Can foreigners actually buy property in Taiwan? Yes, but with conditions. Taiwan's Land Act Article 18 requires the "principle of reciprocity" — your home country must allow Taiwanese citizens to buy property there before you can buy property in Taiwan. Once reciprocity is confirmed, you also need to avoid the 7 restricted land types listed in Article 17 (forest land, water-source land, military zones, etc.), and be realistic about mortgage approval, which is generally harder for foreigners than for locals.
Our team at Fusheng Realty regularly works with foreign clients and cross-border families in Taichung. The 3 questions we hear most are: "Is my nationality even eligible?", "Can buying property get me a residence permit?", and "Will the bank actually approve my mortgage?" This guide answers all three in Traditional Chinese, English and Cantonese — switch languages using the buttons at the top.
(Updated July 2026, based on Taiwan MOI Land Administration Agency reciprocity rules and common bank lending practice)