Foreign Ownership Rules in Trinidad and Tobago Explained
Trinidad and Tobago is one of the more open property markets in the Caribbean, but the rules are not the same on both islands. Under the Foreign Investment Act 1990, a foreign investor can buy up to one acre of land for residential purposes in Trinidad without any licence at all.
Tobago is the exception. Since a 2007 Order made under the Act, every foreign buyer needs a licence to acquire any interest in land in Tobago, whatever the size. This guide sets out how both regimes work and the conditions that apply either way.
The one-acre rule in Trinidad
The Foreign Investment Act 1990 is the framework that governs foreign ownership of land in Trinidad and Tobago. According to the text of the Act published by UNCTAD's Investment Policy Hub, section 6(1) allows a foreign investor to acquire up to one acre of land for residential purposes without a licence, and section 7 allows up to five acres for trade or business purposes.
In practice, this means most single houses, apartments and townhouses in Trinidad can be bought by a foreign national with no special permission. The Act does give the Minister of Finance power to designate specific areas where a licence is required even below those thresholds, so it is worth having your attorney confirm the position for the particular property before you sign anything.
- Up to one acre for residential use: no licence needed in Trinidad
- Up to five acres for trade or business: no licence needed in Trinidad
- Above those limits, or in any ministerially designated area, a licence is required
Tobago is different: every foreign purchase needs a licence
Under Legal Notice No. 53 of 2007 — the Foreign Investment (Tobago Land Acquisition) Order — all foreign investors seeking to acquire an interest in land in any part of Tobago, regardless of size, must obtain a licence before the acquisition. This is set out in the Ministry of Finance's published guidelines for licence applications.
Applications are submitted to the Chief Administrator of the Tobago House of Assembly in Scarborough, with supporting documents including passports, planning approval, evidence of financing and certificates of good character. The guidelines state that processing takes up to 20 working days once complete information is provided.
- A licence is required for any land purchase in Tobago by a foreign buyer, however small
- Applications go to the Chief Administrator, Tobago House of Assembly, Scarborough
- Processing takes up to 20 working days with a complete application
Conditions attached to Tobago licences
Licences for residential land in Tobago come with conditions. The Ministry of Finance guidelines limit a foreign investor to one residential parcel, require construction to be completed within 36 months of the licence being issued, and prohibit subdividing the land afterwards.
For trade or business purposes the guidelines allow a 60-month completion timeline for most projects, with extensions available for up to three additional years. The Tobago House of Assembly has also identified designated development areas — including Arnos Vale, Bacolet Estate and Mt Irvine — earmarked for tourism-related development it has approved.
- One residential parcel per foreign investor
- Construction must be completed within 36 months of the licence being issued
- No subdivision of the land after purchase
- Business projects generally get 60 months, extendable by up to three years
Rules that apply on both islands
Wherever you buy, the Act imposes conditions on how the deal is done. The purchase price must be paid in an internationally traded currency through a bank, and the Minister of Finance must be notified with particulars of the transaction after completion — your attorney normally handles this filing.
A foreign investor who wants to hold more than the licence-free limits must apply for a licence, granted by the President of Trinidad and Tobago. As with any legal regime, thresholds and procedures can change, so check the Ministry of Finance and Tobago House of Assembly for the current position before committing. Habio's Trinidad and Tobago listings and buyer guides are a useful starting point for getting a feel for what is on the market.
- Pay the purchase price in an internationally traded currency through a bank
- Notify the Minister of Finance after completion
- Larger holdings need a licence granted by the President
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy property in Trinidad without a licence?
Yes. Under the Foreign Investment Act 1990, a foreign investor can acquire up to one acre of residential land in Trinidad without a licence, and up to five acres for trade or business purposes.
Do I need a licence to buy property in Tobago as a foreigner?
Yes. Since the Foreign Investment (Tobago Land Acquisition) Order 2007, every foreign investor needs a licence to acquire any interest in land in Tobago, regardless of the size of the plot.
How long does a Tobago land licence take to process?
The Ministry of Finance's guidelines state up to 20 working days once a complete application, with all supporting documents, has been submitted to the Chief Administrator of the Tobago House of Assembly.
Can I pay for a Trinidad and Tobago property in TT dollars?
Not as a foreign investor. The Foreign Investment Act requires the purchase price to be paid in an internationally traded currency through a bank.
What happens if I want more than one acre in Trinidad?
You must apply for a licence, which is granted by the President of Trinidad and Tobago. Conditions are set out in the Ministry of Finance's published guidelines.
Sources
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Markets and rules change — verify the current position with official sources before acting. Published 2 August 2026.