← All Johor projects · Buyer guide for Taiwan · Updated October 2026 · 中文版（繁體）
Buyers from Taiwan look at Johor Bahru for freehold homes, lower prices than Singapore and a large Chinese-speaking community. This page sets out Malaysia’s rules for foreign buyers, what to check on the Taiwan side, a cost example and the steps for buying remotely.
Malaysia’s rules for foreign buyers in Johor
| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Minimum price | Generally RM1 million or more per property in Johor, for both apartments and landed homes. |
| State consent | Johor state approval is needed for every foreign purchase. Your lawyer applies for consent. Since 1 July 2025 Johor’s consent levy for foreign buyers is 3% of the price or RM30,000, whichever is higher (PTG Johor Circular 1/2025), plus application fees. |
| Not open to foreigners | Bumiputera lots, low-cost and affordable units, Malay Reserve land, and single or one-and-a-half-storey terraces. |
| Stamp duty on transfer | 8% of the price for foreign buyers of homes from 1 January 2026. |
| Selling later (RPGT) | 30% of the gain within five years; 10% from the sixth year. |
| Source of funds | Malaysian lawyers and banks must check where the purchase money comes from, so keep clear bank records of every transfer. |
| Residence | Owning property does not give you the right to live in Malaysia. Long-stay programmes such as MM2H are separate applications. |
What to check on the Taiwan side
- Sending money. Funds can be remitted abroad through your bank; large remittances are reported by the bank, so keep the SPA and invoices as supporting documents.
- Tax on overseas income. Rent from a Malaysian property may count as overseas income under Taiwan’s basic income tax rules for higher-income households. Malaysian tax paid can usually be credited.
- Professional advice. Confirm the remittance and tax position with your Taiwan bank and accountant before you pay.
Jason works with your Malaysian lawyer on the purchase; please confirm the rules in your own country with your bank and tax adviser before you pay.
What it costs: a worked example
| Item | RM1,000,000 unit | How it is worked out |
|---|---|---|
| Down payment | RM100,000 or more | 10% at the SPA; more if you pay without a Malaysian loan |
| Stamp duty on the transfer | RM80,000 | 8% for foreign home buyers from 2026 |
| Lawyer’s fee, SPA and transfer | About RM11,250 plus SST | 1.25% of the first RM500,000 and 1% of the next RM500,000 |
| State consent fee | Quoted by your lawyer | Varies by district and price |
| Disbursements | About RM2,000 to RM4,000 | Searches, registration, consent application and copying |
Buying remotely: the steps
- Shortlist on a video call. Jason walks you through projects above RM1 million that foreigners can buy, with the fact sheet for each.
- Visit if you can. Taiwan passport holders can make short visits to Malaysia without a visa. Check the current length of stay with Malaysian immigration, and submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card at least three days before you travel.
- Book the unit. Pay the booking fee and sign the booking form. Keep the receipt for your bank.
- Sign the SPA. The SPA can be signed in Malaysia or, if your lawyer arranges it, signed and attested abroad.
- Transfer the funds. Pay from an account in your own name to the lawyer’s or developer’s account, with the SPA as the supporting document.
- State consent and completion. Your lawyer obtains Johor state consent, then completes the purchase and the transfer.
- Keys and rental. Jason can arrange handover, defect checks and a tenant if you plan to rent the unit out.
Buying in Johor from Taiwan: quick answers
Can Taiwanese buy property in Johor Bahru?
Yes. Foreign buyers, including Taiwanese, can buy property in Johor priced at RM1 million or more, with state consent and 8% stamp duty on the transfer of a home.
Is rent from a Malaysian property taxed in Taiwan?
It may be. Overseas income such as rent can count under Taiwan’s basic income tax rules for higher-income households, with credit for Malaysian tax paid. Ask your accountant.
台灣人可以在新山買房嗎？
可以。外國人在柔佛購買價格不低於100萬令吉的房產，須取得州政府批准，產權轉讓印花稅為8%。台灣護照持有人可短期免簽入境馬來西亞看房。歡迎WhatsApp Jason索取可購買的建案清單及完整費用估算。
Also read: projects for foreign buyers · larger units in the RM500k to RM1 million band · buying a subsale property
Useful tools: buying costs calculator · can a foreigner buy it? · projects for foreign buyers · all Johor projects
Sources: Johor foreign ownership guidelines and Stamp Act 1949 rates as published for 2026; Malaysia Immigration visa arrangements; Taiwan income basic tax rules on overseas income. General information by a registered agent, not legal, tax or foreign exchange advice; confirm with your lawyer and adviser. By Jason Lim (REN 84424, IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. E (1) 1584/6).