Did You Apply for Many Jobs Without Hearing Back? Your Identity Type Might Be the Problem.
Have you applied for multiple jobs in Taiwan but never heard back from employers?
You might have selected the wrong identity type, or overlooked the required identity stated in job postings, which could cause your resume to be automatically filtered out during the first round of screening.
📚 Table of Contents
Why Is Your Identity Type So Important?
Taiwan has several categories of foreign residents, and the government sets specific hiring regulations based on both the company type and your legal identity.
That means an employer might not be allowed to hire you — not because they aren’t interested in your profile, but because you don’t meet the legal hiring criteria.
Many companies use identity type as a first-stage filter in their applicant tracking system. If you select the wrong one, your resume may be rejected before it’s even reviewed.
Now that you know why identity matters, let’s take a closer look at each category and make sure you're selecting the right one.
What Are “New Immigrants”?
Some foreigners assume that working in Taiwan automatically makes them “New Immigrants.”
However, this is incorrect in the Taiwanese context.
You are considered a New Immigrant only if you:
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Are married to a Taiwanese citizen
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Have immigrated to Taiwan and obtained permanent residency or a Taiwanese national ID
What’s Different About Applying as a New Immigrant?
As a New Immigrant, you are treated the same as a Taiwanese citizen when it comes to employment — no additional work permits or restrictions apply.
⚠️ But don’t be tempted to select “New Immigrant” just to get more job opportunities. Employers will ask for documentation to confirm your identity, and any mismatch could result in your disqualification.
Who Are “Overseas Chinese & International Students”?
If you are currently studying in Taiwan at the university level or above, you are considered Overseas Chinese & International Students.
Due to legal limitations on working hours, most can only take part-time jobs. Full-time work is only permitted if you have a school-approved internship agreement.
Work Rules for Overseas Chinese & International Students:
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During the semester: max 20 hours/week
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During winter/summer break: unlimited hours
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With school-approved internship: no hourly limit
(⚠️ If not officially recognized, the 20-hour limit still applies)
What Is an “International Graduate from Taiwan”?
If you have graduated from a Taiwanese university or graduate school, your status changes to International Graduate from Taiwan.
Be careful not to select “Overseas Chinese & International Students” after you graduate — it could mislead employers into thinking you're still in school, especially if they overlook your education section.
✅ Always select “International Graduate from Taiwan” if you've completed your studies.
How Can International Graduates from Taiwan Apply to Stay and Work?
There are two common options:
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Points System (Scoring Criteria) for Foreign and Overseas Chinese Students to Work in Taiwan
👉 Scoring Criteria (PDF)
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Specialized or Technical Works
Requirements vary depending on industry and job type.
👉 View eligibility by sector
📌 We’ll publish a separate guide soon to help you navigate the Points-Based Application System.
Who Are “Migrant Workers”?
In general, a Migrant Worker refers to anyone working in a country that is not their own.
But in Taiwan, the term “Migrant Worker” specifically refers to blue-collar workers hired through manpower agencies, typically for jobs in manufacturing, caregiving, or construction.
⚠️ If you are not working through an agency and not in a blue-collar role, do NOT select “Migrant Worker” as your identity.
Work Limitations for Migrant Workers
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Migrant Workers cannot freely switch jobs
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Transfers must be arranged by the employer and agency
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Only companies authorized by the government may hire Migrant Workers
📌 Always check the job listing to confirm whether Migrant Workers are eligible before applying — otherwise, the employer legally can’t hire you, even if they want to.
What If You Didn't Study in Taiwan But Want to Work Here?
If you are a foreign professional who didn’t graduate in Taiwan, but you want to work (or are already working) here, you fall under a different category.
You’ll need to apply through:
📌 Before job hunting, identify your target industry and understand both your qualifications and the company's hiring rules, so your application meets legal requirements.
Check Your Profile Now!
🔎 Are you sure you’ve selected the correct identity type on your resume profile?
👉 Log in and double-check here
📌 Before applying for any job, make sure the identity type required by the employer matches yours — this step can make or break your application.
👉 Start job searching now