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:
- Application form for land registration
- Identification documents of obligor and oblige of changes in land rights.
- Contract of sale and purchase
- Tax payment or tax exemption documents (e.g. land value increment tax or tax on land ownership registration)
- Certificate of Reciprocity (has included in the table of reciprocal countries, therefore not necessary)
- Certificate of zoning for land use (not necessary if the land is considered non-urban)
- Land ownership certificate
- Authorization document (only necessary if the individual is unable to apply personally)
- 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.
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