International Insights, Global Perspective
Philippines allows foreign condo purchases (40% cap per building) with 99-year land lease options, showing selective market recovery. Vietnam offers 50-year renewable apartment ownership (30% cap per building), but 90% of foreign purchases are cash-only. Both markets show 2026 recovery signals with distinct foreign ownership frameworks.
UK implements strictest immigration reforms in decades with Skilled Worker salary rising to £41,700, Graduate visa cut to 18 months, and English requirements up from B1 to B2.
Korea and Taiwan significantly ease student visa policies in 2026: Korea waives bank proof for vocational students with TOPIK 3, increases work hours to 35/week; Taiwan offers 2-year open work permits, PhDs can deduct 3 years from permanent residency.
Australia implements major reforms to Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in 2026, reducing age limit to 35 (with PhD/research exemptions), raising IELTS to 6.5 overall (no band below 5.5), doubling visa fee to AUD 4,600, and scrapping COVID-19 extension.
Malaysia implements major work visa reforms from June 1, 2026, raising Employment Pass salary thresholds up to RM20,000 (approx. $5,000 USD), fixing visa duration at 5-10 years, and requiring companies to develop local succession plans.
Singapore and Japan present contrasting real estate investment logics in 2026: Singapore prioritizes capital preservation with 60% foreign buyer stamp duty, while Japan offers open access and regional yields up to 7%.
