Taiwan Implements Major Reforms to Foreign Talent Act for 2026

Overview

Taiwan is set to introduce wide-ranging reforms to its Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals, designed to attract and retain global talent by relaxing employment, residency, and work permit requirements. The amended act will take effect on January 1, 2026, as part of Taiwan’s strategy to enhance its competitiveness and position itself as a regional talent hub.

These reforms aim to make Taiwan a more attractive destination for international professionals, recent graduates, digital nomads, and high-level specialists by expanding work rights, simplifying permanent residency criteria, and improving social security coverage.

What Has Changed?

The revised act introduces several important changes for foreign professionals and employers:

Relaxed Employment Conditions for Graduates

• International students and overseas Chinese graduates from Taiwanese universities can stay and work in Taiwan for up to two years without requiring a separate work permit.
• Graduates of the world’s top universities will benefit from expanded work permit exemptions and streamlined access to employment rights.

Expanded Opportunities for New Talent

• The amendments relax requirements around work experience and degree recognition. For example, foreign nationals with degrees from highly ranked global universities will no longer be bound by strict prior work-experience mandates before applying to work in Taiwan.

Digital Nomad and Remote Work Enhancements

• Digital nomads can look forward to longer permitted stays under the updated rules, enabling remote workers to remain in Taiwan for extended periods while contributing to the local economy.

Easier Routes to Permanent Residency

• The amendments shorten residency requirements for permanent residence, particularly for foreign special professionals. Residence durations needed for APRC (Alien Permanent Resident Certificate) eligibility are reduced, and certain periods of study in Taiwan may count toward residency requirements.

Enhanced Social Security and Benefits

• Foreign professionals will be able to participate in Taiwan’s labor pension system without first needing permanent residency. Those who obtain permanent residence will become eligible for broader employment protections, including employment insurance.

Challenges & Considerations

While the reforms significantly enhance Taiwan’s global talent appeal, stakeholders should consider several implications:

• Implementation Timing: Though the act takes effect on 1 January 2026, some provisions may require supporting sub-laws or administrative guidelines before full rollout.
• Eligibility Clarifications: Employers and applicants should watch for official clarifications on specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.
• Competitive Landscape: With multiple Asian markets expanding talent-attraction policies, Taiwan’s changes add to regional competition for highly skilled professionals.

What This Means for Employers & Professionals

For international companies, HR teams, and global mobility specialists planning to hire or place talent in Taiwan:

• Plan Ahead for 2026: With key changes going live on 1 January 2026, begin reviewing workforce and recruitment strategies now.

• Leverage Graduate Talent: Prepare hiring pipelines for graduates with flexible hiring and work permit structures.

• Optimize Remote Work Strategies: Consider extending roles for digital nomads and remote professionals taking advantage of longer stays.

• Review Residency & Benefits Integration: Work with immigration advisors to streamline paths to permanent residency and social protections for key talent.

For professionals considering Taiwan as a work destination, the reforms significantly expand opportunities for staying, working, and building a long-term career while gaining access to social security benefits.

Key Takeaway

Taiwan’s updated Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals represents a major step toward a more open, talent-friendly immigration framework. By lowering barriers to work, residence, and social protection, and by expanding pathways for graduates, digital nomads, and highly skilled professionals, the reforms strengthen Taiwan’s ability to attract and retain international talent in an increasingly competitive regional landscape.

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About Anywr

Anywr is a French international group specializing in international mobility and workforce solutions.
Founded in 2012, Anywr operates in 12 countries across 4 continents. Our mission is to support companies in addressing their Human Resources challenges. We respond to your needs in terms of international mobility, particularly in terms of immigration policies, relocation, the implementation of mobility policies and EOR.

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