Did you know that any foreigner wishing to own an apartment, a plot of land, or a building in Lebanon must meet specific legal conditions set by the Lebanese law on foreign ownership?
This law, enacted by legislative decree, clearly outlines the requirements a foreign national must fulfill to obtain a license for property ownership. Importantly, the law does not differentiate based on nationality. Whether you’re from an Arab country, Europe, or elsewhere, the same legal framework applies.
To begin the process, a formal request must be submitted to the Ownership Clearance Department at the Directorate General of Land Registry and Cadastre in Beirut. This request must be accompanied by the necessary documents and payment of the applicable fees. Applicants can request ownership rights limited to specific districts or governorates, or across Lebanon as a whole.
It’s essential to note that no notary public or official from the Land Registry has the right to draft a sale contract or an irrevocable power of attorney for a foreigner who hasn’t officially obtained the ownership clearance letter.
The law also places strict requirements on companies. Corporate charters must include specific clauses that prevent legal loopholes, especially regarding transfers of ownership, the nationality of partners or shareholders, and their share in the company’s capital. These rules are designed to ensure transparency and prevent attempts to bypass the law.
In short, any foreign national interested in owning property in Lebanon must comply with the provisions of this law. Failing to do so could lead to serious legal consequences.
At Issa-Mansour, we remain available to guide foreign individuals and investors through the legal process of property ownership in Lebanon, safely, legally, and with full peace of mind.