Moving to Taiwan on a Gold Card Visa: Process and Timeline

Taiwan has always captivated us with its warm culture, beautiful scenery, and lively cities. But what really caught our attention recently is Taiwan’s Employment Gold Card Visa program. It’s making it easier than ever for people from around the world to live and work here.

For us, the Gold Card Visa provided an ideal opportunity to explore whether Taiwan could be the place we want to call home. This visa not only grants the freedom to live and work in Taiwan without being tied to a specific employer but also offers a pathway to permanent residency after three years. It’s a fantastic option for digital nomads or anyone seeking to experience life in Taiwan on a longer-term basis. With various tracks available, it’s easy to check your eligibility through the online eligibility test.

One of the appealing features of the Gold Card Visa is that it allows you to bring your spouse and children with you, though it’s important to note that dependents aren’t eligible to work. To ensure we both had the flexibility to work freely, we decided to apply individually for the visa. We initiated our applications from Vancouver, Canada, and here’s a snapshot of our journey:

Field of Digital

If you’re a software engineer (or work with software/big tech in general), this is the track you should choose when applying.

Application Submission: March 27, 2024

-> Approved by Immigration: 1 day

-> Approved by Workforce Development Agency: 39 days

-> Approved by Ministry of Foreign Affairs + In-person interview: 32 days

-> IC Card Issued & Ready for Pickup: 4 days

Total time: 76 days

Landed in Taipei: August 17, 2024

Key Takeaways

Visa Start Date: The visa’s validity begins on the approval date (June 7, 2024), not when you arrive in Taiwan. This is crucial if you plan to convert to permanent residency after three years. To qualify, you must stay an average of 183 days per year. Ensure you meet this requirement before the visa’s expiry date, or you may need to extend your Gold Card, meeting the same qualifications as when you first applied.

In-Person Interview: If applying from overseas, you’ll need to attend an in-person interview at your local embassy. Expect simple questions like why you want to move to Taiwan and what you plan to do there. Following the interview, your application will proceed to the next stage.

Pre-Flight Preparation: Before flying to Taiwan, print the Gold Card Confirmation Form in color. You can easily download this form from the application portal. The instructions will be clearly outlined in the email you receive. This printed form will serve as your “temporary Gold Card visa” upon entering Taiwan, which you’ll exchange for the official card once you arrive in the city.