On August 29, 2025, the amended Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals (外國專業人才延攬及僱用法) passed its third reading in the Legislative Yuan, marking a major milestone in Taiwan’s strategy to globalize its workforce.

From 2025 onward, Taiwan is entering a new era that is more open, more flexible, and more competitive, aiming to become one of Asia’s top destinations for global professionals.

The amendments cover a wide range of groups, including:

• High-level international professionals
• Overseas Chinese and foreign students graduating in Taiwan
• Digital nomads

The new policies address employment conditions, residency rules, and social benefits, creating a more attractive and supportive environment for global talent.

Additionally, on November 21, 2025, the Executive Yuan officially announced the implementation timeline for major clauses, including rules that directly affect international graduates, job-seeking processes, and APRC applications.

🔎 I. Key Amendments Confirmed by the Executive Yuan

According to Executive Yuan Notice 院臺教字第1141030485B號, the new law will take effect in two phases:

• January 1, 2026: Most provisions become effective
• June 30, 2026: Article 4 (Section 4, Item 4), Article 28, and Article 29 begin implementation

Below are the most important changes affecting international graduates and foreign professionals:

1. No work permit required during the 延期居留 (post-graduation residency extension) - Effective Jan 1, 2026

(Article 12)

Foreign nationals who graduate with an associate degree or higher in Taiwan, and obtain 延期居留 (the post-graduation residency extension), may work without applying for work permit. This will be taken effect from January 1st, 2026.

➡️This is one of the biggest wins for foreign graduates.

• Reduce financial pressure during the job application process
• Have more opportunities to try different jobs and industries, hence find out the most suitable and stable job in Taiwan

2. Degree-based residency deduction for APRC eligibility

(Article 18, Paragraph 4)

If you studied in Taiwan and hold a degree from an accredited college or university, you may deduct part of the required residency period when applying for an APRC:

For Foreign Professionals (外國專業人才):

• PhD → deduct 3 years
• Master’s → deduct 2 years
• Bachelor / Associate → deduct 1 year

For Foreign Special Professionals (外國特定專業人才):

• PhD → deduct 2 years
• Master’s → deduct 1 year

➡️ Degree deductions cannot be combined.

🧭 II. Four Major Policy Changes at a Glance

1. Expanded eligibility & relaxed academic requirements

• The exemption from the “2-year work experience” requirement now applies to graduates from Top 1,500 universities worldwide (previously only Top 500).

• Four new fields are added to the "Foreign Special Professionals" category:

  Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Digital Technology, Sports

• Bilingual schools (high school level and below) may hire foreign teachers specializing in arts, activities, or languages.

• International graduates may work for 2 years during 延期居留 without applying for a work permit.

2. Extended visa options for Digital Nomads

• Eligible applicants may obtain a 6-month stay, renewable every 6 months, up to a maximum of 2 years.

• Applicable to spouses and children under 18, making Taiwan more friendly for relocating families.

3. Easier APRC pathway for long-term residency

• Foreign special professionals earning NTD 6 million or more annually may apply for APRC after 1 year of residency.

• Degree deductions further shorten the APRC timeline (as detailed above).

4. More comprehensive labor and social protection

• Foreign professionals may participate in the new labor pension system (勞退新制) without needing APRC.

• APRC holders gain access to:

  • Employment insurance

  • Long-term care services after 10 years of residency

  • Disability support

• Spouses of foreign special professionals may apply for a work permit directly, without employer sponsorship.

🎯 III. What This Means for Foreign Job Seekers in Taiwan

Unlike previous announcements that focused on employer benefits, this amendment directly improves the experience of foreigners searching for jobs, staying after graduation, and planning long-term life in Taiwan.

The biggest advantages for job seekers:

✅ Working immediately after graduation without a permit

Beginning January 1, 2026, foreign graduates no longer face delays or rejection due to work permit procedures.

✅ Easier long-term settlement

Degree conversion and shortened APRC timelines reduce the uncertainty of long-term residency planning.

✅ More job opportunities

Broader talent definitions + growing demand in tech, biotech, digital, AI, education, and semiconductor industries mean more paths to employment.

✅ A more friendly system for newcomers

From visa to pension to long-term care, Taiwan is gradually aligning with international labor standards.

🏁 IV. Conclusion: New Law = New Opportunities for International Talent

The 2026 amendment to Taiwan’s Foreign Talent Act is not just legal reform - it represents Taiwan’s commitment to helping foreign talent come, stay, grow, and build a future here.

Whether you are:

• A foreign student preparing to graduate
• A job seeker exploring opportunities in Taiwan
• Someone planning long-term residency
• A digital nomad looking for stability

👉 Now is one of the most favorable times to pursue a career in Taiwan.

If you’re looking for job opportunities suited for foreign professionals, follow:

Cai DuoDuo Job Bank – Taiwan’s Job Bank for Foreigners

https://job-list.caiduo.com.tw/