Taiwan Updates Talent Act for 2026

Key Point

• Taiwan has announced major reforms to its Foreign Professional Talent Act for 2026, easing work permit rules, expanding Gold Card categories and shortening permanent residency pathways to attract more global talent

Taiwan Immigration Reform 2026

Taiwan has amended the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professional Talent, formulated by the National Development Council (NDC). This change was made in response to intensifying global competition for talent and the evolving needs of domestic industries. The amendments will take effect on 1 January 2026.

By easing regulations on employment and residency, the Act aims to strengthen Taiwan’s competitiveness in attracting global talent while enhancing the social security system.

Key Highlights of the Act Amendment

Work Permit Application

1. Exemption from Work Experience Requirements
   • Graduates from universities ranked within the authority’s top 1,500 list are exempt from minimum work experience requirements.
   • The official list of the world’s top 1,500 universities will be released by the authorities.
2. Direct Work Permit Applications Without Employer Sponsorship
   • Foreign nationals with a bachelor’s degree or higher (obtained within the past five years) from a top 200 university may apply for a work permit independently.
   • The permit is valid for up to two years and cannot be extended.
   • To continue working beyond two years, applicants must apply through an employer.

Foreign Graduates May Remain in Taiwan

Foreign students who earn an associate degree or higher in Taiwan may work during the two-year post-graduation extended residence period without needing to apply for a work permit.

Direct Work Permit Applications for Spouses

Spouses of special foreign professionals and foreign senior professionals (holders of EGC, ASP-type WP, ARC or Plum Blossom Card) may apply for an individual work permit directly, without requiring employer sponsorship.

Extended Residence for Immediate Family Members

Immediate family members of Special Foreign Professionals and Foreign Senior Professionals may extend their residence in Taiwan without being subject to the previous one-year cumulative residence limit, provided they maintain valid medical and hospitalization insurance.

Expansion of Employment Gold Card Categories

The Employment Gold Card will now include new fields:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology

Supporting regulations are under review and will be announced by the competent authorities.

Easing of Permanent Residency Regulations

Foreign students who earn an associate’s degree or higher in Taiwan may be eligible for a reduction of one to three years in the required continuous residence period when applying for permanent residency.

What is the Impact? 

The 2026 amendments underscore Taiwan’s commitment to:

• Attracting global talent in high-demand fields such as technology, healthcare, environmental science and biotechnology.
• Supporting foreign graduates who study locally by easing pathways to employment and residency.
• Strengthening family-friendly policies that make Taiwan a more attractive destination for professionals relocating with dependents.
• Aligning with global trends in immigration reform, where countries are easing residency and employment pathways to remain competitive in the global talent race.

Key Takeaway From Envoy Global

Regina Tung, Senior, Immigration Advisory Manager at Envoy Global, highlights the significance of these changes:

The amendments to Taiwan’s Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professional Talent, effective 1 January 2026, marks a pivotal step in positioning Taiwan as a competitive global talent hub. By easing work permit rules, expanding Employment Gold Card categories and reducing permanent residency requirements, Taiwan is signaling its intent to build a more inclusive, dynamic and globally connected workforce.

For employers, this means greater flexibility in hiring and retaining foreign professionals. For applicants, it opens clearer, faster pathways to long-term residency and career opportunities in Taiwan.

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