Taiwan is actively working to build a more welcoming work environment for international talent. On May 29, 2025, the Executive Yuan approved a draft amendment to the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals. If this draft passes the Legislative Yuan, foreign job seekers may soon enjoy greater freedom and stronger protections when working, interning, or even starting a business in Taiwan.

Whether you're a top university graduate, an international graduate from a Taiwanese school, or a remote-working digital nomad, this policy could significantly impact your career opportunities in Taiwan.

Easier Eligibility: Lower Barriers to Job Applications

The draft amendment (not yet in effect) proposes to relax the following requirements:

• 🎓 Graduates from the world’s top 200 universities may be able to apply for an individual work permit without employer sponsorship.

• 🌐 Graduates from top 1,000 universities worldwide could be exempted from the current two-year work experience requirement for working in Taiwan.

• 🎓 International graduates from Taiwanese universities may be allowed to work freely during their post-graduation job-hunting period (up to 2 years) without applying for a work permit.

• 💑 Spouses of high-level or designated professionals could gain the freedom to work in Taiwan without job-type restrictions during their stay.

👉 These changes are designed to help reduce stress and uncertainty after graduation and make it easier to stay and work in Taiwan!

Better Protections: Long-Term Security for Foreign Workers

The draft also aims to improve social protection measures for foreign professionals:

• 🏦 Inclusion in Taiwan’s Labor Pension System (New Scheme): Even without permanent residency, foreign professionals could be eligible for Taiwan’s labor pension, helping you accumulate years of service and retirement funds.

• 💼 Employment Insurance: Once you obtain permanent residency, you may also receive unemployment benefits and access to vocational training like local workers.

• ❤️ Access to Long-Term and Disability Care Services: If you meet residency requirements, you may also gain access to social care services.

Greater Flexibility for Remote and Short-Term Workers

For digital nomads and recent international graduates, the draft includes more flexible work options:

• 🗺 Digital Nomad Visa Extended to 2 Years: Currently capped at 6 months, the proposed extension to 2 years would allow digital nomads to live and work in Taiwan long-term.

• 💼 Job-Seeking Graduates Can Work Freely: The draft suggests allowing international graduates to work without a permit during their job-seeking period to ease financial pressure.

What Can You Do Now? 3 Tips to Prepare:

1. ✅ Know Your Current Identity Type & Rights: These rules are not yet in effect. Make sure you understand your current work eligibility.

2. 🆙 Update Your Resume and Profile: If the draft passes, your academic background could offer more advantages. Be ready to act quickly.

3. 🔍 Stay Informed: Follow updates from official sources to know exactly when these changes become law.

📌 Important Reminder

This policy is still a draft and not yet in effect.
Please continue to follow the current application process and work regulations until the law is officially passed and announced.

📎 More Info & Resources:
Official Draft Announcement (Executive Yuan):
👉 https://www.ey.gov.tw/Page/5A8A0CB5B41DA11E/a18d38d7-890d-49f6-8908-fba9ae601a64

Find Your Next Job in Taiwan:
👉 https://job-list.caiduo.com.tw/