Living in Taiwan: The Guide to a smooth relocation 

Taiwan combines some of the things expats often struggle to find in one destination: modern infrastructure, excellent public transport, high-quality healthcare, lively cities and easy access to mountains and beaches. Add one of Asia’s most famous food cultures to all of that, and it becomes an appealing option for professionals, families and long-term foreign residents. 

Taipei attracts the largest international community and offers the widest choice of jobs, international schools and English-speaking services. But it is far from the only option. Taichung provides a more relaxed alternative in central Taiwan, while Kaohsiung combines big-city infrastructure with warmer weather and generally lower housing costs. Smaller cities such as Tainan appeal to people looking for a more traditional atmosphere. 

Taiwan nevertheless requires some adjustment. Mandarin Chinese makes everyday life considerably easier, summers are hot and humid, typhoons and earthquakes are part of life, and Taipei housing can be expensive. Immigration rules also depend heavily on why you are moving. 

For expats who prepare properly, however, Taiwan offers an unusually convenient and comfortable base in East Asia. 

The pros and cons of living in Taiwan 

Pros

• Public transport is excellent, particularly in Taipei. The MRT, buses and national rail network make living without a car realistic in many urban areas. 
• Healthcare is a major advantage. Taiwan operates a comprehensive National Health Insurance system, and eligible foreign residents can enrol. Foreign employees with a qualifying residence document are generally enrolled from their first day of employment. 
• Everyday food and transport remain relatively affordable. In Taipei, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant currently averages around NT$160, despite the capital being Taiwan’s most expensive city.  
• Taiwan offers easy access to nature. Hiking, cycling, surfing, hot springs and mountain trips are possible within surprisingly short distances of the major cities. 

Cons 

• The language barrier is real. English is common in some professional environments and international businesses, but Mandarin becomes increasingly useful when dealing with landlords, local shops, government offices and healthcare providers. 
• Taipei housing can be expensive. Modern apartments in desirable central neighbourhoods command a significant premium. 
• The climate takes some adjustment. Summers are extremely humid, and Taiwan is regularly affected by typhoons. 
• Earthquakes are part of everyday risk. Taiwan sits in a seismically active region, so newcomers should familiarise themselves with basic earthquake procedures. 

Administrative procedures when moving to Taiwan 

The process for moving to Taiwan depends primarily on your reason for residence. 

Foreign nationals relocating for employment will commonly enter through an employer-sponsored route. The employer generally obtains the necessary work authorisation, after which the employee completes the appropriate visa and residence procedures. 

Foreign nationals who enter Taiwan with a residence visa must normally apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) within 30 days from the day following entry. The ARC becomes one of the most important documents for everyday life in Taiwan. 

Taiwan has made a particular effort to attract international professionals. Changes effective from January 2026 expanded employment flexibility for foreign graduates and professionals and introduced additional routes towards longer-term residence. 

One particularly useful route for qualifying professionals is the Taiwan Employment Gold Card. 

Getting your ARC and Employment Gold Card 

For many foreign residents, the ARC is the practical key to living in Taiwan. It serves as evidence of legal residence and is frequently needed when dealing with banks, employers, mobile-phone companies and other services. 

The Employment Gold Card provides another option for highly qualified foreign professionals. It combines an open work permit, residence permit and visa, meaning holders are not tied to one sponsoring employer. 

Applicants qualify through designated professional fields and must provide evidence demonstrating that they meet the relevant criteria. These include areas such as science and technology, economics, education, culture and arts, sport, finance, law and architecture. 

Some categories allow applicants to qualify on previous earnings. Where the salary criterion applies, the official Gold Card guidance currently uses an average monthly salary of NT$160,000 (4400 €) before tax and requires documentary proof.  

Applications are made online. 

For a standard ARC, current government fees range from NT$1,000 (28 €) for one year to NT$5,000 (140 €) for five years, depending on the period of validity.  

Finding accommodation in Taiwan 

Most expats rent when they first arrive. The rental market varies considerably between Taipei and the rest of Taiwan. 

