Taiwan's Employment Gold Card: A Magnet for Global Talent Surpasses 13,000 Issued

Attracting International Professionals: Taiwan's Gold Card Program Sees Continued Success

Taipei, Taiwan – The National Development Council (NDC) has announced that Taiwan's Employment Gold Card program has issued over 13,000 cards since its inception in 2018. This initiative continues to attract skilled professionals from around the globe, fostering a diverse and dynamic international community within Taiwan.

The Employment Gold Card is designed to streamline the process for highly skilled individuals seeking to live and work in Taiwan. It combines a work permit, resident visa, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and re-entry permit into a single, convenient document, making it easier for professionals in sectors like technology, finance, education, culture, and sports to establish themselves in Taiwan.

The program gained significant traction in 2020, with Taiwan's effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic stability making it a highly desirable destination for international talent. Issuance numbers saw a considerable increase, rising to nearly 2,000 cards in 2021, up from 546 in 2019, as shown by the NDC data.

By 2024, the program had issued over 10,000 cards, and by April 2025, the total had reached 13,191. This reflects a sustained interest from international professionals looking for long-term career opportunities and residency in Taiwan.

The United States leads the list of applicants, accounting for 25 percent of all Gold Card holders. Hong Kong follows in second place, and Japan has secured the third spot since 2022.

India has also seen a marked increase in applications, now ranking fourth. The NDC attributes this growth to India's robust technology sector, as well as Taiwan's active recruitment efforts, including digital outreach and in-person events in cities such as Bangalore.

Furthermore, the program attracts a growing number of cardholders from countries such as Pakistan, Latvia, Egypt, Iran, and Russia. Many of these individuals hold PhDs and work in research, defense technology, or education.

The program has also attracted high-profile individuals, including former NBA star Dwight Howard, who qualified under the sports category, and South Korean cheerleader and cultural ambassador Lee Dahye, who was recommended by Taiwan's Ministry of Culture for her role in promoting cultural exchange between Taiwan and South Korea.