TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Cabinet has passed an amendment that would exempt graduates from the world's top 1,000 universities from a two-year work experience requirement to obtain employment in Taiwan.
To recruit more international talent, the Cabinet on Thursday approved draft amendments to the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals, per CNA. The four key revisions include expanding eligibility, extending the digital nomad visa period, easing permanent residency requirements, and enhancing benefits.
The draft amendments will be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for deliberation. At a post-meeting press conference, Cabinet Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝), cited Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) as saying that talent is the foundation of national strength.
Cho said optimizing systems for international talent and their families is vital to boosting Taiwan’s competitiveness and global presence through industrial innovation. The goal is to build an environment that draws global talent and strengthens Taiwan’s industries.
Expanded eligibility
An exemption from the two-year work experience requirement, originally limited to graduates from the world’s top 500 universities, will now be extended to those from the top 1,000. Graduates from the top 200 universities will also be allowed to apply for individual work permits.
Overseas Taiwanese and foreign students who graduate in Taiwan will be exempt from needing a work permit during their job-seeking period. Spouses of “foreign special professionals," those with expertise in designated fields, or foreign senior professionals will be allowed to work freely during their dependent residency period.
Extended digital nomad visa duration
The stay period for holders of Taiwan’s digital nomad visa will be extended from the current six months to up to two years. The visa enables foreign professionals who work remotely via digital means, without being employed by or providing services to a business entity within Taiwan, to stay in the country.
Relaxed permanent residency requirements
Foreign special professionals with an annual income exceeding NT$6 million (US$201,000) may apply for permanent residency after just one year. Overseas Taiwanese and foreign students with an associate degree or higher from a Taiwanese institution may count one to two years of study toward the required continuous residency period for permanent residency.
Enhanced social and labor benefits
Foreign professionals will be eligible to join Taiwan’s labor pension system even before obtaining permanent residency. Those granted permanent residency will become eligible for employment insurance.
Permanent residents who have lived in Taiwan for at least 10 years and meet certain conditions will also be able to access certain disability care and long-term care services.
