Apartment Rentals FAQ
2026.01.08

Can Foreigners Rent Apartments in Taiwan Without an ARC?

article

Can foreigners rent an apartment in Taiwan without an ARC? Learn the legal reality, landlord expectations, required documents, and how expats successfully rent in Taipei

One of the most common questions foreigners ask when moving to Taiwan is whether an ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) is required to rent an apartment. The short answer is no—but it’s more complicated than that.

In this guide, we explain the legal rules, real-world landlord practices, and how expats successfully rent apartments in Taipei before their ARC is issued.

Is an ARC Legally Required to Rent in Taiwan?

Legally speaking, Taiwanese law does not require a tenant to hold an ARC in order to sign a residential lease. A valid passport is sufficient from a legal standpoint.

However, rental decisions in Taiwan are largely landlord-driven, and many landlords impose their own requirements beyond the law.

Why Many Landlords Ask for an ARC

While not legally required, landlords often request an ARC for practical reasons:

  • Proof of long-term stay in Taiwan

  • Easier tenant identification

  • Reduced perceived risk of early departure

  • Simplified police or administrative registration

This means that foreigners without an ARC may face more rejections, especially when renting independently.

How Foreigners Successfully Rent Without an ARC

Expats commonly rent apartments in Taipei before receiving an ARC by using one of the following approaches:

1. Working With an Expat-Focused Rental Agency

Professional agencies help:

  • Pre-screen foreigner-friendly landlords

  • Explain visa status clearly

  • Negotiate lease flexibility

This dramatically increases approval chances.

2. Offering Flexible Lease Terms

Landlords are more open when tenants:

  • Agree to longer lease terms

  • Provide security deposits (within legal limits)

  • Accept break clauses tied to ARC approval

3. Choosing the Right Apartment Type

Serviced apartments and newer buildings are:

  • More accustomed to foreign tenants

  • Less strict about ARC timing

  • Often English-friendly

Documents Foreigners Can Use Instead of an ARC

If you don’t yet have an ARC, landlords may accept: