Moving to Taiwan
Your complete guide to moving to Taiwan. Discover visa-friendly jobs, salary insights, cost of living, housing, work culture, education, healthcare, and relocation services to ensure a smooth transition.
Why Taiwan? Discovering Culture, Economy, and Opportunities for Expats
Taiwan's immigration policies, including the Gold Card program and recent visa reforms, are shaping the landscape for skilled professionals and international talent.
Lifestyle
Experience a vibrant lifestyle with a perfect blend of work and leisure.
Taiwan offers a unique blend of modern living and rich cultural heritage. Expats can enjoy bustling cities, stunning landscapes, and a welcoming community that supports both professional and personal growth.
Taxation
Attractive Salaries with a Transparent and Reliable Tax System
Taiwan has a transparent and efficient tax system with progressive income tax rates. The government offers various incentives to attract international talent, ensuring a favorable environment for professionals.
Immigration / Citizenship
Streamlined Pathways for Skilled Professionals to Gain Permanent Residency
Taiwan offers streamlined visa pathways such as the Employment Gold Card, which allows skilled professionals to transition from work visas to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
Taiwan
Taiwan Jobs
Taiwan has a strong demand in healthcare, IT, engineering, and finance. Foreign professionals are welcome but must meet work visa requirements.
Visa
Taiwan's immigration policies, including the Employment Gold Card and recent visa reforms, are shaping the landscape for skilled professionals and international talent.
Work Visas
Employment Gold Card: Open work permit for high-skilled professionals
Work Permit (Employer-Sponsored): Standard company-sponsored work visa
Entrepreneur Visa: For startup founders and business owners
Freelancer / APRC Work Rights: Flexible work rights for eligible residents
Student Visas
Student Resident Visa: For studying at universities or approved institutions
Short-term Study Visa: For language programs or exchange studies
Work Rights for Students: Part-time work allowed with permit
Post-Study & Work Options
Work Permit After Graduation: Transition to employer-sponsored work visa
Employment Gold Card Pathway: Apply directly if meeting eligibility
Stay Extension for Job Search: Limited extension after graduation
Permanent Residency & Family Visas
APRC (Permanent Residency): After 5 years of legal residence
Naturalisation: Citizenship pathway (subject to requirements)
Family / Dependant Visas: Spouse, children, and dependants
Cost of Living
Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung are popular cities for expats, offering vibrant job markets and a high quality of life. Despite a 60.9 cost of living index, Taiwan remains attractive due to its stable economy, strong labor protections, and skilled migration pathways.
Cost of Living
Taiwan is relatively affordable compared to Western countries; housing and lifestyle choices are the main cost drivers.
Approximate monthly expenses:
Single: TWD 25,000–45,000
Family: TWD 60,000–100,000
By Category
Housing:
Rent in Taipei approx. TWD 12,000–30,000/month
Food & groceries:
TWD 8,000–15,000/month
Transport:
Public transport monthly pass approx. TWD 1,200–2,000
Healthcare:
Clinic visit (with National Health Insurance) approx. TWD 150–500
Utilities & Internet:
TWD 2,000–4,000/month
Salaries in Taiwan
Taiwan offers competitive salaries in the Asia-Pacific region, supported by a robust economy and high living standards. It is particularly attractive for international talent in sectors like technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance, many of which align with visa-friendly occupation lists.
TWD 196/hour
High-Paying Roles (Typical Annual Salaries)
Software Engineer – TWD 1,200,000–2,500,000
IT Project Manager – TWD 1,500,000–3,000,000
Data Scientist – TWD 1,200,000–2,200,000
UX/UI Designer – TWD 900,000–1,800,000
Finance Manager – TWD 1,200,000–2,500,000
Registered Nurse – TWD 700,000–1,200,000
Cities with the Highest Salaries
Taipei – Technology, Finance, International Business
Hsinchu – Semiconductor, Engineering, R&D
Taichung – Manufacturing, Machinery, Industrial Tech
Kaohsiung – Logistics, Shipping, Heavy Industry
Pay Frequency
Most employees are paid monthly, which is the standard salary cycle in Taiwan. Bonuses are often provided annually or during major holidays (e.g. Lunar New Year), depending on company performance and industry.
For Skilled Migrants & International Graduates
Salary levels in Taiwan are important not only for lifestyle planning, but also for eligibility under schemes like the Employment Gold Card and work permit requirements.
Local Work Culture
Taiwan's work culture emphasizes teamwork, respect for hierarchy, and a strong work ethic. Understanding local customs, communication styles, and workplace etiquette can help you integrate smoothly and succeed professionally.
Business Culture
Respectful and hierarchical communication
Indirect but polite communication style
Punctuality and teamwork are highly valued
Strong work ethic with emphasis on stability and loyalty
Job Market Insights
Salaries vary by industry and company (large corporates vs SMEs)
Interviews often include HR screening and manager rounds
Mandarin proficiency is important for most roles (except some international/tech companies)
High demand in semiconductor, engineering, and tech sectors
Workplace Laws
Labor Standards Act: Core labor law protections
National Health Insurance (NHI): Mandatory public healthcare system
Labor Insurance & Pension: Employer and employee contributions
Working hours & leave: Regulated, with annual leave and overtime rules
Healthcare & Insurance
Taiwan offers a comprehensive healthcare system, combining public services through the National Health Insurance (NHI) and a variety of private insurance options. Understanding how healthcare and insurance work is essential for living and working in Taiwan with confidence and security.
National Health Insurance (NHI)
Mandatory for residents staying over 6 months (including foreign workers and students)
Monthly premium: approx. TWD 800–1,500 depending on salary/status
Subsidised by government, employers, and individuals
NHI card required for all medical visits and prescriptions
Costs & Affordability
Clinic visit: approx. TWD 150–500
Specialist visit: approx. TWD 300–800
Hospital visits and treatments are heavily subsidised
Prescription medications are low-cost under NHI
Access & Convenience
Short waiting times compared to most Western countries
Easy access to clinics and hospitals in major cities
Walk-in visits are common; appointments optional in many cases
Pharmacies widely available, often located within clinics/hospitals
Private Healthcare
Private hospitals and international clinics available, especially in Taipei
Higher costs but shorter wait times and more English-speaking staff
Popular among expats seeking premium services
For Expats & New Arrivals
Initial waiting period (up to 6 months) before NHI eligibility unless employed
Private insurance recommended during the waiting period
English-speaking doctors available in major cities, but limited in smaller areas
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