Immigration to Taiwan

A beautiful small Island with a population of 23.8 million, (June 2024) situated in the East Asia, Taiwan was originally known as Formosa, meaning “Beautiful Island” in Portuguese.  It lies in the West Pacific between Japan and the Philippines. The total land area of Taiwan 36,197 sq. km and the coastline is 1,566.3 km. The capital city Taipei, situated on the northern tip of Taiwan, is the most popular city among International travellers. Taipei is the political, economic, cultural and educational hub of Taiwan. Taipei is an incredibly clean city and one of Asia’s wealthiest cities. Taipei is home to world’s tallest buildings namely, Taipei 101, Taipei Twin Tower 1 and Taipei Sky Tower. The National Palace Museum is among the top 20 most visited site in the world with an average 4.5 million visitors every year. It is estimated that Taiwan had 6 million visitors in 2023 and it hopes to increase the count in 2024.

Taiwan is open and easy for immigration in 2024, however the process of naturalization is still strict. It’s a safe country and generally all foreigners and expats feel safe in Taiwan. Taiwan is expensive than few Southeast Asian countries, but not as expensive as Japan or Hong Kong. The necessities like food, local transportation and daily need items are pretty reasonable. Close to three-quarters of expats would describe the Taiwanese as welcoming people (73%), and 74 percent say that it’s easy to settle down in Taiwan. A very respectable 86 percent of those participating in a survey,  report a friendly attitude towards foreign residents, and 88 percent give the general friendliness of the population a positive rating. Taiwan attracts a lot of expats due to its rapid economic growth in industrialization, mainly in electronics and information technology which accounts for 35% of industrial activities. Taiwan is one of the Four Asian Tigers in economic terms along with Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. Taiwan is known for gender equality and women’s right are taken very seriously here. Its one of the friendliest Asian Country where travelers and Immigrants tend to feel at home.

The Following Factors Speak For An Immigration To Taiwan

• Ease of Settling In
• Fast Feeling at Home
• Very Friendly People
• Easy to Find Friends
• Very good for Working Abroad
• Low Cost of Living

Traveling information

Travel to Taiwan is open for eligible people. Original passport with at least valid for the next 6 months is a must. Citizens who want to travel to Taiwan for business, exhibition visits, international exchanges, tourism and visiting relatives from eligible countries can travel visa-free to Taiwan. For the list of countries listed in the visa exemption program please click on boca.gov.tw

Taiwan is generally safe for travel, but beware of pickpocketing, especially in tourist areas. Earthquakes are a risk, and typhoons occur from July to November. Travel insurance is advised. Health risks include dengue, transmitted by mosquitoes which are active day and night. For more health notices, vaccines and Medicines, that will help travellers visiting Taiwan, visit: cdc.gov

How to immigrate to Taiwan

A job offer, Taiwanese work visa, a work permit and a residence permit for more than 90 days stay is a basic requirement to immigrate to Taiwan.  The resident permit is known “Alien Resident Certificate” ARC’s, which is issued by the Taiwan National Immigration Agency.   However, you need a visa or not differs from country to country. Even the length of your stay in Taiwan depends on the nationality.  To see if your country is exempt from Visa requirement to Taiwan, please visit: boca.gov.tw

You can immigrate to Taiwan on the following Visas :-

• Taiwan Visitor/tourist Visa
• Taiwan Student Visa
• Taiwan Work Visa
• Taiwan Family Reunion Visa
• Taiwan Entrepreneur Visa
• Taiwan Working Holiday Visa

For complete guide on Taiwan Visa, please visit: boca.gov.tw

People of taiwan

Taiwan views itself as distinct from mainland China, with its own constitution and elected leaders. Despite this, Taiwan maintains strong ties with China, its largest trading partner, and many Taiwanese have business and family connections there. However, over time, more people in Taiwan identify as Taiwanese rather than Chinese. Some 20% of the population call themselves Taiwanese and 30% identify themselves as Chinese. However, 50% of the people in Taiwan identifies themselves as both Taiwanese & Chinese. The people of Taiwan come from numerous cultural backgrounds, which includes indigenous tribes and descendants of Chinese immigrants. While the majority of Taiwanese exercise a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and conventional Chinese ideals, there may be also a considerable Christian minority. There are 11000 Jehovah’s Witnesses in Taiwan as of 2023. The people of Taiwan belong to mainly 4 (four) ethnic groups.