Popular places to live include: 

Taipei 

Taipei is the obvious choice for expats who want the largest international community, excellent transport, nightlife, international schools and the widest range of professional opportunities. 

Popular neighbourhoods include Da’an, Xinyi, Zhongshan and Songshan. They provide convenient access to restaurants, offices and MRT stations but are also among the more expensive parts of the city. 

New Taipei City 

New Taipei surrounds Taipei and can provide better value while retaining excellent access to the capital. MRT-connected districts are particularly practical for commuters. 

Taichung 

Taichung offers a somewhat slower lifestyle, more space and generally lower housing costs. It has a significant foreign community and has become increasingly popular with families and professionals who do not need to live in Taipei. 

Kaohsiung 

Taiwan’s major southern city offers modern infrastructure, an MRT system, waterfront districts and considerably warmer weather. Housing generally costs less than in Taipei. 

Tainan 

Tainan is famous for its temples, traditional streets and food culture. It offers a more local Taiwanese experience and lower living costs, although the international job market and international-school selection are smaller. 

Approximate monthly rents: 

Property type	Taipei	Taiwan average
1-bedroom, city centre	NT$24,000 (700 €)	NT$16,000 (440 €)
1-bedroom, outside centre	NT$16,500 (455 €)	NT$10,400 (285 €)
3-bedroom, city centre	NT$49,400 (1370 €)	NT$34,600 (950 €)
3-bedroom, outside centre	NT$29,700 (815 €)	NT$24,200 (665 €)

These are crowdsourced averages and actual prices vary considerably according to neighbourhood, building age and quality.  

New arrivals should also check what is included in the rent. Older Taiwanese apartments can look very different from international-standard accommodation, while newer buildings with security, lifts and modern facilities command higher prices. 

The cost of living in Taiwan 

Taiwan offers an interesting balance. Some aspects of daily life remain inexpensive, while housing, imported products and international education can push an expat family’s budget considerably higher. 

Taipei is the country’s most expensive city. Taichung and Kaohsiung are generally cheaper, particularly when it comes to accommodation. 

Typical Taipei costs include: 

• Inexpensive restaurant meal: around NT$160 (4,40 €) 
• Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: around NT$1,500 (41 €) 
• Cappuccino: around NT$113 (3,10 €) 
• 1-bedroom central apartment: around NT$24,000 (700 €) per month 
• 3-bedroom central apartment: around NT$49,400 (1370 €) per month 

Local food is one area where Taiwan can be particularly good value. Night markets, noodle shops, dumpling restaurants and neighbourhood eateries make eating outside the home affordable compared with many Western countries. 

Imported groceries and Western brands are another story. Families who want to reproduce a European or North American lifestyle exactly may spend considerably more. 

Getting around in Taiwan 

Family life and education in Taiwan 

Taiwan can be an attractive destination for families. Public transport is convenient, healthcare is accessible and children have easy access to parks, mountains, cycling routes and other activities. 

The main decision for expat parents is schooling. 

Taiwan has local public and private schools, bilingual programmes and a number of international schools. The largest selection is concentrated in and around Taipei. 

Options include schools following American, European and other international curricula. International education can, however, become one of the largest expenses in an expat family’s budget. 

Current some figures put average international primary-school tuition in Taipei at approximately NT$531,000 (14,600 €) per year, with reported fees ranging from around NT$400,000 (11,000 €) to NT$980,000 (27,000 €) depending on the school. 

Families should also check admission requirements carefully. Some international schools have nationality or passport-related admission rules and places at popular schools can be limited. 

For families willing to use Taiwan’s local education system, costs can be much lower and children gain considerably greater exposure to Mandarin. 

Working in Taiwan 

Taiwan has a highly developed economy with particular strengths in technology and advanced manufacturing. 

Common sectors for international professionals include: 

• Semiconductors 
• Information technology 
• Engineering 
• Electronics 
• Finance 
• Education 
• Research 
• International trade 
• Renewable energy 
• Professional services 

Taiwan’s semiconductor and technology industries are particularly important internationally, creating opportunities for highly qualified engineers, researchers and technology professionals. 

