5 Most Commonly Asked Questions By Foreigners in 2025

Renting an apartment in Taiwan can be confusing for foreigners, but this Taipei Rental Guide 2025 answers the 5 most common questions to help you navigate the process smoothly.

✔ Do you need an ARC to rent? No, a passport and proof of employment are enough.
✔ Is a guarantor required? Usually not, but offering a higher deposit can help.

✔ Are short-term rentals available? Yes, through Airbnb, serviced apartments, and Facebook groups.
✔ What documents do you need? A passport, proof of employment (optional), and sometimes a bank account.

✔ Do you need a local bank account? Not mandatory, but helpful for rent payments.

Find out everything you need to secure housing in Taipei with ease and avoid common pitfalls!

1. Can I rent an apartment without an ARC (Alien Resident Certificate)?

No – An ARC or Gold Card is not required to sign a lease in Taiwan.

Alternative documentation, such as a valid passport or proof/letter of employment, is sufficient for most landlords.

2. Is a guarantor required when signing the lease?

This depends on the landlord. However, based on our experience, we are confident that we can talk most landlords out of requiring a local guarantor.

Finding a guarantor can be challenging not only for foreigners but also for Taiwanese tenants without local connections.

What if the landlord insists on a guarantor?

If the landlord is firm about having a guarantor and you don’t have one, you can try the following alternatives:
✔ Offer a higher security deposit
✔ Rent through an agency, as landlords may be more flexible with agency-managed rentals

3. Are short-term rentals available for those on a visitor visa?

Yes, Taiwan offers short-term rental options for individuals on visitor visas.

While traditional leases typically require a minimum one-year commitment, the following alternatives are available for short-term stays:

✔ Airbnb
✔ Serviced Apartments
✔ Facebook groups (e.g., Taipei Taiwan Apartment Rentals)

For stays longer than 90 days:

Taiwan has introduced a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing foreign workers to reside in the country for up to six months.

Before signing any rental agreement, ensure the property is legally registered and that the lease terms align with your length of stay and purpose.

4. What documents do I need to rent an apartment?

The required documents may vary depending on the landlord, rental agency, or property type. However, here are the key documents you may need:

Essential Documents:

📌 Passport – A copy of your valid passport for identity verification.

📌 ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) or Visitor Visa –

• If you have an ARC, landlords are generally more willing to rent to you for long-term leases.
• If you don’t have an ARC, you can still rent using your passport.

Optional but Helpful:

📌 Proof of Employment or Student Status – Some landlords may request:

• A work permit
• An employment contract
• An enrollment certificate (if you are a student)

📌 Bank Account (for rent payments) – Some landlords prefer bank transfers, so having a Taiwanese bank account can be useful.

5. Do I need a local bank account? Can a real estate agent help with that?

No, a local bank account is not strictly required to rent an apartment in Taiwan. However, having one can make rent payments easier.

How Can You Pay Rent Without a Taiwanese Bank Account?

If you don’t have a local bank account, here are alternative payment methods:

✔ Cash – Some landlords accept cash payments, though this is less common for long-term rentals. You can:

• Pay the landlord directly
• Deposit cash into their designated bank account

✔ International Bank Transfer – If the landlord provides an international bank account, you can transfer funds from overseas. However, transaction fees may be high.

✔ ATM or Convenience Store Payment – Some landlords allow rent payments via:

• ATM transfers
• Barcode payments at 7-Eleven or FamilyMart

Opening a Bank Account Without an ARC

Without an ARC, your options may be limited. However, some banks (e.g., Mega Bank, CTBC Bank) may allow non-residents to open an account with just a passport. The requirements vary by bank, so it's best to check with them directly.

For more detailed information on opening a Taiwan bank account as a foreigner, please click here

- 依著作權法第十及八十八條，本網站內容未經家合外商租屋同意請不得轉載 
- According to Articles 10 and 88 of the Copyright Act, no content on this website may be reproduced without the prior consent of URHOUSE REALTY CO.LTD.