TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The government is planning a new card that enables highly skilled foreign professionals to apply for permanent residence within one year.
On Thursday (Sept. 19), the National Development Council (NDC) announced it is planning to launch the "Global Elite Card." The new visa will allow foreign professionals with an annual salary of more than NT$6 million (US$187,000) to apply for foreign residence within one year. It will also enable them to get work permits for their spouses, and permit unrestricted stays for dependent relatives.
NDC Deputy Head Kao Shien-quey (高仙桂) explained that by 2028, Taiwan will face a labor shortage of 350,000 people, per Commercial Times. While 150,000 will come from the domestic workforce, the remaining 200,000 will be filled through international recruitment, including 120,000 foreign professionals and 80,000 technical workers.
Kao said the professional talent pool will include 60,000 professionals, 50,000 foreign students who stay in Taiwan after graduation, and 10,000 digital nomads.
Currently, foreign professionals earning a monthly income of over NT$160,000 can apply for a Gold Card, allowing them to apply for permanent residency after three years, provided they reside in Taiwan for at least 183 days each year. Spouses and children of Gold Card holders can apply for dependent visas, while parents and grandparents can receive visas for stays of up to one year.
Kao said a future amendment would introduce the Global Elite Card, easing the requirements for permanent residency and dependent visas for spouses and children. Both Global Elite Card and Gold Card holder spouses will be allowed to work in Taiwan and enjoy "citizen-like" benefits, such as access to social welfare, disability services, and long-term care.
Neighboring countries like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand are also introducing policies to attract digital nomads. Taiwan will offer a "Digital Nomad Visa" for freelancers and remote workers.
The NDC said this visa will be valid for three months, with a one-time extension of three months, and can be converted into employment or entrepreneur visas, such as the Gold Card or Entrepreneur Visa.
Hsieh Chia-i (謝佳宜), director of the NDC’s Department Human Resources Development Department, said that to create a welcoming environment and make Taiwan a second home for international talent, the Talent Taiwan Center provides tailored, one-stop services based on individual needs. The center will also establish additional service hubs in south Taiwan and other key regions.
To address the shortage of 150,000 domestic workers, the plan aims to train over 450,000 skilled workers by 2028, focusing on key industries such as AI, semiconductors, and green jobs, as well as cross-disciplinary digital and humanities talent.
