Source: National Development Council
Amendments to the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals: Advancing Taiwan’s Global Talent Recruitment
Since 2018, Taiwan (R.O.C.) has been eased regulations to working visas, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and other requirements for foreign professionals through “The Foreign Professional Act”- formally titled as “Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals.” The aim is to attract foreign talent to come or stay in Taiwan and work together.
Following its amendment in October 2021, the Act underwent further revisions in 2025. The President subsequently promulgated it on September 24. The amended Act is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. The key amendments are as follows:
1. Employment-Seeking visa
Foreign professionals with specific qualifications who wish to come to Taiwan to engage in professional works may apply for an "Employment-seeking visa" at Taiwan's diplomatic missions abroad. This visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for three months; visa holders may stay in Taiwan for a maximum of six months from their first entry.
2. Employment in Taiwan
(1) Welcoming Top Global Graduates to Work in Taiwan: Graduates from the world’s top 200 universities may apply to the Ministry of Labor (MOL) for an individual work permit
(2) Work Experience Requirement Lifted: Graduates from the world’s top 1,500 universities may apply to work in Taiwan immediately upon graduation, as the previous “work experience requirements” has been removed.
(3) A “4-in-1” Integrated Employment Gold Card: Qualified foreign professionals may apply for an Employment Gold Card, which consolidates four documents into one—Work Permit, Resident Visa, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and Re-entry Permit—granting greater flexibility to seek employment, change jobs, or engage in part-time work in Taiwan.
3. Retention of International and Overseas Compatriot Students for Employment in Taiwan
International and overseas compatriot students who have obtained an associate degree or higher in Taiwan, will no longer be required to apply for a work permit when engaging in work during the two years of their extended residency after graduation.
4. Permanent Residency
(1) Easier Access to Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC): The calculation of the required period of residence has been made more flexible—changing from “a fixed stay of 183 days per year” to “an average stay of 183 days per year”. “Foreign Professionals” are eligible for permanent residency (APRC) after five years of residence, while “Foreign Special Professionals” may qualify after just three years.
(2) Faster Path of getting APRC for Foreign and Compatriots Graduates in Taiwan: Foreign and Overseas Compatriot graduates who hold Taiwan academic degrees (associate degrees and above) are eligible to shorten the required continuous residence period for permanent residency by 1 to 3 years under the applicable regulations.
(3) No Work Permit Required After Obtaining Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC): Once granted APRC, Foreign Professionals and their dependents no longer need to apply for a work permits.
(4) Fast-Track Permanent Residency for Global Talents: Foreign Special Professionals (Global Elites) who meet specific criteria—such as an annual income of NT$6 million—may apply for Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) after residing in Taiwan for one year.
5. Social Insurance and Retirement
(1) Enhanced Benefits for Permanent Residents: Foreign Professionals with permanent residency (APRC) are entitled to Taiwan’s Labor Pension System and Employment Insurance, including unemployment benefits, vocational training allowances, and parental leave pay.
(2) Pension Protection for Foreign Professionals — Even Without Alien Permanent Residency (APRC): Foreign Professionals who have not yet obtained permanent residency (APRC) are also eligible for the new Labor Pension System. Their pension contributions and years of service will continue to accumulate seamlessly when they change employers, ensuring uninterrupted retirement protection.
(3) Disability and Long-term Care Services: Foreign Professionals who have obtained permanent residency (APRC) and have resided in Taiwan for at least 10 years may access designated disability care services if they are officially assessed as having a physical or mental disability. In addition, foreign residents aged 65 or above, or those with disabilities, may apply for long-term care services after completing a functional assessment.
6. Digital Nomad Visa
Foreign Professionals who engage in remote work through digital means, without providing services to domestic employers, and who meet specific qualifications, may apply for a Digital Nomad Visa allowing stays in Taiwan of up to two years (extended from the original six months).
For more information, please refer to the “Act for the Recruitment and Employment for Foreign Professionals.”
https://foreigntalentact.ndc.gov.tw/Content_List.aspx?n=E6309CCCA6ED1775
For foreign professional work permits, please visit the “EZ Work Taiwan website by the Ministry of Labor.”
https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/en/
Taiwan Employment Gold Card Office
https://goldcard.nat.gov.tw/en/
Talent TAIWAN
https://talent.nat.gov.tw/?lang=zh