Seychelles Property Tax Guide: Stamp Duty 0.5%, Annual Tax 0.25-1% 2026
Seychelles' property tax system includes stamp duty of 0.5% on property transfers (paid by buyer) and an annual property tax ranging from 0.25% to 1% on the assessed rental value of the property. There is no capital gains tax on the sale of a primary residence. Here is how Seychelles property tax works in 2026.
Property taxation in Seychelles is governed by the Property Tax Act and administered by the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC). Unlike many jurisdictions, Seychelles taxes property based on its rental value rather than market value. The annual property tax is relatively modest compared to regional peers. Property ownership by foreigners is permitted with approval from the Ministry of Land Use and Housing. Capital gains on property →
Real-world example: A buyer purchases a residential property in Victoria valued at SCR 2,000,000. Stamp duty at 0.5% = SCR 10,000. The annual property tax is based on the rental value: if the assessed annual rental value is SCR 120,000, the annual property tax at 0.25% = SCR 300 (if owner-occupied) or 1% = SCR 1,200 (if rented out). Compare to Mauritius where land transfer tax is 5% and annual property tax is approximately 0.1-1% of market value. Rental income taxation →
Property Transfer Tax (Stamp Duty)
- Residential property: 0.5% of the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher
- Non-residential property: 0.5% of the purchase price
- Land: 0.5% of the purchase price
- First-time buyers: Reduced rates or exemptions may apply
Stamp duty is paid by the buyer at the time of registration. The tax is calculated on the higher of the contract price or the assessed value determined by the SRC. Registration fees and legal costs are additional.
Annual Property Tax
- Owner-occupied residential: 0.25% of the assessed annual rental value
- Rented residential: 1% of the assessed annual rental value
- Commercial property: 1% of the assessed annual rental value
- Vacant land: Nominal annual charge based on land area and location
The annual property tax is based on the estimated rental value of the property, not the market value. The SRC assesses rental values periodically. This makes Seychelles' annual property tax relatively low compared to jurisdictions that tax market value.
Registration and Legal Fees
- Registration fee: Fee for registering the property title with the Land Registry, typically SCR 500-2,000
- Legal fees: Lawyer fees for conveyancing, typically 0.5-1.5% of the purchase price
- Valuation fee: If a professional valuation is required
Buyers should budget approximately 2-4% of the purchase price for total transaction costs including stamp duty, legal fees, and registration. Foreign buyers require approval from the Ministry of Land Use and Housing, which involves an application fee.
Do foreigners pay the same property tax as residents?
Yes. Seychelles applies the same property tax rules to residents and non-residents. However, foreign ownership of land and property requires prior approval from the Ministry of Land Use and Housing, and certain restrictions apply to land purchases by non-Seychellois.
Is there a tax on rental income from property?
Yes. Rental income from property is subject to personal income tax at progressive PIT rates (0-30%). There is no separate property tax on rental income beyond the annual property tax. Deductions for maintenance, management fees, and mortgage interest may be available. Detailed rental income guide →