How to Find Jobs in Taiwan: A Complete Guide

How to Find Jobs in Taiwan

As a foreigner or international student seeking employment in Taiwan, understanding the process, visa requirements, and job platforms is crucial. Having lived in Taiwan for 15 years, I have gained extensive experience and insights into the job market for foreigners. This article provides a detailed guide on how foreigners can secure employment in Taiwan, from visa types to recommended job platforms.

Visa Requirements for Working in Taiwan

Before pursuing a job in Taiwan, foreigners must first obtain a legal visa. Taiwan offers various types of work visas to suit different needs, and below are the four most common options for foreign professionals.

1. Taiwan Employment Gold Card

The Taiwan Employment Gold Card is a multi-functional visa designed for highly skilled professionals in fields such as technology, economics, and arts. It not only serves as a work permit but also includes a residence visa, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and re-entry permit. The card has a one-year validity, extendable up to three years, making it a key policy aimed at attracting foreign talent to Taiwan.

Key benefits of Employment Gold Card include:

• Work Freedom: Holders of the Employment Gold Card can work freely in Taiwan without being tied to a specific company.
• Tax Incentives: First-time workers in Taiwan earning over NT$3 million can enjoy a 50% tax reduction on the amount exceeding NT$3 million for the first five years.
• Family Benefits: Spouses and children can apply for dependent visas, and direct relatives (parents or grandparents) can visit Taiwan multiple times, with a maximum stay of one year per visit.
• Permanent Residency: After residing in Taiwan for three consecutive years, with a minimum stay of 183 days per year, holders can apply for permanent residency. For those with a PhD from a Taiwanese institution, the residency period can be reduced by one year (except for residents from Hong Kong or Macau).
• National Health Insurance: Gold Card holders and their dependents can join Taiwan’s National Health Insurance system immediately without the usual six-month waiting period.

2. Work Permit

This is the most commonly used work visa for foreigners, particularly recent graduates or international students. To apply for a Work Permit, the process must be initiated by a Taiwanese employer who is willing to hire the candidate. The employer submits the necessary documents to Taiwan's Ministry of Labor, and the foreign worker cannot apply for this permit independently.

Application requirements include:

• A valid employment contract
• Company registration documents
• Proof that the job requires foreign expertise

To streamline the process, employers can now apply online via the “Foreign Professional Work Permit Application System,” which is faster than in-person applications at the Ministry of Labor.

3. Professional Talent Visa

The Professional Talent Visa caters to highly skilled professionals in sectors such as academia, science, and engineering. This visa requires substantial proof of qualifications and is usually reserved for consultants, researchers, or other high-level technical professionals. Compared to the standard Work Permit, the Professional Talent Visa has more stringent requirements.

Applicants must provide:

• Evidence of academic achievements
• Proof of relevant professional experience
• A detailed resume outlining technical expertise

4. Entrepreneur Visa

For those looking to start their own business in Taiwan, the Entrepreneur Visa is an attractive option. The government provides various incentives and resources to foreign entrepreneurs. The application requires submitting a business plan that demonstrates potential contributions to Taiwan's economy or industry development.

Requirements include:

• A comprehensive business plan
• Proof of the venture's potential to benefit Taiwan's economy

Regardless of the visa type chosen, it is essential to understand the conditions, application process, and necessary documents. Relevant information can be found on official websites such as Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Labor, or National Development Council, or through consultation with local immigration lawyers.

Recommended Job Platforms for Foreigners in Taiwan

Taiwan offers several user-friendly job platforms specifically designed for foreign professionals and international students. These platforms cater to various types of work, including full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities.

1. 104 Job Bank (104人力銀行)

104 Job Bank is one of Taiwan's largest job platforms, featuring an extensive database of job listings in both English and Chinese. It is ideal for foreigners looking for professional opportunities in sectors such as IT, finance, and engineering. The platform offers advanced filtering options, allowing users to search by industry, job type, and language requirements.

2. LinkedIn

LinkedIn remains a powerful tool for foreign job seekers in Taiwan. Many multinational companies operating in Taiwan actively recruit through LinkedIn, offering positions that require English proficiency and international experience. Building a strong LinkedIn profile and connecting with recruiters in Taiwan can significantly enhance your job prospects.

3. Tealit (Teaching English And Living in Taiwan)

Tealit is an excellent resource for foreigners seeking teaching jobs, especially in English-language education. The platform provides listings for teaching positions across Taiwan, from kindergartens to language schools. It also includes information on obtaining teaching visas and work permits.

4. Other Specialized Platforms

In addition to the mainstream platforms, several niche websites cater to specific industries:

• Meet.jobs: Meet.jobs plays a significant role in connecting foreign professionals with startups in Taiwan. Meet.jobs focuses on opportunities in the tech, creative, and entrepreneurial sectors, making it ideal for foreigners seeking roles in dynamic industries.
• Cake (CakeResume): Cake has rapidly become a popular platform for tech and creative professionals in Taiwan. The platform allows job seekers to create visually appealing, resume-like profiles that attract employers. CakeResume is particularly popular in the startup and tech industries, making it ideal for foreign professionals in fields such as software development, design, and marketing.
• Foreigners in Taiwan (Facebook Group): This social media group is a great resource for expatriates looking for job leads and networking opportunities.

Important Considerations for Graduating International Students

Graduating international students fall into two categories when seeking employment in Taiwan:

1. General Employment Based on Salary and Experience

Foreigners applying for specialized or technical jobs must meet one of the following criteria:

• Possession of a relevant professional license, such as those granted under Taiwan's Professional and Technical Personnel Examinations Act (e.g., doctors or lawyers)
• A master's degree or higher from an accredited university (domestic or foreign)
• A bachelor's degree and at least two years of relevant work experience
• One year of experience at a multinational company, with a Taiwan assignment

2. Employment via the Points-Based System

Taiwan offers a points-based system for international students to remain in the country for work after graduation. Points are awarded based on factors such as educational background, language skills, and work experience.

Key factors include:

• Academic qualifications (higher education receives more points)
• Mandarin proficiency
• Relevant work experience in Taiwan

Once the threshold is met, the student can apply for a work permit to stay and work in Taiwan.

Conclusion

Foreigners and international students interested in working in Taiwan have numerous opportunities, provided they navigate the visa process correctly and use the right job platforms.

Whether applying for a specialized visa like the Employment Gold Card or using popular platforms such as 104 Job Bank, the journey to employment in Taiwan is highly accessible for those who are well-prepared.

As Taiwan continues to position itself as a hub for foreign talent, the opportunities for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs are expanding rapidly.