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Taiwan’s National Development Council (NDC) just unveiled a series of proposed reforms aimed at attracting foreign talent. The changes would allow eligible foreign professionals to apply for permanent residency after just one year and extend the duration of the digital nomad visa to two years, according to Taiwan News.
These new incentives are part of a set of proposed amendments to the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals, released for public consultation on April 2. After the public comment period ends on May 2, the draft will be submitted to the Cabinet, with hopes it will be reviewed during the current legislative session.
One highlight of the proposals is a new pathway to permanent residency for “foreign specialist professionals” who have legally lived in Taiwan for at least one year and meet certain criteria. Inspired by Japan’s J-Skip system, one key requirement is an annual income of at least NT$6 million (around US$182,000), placing them in a new “global elite” category.
This is a significant shift compared to the existing Gold Card program, which requires three consecutive years of residence before applicants become eligible for permanent residency.
Another major change is the expansion of Taiwan’s digital nomad visa. Currently capped at six months, the visa would be extended to allow remote workers to stay for up to two years. The visa targets professionals who work digitally and are not employed by or offering services to local businesses in Taiwan.
To attract young, high-potential talent, the NDC is also proposing a new system that grants personalized work permits to graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher from one of the top 200 universities globally. Modeled after the UK’s High Potential Individual visa, this system would allow such individuals to work in Taiwan without needing a job offer from a specific employer.
These work permits would be valid for up to two years and would allow holders to engage in freelance or contract work, offering greater flexibility.
Other provisions in the draft include easing restrictions so foreign professionals, including specialists and senior experts, can join the Labor Pension Act before gaining permanent residency. Additionally, those who already hold permanent residency would be included under the Employment Insurance Act.
