Buying process
Secret Pocket Korea Consultant Team
Reviewed · 2026-07-31
7 min
How foreigners can buy property in Korea in 2026
The practical order from buyer-status check and funding proof to contract reporting, registration and post-closing tax.
1. Classify the buyer first
Nationality alone does not determine the workflow. Korean residence, foreign-exchange residence, whether the buyer is an individual or company, and the intended use all affect documents and reporting. A non-resident should confirm the capital-transaction route with a foreign-exchange bank before payment.
2. Check permission zones and title
Most acquisitions proceed by reporting, but designated military, cultural, ecological or other protected land can require permission. Separately, review the registry, seller authority, mortgages, leases, management fees and physical occupancy. The portal listing is never a substitute for document review.
3. Report, settle and register
A real-estate transaction report is generally due within 30 days of contract. Separate foreign acquisition reports can apply depending on the acquisition type, and non-residents may have foreign-exchange reporting before funds are withdrawn. Closing then coordinates payment, acquisition tax and title registration.
Primary sources
General information only. Confirm current legal, tax, reporting, remittance and financing requirements with qualified Korean professionals before acting.