Taiwan

Before you apply

• THE SALARY IS OPTIONAL. NT$160,000/month is only ONE of several qualification routes. The official Gold Card site says plainly: 'none of the categories other than the dedicated salary category have financial requirements — if you have skills, please consider applying regardless of salary'. You can qualify on 8+ years of experience, a doctorate from a top-500 university, awards, patents or senior positions instead.
• It is a 4-in-1 card: work permit + resident visa + ARC + re-entry permit — with NO employer sponsorship. You can be employed, self-employed, freelance, or start a company.
• The 2026 reforms (in force 1 January) shortened permanent residence to 3 years, let spouses apply directly for an OPEN work permit, and let visa-exempt visitors apply for the ARC without a separate resident visa first.
• Tax: 50% exemption on salary above NT$3 million. But you must actually spend 183+ days a year in Taiwan to keep both the status and the tax break.
• You get access to Taiwan's National Health Insurance.