Taiwan foreign professional work and residence in 2026
Foreign professionals usually need the correct work permission and residence status. These are related but distinct.
Work permit
Professional employment is governed by the Employment Service Act and the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals. In ordinary employer-sponsored cases, the employer applies to the competent authority for the relevant professional work permit.
Foreign special professionals can receive approved employment permission for up to 5 years, with extension possible where the legal conditions continue to be met.
Residence after work permission
Under the 2026 Foreign Professionals Act framework, qualifying foreign professionals and foreign special professionals who entered Taiwan visa-exempt or on a visitor visa and then obtained a work permit, or qualify for a work-permit exemption, can apply directly to the National Immigration Agency for residence without first obtaining a separate resident visa in the circumstances covered by the Act.
This does not remove the need for work authorization where one is required.
Official guidance: Foreign professional work permits, NIA residence rules, and 2026 Foreign Talent Act overview.
Related: Employment Gold Card, employment-seeking visa, family residence.
Official and supporting sources
- NDC Foreign Talent Act — Work Permitgovernment · accessed 2026-09-21
- NIA — Residency guidancegovernment · accessed 2026-09-21
- NDC — Foreign Talent Act overviewgovernment · accessed 2026-09-21