These developments are a welcome shift given Taiwan’s immigration framework has remained static in recent years. The amendments indicate Taiwan’s intent to attract a share of the high-value foreign talent that most countries are competing for. Companies with regional or global workforce strategies should proactively assess the implications for talent acquisition, deployment, and retention, while closely monitoring forthcoming implementing regulations and sub-legislative guidance to ensure timely alignment and compliance.
Significant reforms under Taiwan’s Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals took effect on January 1, 2026. The changes are designed to enhance the entry, employment, residence, and long-term stay frameworks for foreign talent. These amendments streamline work permit rules for high-level graduates and professionals, shorten permanent residence qualifications, expand occupations and family benefits, and strengthen social security access.
Expanded Eligibility and Work Entry
The work experience requirement has been relaxed. Graduates from universities ranked within the top 1,500 globally (per the Ministry of Education list) are exempt from the two-year work experience requirement that was previously required for professional employment and work permit application. Graduates from the top 200 global universities with a bachelor’s degree or higher may apply for personalized work permits directly (valid for up to two years; non-extendable) without employer sponsorship. International graduates of Taiwanese institutions (associate degree or above) can work in Taiwan for up to two years post-graduation without a separate work permit.
Residence and Permanent Residency (APRC)
The continuous residence requirement is reduced from five to three years for eligible foreign professionals. The strict rule requiring a minimum of 183 days per calendar year is replaced with an average of 183 days per calendar year. Time spent studying in Taiwan toward a relevant degree can count toward APRC residence requirements:
- Doctoral degree: credit up to 3 years
- Master’s degree: credit up to 2 years
- Bachelor or associate degree: credit up to 1 year
- High-income professionals: Foreign professionals meeting specified high-income benchmarks (e.g., NT$6 million annual income) may qualify for APRC after just one year of residence.
Work and Residence Process Simplifications
Entry on visa-exempt or visitor status now allows direct application for an Alien Residence Certificate (ARC) without first obtaining a resident visa. Work permit and residence “gold card” benefits are expanded, including longer work-permit validity and more professional categories eligible under the Act.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
