Usually yes — but "buying" means four very different things depending on the country: freehold, leasehold, a trust, or a company. Knowing which applies is the most valuable hour of research you will do.
Coastal land is politically sensitive almost everywhere, so many countries that welcome foreign buyers inland impose extra rules within a few kilometres of the sea or a border. None of these rules are dealbreakers on their own; problems arise when buyers assume their home country's model applies and skip the structure entirely.
Below are the four ownership models you will meet, then how the most popular markets in our catalogue actually work. This is general orientation, not legal advice — always instruct an independent local lawyer who is not connected to the seller or agent.
The four ownership models
Freehold. You own the land and building outright, on the same terms as a citizen. Available to foreigners in Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Turkey, Cape Verde, Costa Rica (outside the maritime zone), Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and much of the Caribbean.
Leasehold / usage rights. You hold long-term rights, typically 25–99 years, renewable. The standard route in Indonesia (Hak Pakai / Hak Sewa), Thailand for land, the Philippines for land, and much of the Pacific.
Trust or concession. A bank or state body holds title on your behalf with full beneficial rights — Mexico's fideicomiso within 50 km of the coast is the classic example, and it is routine, safe and renewable.
Company ownership. A locally registered company holds the land. Legitimate in the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam for genuine businesses, but frequently mis-sold as a workaround to individuals. Only use it where your lawyer confirms it is the accepted structure.
How the popular markets work
Mexico: full rights via fideicomiso in the coastal zone; cheap, standard and bank-administered. Thailand: foreigners can own condominium units freehold (up to 49% of a building) but not land — houses are usually 30-year renewable leases. Indonesia: Hak Pakai for residence, leasehold for most villas; never buy land in a nominee's personal name. Vietnam: 50-year renewable ownership of apartments and some houses, with quotas per building.
Philippines: condos freehold, land through a 25+25 year lease or a Filipino spouse. Greece, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Croatia: straightforward freehold for any nationality, with EU buyers facing the least paperwork. Turkey: freehold with a military clearance check, plus citizenship by investment at higher price points. Brazil and Colombia: freehold, with Brazilian restrictions applying mainly to rural and border land, not to coastal town lots.
Protect yourself in any jurisdiction
👩⚖️ Your own lawyer. Never the agent's or the developer's recommendation alone.
📄 Title search and encumbrance check going back at least 20 years.
🏖️ Confirm the maritime/public zone boundary — many beachfront structures sit inside it.
🏛️ Check building permits exist for what is actually standing on the plot.
🚫 Avoid nominee land ownership, even where "everyone does it".
💱 Register the inbound funds properly so you can repatriate the sale proceeds later.
Foreigner-friendly markets to start with
Cheapest listing in each of the most accessible jurisdictions.
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