Taiwan has been reinforcing the status as an international talent hub. The revised Act on the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals will come into power on January 1, 2026, and will significantly change the residency, employment, and social security protection of international talent.
The purpose of these updates is to ensure that foreign professionals, international students and overseas compatriots are able to study, work and settle down in Taiwan without having to worry.
Taiwan has become the latest Asian country to announce ambitious plans to increase and retain international students, with a target of 320,000 students by 2030 and plans for overseas recruitment hubs, fast-track courses and scholarships.
Smoother Transition from Study to Work in Taiwan
Among the most important updates is that of assisting overseas graduates to continue staying in Taiwan by the end of their studies.
Under the new rules:
Graduates of international students as well as overseas compatriot students of Taiwanese universities are able to stay in Taiwan to work up to two years without a work permit.
The employees of the top-rated global universities are also going to enjoy less strict employment policies and, therefore, Taiwan becomes a much easier place to find global talent.
The employees of the top-rated global universities are also going to enjoy less strict employment policies and, therefore, Taiwan becomes a much easier place to find global talent.
The changes eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and allow graduates to be more flexible in seeking employment in Taiwan.
Faster Path to Permanent Residence (APRC)
The revised Act provides a more concise, straightforward pathway to permanent residency, particularly to students and highly skilled professionals.
Key highlights include:
Students of Taiwanese institutions, who are international and overseas compatriots, can decrease their mandatory residency time by a year or three.
Holding a high-level qualification, qualified professionals can be applied to an Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) with only one year of residence and employment in Taiwan.
Holding a high-level qualification, qualified professionals can be applied to an Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) with only one year of residence and employment in Taiwan.
It is a fast-track system that appreciates the input of professionals and promotes long-term settlement.
Expanded Social Security and Employment Protection
Social protection of foreign professionals is also enhanced in the new legislation:
Foreign workers are also allowed to participate in the labor pension in Taiwan without having to acquire permanent residence.
Holding an APRC will now allow one to access employment insurance providing increased financial security and protection at the place of work.
Holding an APRC will now allow one to access employment insurance providing increased financial security and protection at the place of work.
Such provisions guarantee even foreign talent in Taiwan fair treatment and long-term stability.
Comprehensive Support for Living and Working in Taiwan
In addition to the policy reforms, Talent Taiwan offers practical assistance to foreign professionals to settle down well.
Services include:
Job-matching services between international talent and Taiwanese firms.
Real-life support such as housing, banking and schooling of children.
Availability of professional advice of lawyers and accountants, facilitating the relocation process and compliance with the rules.
Real-life support such as housing, banking and schooling of children.
Availability of professional advice of lawyers and accountants, facilitating the relocation process and compliance with the rules.
In career development and your normal life, Talent Taiwan is a partner with whom you can rely in Taiwan.
Why Taiwan Is an Ideal Destination for Global Talent
Taiwan is making significant efforts to attract and maintain foreign talent with simplified labour laws, quicker permanent residency and increased social security.
These reforms begin in 2026, and it is not only a place to work in Taiwan, but also to create a future.
