Expanding a team into Taiwan opens doors to top talent, a strategic business hub, and access to Asia-Pacific markets. But before a global employer hires in Taiwan, it must understand the country’s work authorization process. Hiring foreign talent without the proper documentation can result in fines, delays, or worse—a total derailment of expansion plans.
This guide outlines everything international employers need to know about obtaining legal work authorization in Taiwan, from visa types and application steps to how an Employer of Record (EOR) simplifies the process.
Understanding the importance of legal work status in Taiwan
Taiwan has clear guidelines for employing foreign nationals. Any non-citizen must obtain a valid work permit and visa before starting employment. Working without authorization is considered a violation of the Employment Services Act and may result in penalties for both the employer and the foreign employee. According to the Ministry of Labor, unauthorized work can result in fines of up to US$24,000.
Ensuring that all foreign hires have the proper work authorization protects businesses from legal risks, makes onboarding smoother, and ensures compliance with Taiwan’s labor laws.
Types of work visas in Taiwan
Taiwan offers several visa categories for foreign professionals. The most common include:
- Employment Gold Card: A four-in-one card that combines an open work permit, resident visa, alien resident certificate (ARC), and re-entry permit. It targets highly skilled professionals in specific sectors like tech, finance, and academia.
- Standard Work Visa: A visa issued to foreign nationals who have secured a job offer from a Taiwan-based employer and received a work permit.
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa: A visa for employees transferring from an international branch to a Taiwan-based office.
It’s important not to confuse a work visa with a visitor visa. A visitor visa is strictly for tourism, short-term business meetings, or attending conferences. It does not grant permission to engage in paid work.
Requirements for a Taiwan work permit
To obtain a work permit in Taiwan, foreign professionals must meet several criteria. The Workforce Development Agency evaluates applications based on the following:
- A valid passport with at least six months before expiration
- An official job offer from a Taiwan-based employer
- A signed employment contract
- Educational qualifications or proof of relevant experience
- A clean criminal record (depending on job category)
The employer typically submits the work permit application to the Workforce Development Agency on behalf of the employee. Once the permit is approved, the employee can then apply for the work visa.
Step-by-step guide to the Taiwan work visa process
The first step is a formal job offer and signed contract from a Taiwanese employer. Following that, the employer submits a work permit application to the Workforce Development Agency. Once the permit is approved, the foreign employee applies for a work visa at a Taiwan overseas mission located in their home country. After entering Taiwan with the approved visa, the employee must then apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) shortly after arrival. Once the ARC is issued, the employee is authorized to begin working legally in Taiwan.
The Workforce Development Agency and the Bureau of Consular Affairs play critical roles in processing these applications. Employers must coordinate with both agencies to ensure compliance.
Processing time
Work permit processing typically takes 7-10 business days, and the visa application can take another 5-7 business days depending on the location of the Taiwan overseas mission. Altogether, the full process from job offer to legal work authorization can take about three to four weeks.
U.S. citizens in Taiwan
U.S. citizens can work in Taiwan if they have secured a job and their employer obtains the necessary work permit. Once approved, they can apply for the appropriate work visa and eventually obtain an ARC. As of mid-2023, more than 10,000 U.S. citizens were residing in Taiwan, according to recent immigration data.
How EOR services simplify the Taiwan visa process
Securing work authorization in Taiwan can feel overwhelming—especially for companies without a legal entity in the country. That’s where an Employer of Record (EOR) comes in.
An EOR serves as the legal employer on paper, handling compliance, payroll, benefits, and visa sponsorship. This allows businesses to hire in Taiwan without setting up a local entity. The EOR navigates local labor laws, manages documentation, and coordinates directly with the Workforce Development Agency and Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Working with an EOR ensures fast, compliant hiring, reduced legal and administrative risk, and seamless onboarding for international employees.
Why global companies choose Velocity Global
Velocity Global helps companies hire, pay, and manage talent across more than 185 countries, including Taiwan. Through its Employer of Record solution, Velocity Global streamlines the work authorization process, making it easy for businesses to expand globally without barriers.
Whether it’s handling visa sponsorship in Taiwan or across the globe, Velocity Global provides the local expertise and infrastructure to support confident international hiring. Contact us to learn more.
This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided “as is,” and no representations are made that the content is error-free.
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Velocity Global, LLC. All rights reserved.
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