📰 Full News Report:
Taiwan is signaling a bold shift in its immigration policy, aiming to attract top-tier global talent by offering faster permanent residency and more flexible visa schemes. The National Development Council (NDC) has proposed key amendments to the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals, which are currently open for public comment until early May 2025. If passed, these reforms could dramatically reshape Taiwan’s positioning as a hub for innovation, remote work, and elite global talent.
🚀 One-Year Fast-Track to Permanent Residency for “Global Elites”
At the center of the proposed changes is a new “global elite” category targeting foreign professionals who earn over NT$6 million (US$182,674) annually. These individuals would be eligible to apply for permanent residency after just one year of legal residence in Taiwan. This is a significant departure from the current system, which requires most high-skilled professionals — including holders of the coveted Taiwan Gold Card — to wait three years before applying for permanent status.
The NDC sees this reform as a strategic move to stay competitive with neighboring economies like Singapore and Japan, which have also been enhancing immigration incentives to retain and attract global expertise in artificial intelligence, biotech, semiconductors, and other high-value industries.
💻 Digital Nomads Get a Boost: From 6 Months to 2 Years
Another major highlight of the draft proposal is the extension of the digital nomad visitor visa from the current 6-month cap to a maximum of 2 years. Launched earlier in 2025, Taiwan’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers and freelancers to reside in the country without being tethered to a local employer. The proposed extension reflects feedback from the global remote work community and positions Taiwan as a more attractive long-term base for location-independent professionals.
What sets Taiwan apart is its world-class infrastructure, low cost of living compared to other tech hubs, high safety index, and a culturally rich environment. Digital nomads can enjoy fast internet, vibrant coworking spaces, and easy access to nature — all of which are being factored into government strategy to court the remote workforce.
🎓 New Visa for Top University Graduates – Taiwan’s Answer to the UK’s HPI Visa
The draft bill also includes a new visa category modeled after the UK’s High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, aimed at graduates from the top 200 universities globally. This visa would enable highly educated young professionals to live and work in Taiwan without needing a local employer, giving them the flexibility to take on freelance contracts or project-based work.
The NDC believes this category will help build a strong foundation for future recruitment into Taiwan’s industries and startups, nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship from the ground up.
📢 Legislative Path & Public Input
The proposed amendments are currently under a 30-day public review period. After this, the draft will be submitted to the Executive Yuan (Taiwan’s Cabinet) and subsequently to the Legislative Yuan for formal approval. If passed, the reforms could be enacted as early as mid to late 2025.
📊 Why This Matters: Taiwan’s Bigger Picture
These proposals are more than just immigration tweaks — they represent Taiwan’s strategic response to:
- A shrinking workforce and rapidly aging population.
- The global talent war in high-tech industries.
- The post-pandemic rise of remote work and global mobility.
- Intensifying regional competition from tech hubs like Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
By offering a fast lane to permanent residency, visa flexibility, and recognition of educational pedigree, Taiwan is laying down infrastructure for a more competitive, internationalized economy.
❓FAQs:
What qualifies someone as a “global elite” under Taiwan’s new proposal?
Foreign professionals earning more than NT$6 million (around US$182,674) per year will qualify and be eligible for permanent residency after just one year.
How long can digital nomads stay in Taiwan under the new rules?
The proposed change would extend the maximum stay from 6 months to up to 2 years.
Who qualifies for the new top university graduate visa?
Graduates from the world’s top 200 ranked universities. They won’t need a fixed employer and can take on freelance or project-based work.
When will the new immigration rules take effect?
After the 30-day public comment period ends in May 2025, the bill will go to the Executive Yuan and then the Legislature. If passed, implementation could begin in the second half of 2025.
How does this differ from the Taiwan Gold Card?
The Gold Card offers a 3-year path to permanent residency, while the new “global elite” track offers this in just 1 year for high earners.