1. The Aboriginal peoples
2. The Fukien Taiwanese
3. The Hoklo
4. The Hakka

Taiwanese people are recognized for their friendliness, hospitality, and strong sense of network. People here are dedicated to their families and they take care of grandparents and older ones which is very heartwarming. Their tradition is a blend of indigenous traditions, Chinese customs, and modern-day impacts. Taiwanese delicacies is renowned for its range and flavors, with popular dishes together with pork noodle soup, bubble tea, and stinky tofu. Traditional garb includes clothes like the qipao and the hakka shirt, but modern-day attire is extra usually worn in each day life.

Taiwan is generally welcoming to immigrants and foreigners. The society values variety and multiculturalism, making it extraordinarily clean for expatriates to integrate into Taiwanese lifestyles. Even if they do not speak English still they will be there to offer you assistance if you are confused, lost or need help. Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legally recognize same sex-marriages and therefore you will see plenty of gay bars and entertainment outlets here. The favorite game of the Taiwanese is the Baseball and Taiwan was crowned champions almost 15 times and it holds the record for the most league titles. 

Economy

Taiwan’s economy is strong and diverse, with technology and manufacturing at its core. The country is a global leader in semiconductor production, which is crucial to the global electronics industry. While Taiwan enjoys steady economic growth and a low unemployment rate, its economy is influenced by global trade dynamics and faces challenges like an aging population and reliance on small businesses. The service sector, including finance and tourism, also plays a significant role. Taiwan’s economy is closely tied to the global market, contributing significantly through exports.

As of 2024, Taiwan’s GDP growth is projected to be around 3.77% to 3.81%, reflecting a stable and gradually expanding economy. This growth is primarily driven by strong global demand for emerging technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor manufacturing, sectors where Taiwan is a global leader. It attracts many immigrants and expats, especially in the tech and manufacturing sectors, thanks to its stable economy, high living standards, and welcoming environment.

Job offers in Taiwan

It’s not very easy to get a job in Taiwan as the Taiwanese Government mostly permit highly skilled or professional persons.  There is much demand for English Teachers and Translators here. To get a good paying job in corporate position one must have: 

• Fluency in Mandarin (spoken & written)
• Formal Credentials in the type of job you intend to do
• Extra skills or experience which set you apart in the labor market.

Taiwan is a global player in the electronic goods market and IT industry and a universal provider for computer products and support the innovative technology- intensive sectors. Therefore, many multinational companies have opened branches in Taiwan, especially in Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung. As a result of this continuously growing economy, low. unemployment rates and increasing pay scales attracts many expats. Unless a person holds exceptional high level of education, skills and experience in management, finance, design & marketing positions, it is difficult for them to get a job in Taiwan. The main industries for job opportunities are:

• Micro-processing
• Electronics
• Communications
• Technology development
• Industrial processing

Recruitment agencies representing companies based in Taiwan are the best source of getting jobs. Online job portals and newspapers are another good source of finding jobs. Social media sites like Linkedin is also a good option. Some popular links are: 

• Robert Walters – popular recruitment agency that has connections with big companies in Taiwan
• Tealit – Site for jobs as English Teachers in Taiwan
• 104 Job Bank – Largest job portal in Taiwan

Language

The language spoken in Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, locally known as Guoyu. It is used in government offices, schools and most places of employment. The characters used for Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan are traditional Chinese characters, which are more complex than the simplified characters used in mainland China. About 85% speak Mandarin fluently, making it the most widely spoken language in Taiwan.In addition to Mandarin, Taiwan has a variety of other languages. The Taiwanese language Hokkien, also known simply as Taiwanese, is widely spoken, especially among the older generation and in southern Taiwan. Hakka is another important language spoken by the Hakka tribe. The Aborigines of Taiwan speak their own Australian language.

