Employment-based residence permits through local job sponsorship- Investment visas requiring substantial business investments beyond property purchase- Family reunification for spouses or dependents of Mauritanian citizens or residents- Student visas for educational program enrollment- Retirement visas for qualifying age and income criteria (limited availability)

However, property ownership can demonstrate financial stability and commitment to the country, potentially supporting residency applications. Some investors use property ownership as part of broader business investment strategies that may qualify for investment-based residence permits, but this requires additional commercial activities beyond simple property ownership.

Where do foreigners most often choose to buy property in Mauritania?

Foreign property buyers in Mauritania concentrate their investments primarily in two major urban centers that offer the best infrastructure and business opportunities.

**Nouakchott (capital city)** attracts the majority of foreign buyers due to its status as the political and economic center, offering the most developed infrastructure, international business presence, and expatriate community. Property prices in Nouakchott range from $800-2,500 per square meter depending on neighborhood and property type, with areas like Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar being most popular among foreigners.

**Nouadhibou (port city)** serves as the secondary choice for foreign investors, particularly those involved in fishing, mining, or import/export businesses. This coastal city offers lower property prices ($600-1,800 per square meter) and direct access to international shipping routes, making it attractive for business-oriented property investments.

**Secondary markets** exist in regional centers like Rosso, Kaédi, and Zouérate, but these locations have limited infrastructure, fewer services, and smaller expatriate communities. These areas typically attract foreigners with specific business interests or family connections rather than general property investors.

The choice between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou often depends on business focus, with government-related activities favoring the capital and commercial/industrial investments gravitating toward the port city.

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.

Sources

1. The AfricanVestor - Mauritania Real Estate for Foreigners
2. The AfricanVestor - Moving to Mauritania and Buying Property
3. UK Government - Living in Mauritania Guidance
4. Mauritania Embassy - Investment Procedures
5. Arab Land Initiative - Mauritania Country Profile
6. US Trade Government - Mauritania Commercial Guide
7. Healy Consultants - Mauritania Company Registration
8. UNCTAD - Mauritania Investment Code