Emphyteutic Lease

Emphyteutic Lease in Rwanda

An emphyteutic lease (ubukode burambye) is a critical instrument in Rwandan land law under Law N° 27/2021, allowing individuals and entities to obtain long-term rights to state-owned or private land.

Duration and Types Under Current Law

Standard Durations:

Land Concession (investment): Maximum 49 years

Residential purposes: Up to 99 years

Agricultural purposes: Up to 49 years (renewable)

Foreign Ownership Restrictions

Under the 2021 law:

Foreign individuals or foreign-controlled companies cannot obtain freehold

They must use long-term leases (emphyteutic lease) instead

Exception only by Presidential approval for strategic projects

Rights and Obligations

Lessee Rights:

Right to use and develop the land

Right to construct buildings and improvements

Right to transfer or sublease (with lessor consent)

Right to use as loan collateral

Lessee Obligations:

Payment of annual lease fees

Development of land according to purpose

Environmental compliance

Property taxes

Registration Requirements

All emphyteutic leases must be:

Documented in a notarized contract

Registered with the Land Registry

Recorded on the land title