Loading...
Loading...
Combined work permit and residence visa for high-skilled professionals; qualifying fields include science, arts, finance, law, and education. Salary threshold applies by field (e.g., NTD 160,000+/month for some categories).
Requires employer sponsorship from a Taiwan-registered company. Employer must demonstrate the role meets qualification standards; permit is tied to the specific employer.
Requires investment of NTD 6 million (~$200,000 USD) in a Taiwan company or approved fund. Investor must be actively involved in the business management.
For spouses and minor children of qualifying work or investor permit holders. A separate work permit must be obtained if the dependent wishes to be employed.
Taiwan offers several long-term residency options for expats, including the Employment Gold Card (combining work permit and residency), the Investment Resident Certificate, and standard work-based residence permits. Taiwan's immigration system has become increasingly expat-friendly, especially for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. Visa processing is generally efficient and straightforward.
Foreign workers in Taiwan typically need a work permit from the Ministry of Labor, sponsored by a Taiwanese employer or through the Gold Card self-application process. The Employment Gold Card is a standout option, requiring no employer sponsorship and granting a 1-3 year open work permit to qualifying professionals. Other routes include the professional activity permit and entrepreneur visa.
Dependents of work permit holders (spouse and children under 18 or under 20 if in school) can apply for a Dependent Residence Certificate. The primary visa holder must have a valid work residence permit and meet income requirements.
Taiwan taxes residents on worldwide income once they have resided in Taiwan for 183 days or more per year. Income tax rates range from 5% to 40%. Taiwan has a tax treaty network of around 35 agreements, and tax rates are considered moderate compared to Western countries. There is no wealth tax, and the inheritance tax threshold is relatively generous.
Taiwan has an excellent National Health Insurance (NHI) system that provides affordable universal coverage to all residents who join — eligibility typically begins after 4-6 months of continuous residence. Expats are encouraged to supplement NHI with private insurance for international coverage and faster specialist access.
Opening a bank account in Taiwan requires a valid residence permit (ARC), passport, and local address. Major banks include Bank of Taiwan, Cathay United Bank, and CTBC Bank; Taipei-based international banks such as Citibank and HSBC also serve expats.
Taiwan's Investment Immigrant program requires a minimum investment of NTD 6 million (approximately USD 190,000) in a new or expanding Taiwanese business. Investors and their families receive an Investor Residence Certificate valid for 3 years and renewable, with a path to permanent residency after 5 years. The Gold Card also provides a soft investor pathway for those with capital and professional credentials.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Gold Card | — | No | No |
| Investment Immigrant | — | No | No |