Everything About Job Seeker Visa of Taiwan

Taiwan is a highly developed market economy. Overseas professionals can apply for an employment-seeking visa for Taiwan (Republic of China) at an overseas mission if they want to work in Taiwan. The three-month multiple-entry visa for work grants an overseas jobseeker to stay in Taiwan for up to six months. It is valid for three months at first, and it can be extended later. 

Understanding the Concept of Job Seeker Visa in Taiwan

A Job seeker or work visa for Taiwan is to lure foreign talent to work in the nation for a specified period. By 2030, Taiwan’s government hopes to hire up to four hundred thousand foreign employees. It has also acknowledged that it will be in a talent competition with other important players in the region, such as Singapore, China, and Hong Kong. 

With an objective to recruit twenty thousand "special professionals" to work in particular technical fields, such as blockchain, semiconductors, renewable energy, and banking, Taiwan plans to attract foreign workers to contribute to its economy. 

Eligibility Criteria for Taiwan’s Job Seeker Visa

Anyone who satisfies one of the following requirements is qualified to apply for an employment-seeking visa abroad. 

1. Employment experience with a minimum average monthly wage or compensation of forty-seven thousand nine hundred and seventy-one New Taiwan Dollars (N.T.D.) during the previous six months. 
2. The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs should deem the applicant otherwise eligible following discussions with the central competent authority.
3. Graduated within the past year from any of the top universities in the world as identified by the Republic of China’s Ministry of Education. Applicants should not yet be employed if they are seeking a job-seeking visa for Taiwan. 

Application Process for the Job Seeker Visa

Travelers need to submit a signed and completed "R.O.C. Job Seeker Visa" application form. They need to submit the job seeker visa application for Taiwan in any of its Overseas missions. In some cases, an interview may also be required. Applicants can submit an application for an Employment-seeking visa at the Republic of China (Taiwan) embassy, consulate, or representative office, with the exception of nationals of a few nations. However, it is advised that applicants file applications in the nations where they live or work in order to speed up the evaluation process. 

Required Documents for Taiwan’s Job Seeker Visa

The following documents are required for Taiwan’s Job Seeker visa: 

1. A passport with a validity of at least six months and a few blank pages is required. A photocopy of the passport must also be attached. Temporary and emergency passports are excluded from the list of requirements. 
2. Applicants with work experience will need to submit proof of average monthly remuneration or salary over the past six months. 
3. Evidence of the highest education attained by them. 
4. A job experience certificate 
5. Financial Proof of sufficient funds, such as one hundred thousand New Taiwan Dollars or equivalent. 
6. Good conduct certificate. 
7. Health Certificate. 
8. Insurance proof with full hospitalization coverage for the entire stay in Taiwan (R.O.C.) 
9. Other supporting documents (if required) 

Understanding the Interview Process for the Work Visa for Taiwan

For the processing of the work visa of Taiwan, the diplomatic mission staff may also request an interview if they deem it necessary. If they believe the application needs additional scrutiny, they will forward it to the Taiwanese Bureau of Consular Affairs (B.O.C.). It will advise them on their next course of action. 

Processing Time for Job Seeker Visa

The processing time for Taiwan’s Job seeker visa is two to three weeks, provided all documents are submitted in time. In some cases, it may also take thirty working days. 

Duration and Validity of the Job Seeker Visa

The validity of Taiwan’s employment-seeking visa ( if it is a multiple entry visa) is three months, and it allows job seekers to stay in Taiwan for up to six months. 

Rights and Restrictions Under the Job Seeker Visa

The two acts that govern the rights and restrictions on foreign workers seeking Job Seeker visas in Taiwan are: 

The Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals

The Act is designed to create a welcoming atmosphere that entices foreign professionals to relocate and work in Taiwan, fostering industrial growth and transformation and boosting Taiwan’s global competitiveness. The key measures proposed under the Act are as follows: 

Easing of regulations regarding work, visa, and residence: 

The Act allows foreign professionals to apply for the "Employment Gold Card," simplifying the job transition or job search process. It also extends the work permits from three to five years. The Act permits foreign freelance artists (digital nomads) to acquire work permits without employer sponsorship. Taiwanese cram schools can recruit foreign teachers with specific expertise or professional skills. Foreign professionals seeking jobs in Taiwan can apply for employment-seeking visas.The Act abolishes the requirement for a minimum stay of 183 days per year to maintain permanent residency.

Relaxation of Rules Related to the Stay or Residence of Spouses, Children, and Parents: 

The Act eases the conditions for minor children, disabled adult children, and spouses of permanent resident foreign professionals to apply for permanent residency. When older foreign professionals apply for permanent residence in Taiwan, their spouses, minor children, or disabled adult children can apply at the same time. The Act to govern employment in Taiwan also relaxes the requirements for adult children of foreign professionals to apply for work permits without needing an employer’s sponsorship. Visitor visas for the direct ascendants of foreign professionals have been extended to allow stays of up to one year at a time.

Offering Benefits related to Retirement, Insurance, and Tax: 

Foreign professionals who receive approval for permanent residence are included in the Labor Pension Act’s retirement pension system. Foreign professionals who work full-time as qualified paid teachers in a Taiwanese public school can choose between a lump-sum pension payment or a monthly pension. The work visa Employment Act for Taiwan removes the requirement of a six-month stay in Taiwan for minor children, disabled adult children, and spouses of foreign professionals to be covered under National Health Insurance. The Act provides that foreign professionals earning over three million N.T.D. per year are eligible to deduct half their salary for tax purposes for the first three years. 

