Taiwan plans ‘global elite card’ to attract top talent
TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN—The Taiwanese government is set to introduce a ‘global elite card’ to attract highly skilled foreign professionals.
The National Development Council (NDC) announced that this program is intended to grant permanent residency within one year, offering further incentives to address the country’s growing talent shortage.
Eligibility and benefits
The proposed ‘global elite card’ will allow foreign professionals earning an annual salary of over TWD 6 million (approximately US$187,612) to apply for permanent residence within just one year.
According to NDC deputy head Kao Shien-quey, the cardholders will enjoy several benefits, including work permits for their spouses and unrestricted stays for dependent relatives.
The government’s proposal also includes one-year work permits for graduates from top universities and for “overseas Chinese students” who recently graduated in Taiwan, enabling them to seek employment opportunities locally. The term “overseas” refers to regions outside of China, Macao, and Hong Kong.
Kao explained that this initiative builds upon the success of the employment gold card program launched six years ago. While the gold card has been effective, the new ‘global elite card’ aims to cast an even wider net for high-level professionals.
Currently, the employment gold card serves as an open work permit for foreign professionals to stay and work in Taiwan for up to three years. This covers those who earned more than NT$160,000 (US$5,001) per month in their previous job or who have a proven track record in their respective fields.
Addressing the talent shortage
Taiwan’s proactive approach comes in response to projections of a significant talent shortage.
Kao revealed that by 2028, the country could face a shortfall of approximately 350,000 skilled workers. To combat this, the government has set a target of attracting 200,000 highly skilled and mid-level skilled workers to Taiwan by the same year.
The NDC is working to finalize the proposal and submit it to the Legislature for approval in the near future.
