
The Regulations is formulated pursuant to Article 8, paragraph 3 of the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”). To attract more foreign professional talent to work in Taiwan, invest, or start businesses, the government introduced 3 types of employment cards, [Employment Gold Card], [Employment PASS Card], and [Entrepreneur Visa]. These various employment cards will allow foreign professionals to explore new ground in Taiwan.
Foreigners willing to work, invest and start businesses in Taiwan have 3 card options: Employment Gold Card, Employment PASS Card, and the Entrepreneur Visa
The [Employment Gold Card], [Employment PASS Card], [Entrepreneur Visa], integrate necessary documents to work in Taiwan. These cards are open-end work permits issued to employment-seeking individuals that require neither pre-confirmed hiring by nor application through any employer.
The [Employment Gold Card] and [Employment PASS Card] have different application methods. Foreign special professionals applying for [Employment Gold Card] shall submit their application to the online “Foreign Professionals Application Platform” implemented by the NIA.
Those who have not yet entered the State, foreign professionals or employers or designated agents shall prepare required documents for a resident visa, working permit, alien resident certificate, and re-entry permit application and application fee and apply to overseas embassies, representative office, or office (hereinafter the Overseas Office). Those who have already entered Taiwan shall prepare required documents for a resident visa, working permit, alien resident certificate, and re-entry permit application and duties and apply to NIA.
When a foreign national applies for an Entrepreneur Visa, the examination of the applicant's qualifications for the issuing of an Entrepreneur Visa shall be conducted by the Investment Commission, Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA). Foreign entrepreneurs can go to the Consular Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and Macau can apply through the National Immigration Agency (NIA) of the Ministry of the Interior.
The Employment Gold Card is based on the provisions of Article 8, paragraph 3 of the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals. The system is designed for those qualified and approved by the central competent authorities varying per business field.
A document consisting of the work permit, resident visa, alien resident card (ARC), and re-entry permit is provided.
The "Employment Gold Card" is applicable to foreign professionals reviewed by the central competent authorities varying per business field. There are 7 industries eligible for the Employment Gold Card: Science & Technology, Economy, Education, Culture & Arts, Sport, Finance, Law, Architecture.
Each application period is 1 to 3 years.
Apply for the [Employment Gold Card] by submitting you application to the online “Foreign Professionals Application Platform” implemented by the NIA.
more:Extended validity and new fees for Gold Cards for foreigners
The Employment PASS Card is also a 4-in-1 certificate (work permit, resident visa, alien resident permit, and re-entry permit).
Eligible applicants are those engaged in jobs specified within the territory of the Republic of China in accordance with subparagraphs 1 to 6 of paragraph 1 of article 46.
Fields including specialized or technical jobs, overseas Chinese or foreign business supervisors, schoolteachers, full-time foreign language teachers, sports coaches or athletes, religious, artistic, and show business work, and lastly, those in consulting or research works invited by governments in all levels and their subordinated academic and research institutions.
Those who have not yet entered the State, foreign professionals or employers or designated agents shall prepare required documents for a resident visa, working permit, alien resident certificate, and re-entry permit application and application fee and apply to overseas embassies, representative office, or office (hereinafter the Overseas Office). Those who have already entered Taiwan shall prepare required documents for a resident visa, working permit, alien resident certificate, and re-entry permit application and duties and apply to NIA.
Entrepreneur visas are applicable to foreigners, and those from Hong Kong and Macau with innovative skills in technology with a one-year resident visa provided.
Applicants may apply as individuals or in groups. The individual application must meet 1 out of 8 conditions, such as obtaining a foreign invention patent, domestic invention patent, or design patent, or the business or the responsible person is important in Taiwan and abroad and has been nominated or won awards for important film festivals.
Group applications are limited to 3 persons a group, and if they are applying for separate businesses that have not been established in Taiwan. Through the "Entrepreneur Visa", holders may obtain a 1-year residence permit. After starting a business, the card holder may apply for an extension for residency for another 2 years.
When a foreign national applies for an Entrepreneur Visa, the examination of the applicant's qualifications for the issuing of an Entrepreneur Visa shall be conducted by the Investment Commission, Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA). Foreign entrepreneurs can go to the Consular Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and Macau can apply through the National Immigration Agency (NIA) of the Ministry of the Interior.
Holders of Employment Gold Card enjoy the following rights and interests