Several countries either restrict or completely prohibit foreign (including American) ownership of land. These restrictions vary—some allow ownership under specific conditions, others outright forbid it. Here’s a clear summary:
| Country | Restrictions for Americans / Foreigners |
|---|---|
| North Korea | No foreign ownership of land allowed. |
| Cuba | Foreigners cannot own land directly; they can lease land long-term. |
| Vietnam | Foreigners cannot own land; they can only lease for 50 years (renewable). |
| Thailand | Foreigners cannot own land directly, except in rare circumstances (e.g., through a company or lease). |
| Indonesia | Foreigners cannot own freehold land; only leasehold titles are available (usually 25–70 years). |
| Myanmar | Land ownership is reserved for citizens; foreigners can lease land long-term. |
| Philippines | Foreigners cannot own land, but they can own condominium units (as long as <40% of units are foreign-owned) or long-term leases. |
| Saudi Arabia | Only citizens can own land in most areas; some special economic zones may allow foreign investment with restrictions. |
| Israel | Almost all land is state-owned; foreigners cannot own land directly but can lease from the state for long periods. |
| Switzerland | Foreigners face heavy restrictions; in many cantons, they cannot buy property unless they have a residency permit or meet strict criteria. |
✅ Key takeaway: Many countries allow Americans to lease land long-term but not outright own it. In some countries, ownership is restricted to specific zones or requires forming a local company.
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