At a glance
- CurrencyCNY. Secondary or lender-by-lender.
- Tax treaty with AustraliaYes. A double tax agreement has been in force since 1990.
- Moving money outThere are limits and rules to check before you transfer. See below.
How lenders see income from China
Renminbi is on the preferred-currency list at brokers that place non-resident loans, but lenders will trace where a deposit has come from, so evidence of the deposit and your savings history matter more than the currency.
The percentage of income counted, the loan size and the deposit all depend on your status as well as your currency. See Australians overseas, foreign nationals and how foreign income is counted.
Moving money out of China
Mainland China limits how much foreign currency an individual can buy each year (about US$50,000 a year per person), requires a stated purpose, and law-firm commentary says buying overseas real estate is not a permitted use of that quota. Pooling relatives’ quotas can bring fines. Australian lenders will also want evidence of where a deposit came from. Check the current rules before you move money.
Tax
For mainland buyers the practical question is usually not the loan paperwork but moving the money lawfully and documenting it. Settle that first, because a lender will not proceed without a clear source of funds.
The general rules for overseas owners are on our tax page.
A roadmap for a buyer living in China
Free, on screen straight away: the documents, cash, timeline and tax points for your situation. Get your loan roadmap.
Frequently asked questions
Will Australian lenders accept CNY income?
Renminbi is on the preferred-currency list at brokers that place non-resident loans, but lenders will trace where a deposit has come from, so evidence of the deposit and your savings history matter more than the currency.
Does Australia have a tax treaty with China?
Yes. A double tax agreement has been in force since 1990.
Sources
- Sheppard Mullin: China’s capital controls and the US$50,000 quota
- Odin Mortgage: Australian expat home loans (broker page)
- Home Loan Experts: Foreign income home loans (broker page)
- Treasury: Income tax treaties
Checked 7 October 2026. Broker figures are indicative.
Expat Finance is an independent guide. It is not a lender, mortgage broker or credit provider, it does not hold an Australian credit licence, and it does not give credit, legal, tax or migration advice. It is not affiliated with any bank, the ATO or the Foreign Investment Review Board. General information only, not legal, tax, migration or financial advice.