Major reforms for land ownership announced by Sultan.

On the fifteenth of July 2025, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam announced landmark reforms to Brunei’s land ownership laws. These amendments, gazetted under the Land Code (Amendment) Order, 2025, aim to simplify regulations and make land rights more inclusive—especially for stateless individuals, permanent residents, and non-citizens—while safeguarding national interests.

Ownership for Stateless Individuals

For the first time, individuals with no national status (i.e., stateless persons) are permitted to own land in Brunei. However, this right is limited to one freehold property intended solely for personal residential use. They are not allowed to own multiple properties or acquire other types of land unless through lease, sub-lease, or charge. This change marks a significant step toward greater inclusion and recognition of long-term residents who previously had no legal path to land ownership.

Non-Citizens Must Declare Land Holdings

Any non-citizen (including stateless persons) who claims to have any interest or ownership in land must submit a full declaration of particulars and documents to the Land Office within 12 months of 1st August 2025 or within any extended period approved by the Minister of Development. If they fail to do so, their claim will be considered null and void .

Freehold to Leasehold Conversion

Where land is held by non-citizens, including through inheritance or prior ownership, the government may convert that freehold land to leasehold tenure based on the maximum lease periods outlined by future ministerial guidelines. This process ensures continued use while allowing the state to maintain control over land tenure security.

Inheritance and Succession

Non-citizens are now allowed to inherit land through wills or succession. However, if the inherited property is freehold, the non-citizen must sell the property to a Brunei citizen within 10 years of inheriting it. If the land remains unsold, it may be converted to a leasehold title or subject to further direction by the Minister and His Majesty in Council.

Land Held by Former Citizens and PRs

Citizens or permanent residents who renounce or lose their status—either by giving up citizenship or not renewing their Entry Permit—must sell their land to a Brunei citizen within 10 years . If they fail to do so, the land may also be converted to leasehold, based on government guidelines.

Anti-Nominee Rules to Prevent Abuse

To close loopholes, the amendment prohibits Brunei citizens from acting as 'nominees' to hold land on behalf of non-citizens or stateless persons. Any trusts or contracts set up for this purpose are legally null and void , and the Land Office is empowered to invalidate these arrangements if discovered during or after registration.

Lease Period Guidelines

The Minister of Development, with approval from His Majesty, will issue lease duration guidelines. Upon expiry of the lease term, land may either revert to the Government or be renewed with official permission. This ensures clarity, especially for cases where freehold ownership has been converted to leasehold as part of compliance with the new law.

These comprehensive changes reflect Brunei’s evolving land policy—aiming for fairer treatment of long-term residents while protecting national control over land ownership. Citizens, permanent residents, and non-citizens alike are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new rules and timelines to ensure compliance.