The newly revised Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals will officially take effect on 1 January 2026, marking an important regulatory update aimed at making employment and residency in Taiwan more convenient and better protected for foreign professionals.
The revisions focus on improving talent retention, supporting international graduates, and strengthening labour and social security protections, in line with Taiwan’s broader talent attraction strategy.
Pathways from Study to Work
Under the revised Act:
- International students and overseas compatriot students who graduate from Taiwanese universities may now work in Taiwan for up to two years without requiring a work permit.
- The amendments also ease employment restrictions for graduates of leading overseas universities, allowing greater flexibility for employers in hiring qualified foreign professionals.
These changes are designed to facilitate a smoother transition from study to employment and reduce administrative barriers for both graduates and employers.
Fast-Track Options for Permanent Residence (APRC)
The revised Act introduces more flexible arrangements for permanent residence applications:
- International students and overseas compatriot students graduating from Taiwanese universities may shorten their required period of stay by 1 to 3 years when applying for permanent residence.
- High-level foreign professionals who meet the relevant criteria may choose to apply for permanent residence after one year of residence in Taiwan.
These measures aim to provide clearer and more predictable long-term residency pathways for eligible foreign professionals.
Enhanced Social Security Coverage
The amendments also strengthen labour protection and social security participation:
- Foreign professionals may now join the labour pension system without first obtaining permanent residence, allowing earlier participation in pension coverage.
- Foreign professionals who hold permanent residence (APRC) are now eligible to participate in employment insurance.
This alignment enhances workforce protection and supports longer-term employment stability in Taiwan.
Conclusion
With the revised Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals coming into force on 1 January 2026, Taiwan continues to refine its legal framework to better support foreign professionals, international graduates, and employers.
By improving pathways from study to work, offering more flexible permanent residence options, and expanding access to social security systems, the amendments reinforce Taiwan’s commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable talent environment.
_
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on the official announcement from the Taiwanese government regarding the revised Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or employment advice. Employers and foreign professionals should consult relevant authorities or legal advisors for guidance specific to their circumstances.
Source: https://foreigntalentact.ndc.gov.tw/foreigntalentact_en/nc_11383_39647?utm
––-
Stay compliant and prepared for 2026 with Link Compliance.
Email: info@linkcompliance.com
––-
Singapore | Malaysia | Indonesia | USA | Japan | China (Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Taiwan) | Vietnam | Germany | Turkey | Philippines | United Kingdom | Spain | Australia | Romania | Sri Lanka