Property
Registration-based ownership with notarised contracts and reciprocity for foreigners
Ownership of real estate is acquired on registration in the real-estate cadastre. Sale contracts must be solemnised by a notary, and acquisition by foreign natural and legal persons is subject to reciprocity rules.
Key rules
- Entry in the real-estate cadastre is required for the transfer of ownership.
- Contracts for the sale of real estate must be solemnised (notarised) to be valid.
- Foreign persons may acquire property subject to reciprocity, with restrictions on agricultural land.
Governing law
- Act on Basis of Ownership Relations
- Act on Registration Procedure in the Cadastre
In practice
Notaries submit registration applications directly, and legalisation of unregistered buildings remains a widespread practical issue.