International Insights, Global Perspective
Japan expands post-graduate work rights for international students in 2026, allowing technical school graduates to work cross-field, job-seeking visa extended to 1 year. March 2026 graduates must submit visa change applications by Jan 31, 2026. New Specified Residence Card launches June 14, 2026.
Singapore's 2026 Budget left the 60% ABSD rate unchanged, but industry voices call for reduced foreign buyer taxes on luxury properties above S$10M. With the US Fed hiking cycle ending, does this signal a policy bottom? How should overseas Chinese investors time their entry?
Effective January 24, 2024, the UAE has eliminated the minimum down payment requirement for Golden Visa real estate investment applications. Investors can now qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa by owning properties valued at AED 2 million, regardless of down payment amount or property type (off-plan, mortgaged properties eligible). This policy change significantly lowers barriers for international investors, particularly beneficial for overseas Chinese high-net-worth individuals.
Hong Kong's 2026 budget announced on February 25 raises stamp duty on luxury properties over HKD 100 million from 4.25% to 6.5%, targeting ultra-high-end market. Budget also introduces stamp duty exemption for REIT transfers and relaxes intra-group asset transfer relief criteria.
UK implements new Graduate Route rules from January 1, 2027: undergraduate and master's graduates' post-study work period reduced from 2 years to 18 months, PhD remains 3 years. Applications submitted before December 31, 2026 still get 2-year period.
Japan's 2026 regulations require all non-resident property buyers to report transactions to the Ministry of Finance within 20 days and disclose buyer nationality for the first time. Condominium management law reforms strengthen majority voting mechanisms. The policy signal is clear: oversight is tightening and transparency is increasing.
NSW raises foreign buyer stamp duty from 8% to 9%
Portugal officially removes real estate from Golden Visa qualifying investment options, shifting minimum investment to €500k funds
