Who Can Buy Farmland in Saskatchewan Under the Farm Security Act

Farm land in Saskatchewan is not like an ordinary house purchase. Who is allowed to own it is controlled by law, and the rules depend on who the buyer is, not just on the price or the land.

This article explains in plain terms who can hold an interest in farm land, where the 10-acre line matters, and what happens if a purchaser is not eligible. It is general information, and your own facts can change the answer.

This article covers the law of Saskatchewan.

Who is eligible to own farm land

Only Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and corporations or membership organizations that are 100 per cent Canadian-owned and not publicly traded can hold an interest in Saskatchewan farm land without an exemption. This is governed by Part VI of The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act.

The Act calls a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada a resident person. A Canadian citizen is treated as a resident even if he or she lives outside Canada.

How the rules apply to different buyers

The 10-acre line and exemptions

Individuals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and entities totally or partly owned or controlled by non-Canadians, must apply to the Farm Land Security Board for an Exemption before acquiring an interest in more than 10 acres of farm land. The purchaser is the one who must obtain the Exemption.

The Board has developed exemption categories for non-eligible entities, and applicants use either a corporate or a non-resident exemption application form. Individuals with farming experience and capital to invest, for example under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, may qualify if they are serious about relocating to Canada and have a plan to do so.

Transfers within a family

There is an exception for family. Any amount of farm land can be transferred to a designated relative by a person who has been a resident for five consecutive years and acquired the land while a resident.

• Designated relatives are children, grandchildren, parents and grandparents.
• They also include a brother, sister, nephew or niece, and their spouses.
• The five-year residency and the way the land was acquired both matter, so check the details before relying on this exception.

The Farm Land Security Board and the consequences of getting it wrong

The Farm Land Security Board is a quasi-judicial tribunal whose members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. It administers Part II (farm foreclosure protection), Part III (home quarter protection) and Part VI (farm ownership) of The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act.

The Board can order fines and penalties and issue land divestment orders to non-eligible entities. It can levy administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per contravention. Rules were amended in October 2025 and further changes are possible, so it is worth confirming the current position before you commit.

What to do next

• Work out whether you, or each owner of a corporation, is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Confirm how the buyer is owned and controlled if you are buying through a corporation or organization.
• Find out how many acres you would be acquiring, and whether any interest counts toward the 10-acre line.
• If an Exemption may be needed, obtain it before you acquire the land.
• Have a lawyer review the purchase agreement and the ownership structure before you sign.

Frequently asked questions