(FWA 2025/12/26)To attract more international talent to develop their careers in Taiwan, the government continues to promote the “Employment Gold Card” system. This special card allows qualified expats to simultaneously obtain four key legal documents: a Work Permit, Resident Visa, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and Re-entry Permit. Recent government reminders emphasize that when applying for Taiwan’s Employment Gold Card, foreign nationals must strictly follow regulations and apply personally through the official website. Applicants are strongly advised not to commission unaccredited agencies or unidentified persons to handle the application, as falsified documents or procedural errors could lead to legal violations and adversely affect their rights.
Expanded Opportunities: 12 Key Fields
The Employment Gold Card is specifically designed for “Foreign Special Professionals.” Following recent legal amendments to the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals, the scope of eligibility has been expanded. It now covers 12 major fields: Science & Technology, Digital, Economy, Education, Culture & Arts, Sports, Finance, Law, Architectural Design, National Defense, Environment, and Biotechnology.
Applicants must possess special expertise in these fields as announced by the central competent authorities. Detailed qualifications and application steps can be found on the National Immigration Agency’s “Foreign Professionals Online Application Platform” (https://coa.immigration.gov.tw/coa-frontend/four-in-one/entry/golden-card#INFO) or the National Development Council’s “Taiwan Employment Gold Card Office” website (https://goldcard.nat.gov.tw/zh/).
Open Work Permit and Flexibility
Unlike standard work permits which are tied to a specific employer, the Employment Gold Card offers significant flexibility. It serves as an open personal work permit. This means cardholders can freely switch jobs or engage in professional work without requiring a new employer to apply for a separate permit.
However, government agencies note that while cardholders can engage in work defined under Article 46, Paragraph 1, Subparagraphs 1 through 6 of the Employment Service Act, their activities must align with their professional expertise. Engaging in unauthorized temporary work or activities inconsistent with the permitted purpose remains a violation of the law.
Strict Penalties for Fraud
Authorities warn that if an applicant provides false information, assumes a false identity, or engages in unapproved work, the Gold Card will be revoked. Under the Immigration Act and the Employment Service Act, violators face fines, revocation of work permits, and potential deportation. Additionally, employers who illegally hire individuals without valid permits violate the Employment Service Act and are subject to fines ranging from NT$150,000 to NT$750,000.
Renewal and Residency Rights
For those whose cards are nearing expiration, applications for renewal can be made within four months prior to the expiry date. If a cardholder has not yet found a new job upon expiration, they may apply for a 6-month extension of residency for job-seeking purposes. Furthermore, the card is tied to the holder’s nationality; if a foreigner changes their nationality, they must re-apply for a new Gold Card, though their accumulated residency period for permanent residency eligibility remains valid.
