Buying guide
Can Foreigners Buy a Private Island?
In some countries a foreign buyer can hold an island outright. In others, land ownership is reserved for citizens and participation happens through leases or corporate structures. The difference is fundamental and should be established before any search begins.
Rules also change, so anything you read — including this page — should be verified with local counsel at the time of purchase.
By Private Island Listings Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-08-20
The four common models
| Model | How it works | Typical examples |
|---|---|---|
| Open freehold | Foreign buyers acquire on broadly the same basis as locals | United States, Sweden, Chile |
| Freehold with approval | Freehold available subject to a permit or consent step | Grenada, New Zealand, Australia |
| Long leasehold | Underlying land stays with custom, community or state owners | Vanuatu, Fiji custom land, Maldives |
| Structure-based | Direct ownership restricted; leases or local companies used | Philippines, Indonesia |
Questions to put to local counsel
- Can a person of my nationality hold this interest directly?
- What permit, consent or registration applies, and how long does it take?
- If a company is used, what are the ongoing compliance obligations?
- For a lease, what is the term, the renewal mechanism and the consent requirement on transfer?
- Are there restrictions specific to coastal, border or protected land?
Avoid informal workarounds
Nominee holdings and undocumented arrangements are common in some markets and consistently risky. Where a jurisdiction restricts foreign ownership, use the lawful structure it provides rather than attempting to circumvent it.
Keep reading
Related guides
GuideFreehold vs Leasehold Private IslandsHow freehold and leasehold island tenure differ in practice, and how to assess a long lease on its term, renewal rights and consent requirements.GuideHow to Buy a Private IslandA practical, step-by-step process for buying a private island, from defining criteria and jurisdiction to due diligence, closing and first-year planning.GuideBest Countries to Buy a Private IslandA comparison of leading private island markets by tenure security, access, infrastructure and practical ownership experience.