"Applying for Taiwan's Gold Card: A 6-Step Guide"
Taiwan Gold Card: Your Key to a Longer Stay in Taiwan
The Taiwan Gold Card, a 4-in-1 card, offers foreign professionals a unique opportunity to reside and work in Taiwan for an extended period. This card serves as a residence permit, open work permit, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and re-entry permit, making it a valuable asset for those seeking to establish a life in Taiwan.
Eligibility and Application
To be eligible for the Taiwan Gold Card, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: have at least 8 years of professional experience in the digital economy sector, have graduated from one of the top 500 universities with a doctoral degree, have earned awards, accolades, or have at least four years of experience in their field, or earn at least NTD 160,000/month (approximately $5,025 USD) working in a relevant industry.
The application process is straightforward. Applicants can submit their application through the official portal, and the application fee depends on their nationality and location. Required documents include a copy of the passport, passport photo, supporting documents of eligibility, such as bank statements, job contracts, university degrees, etc. Eligibility can be verified through the official website by answering a short questionnaire about academic and professional experience.
Benefits and Renewal
The Taiwan Gold Card is valid for one to three years and is renewable. It offers a 50% tax deduction for the first three years. After three years of living in Taiwan, applicants can apply for permanent residency.
Upon approval, an email is sent with a form to download. If already in Taiwan, applicants can retrieve their Gold Card by downloading the proof of payment receipt and bringing it to the National Immigration Agency Service Center. For those applying from outside of Taiwan, passport inspection is done at an ROC overseas mission or office.
Family and Employment
Family members cannot be included on the Taiwan Gold Card application, but they may apply separately for a Residence Visa for Spouse or Children. The Taiwan Gold Card allows applicants to seek local employment opportunities in Taiwan.
Future Developments
While the Taiwan Gold Card is not an official digital nomad visa, Taiwan has plans to launch a digital nomad visa soon. It's an exciting time for those seeking to live and work in Taiwan, with more opportunities on the horizon.
Documents can be submitted in either English or Chinese when applying for the Taiwan Gold Card. It's important to note that Gold Card holders will owe taxes in Taiwan, but there is a 50% tax deduction for the first three years.
In conclusion, the Taiwan Gold Card offers a wealth of benefits for foreign professionals seeking to live and work in Taiwan. With its straightforward application process, generous tax deductions, and pathway to permanent residency, it's an attractive option for those looking to establish a life in Taiwan.
