A work permit for Taiwan is necessary for expats looking to take up employment in the country. Most foreigners moving to Taiwan obtain a work permit with the help of an employer, which removes much of the stress and tension normally caused by navigating government bureaucracy.
Work permits for Taiwan
Standard work permit
Regular work permits for Taiwan are issued by the Ministry of Labor, and allow expats to legally work in the country. Permits are valid for up to three years and can be continuously renewed. Required documents include a valid passport and a signed employment contract or official job offer.
Once the necessary paperwork has been collected, the employer submits the application to the Ministry of Labor's Workforce Development Agency through their online portal. Processing times tend to be short, with around seven working days being the norm.
Taiwan Employment Gold Card
The Taiwan Employment Gold Card is a key initiative by the Taiwanese government to attract top-tier international professionals. Introduced in 2018, the renewable card combines a work permit, resident visa, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and a re-entry permit, all valid for one to three years. This allows holders to work, stay, and move in and out of Taiwan with relative freedom, all while being recognised as legal residents.
The Gold Card stands out for its flexibility, allowing holders to freely change jobs, seek employment, and even legally work part-time. It also eliminates the need for job security prior to moving to Taiwan, as qualification is based on professional skill assessment, not a pre-arranged job offer.
The cost of the Gold Card varies based on the nationality of the applicant and the card's duration. The application can be done online, and processing usually takes around 30 days. However, if additional supporting documents are needed, applicants may expect a 50- to 60-day timeframe.
The Gold Card also offers several noteworthy benefits. Unlike typical work permits, the Gold Card is issued directly to individuals, removing the need for employer involvement in the application process. Gold Card holders working in Taiwan for the first time may qualify for a 50 percent tax exemption on annual salary income exceeding a set amount for the first five years.
After three years, Gold Card holders (excluding residents of Hong Kong and Macao) can apply for permanent residency, with any earned doctorate degree in Taiwan counting towards the required three years. Furthermore, Gold Card holders and their dependent relatives can join the National Health Insurance system without the typical six-month waiting period, provided they are employed in professional work, are employers or self-employed business owners in Taiwan.
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Applying for a work permit in Taiwan
Over the past decade, Taiwan has made significant strides in allowing more leeway for international companies to fulfil their staffing needs with foreign nationals. The application process for work permits has been streamlined, and many restrictions have been relaxed or even lifted for multinationals.
Work permits in Taiwan are tied to the specific employer or job, so if you change jobs or employers, you'll need a new work permit. Fortunately, employers do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to acquiring a work permit, submitting the required documents to the Workforce Development Agency. Consult with your employer and check the agency's website for a full list of required documents, as these can change based on your specialisation or the sector that you work in.