Rules for foreigners buying real estate around the world

About the data

What is shown. The regime for the purchase of residential property — primarily apartments — by a non-resident foreigner, that is, a citizen of another country who does not live in it. For each country the main restriction is selected. As of October 2026.

Purchase regime. “Free” — on the same terms as citizens. “Free with a permit” — a permit or a reciprocity check is required, which is usually obtained (Cyprus, Malta outside special zones, Turkey, Denmark). “Designated zones only” — purchase is possible only in designated areas and projects (UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia). “Restrictions by property type and quotas” — only apartments without land, a foreign quota per building, a minimum price or cantonal limits (Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Switzerland). “Use rights only” — ownership is not available; long-term lease or land use rights are possible (Vietnam, Indonesia, China). “Temporary or partial ban” — purchase by non-residents is currently closed entirely or for existing real estate (Canada, New Zealand, Australia). “Ban” — foreigners cannot own real estate.

What the purchase gives. “Citizenship” — a purchase above the threshold gives the right to a passport. “Residence by investment” — a residence permit under a programme with a threshold for investment in real estate. “Residence for property owners” — the mere fact of owning real estate gives the right to apply for a residence permit, without an investment programme with an investment threshold (Serbia, Albania, Belarus, Northern Cyprus). “Nothing” — the purchase by itself gives no status. Thresholds are given according to the official programme terms; in dollars — approximately, at the current exchange rate.

Separate territories. Where the rules for part of a country differ and it can be shown on the map, it is coloured separately: Zanzibar, Tobago, Easter Island, Galápagos Islands, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Åland Islands, Northern Cyprus, dependent territories. Restrictions for cities and strips that cannot be distinguished on the map (Mecca and Medina, border areas, military zones, Sinai) are described in the country card.

Caveats and not analysed. Where law and practice diverge, the country card contains a caveat (Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Canada, Faroe Islands); Pakistan is marked with dots on the map: by law a purchase is possible with a permit, but in practice it is almost never granted. Shown in grey are countries and territories not analysed — there are not enough reliable sources for them: Iran, Syria, Yemen, Palestine, Somalia, Somaliland, Central African Republic, Comoros, Western Sahara, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, Norfolk Island, Sint Maarten.

Sources. Laws and government websites, US State Department investment climate statements, materials from law firms and specialist publications. Sources for each country are listed in its card. Compilation and classification by WhiteIndex.

Clarifications. The map simplifies: for each country the main regime for buying an apartment is selected, while conditions for land, houses, individual regions and citizens of particular countries are described in the card. The rules change often, especially residence and citizenship programmes. This page is for reference only and is not legal advice; before a transaction, the conditions should be verified with a lawyer in the country of purchase.

Sources and data date

Laws and government sources of the countries, US State Department investment climate statements, law-firm materials; links for each country are in its card. Data compiled by WhiteIndex on 29.10.2026.

WhiteIndex reference page. The data are revised when laws and residence and citizenship programmes change.

Translated from the Russian original