The Employment Service Act

Before the amendments, Article fifty-two of the Act necessitated that a foreign worker, after a three-year employment stint in Taiwan, must exit the country for at least a day. To return to Taiwan for further employment, the worker was also obliged to pay a labor broker’s fee. However, the revised Act now allows employers to directly renew employment contracts. This modification helps in decreasing potential disruptions in labor supply and training costs. It has also enhanced the flexibility in workforce management. 

The amended Act that governs work visa holders in Taiwan enables such foreign workers to request leave to visit their home countries from their employers during their employment contract term. Legally, the employer cannot decline this application. An employer who refuses such a request and does not amend the situation within a stipulated timeframe will face a fine ranging from sixty thousand N.T.D. to three hundred thousand N.T.D. Even their ability to recruit and employ foreign labor will be rescinded. 

The Labor Standards Act and the provisions in the labor contract allow an overseas worker’s right to take leave to visit family in their native country can be classified either as their special leave for the year or as personal leave for a trip back home. 

Such acts govern the rights of foreign workers in Taiwan. Today, the procedures for renewing labor contracts reduce labor absences due to previous mandates. It facilitates more flexible workforce deployment and lowers the financial burden imposed on workers by foreign brokers. 

Taiwan’s Gold Card

Foreign skilled workers or experts can apply for a four-in-one employment gold card at the National Immigration Agency. It contains a work permit for Taiwan, a resident visa, an alien resident certificate (A.R.C.), and a re-entry permit if they intend to work in Taiwan. For one to three years, the Employment Gold Card of Taiwan remains valid. For a maximum of three years each time, holders of the Employment Gold Card who meet specific requirements may apply for an extension within four months of the card’s expiration date. 

Converting Job Seeker Visa to Work Permit in Taiwan

Even while the Taiwan work permit and work visa allow overseas workers to enter the country and work, they are not permitted to stay in Taiwan for more than ninety days without a valid resident permit. An Alien Resident Certificate (A.R.C.), often known as a resident permit for Taiwan, is required and can be obtained from a regional service center of the Taiwanese National Immigration Agency. It can be renewed and can be granted for one, two, or three years. A work visa is one of the type of Taiwan resident visas provided for extended stays. There are two ways to apply for a Taiwanese work visa: 

1. At a Taiwanese Embassy, Consulate, or similar facility abroad. 
2. At any of the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ offices (B.O.C.) in Taiwan 

Common Challenges in the Application Process

The common challenges faced by applicants are that they must meet all the requirements to qualify for a Taiwanese work visa. To apply for a Taiwan work visa, they must have a job offer and an employment contract with a Taiwanese company. They should also meet the salary criteria to be considered for jobs in Taiwan. Additionally, the numbers listed on the official website to connect with government authorities to clarify doubts rarely work. Many applicants find the immigration process challenging. It is advised to contact the Taiwanese Overseas Mission to learn more about the work visa application process for Taiwan. 

Tips and Advice for Successful Job Seeking in Taiwan

In Taiwan, getting a job takes longer than anticipated. Individuals trying to obtain a Taiwan work visa are advised to plan their stay during this period. They might consider interning at a Taiwanese firm, working part-time, and volunteering. The job search may be greatly hampered by challenging factors such as: 

1. a small number of jobs in each industry of Taiwan 
2. a large number of international applicants vying for those openings 
3. erratic hiring procedures and timelines.

The most crucial thing anyone can do to find work in Taiwan is networking. It holds not only for the initial position but also for future employment prospects in Taiwan, including freelancing work. While it is possible to find employment with little networking, it is recommended that applicants take advantage of every opportunity to grow their professional network in Taiwan. Job offers and business collaborations can materialize out of the blue. Overseas workers should keep in touch with anyone they meet at a public place who seems interested in changing careers.

Renewal and Extension of the Job Seeker Visa

As per the stipulations of Article Eight of the Regulations on the Permission and Administration of the Employment of Foreign Workers in Taiwan, it is mandated that the employer must submit an application for renewal within four months before the original employment permit expires.

It falls on the employers to manage the time required to apply and issue these employment permits in order to prevent any unlawful employment that might arise due to insufficient time for extending employment. However, workers whose employment permit duration is less than six months can only apply for renewal after more than two-thirds of their employment permit period has elapsed. 

Dealing with Rejection: What to Do If the Job Seeker Visa is Denied

The consular officers of TECO assess each work visa application for Taiwan before approving or rejecting it. In some situations, the office reserves the authority to reject a job seeker’s visa application. Visa application rejection grounds are entirely confidential, and TECO maintains the right to withhold them from applicants. If applicants decide to reapply, it is strongly suggested to do so after two to three months. If applicants can demonstrate material differences from the prior application, they can reapply for a Taiwanese work visa. It is strongly advised that interested applicants provide solid documentation evidence to back up their work visa reapplication. 

Final Steps: Transitioning from a Job Seeker to an Employee in Taiwan

The transition from a Job seeker in Taiwan to an employee can be easy or complex depending on an individual’s background. Prospective employees may experience culture shock as the Taiwanese have a non-confrontational work culture.

People in Taiwan do not like to argue, criticize or confront, so professionals should keep that in mind. Expats working in Taiwan have opined that overseas employees should be well-liked by their Taiwanese bosses and colleagues to advance their careers. It is not advised to change jobs frequently as Taiwan only offers a few job opportunities. Overall, employees should be good at their jobs and improve their Chinese language levels with time. 

Conclusion

To summarize, working in Taiwan can be a great option for expats and digital nomads. However, not everyone can leave for Taiwan hoping to find employment. Only a few types of workers are eligible to receive Taiwan work visas from the Taiwanese government. Furthermore, they need a job offer in Taiwan before they can apply for a Taiwan work visa. Overall, working in Taiwan can be an enriching experience.