Guide to Applying for Taiwan's Golden Card (Six Simple Steps)
The Taiwan Gold Card is a valuable asset for foreign professionals seeking to live and work in Taiwan. This 4-in-1 card, which includes a residence permit, open work permit, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and re-entry permit, offers extended residency and work rights to those with specialized professional skills or talents in fields such as science, technology, education, culture, sports, or business.
Eligibility and Application Process
Eligibility for the Taiwan Gold Card can be verified through the official website by answering a short questionnaire about academic and professional experience. Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 8 years of professional experience, graduation from one of the top 500 universities with a doctoral degree, accolades and relevant experience, or earning at least NTD 160,000/month.
Required documents for the Taiwan Gold Card application include a copy of passport, passport photo, supporting documents of eligibility, and documents in either English or Chinese.
Applying from Outside of Taiwan
If applying for the Taiwan Gold Card from outside of Taiwan, the passport inspection will take place at an ROC overseas mission or office. After passport inspection and approval, an email will be sent with a form to download for document retrieval in Taiwan. Upon entering the country with the "Republic of China Employment Gold Card Overseas Approval Certificate", the card can be retrieved from the National Immigration Agency Service Center within 30 days.
Applying While Already in Taiwan
If already in Taiwan, download the proof of payment receipt and bring it to the National Immigration Agency Service Center to retrieve the Taiwan Gold Card.
Permanent Residency
After three years of living in Taiwan, applicants can apply for permanent residency.
Taxation and Validity
Yes, Gold Card holders will owe taxes in Taiwan, but there is a 50% tax deduction for the first three years. The Taiwan Gold Card is valid for one to three years and is renewable.
Nationality Restrictions and Job Opportunities
There are nationality restrictions for the Taiwan Gold Card, and citizens of Mainland China and Hong Kong/Macau with Taiwanese dual citizenship may not apply. Yes, the Taiwan Gold Card allows applicants to seek local employment opportunities in Taiwan.
Application Fees
The application fee for the Taiwan Gold Card depends on the applicant's location and nationality. For example, US citizens applying from outside of Taiwan must pay NTD 7,605 (or $240 USD) for the one-year Gold Card. Other nationalities have a fee of NTD 3,700 (or $116 USD).
Misconceptions
Contrary to some beliefs, the Taiwan Gold Card is not an official digital nomad visa, but Taiwan has plans to launch a digital nomad visa soon. Applicants cannot include family members on their Taiwan Gold Card application, but they may apply separately for a Residence Visa for Spouse or Children.
In conclusion, the Taiwan Gold Card offers a unique opportunity for foreign professionals to live and work in Taiwan with extended residency and work rights. With its straightforward application process, attractive benefits, and growing popularity, the Taiwan Gold Card is a valuable tool for those seeking to make Taiwan their home.
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