From February 10, 2026, South Korea requires foreign property buyers to disclose visa status and funding sources. Seoul area purchases need government approval with a 2-year residency requirement. A 20% acquisition tax surcharge for non-residents is under consideration. Full policy analysis for overseas Chinese investors.
In 2026, South Korea's policy toward foreign real estate investment has shifted significantly. Since February 10, 2026, foreign nationals purchasing property in South Korea must disclose their visa status and residential address — which was not previously mandatory. Buyers must also submit a funding plan and supporting documents, including details on overseas financing such as deposits, loans, and financial institutions. Funds from cryptocurrency sales are also included in this disclosure.
More notably, in the Seoul Metropolitan Area and surrounding regions, foreigners need government permission to purchase apartments or houses. Once acquired, they must reside in the property within four months of receiving permission and maintain residency for at least two years. Violating these residency requirements can lead to fines and the revocation of trading licenses. Additionally, the government is considering a 20% acquisition tax surcharge for non-resident buyers and plans to increase the 'fair market value ratio' for comprehensive real estate tax on high-value property owners.
The South Korean government states that these measures aim to 'curb speculative trading and stabilize the housing market.' The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport emphasized that the 'funding sources and actual residency status' of foreign property transactions will be subject to enhanced scrutiny.
| Policy | Effective | Applies To | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa/Address Disclosure | Feb 10, 2026 | All foreign buyers | Must disclose visa type and Korean residential address on purchase |
| Funding Source Disclosure | Feb 10, 2026 | All buyers (incl. locals) | Submit funding plan and documents including overseas financing, crypto |
| Seoul Area Purchase Permit | In effect | Foreigners (apt/house) | Government approval needed, move in within 4 months, reside 2 years |
| 20% Acquisition Tax Surcharge | Under review | Non-resident buyers | Considering 20% additional tax on foreign purchases |
| Comprehensive Real Estate Tax Adjustment | Under discussion | High-value property holders | Increasing fair market value ratio, raising non-resident tax burden |
South Korea's policy tightening is the latest example of the Asia-Pacific region's increasing regulatory scrutiny of foreign real estate investment, echoing Japan's FEFTA amendment and Singapore's ABSD regime. For overseas Chinese investors, the Korean market has traditionally been known for its relative openness, but the 2026 regulations significantly raise entry barriers and compliance costs.
AIAIG Insight: In the short term, Seoul's high-end apartment market may face headwinds from these policy changes, requiring some buyers to reassess their investment plans. However, for long-term residents or investors holding prime core assets, the 2-year residency requirement is not insurmountable. The most critical development to watch is whether the 20% acquisition tax surcharge is ultimately enacted — if passed, Korea would transform from one of the most foreigner-friendly markets to one of the most restrictive in the Asia-Pacific region. We recommend monitoring the legislative process closely and considering whether to complete transactions within the current window before the surcharge is finalized.