Q: What is a foreign special professional talent?
A: A foreign special professional talent refers to individuals engaged in jobs listed under Article 46, Paragraph 1, Subparagraphs 1 to 6 of the Employment Service Act. These individuals also possess expertise in nine major fields announced by central government agencies, including technology, economics, education, culture and arts, sports, finance, law, architecture, and defense, or are recognized as having special expertise and qualifications by relevant authorities.
Q: What are the application channels for foreign special professional talents to work in Taiwan?
A: There are two channels:
- Foreigners can apply for the **Employment Gold Card** directly through the Ministry of the Interior. The Ministry of Labor will review work qualifications, and after approval, the foreigner can independently engage in professional work.
- Employers can apply for a hiring permit from the Ministry of Labor.
Q: Do foreign special professional talents need a new employer to apply for a hiring permit if they change jobs?
A: The requirements differ:
- If you hold an **Employment Gold Card, it acts as an individual work permit, and you do not need a new employer to apply for a hiring permit.
- If the hiring permit was applied for by an employer, any new employer must apply for a new hiring permit under the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals and the Employment Service Act.
Q: Can technology or economic companies hire Gold Card holders from the "education" or "arts" field?
A: Yes. The Gold Card is an open work permit, allowing holders to engage in any white-collar job in Taiwan. However, if the job is unrelated to the field of application, it may affect tax benefit eligibility. 
If a foreign national applies for an Employment Gold Card through the Ministry of the Interior and is approved, it serves as an individual work permit. This means the new employer does not need to apply for a hiring permit, allowing the cardholder to engage in professional work. (Photo/Source: Workforce Development Agency website)
Q: Can I apply for unemployment benefits?
A: If you have employment insurance, your spouse is a Taiwanese national with household registration, and you are involuntarily unemployed, you can apply for unemployment benefits through the Ministry of Labor. See related links for more information:
- Employment insurance application guide
- Unemployment benefits application guide
Q: Can my spouse work in Taiwan?
A: Typically, your spouse needs to secure a job first, and their employer must apply for a work permit. Alternatively, spouses can apply for part-time work permits independently, with a minimum hourly wage of NT$200. See related links for detailed guidelines.
Q: What are the work regulations for adult children of Gold Card holders with permanent residency?
A: If the Gold Card holder is approved for permanent residency by the Ministry of the Interior, their adult children who meet the required residency days and qualifications can apply directly to the Ministry of Labor for a work permit without needing an employer.
Q: How can I find entrepreneurial resources?
A: Contact the **Invest Taiwan Office** for information about starting a business in Taiwan. If you are in Taipei, you can also contact **Startup Taipei.
Relevant Links:
- - Employment Insurance Application Guide: [Link](https://www.gov.tw/News_Content_2_381661#)
- - Unemployment Benefits Application Guide: [Link](https://www.gov.tw/News_Content_2_389560#)
- - Work Permit Regulations: [Link](https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/Content_List.aspx?n=1840E9E4C04A4FE2)
- - Work for Foreign Professional Spouses (Part-Time): [Link](https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/cp.aspx?n=77627C0EE4283293&s=79388C7B350E8CE9)
- - Work for Foreign Professional Spouses in Business: [Link](https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/cp.aspx?n=0E51E7CC33716968)
- - Work for Adult Children of Foreign Professionals: [Link](https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/cp.aspx?n=002F646AFF7F5492&s=D6C383FCEBE5343C)
- - Invest Taiwan Office: [Link](https://investtaiwan.nat.gov.tw/)
- - Startup Taipei: [Link](https://www.startup.taipei/)