English teaching also remains a familiar route for foreign residents, although employment requirements depend on the type of school and position. 

Most foreign nationals taking conventional employment require appropriate work authorisation. The Gold Card provides more flexibility for qualifying professionals because its open work permit allows the holder to change employers or work independently without obtaining a new employer-sponsored permit. 

Changes introduced in 2026 have also made Taiwan more accessible to certain international graduates and professionals. Graduates from the world’s top 1,500 universities can now be exempt from the usual two-year work-experience requirement, while graduates from top-200 universities can qualify for an individual work permit under certain conditions. 

Taxation for expats 

Tax residency in Taiwan depends largely on how much time you spend in the country. 

A foreign national who spends 183 days or more in Taiwan during a calendar year is generally treated as a resident for individual income-tax purposes. Residents are subject to Taiwan’s progressive income-tax rates. 

For 2026, the rates on net taxable income are: 

• Up to NT$610,000 (16.760 €): 5% 
• NT$610,001 –1,380,000 (38,000 €): 12% 
• NT$1,380,001 –2,770,000 (76.120 €): 20% 
• NT$2,770,001–5,190,000 (142.600 €): 30% 
• Above NT$5,190,000 (142.600): 40% 

Tax liability for overseas income and investments can be more complicated. Expats with income from several countries, international investments or business interests should therefore seek professional tax advice. 

This is particularly important during the first year of relocation, when immigration residence and tax residence may not begin on the same date. 

Healthcare in Taiwan 

Healthcare is one of Taiwan’s strongest advantages for expats. 

Taiwan operates a compulsory National Health Insurance (NHI) system covering a broad range of medical services. Eligible foreign residents can participate alongside Taiwanese citizens. 

The timing depends on your situation. Foreign residents employed by a qualifying employer should be enrolled in NHI from their first day of employment. Residents who are not employed generally become eligible after living in Taiwan for six continuous months, subject to rules covering periods spent outside the country.  

Once enrolled, patients can access an extensive network of clinics and hospitals. Taiwan is particularly convenient in that specialist care is widely available in the major cities, and medical costs are generally far below those encountered in countries such as the United States. 

For expats, however, NHI and international health insurance serve different purposes. 

New residents may have a period before they qualify for NHI. Private international insurance can provide cover during this gap. Internationally mobile residents may also want access to private treatment, healthcare elsewhere in Asia or treatment in their home country rather than limiting their options to Taiwan. 

A strong international policy such as offered by Global Health can complement local healthcare by providing wider geographical coverage, access to private care and options for treatment abroad, depending on the plan selected. 

This is particularly relevant for expats who travel frequently, families who may relocate again and professionals whose lives span several countries. Taiwan’s local healthcare system is excellent, but international cover can ensure that healthcare protection moves with you rather than ending at the border. 

Is Taiwan right for you? 

Taiwan can be an excellent choice for expats looking for the convenience of a highly developed Asian economy without some of the costs associated with destinations such as Singapore or Hong Kong. 

It is particularly attractive for technology professionals, teachers, international families and skilled professionals who qualify for the Employment Gold Card. Taipei provides the easiest landing point, with the broadest job market and international infrastructure. Taichung and Kaohsiung offer alternatives for people who prefer more space, warmer weather or lower housing costs. 

There are compromises. Mandarin becomes increasingly valuable the longer you stay, Taipei housing is not particularly cheap and the humid climate will not suit everyone. Families choosing international education also need a considerably larger budget than headline cost-of-living figures might suggest. 

The practical foundations are nevertheless strong. Public transport is excellent, everyday food can be inexpensive and Taiwan’s healthcare system is a significant advantage. Choose your city carefully, establish the correct residence status, budget realistically for housing and schooling and decide how you want to combine Taiwan’s NHI with international healthcare cover. With those pieces in place, Taiwan can offer a remarkably comfortable long-term home in East Asia.