Q: What is the Employment Gold Card?
A: The Employment Gold Card is a personalized employment permit issued to individuals recognized as possessing qualifications as foreign professionals in specific fields by the central competent authority. It combines the functions of a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor and a Taiwan Area Resident Certificate and Entry-Exit Permit issued by the National Immigration Agency.
Q: What are the special benefits of the Employment Gold Card?
A: Employment Gold Card holders enjoy the following benefits:
- The card provides Hong Kong and Macau professionals in specific fields with an open-ended personal work permit for a fixed period, without requiring employment by a specific employer or separate application.
- According to Article 20 of the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals, holders are entitled to preferential income tax exemptions.
- Spouses and minor children of Employment Gold Card holders can apply for dependent residency in Taiwan.
- Participation in National Health Insurance (NHI) without the 6-month residency requirement: Employed Employment Gold Card holders, their spouses, minor children, and children aged 20 or above who cannot live independently due to physical or mental disabilities, holding valid residency documentation, must enroll in NHI without being subject to the 6-month residency requirement.
Q: How can I apply for the Employment Gold Card? What are the fees?
A:
- Applications for the Employment Gold Card must be submitted online via the National Immigration Agency’s global information website, specifically through the "Foreign Professional Talent Application Platform Homepage." Applicants can apply from inside or outside Taiwan.
- Fees for the Employment Gold Card: Valid for 1 to 3 years, with a cost of NT$3,100 per card.
Homepage of the Foreign Professional Talent Application Platform (Photo: Courtesy of the Foreign Professional Talent Application Platform)
Q: How can I check the application status of the Employment Gold Card?
A: After completing the online application and obtaining a submission number, applicants can go to the homepage and click the "Application Status Inquiry" section. Entering the submission number will display the current review status of the application.
Q: Can Hong Kong or Macau residents holding foreign passports apply for the Employment Gold Card?
A: Hong Kong residents holding a British National (Overseas) passport or Macau residents holding a Portuguese passport obtained before the end of Portuguese administration in Macau cannot apply for the Employment Gold Card under the category of "Hong Kong or Macau Professionals in Specific Fields." They must apply as foreign professionals in specific fields instead.
