Hiring Foreign Employees in Taiwan: Visa and Work Permit Requirements

Step-by-Step Guide to Work Permit Application

Securing a work permit for foreign employees in Taiwan involves a multi-step process that includes both the employer and the foreign worker. Below is a detailed guide to obtaining work permits and visas in Taiwan.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Obtaining Work Permits and Visas

1. Secure a Job Offer or Business Opportunity:

   The first step is for the foreign worker to secure a job offer from a Taiwanese employer (for work permits) or meet the qualifications for the Employment Gold Card.

2. Submit the Work Permit Application (for standard work permits):

   The employer submits the work permit application to the Ministry of Labor, along with supporting documents such as the employment contract, proof of company registration, and the foreign worker’s qualifications.

3. Apply for the Employment Gold Card (if applicable):

   Highly skilled professionals applying for the Employment Gold Card can submit their application online. Required documents include proof of professional qualifications, passport information, and evidence of achievements in the applicant’s field.

4. Receive Work Permit or Gold Card Approval:

   The processing time for standard work permits is typically 10 to 15 business days, while the Employment Gold Card may take up to 60 days for approval. Once approved, the foreign worker can proceed to the next step.

5. Apply for the Visa and Travel to Taiwan:

   After receiving the work permit or Gold Card approval, the foreign employee applies for a visa at the nearest Taiwanese embassy or consulate. Once the visa is issued, the employee can travel to Taiwan to begin employment.

6. Register with Local Authorities:

   Upon arrival, the foreign employee must register with the local immigration office and apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) within 15 days of arrival. This certificate serves as the foreign worker’s identification and proof of legal residency in Taiwan.

Fees, Processing Times, and Required Documents

• Processing Times:

  The processing time for work permits is generally 10 to 15 business days, while the Employment Gold Card can take 30 to 60 days. Visa applications typically take 5 to 10 business days to process once the work permit or Gold Card is approved.

• Fees:

  The application fees for work permits and visas vary depending on the visa type and the number of entries. Work permit application fees typically range from TWD 1,500 to TWD 3,000 (USD 50 to USD 100), while the Employment Gold Card costs approximately TWD 10,000 to TWD 15,000 (USD 350 to USD 500).

• Required Documents:

  In addition to the job offer or proof of qualifications, applicants must provide:

  • A valid passport
  • Completed application forms
  • Recent passport-sized photos
  • Medical certificates (if required)
  • Proof of qualifications or professional achievements

Compliance with Taiwanese Labor and Immigration Laws

Employers in Taiwan must adhere to strict labor and immigration laws when hiring foreign workers. This includes ensuring fair treatment, maintaining accurate employment records, and meeting quotas for foreign employees.

Maintaining Compliance with Taiwan’s Labor Laws and Foreign Employee Quotas

Taiwan has regulations in place to protect both local and foreign workers. Employers must comply with labor laws, which include providing fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions for all employees, regardless of nationality.

• Labor Market Testing:

  For certain work permits, employers may need to prove that the job position cannot be filled by a local worker. This is done through labor market testing, where the employer advertises the job locally before offering it to a foreign employee.

• Foreign Employee Quotas:

  Taiwan imposes quotas on the number of foreign workers that companies can hire, particularly in industries where there is high competition for jobs. Employers must ensure that they do not exceed the allowable number of foreign employees and that they meet all legal obligations for the employment of foreign workers.

• Equal Treatment of Foreign Workers:

  Employers are required to provide foreign employees with the same rights and benefits as local workers. This includes ensuring fair wages, providing access to social security and health benefits, and complying with labor standards for working hours and safety.

How AYP Can Help

Navigating Taiwan’s visa and work permit requirements can be a complex and time-consuming process for businesses. AYP offers comprehensive Professional Employer Organisation (PEO) and Employer of Record (EOR) services in Taiwan, helping businesses streamline the process of hiring foreign employees and ensuring compliance with local laws.

With AYP’s services, we manage the entire visa and work permit process, from submitting applications to handling compliance with Taiwanese labor laws. Our team ensures that businesses can focus on their operations while we take care of the administrative complexities involved in hiring and onboarding foreign talent.