What is an emphyteutic lease in Ivory Coast?
Long-term lease contract (18 to 99 years) on land. The emphyteutic lease grants the lessee rights similar to those of an owner, including the right to build and to mortgage.
Definition complete
Long-Term Land Leasing
The emphyteutic lease is a special contract that grants the tenant (emphyteutic lessee) very extensive rights over the land for a very long duration.
Rights of the Lessee
- Build on the land
- Mortgage the lease
- Transfer or sublease the lease
- Modify the improvements
For Whom?
The emphyteutic lease is often used by:
- Foreigners who cannot purchase rural land
- Companies for long-term investments
- Real estate projects on public land
Besoin de conseils sur votre projet foncier ?
Nos experts vous accompagnent dans toutes les demarches.
Autres termes du glossaire
The ADU (Attestation de Droit d'Usage Coutumier / Customary Right of Use Certificate) is the single, secure document that replaces the former Village Certificate as of January 1, 2025. Established by Decree No. 2021-784 and secured by the SIGFU (Decree No. 2021-862), it requires a triple signature (village chief, CVGFR president, developer) and a unique IDUFCI. The ADU is not a property title: it constitutes a provisional recognition opening the path to the ACD (Arrêté de Concession Définitive / Definitive Concession Decree) — the ACD published in the Land Register IS the Land Title. In practice, the time between ACD signature and its publication in the Land Register is often longer than the official 180 calendar days (BÂTIR N°004, 2022). Published ACD = published Land Title — same legal deed, two stages.
The Rural Land Agency (AFOR — Agence Foncière Rurale) is the public institution responsible for implementing rural land policy in Ivory Coast. It oversees land certification, registration of rural properties, and coordination of boundary demarcation and surveying operations.
Legal document drafted by a notary that formalizes the transfer of land ownership between a seller and a buyer. The notarized deed of sale is mandatory and confers authenticity on the transaction.
Legal entity that must be established with a minimum share capital of 2 million FCFA held by Ivorian nationals, holding an approval from the Minister responsible for Housing and a financial guarantee from a bank or insurance company.
The alienation price is the sum that the buyer must pay to the State to obtain the Definitive Concession (ACD — Arrêté de Concession Définitive) of urban land. Calculated by an ad hoc commission, it corresponds to the market value of the parcel according to the official schedule.