TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Immigration Agency (NIA) clarified the requirements for foreigners seeking to apply for permanent residency in Taiwan on Monday (Nov. 4), responding to questions raised by netizens on the forum Dcard.

The NIA stated that while living in Taiwan for five consecutive years with at least 183 days of residency per year is a basic requirement, additional criteria must also be met. According to Taiwan’s immigration laws, applicants must be over 18, have no criminal record, demonstrate “considerable property, skills, or talents” to support their living expenses, and meet the “national interests of the state.”

For financial requirements, applicants must provide proof of an average monthly income over double the Ministry of Labor’s basic salary from the previous year or property and assets worth more than NT$5 million (US$156,606).

Applicants who wish to obtain an APRC (Alien Permanent Resident Certificate) based on “skills and talent” must present a Taiwan government-recognized professional or technical skill license or certificate.

To support Taiwan's talent recruitment efforts, the NIA noted that foreigners with specific professional qualifications only need three consecutive years of legal residency to qualify for permanent residency. Those classified as “senior professional talent” are exempt from the five-year residency requirement.

Furthermore, foreign professionals who obtained permanent residency can apply for permanent residency for their spouses and dependents. The NIA said their dependents must also have legally resided in Taiwan for at least 183 days per year for three consecutive years.

The NIA emphasized its commitment to creating a welcoming immigration environment and plans to continue relaxing relevant regulations to attract foreign professional talent to Taiwan.