Buying Property in Trinidad and Tobago as a Foreigner 2026: Licences, Prices and the Two-Island Split

Foreigners can legally purchase property in Trinidad and Tobago, but the process varies between the two islands. On Trinidad, a foreigner can own up to one acre of residential land without needing a special licence. Tobago, however, requires a government licence for any property transaction, regardless of size. The Foreign Investment Act of 1990 governs these rules, defining a "foreign investor" as anyone not a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago or another CARICOM state.

A foreign investor may purchase up to one acre for residential use on Trinidad without a licence, while the same limit for trade or business use is five acres. A licence is required for Tobago, which can be obtained from the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). The THA has designated Development Areas in Tobago for tourism investment, such as Arnos Vale and Bacolet Estate.

Any building must receive approval from the Town and Country Planning Division. Foreign buyers must provide notarised passport copies, police certificates, credit references, and proof of financing. A licence belongs to the individual, not the property, so if a foreign investor purchases a property from another foreigner who holds a licence, they still need their own.

The older common-law system in Trinidad handles nearly 80 percent of land, requiring a thorough examination of deeds and clearances before completion.