(FWA 2026/3/30)Taiwan launched the “long-term retention of migrant workers program” in 2022, allowing senior migrant workers to transition into “intermediate skilled workers” without work year limits. From January 1, 2026, the ministry of labor has renamed this category to “foreign skilled workers”. Because the salary for foreign skilled workers in Taiwan goes up in 2026, minimum salary thresholds have increased across all sectors, and the new rules also allow for 100% retention in manufacturing. The following is a summary of information we provide for frequently asked questions.

● Have salary thresholds for foreign skilled workers (formerly intermediate skilled workers) increased this year? By how much?

Yes, they have increased by NT$2,000 across the board. Starting January 1, 2026, the minimum monthly regular salary thresholds are:

  • Industrial sector: NT$35,000 (with technical skills) / NT$37,000 (without technical skills).

  • Live-in caregiving skilled work: NT$26,000 (with technical skills) / NT$28,000 (without technical skills).

  • Institutional caregiving skilled work: NT$31,000 (technical skills are mandatory; salary increases cannot waive this requirement).

● I am already an intermediate skilled worker (caregiver). Why hasn’t my employer given me a raise yet?

This depends on your contract status and identity:

  • Current contract not expired: If you have already obtained an employment permit, the original salary can be maintained during the contract’s validity.

  • Pending applications: If the application date was before January 1, 2026, it will still be reviewed under the old salary standards.

  • Institutional caregiving exception: Even if the contract has not expired, the salary for institutional caregivers must not be lower than the 2026 statutory minimum wage of NT$29,500.

● If my current contract expires, must the employer increase the salary for the next contract?

Yes. If an employer submits an application for an “extension of employment permit” (renewal) on or after January 1, 2026, they must comply with the new adjusted salary thresholds.

● My friends work in factories. Does their boss also need to raise their salary?

Yes. The rules are the same as above. When a “foreign skilled worker” in a factory renews their contract, the salary must be adjusted to at least NT$35,000.

● What other regulations have changed besides the salary increase?

  • Health exam relaxation: After 3 years in Taiwan, exams are only required at the time of permit application (though live-in caregivers still require a check-up every 3 years).

● Can domestic helpers become foreign skilled workers (intermediate skilled workers)?

Currently, no. According to current regulations, the categories eligible for foreign skilled workers do not include domestic helpers.