Land Law in the Angolan Legal System

Terms Used :

• Initially, we discussed the terms used to refer to the same subject: “land”, “terreno” and “land law”. However, it is not possible to take a definitive position due to didactic-academic reasons. These expressions, although different, essentially refer to the same subject, based on the “thing” in a technical-legal sense 1 .

1. Legal Framework :

   • The land issue is referred to the competent discipline that studies the subject as an object. It is concluded that “Natural Resources Law” is the appropriate branch to deal with this issue, due to its nature, scope and characterization, belonging to Public Law 1 .

2. Land Classification :

   • There are three types of land in Angola:

     • Land in the Private Domain of the State : The State can grant these lands to anyone for their own use.

     • Land in the Public Domain of the State : The State cannot grant these lands to individuals or groups for their own use.

     • Community Rural Lands : These are lands occupied by families from local rural communities for housing, economic activities or other purposes recognized by local custom 2 .

3. Comparison with Civil Law :

   • Comparing the real land rights provided for in the Land Law with the real rights contained in the Civil Code has been a practical challenge. Angolan doctrine has given attention to this issue, considering it a “vexata quaestio” in law 1 .

In short, land law in Angola involves legal issues, land classification and challenges in comparison with the Civil Code. If you need more information, I am at your disposal! 🌟