Vietnamese Buyers of Australian Property — Citizen, PR, Temporary Visa or Overseas?

Nationality is not the main test

The Australian foreign-investment framework does not create a separate residential rule simply because a buyer is Vietnamese. The key question is whether the buyer is treated as a foreign investor under the current framework.

Australian citizen living overseas

Current residential guidance lists Australian citizens living abroad as not requiring a residential real-estate application.

Australian permanent resident

Holders of Australian permanent residency visas are also listed as not requiring a residential real-estate application.

Temporary visa holder or foreign non-resident

A temporary resident or foreign non-resident is generally treated as a foreign investor. Current policy generally prohibits foreign investors from purchasing established dwellings until 30 June 2029, subject to limited exceptions.

New or near-new dwellings and residential vacant land have separate pathways and may require notification/approval, fees and development conditions.

Before you choose a property

Check buyer status first, then property type. Residential applications are made through ATO Online Services for foreign investors where required.

Australia Buyer Roadmap: https://www.eltnetwork.com/post/buy-property-australia-2026-buyer-roadmap

Message BUY with your citizenship/visa status + budget + preferred area + property type if you want help organising the pathway and professional checks.

Thao Pham | Sydney | 0452 526 888 | info@eltnetwork.com | Class 1 Licensed Real Estate Agent — Licence No. 20375265

General information only. Foreign-investment, tax, visa and legal status can be fact-specific.

Sources

Foreign investment in Australia — Residential land guidance, updated 1 July 2026.

Foreign investment in Australia — Residential real estate application/exemption guidance.