English is widely taught and understood in Taiwan, especially in urban areas, and among younger generations. Although Mandarin Chinese is the main language and the primary language used in government offices, schools, and daily life, English is often used in business, tourism, and higher education Government documents and many signs are bilingual, displayed in both Mandarin and English, making it easier for non-Mandarin speakers to navigate. English language education is a compulsory part of the school curriculum from primary to secondary school, and many universities offer programs in English. Despite this, overall English proficiency varies, and more fluency is generally found in larger cities like Taipei and Taichung.

Education

Education in Taiwan is well-structured, with the government offering nine years of compulsory education that is free for all students. This system includes six years of elementary education followed by three years of junior high school. After compulsory education, students can choose to attend senior high schools, vocational schools, or enter the workforce. The government also provides subsidies for public schooling and various scholarship opportunities, making education accessible to all.

Taiwan is home to several prestigious universities and schools that are popular among international students, especially the children of immigrants. National Taiwan University (NTU), National Tsing Hua University, and National Chengchi University (NCCU) are among the top institutions known for their academic excellence and diverse programs. These universities offer a wide range of courses in English, making them attractive to international students. For younger students, international schools like Taipei American School, Taipei European School, and Kaohsiung American School provide high-quality education with curricula that cater to the needs of expatriate families. 

Engineering, information technology, and business management are some of the most popular and sought-after degrees in Taiwan. The country is a global leader in technology and innovation, making these fields particularly attractive. International students who graduate from Taiwanese universities have promising job opportunities, especially in sectors like technology, engineering, and finance. The government has initiatives to retain international talent, offering work visas and employment opportunities to graduates who wish to stay in Taiwan and contribute to its growing economy. For more information on why study in Taiwan, visit: studyintaiwan.org

Unemployment rate

As of mid-2024, Taiwan’s unemployment rate is around 3.38%, reflecting a relatively stable labor market. This low rate is largely driven by growth in the service sector, which added a significant number of jobs over the past year. However, youth unemployment remains a concern, particularly for those aged 20 to 24, where the rate is much higher at about 11.41%. This is partly due to a mismatch between the skills that young graduates possess and the demands of the job market, as well as the high number of graduates entering an already competitive workforce. Another factor influencing the unemployment rate is Taiwan’s heavy reliance on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the backbone of its economy. SMEs generally have lower profit margins and are more sensitive to fluctuations in the global economy, which can limit their ability to create new jobs or offer competitive salaries.

To get the latest unemployment figure of Taiwan, visit: tradingeconomics.com

Currency and Payment transactions

The official currency of Taiwan is the Taiwan Dollar (TWD). The Symbol is NT$. The currency is available in $100, $500 & $1000 notes and the coins are available at $10, $1, $500 & $5  dollars.

Important addresses

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
No. 9, Hangzhan S Rd, Dayuan District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan 33758
Phone: +886 3 398 3728

Taipei Songshan Airport
No. 340-9, DunHua N Rd, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10548
Phone: +886 2 8770 3460

Port of Kaohsiung, Taiwan International Ports Corporation
No. 62, Linhai 2nd Rd, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 804
Phone: +886 7 561 2311

Taipei Bus Station
103, Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Section 1, Shimin Blvd, 209號No. 10351
Phone: +886 2 7733 5888

Taipei Emergency Operation Center
No.2, Alley 11, Lane 391, Zhuangjing Rd., Xinyi District,
Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Phone No. +886 2 8786 3119

National Taiwan University
No.1, Section 4, Roosevelt Rd., Da’an district,
Taipei City, Taiwan 10617.
Phone No. +886 2 3366 3366

To find out the name and address of Embassies, other countries office in Taiwan, please visit: www.embassypages.com

Summary

Taiwan is a city with a mesmerizing natural vistas and diverse culture with open-minded people. It’s famous for its delicious Street Food, Therapeutic Hot Springs, Kavalan Whisky, Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival and the skyscraper Taipei 101. Taiwan’s night markets, namely the Shilin Night Market is a must to be visited by all travellers to enjoy Taiwan’s delicious street food. Bubble Tea, Taiwanese Sausages, XL fried chicken cutlets, Beef noodles, Braised Port Rice, Mango Shaved Rice are a few delicacies you must enjoy. Taiwan is the happiest country in East Asia and is the best destination for Expats as the Expat Insider stated in 2019.  Surely Taiwan is the good choice to consider for immigration.