Taiwan Visa & Policy Updates
Taiwan has shortened the permanent residency pathway for qualified professionals from five years to three and introduced a 1,000-slot annual cap on Job-Seeking Visas. Recent updates include expanded eVisa access for select ASEAN nations, doubled Working Holiday limits for Japanese citizens, and mandatory digital arrival cards. Starting June 30, 2026, permanent residents with ten years of residency qualify for subsidized long-term care and national pension systems.
Taiwan extends TAC and group eVisa programs through Dec. 31
Taiwan has expanded visa-free and multiple-entry access for travelers from India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and three other ASEAN countries. The update simplifies entry requirements and extends permitted stay durations for short-term visitors and repeat travelers.
Taiwan opens subsidized long-term care to APRC holders June 30
Starting June 30, 2026, foreign professionals with permanent residency who have lived in Taiwan for 10 cumulative years will qualify for government-funded long-term care. This policy expansion includes eligible dependents, providing a significant social safety net for long-term expats and retirees.
Taiwan's Job-Seeking Visa Caps Out at 1,000 Slots a Year
Taiwan has established a strict annual quota of 1,000 for its Job-Seeking Visa, which allows foreign professionals to stay for up to six months. This limit may increase competition for expats looking to transition from a visitor status to a formal employment-based residency.
Taiwan Updates Residency Designations for South Koreans
Starting March 1, 2026, Taiwan will update its immigration system to label South Korea as 'South Korea' rather than 'Korea' on official documents. This change will primarily affect South Korean nationals holding Alien Resident Certificates (ARC) and other official residency permits in Taiwan.
How Taiwan’s Residency and Pension Reforms Work for Foreign Professionals
Taiwan has implemented new measures allowing foreign professionals to access the national pension and employment insurance systems. Additionally, high-level specialist professionals can now qualify for permanent residency in as little as one year under specific conditions.
Inside Taiwan's Residency Paths for Top University Graduates
Effective January 1, 2026, Taiwan is shortening the pathway to permanent residency and easing work permit requirements for graduates from the world's top 500 universities. The updates also allow graduates from the top 200 universities to apply for work permits directly, bypassing certain employer-led restrictions.
Why Taiwan is Becoming a Top Choice for Global Talent
The 2026 Talent Act reforms shorten the path to permanent residency from five years to three for qualified professionals. The update also eases work permit requirements for graduates from top global universities and simplifies administrative processes for foreign residents.
Taiwan and Japan Double Working Holiday Visa Limits
Taiwan and Japan have updated their bilateral agreement to allow citizens to obtain a working holiday visa twice in their lifetime, up from the previous limit of one. This change, effective February 1, provides young travelers and remote workers more flexibility to live and work in either country for extended periods.