A foreign investor (including a Lebanese company where the majority of capital shares is owned by foreign persons) are required to obtain prior authorisation by the Council of Ministers for acquiring land in excess of 3,000 square meters of land in the aggregate (including built property). For the purposes of the OECD FDIRRI, it is assumed that such discriminatory treatment applies including for acquisitions of land for business purposes.
"Legal Framework for Ownership of Land in Lebanon
Foreign ownership in Lebanon is governed by Legislative Decree Number 11614 dated 4 January 1969 and it subsequent amendments notably Law No. 296/2001.
The ownership of real estate properties in Lebanon by foreigners¹ [¹An individual who does not hold the Lebanese nationality is considered a foreigner. An entity / corporation which is established outside Lebanon is considered foreign] is governed by the following principles:
A. What are the Rules Regulating Foreign Ownership of Land?
1. A foreign person/individual or Lebanese entity deemed as foreign² [² A Lebanese company is considered foreign when the majority of capital shares is owned by foreign physical persons or moral entities or 100% owned Lebanese companies which bylaws allows the cession of shares to non-Lebanese moral or physical persons] can own up to 3,000 square meters of land in the aggregate (including built property) without prior permit or authorization. Spouses and minor descendants are considered as one individual.
2. The acquisition of property above 3,000 square meters requires approval by the Council of Ministers which issues a decree in that regard. [...]" (Government of Lebanon, "Legal Framework for Ownership of Land in Lebanon", Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL), website)
Government of Lebanon, "Legal Framework for Ownership of Land in Lebanon", Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL), website.
[<a href="https://investinlebanon.gov.lb/Content/uploads/Legal_Framework_for_Ownership_of_Land_in_Lebanon.pdf">Website</a>]