Back to DirectoryDirectory

Real Estate, Land & DUAT

Informational guidance on land use rights, property acquisition, and leasing in Mozambique.

Updated: August 2026

In Mozambique, land is State property. The Right of Use and Land Utilization (DUAT) grants the holder the right to use and benefit from land or buildings for a set period, through administrative procedures defined by the Ministry of Land and Environment.

Land cadastre, maps, and DUAT allocation processes are managed by competent authorities under the Ministry of Land and Environment.

Private real estate agents operate in the market, but land and property transactions must be validated with competent authorities. Be wary of promises of "full ownership" or unregistered titles. Contact Mozambique Discovery for guidance.

How to verify property transactions and agents

Buying or leasing land or property in Mozambique requires rigorous due diligence. Never transfer funds without complete document verification. Mozambique Discovery can guide you through this process.

  • Confirm DUAT existence and validity with the competent district or provincial administration, or with the Ministry of Land and Environment
  • Request updated cadastral map from local land services
  • For urban property, verify land registry at the relevant registry office
  • Hire a properly registered local lawyer to review contracts and purchase promises
  • Be wary of agents pressuring for quick payments or refusing written documentation
  • Verify the seller has legal authority to transfer the right; community land has specific rules
  • There is no central register of real estate agents; verification depends on documents and legal counsel

Disclaimer

This guide does not list private real estate agents. Mozambique Discovery does not broker property transactions or guarantee the legality of third-party listings.

Mozambican land law is complex and varies between urban, rural, and local community zones. Always confirm current requirements with the Ministry of Land and Environment or contact Mozambique Discovery before any financial commitment.

Considering buying or leasing property?

We can guide you on due diligence, DUAT, and steps for specialized legal counsel.

Contact us