What is a Certificate of Negotiation?

This is a certificate you must obtain if you wish to lease a plot of land that has never been leased.

What rights do I have with a Certificate of Negotiation?

This certificate allows a lessee to negotiate with the lessor (custom land owner of the plot of land in question).

Without a negotiator certificate you have no right to negotiate for a lease.

Can I develop my land as soon as I obtain a negotiator certificate?

No. After obtaining a Certificate of Negotiation, a lessee must wait for 12 months before they can start developing their land.

Where can I obtain a Certificate of Negotiation?

Application forms for a Certificate of Negotiation may be collected from the Planning Unit of the Department of Lands in Vila or in Santo.

What is the fee?

The application form fee is 1,000vt. A processing fee of 1,531vt is charged when you submit your form.

However, the amounts stated above are subject to change pending revisions being made. Be sure to attach your receipt with your application, otherwise your application will not be considered.

How do I fill in the application form?

The following steps should be taken to complete the form (Failure to comply with those requirements will result in your application being declined):

1. Fill the details in the application form.

2. Check that you haven't missed any details in the application form and that all the required signatures are included.

3. Ensure that all the information in the application form are honest and true. You will be fined for any false information given.

4. Applications for agricultural, commercial or tourism lease must include a plan.

5. The Development Plan must clearly state the type of activity you plan to undertake on your land and the surface area of the land you are planning to develop.

6. Any change of names in the application which have been approved must be submitted to the Land Management Planning Committee (LMPC) for approval.

How should custom owners of an area to be leased be identified?

A Custom Owner identification form states who the custom owner is, and should be submitted to the Lands Department. When submitted, it must have attached the minutes of the Council of Chiefs meeting on the land concerned. These minutes must include the date, place and time of meeting and the names of the Chairman or Secretary and his contact details.

What does the National Land Summit have to say about Negotiator Certificates?

The Land Summit Resolution No. 7 states that 'A notice must be given out on each application for negotiation to the Chiefs and Village Council of the area where the land is located'.

Where can I find more Information?

The Planning Unit officers can help you with any queries.