Rent Accommodations

Most expatriates living in Taiwan rent their accommodation, and there is a fairly wide range of properties available to rent. Rental prices are fairly steep in the center of Taipei, but are considerably cheaper in other areas.

Many single expats coming to the country choose to rent a room in a shared apartment. This is a good way to adjust to the country, and roommates can serve as a source of information about life in Taiwan. There are many online ads and notice boards in places such as universities that advertise room shares.

For families moving to Taiwan who don't have accommodations arranged through their employer, larger apartments are available in every city. Houses can be found in the suburbs and in more rural areas.

When renting property in Taiwan, you will usually be asked to sign a one-year contract and to pay a security deposit of two months' rent, along with one month's rent in advance. Some landlords may require you to have the lease co-signed by a Taiwan citizen who acts as guarantor.

Other useful websites:

• Tsuei Ma Ma Foundation for Housing and Community Service (Chinese only )
• Rental TW

Information of moving to Taiwan：

• Ma Ma Foundation for Housing and Community 

Purchasing Property

You may find buying property in Taiwan is cheaper than in many Western countries. Though it might not seem that cheap compared to the average Taiwanese income, more than 80% of Taiwan's population own their own home.

The usage of land leased or purchased by foreigners is limited for residences, business sites, office buildings, shops, factories, churches, hospitals, schools for children of foreigners, diplomatic and consular buildings, buildings for organizations promoting public welfare, and cemeteries. In addition, foreigners may be allowed to acquire land for investments helpful or useful in major infrastructure projects, overall economic development, or agricultural and animal husbandry industries that are approved by the competent authorities.

Foreign nationals purchasing real estate are required to submit the following documents to the Land Registration Office where the land is located:

1. Application form for land registration
2. Identification documents of obligor and oblige of changes in land rights.
3. Contract of sale and purchase
4. Tax payment or tax exemption documents (e.g. land value increment tax or tax on land ownership registration)
5. Certificate of Reciprocity (has included in the table of reciprocal countries, therefore not necessary)
6. Certificate of zoning for land use (not necessary if the land is considered non-urban)
7. Land ownership certificate
8. Authorization document (only necessary if the individual is unable to apply personally)
9. Other documents of evidence required according to the provisions of the Central Land Administration

For more about the procedures, information, and documentation involved in the acquisition of land rights by foreign nationals in Taiwan, please visit  Department of Land Administration.

Other useful websites:

• Moving (Chinese only)

Electricity

Taiwan uses electric current of 110 volts at 60 cycles, appliances from Europe, Australia or South-East Asia will need an adaptor or transformer.  Many buildings have sockets with 220 volts especially for the use of air conditioners.

Keeping Pets

The pet registration program was implemented to manage pet registration effectively and to reduce the number of stray dogs. The program includes pet registration, pet microchipping, and tags.

Owners must register their pets at the local Livestock Disease and Control Center (LDCC) within 4 months after the animal's birth. A fine of NT$3,000-NT$15,000 will be imposed on violators according to Article 31 of the Animal Protection Law.

1. Pets can be registered in most animal hospitals or LDCCs in the various cities and counties.
2. Most animal hospitals can provide medical treatment, vaccinations, health examinations, and registration services for pets. Animal hospitals will be able to provide most information related to animals or transferral services.
3. For inquiries about pet registration, lost pets, or other information, please contact the Council of Agriculture at +886-2-2381-2991, the city or county animal control authorities and animal clinics, or visit the Animal Protection Website (Chinese only).

For more information about keeping pets in Taiwan, please visit:

1. Pet Registration Information website (Chinese only)
2. Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan