FAQ on Land: Answers to Your Questions About ACD, Land Titles, and Subdivisions

What is an ACD in Ivory Coast?

The ACD (Definitive Concession Decree) is the official document issued by the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development that grants its holder a definitive property right over urban land. It is the administrative act that permanently transfers urban property ownership to the applicant — including the creation of the Land Title at step 3 of the official procedure. To learn more about recent developments, discover how digitalization is transforming the ACD procedure.

What is a subdivision?

A subdivision is an urban development operation that consists of dividing a piece of land into several plots intended for construction. It must be approved by the competent authorities to be legal.

What is an approved subdivision?

An approved subdivision is a subdivision whose plan has been validated by decree of the Minister responsible for Urban Development. The approval certifies that the subdivision complies with urban planning standards and that the plots conform to regulations.

What is an allocation letter?

The allocation letter is a document issued by the administrative authority that allocates a plot to a beneficiary in an approved subdivision. It constitutes the first step toward obtaining an ACD.

What is a Land Title?

The Land Title is the legal document that definitively and conclusively attests to the ownership of a piece of land. It is issued by the Conservator of Land Property and registered in the Land Register. Be cautious of fraudulent documents: consult our article on the 5 land scams to avoid to protect yourself.

What is the Land Register?

The Land Register is the official registry where all Land Titles are recorded. It is the absolute reference for land property in Ivory Coast.

What is the processing cycle for an ACD application?

The process comprises six main steps:

1. Application submission at the Single Land and Housing Counter
2. Document verification by the competent services
3. File review by the Urban Development Department
4. ACD drafting by legal services
5. Approval by the competent authorities
6. Delivery of the ACD to the applicant

What is the ADU (formerly village attestation)?

As of January 1, 2025, the former village attestation is replaced by the ADU (Attestation of Customary Use Rights), established by Decree No. 2021-784 of December 8, 2021. The ADU is a secure document that requires a triple signature (village chief, CVGFR president, developer) and is registered in the SIGFU with a unique IDUFCI (Decree No. 2021-862). It constitutes a provisional recognition of customary rights and a bridge toward the ACD, but does not confer full ownership.

What is a bailiff's certified statement?

A bailiff's certified statement is a bailiff's deed that allows for the official verification of the occupation status of a piece of land. It is an important document in land procedures.

What is a transfer certificate?

The transfer certificate is the document that formalizes the transfer of land ownership from a seller to a buyer. It must be drawn up before a notary to have legal value. If you reside outside Ivory Coast, discover our complete guide to buying land from the diaspora.