Taiwan offers multiple pathways for foreign nationals to immigrate through investment, tailored to investors from around the world. This article outlines the primary investment immigration routes and highlights the legal requirements and key considerations applicants should be aware of during the process.

Before discussing investment immigration, applicants must first confirm whether they meet Taiwan’s legal definition of “foreign nationals.” This classification excludes individuals from Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China. For those born in Mainland China but holding foreign passports, additional requirements apply. They must prove that they have resided abroad for more than 4 years, with each stay in Mainland China not exceeding 30 days. They must also provide verified documentation proving they do not hold household registration in Mainland China. Otherwise, they do not qualify as foreign nationals and are not eligible for the general investment immigration options outlined here.

Three Investment Immigration Pathways

1. Investment of Over USD 200,000 in a Profit-seeking Enterprise:

Foreign nationals can invest more than USD 200,000 in a Taiwanese business, allowing them to apply for an “Investment Residency” and legally reside in Taiwan. After continuously residing in Taiwan for 5 years and staying over 183 days each year, they become eligible to apply for permanent residency (APRC). Additional documentation, such as proof of financial status and a police clearance certificate, may be required.

2. Investment of NTD 500,000 to Establish a Company and Employing Yourself as a Manager:

Foreign nationals can invest NTD 500,000 to establish a company in Taiwan and appoint themselves as the manager. In this case, they must first obtain a work permit before applying for a “Employment Residency.” Similar to the first pathway, after 5 years of continuous residence (each year exceeding 183 days), they may apply for APRC. If the applicant meets the criteria for “Specific Foreign Professionals”, the required residency period may be reduced to 3 years, provided they have met the 183-day stay requirement. This route allows certain professionals to accelerate the obtention of their APRC.

3. Investment of NTD15 Million or Investment in NTD30 Million in Government Bonds:

This option offers two alternatives:

(1) Invest NTD15 million in a Taiwanese business and create at least 5 local job opportunities for 3 consecutive years, after which the applicant may apply for a Plum Blossom Card (a type of APRC).

(2) Alternatively, invest NTD30 million in central government bonds and hold the investment for 3 years, allowing for Plum Blossom Card application.

Key Advantage: The Plum Blossom Card does not require a minimum number of days of residence, making it ideal for investors who are unable to reside in Taiwan over long periods of time in the beginning of their migration plans.

Risks After Permanent Residency and Naturalization Applications

Once an individual obtains permanent residency, if they fail to meet the requirement of residing in Taiwan for an average of 183 days per year over 5 consecutive years, their permanent residency status may be revoked. Exceptions may be granted for reasons such as overseas study, medical treatment, or other special circumstances with approval from the National Immigration Agency. Therefore, investors must plan their residency carefully to avoid losing their APRC status.

After obtaining permanent residency, foreign nationals may opt to apply for naturalization and become Taiwanese citizens. To qualify, applicants who gained APRC through any of the 3 investment pathways must meet the following criteria:

• Have continuously resided in Taiwan for 5 years, with each year exceeding 183 days;

• Possess legal competence capacity under Taiwanese (18 years old or above) and their home country’s laws;

• Have no bad conduct or criminal records as certified by the Police Clearance Certificate;

• Demonstrate sufficient financial property or professional skills to support themselves or lead a stable life;

• Possess basic proficiency in Mandarin language and understand basic civil rights and obligations;

• Submit proof of renunciation of original nationality after naturalization approval (except for specific cases, such as highly skilled professionals needed by Taiwan or individuals with special merit).

Do Investors Need to Apply for a Work Permit?

Reference:

1. Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area: Article 3
2. Enforcement Rules for the Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Are: Article 7
3. Immigration Act: Article 9, 25 and 33
4. Nationality Act: Article 3 and 9
5. Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals: Article 14
6. Employment Service Act: Article 43
7. National Immigration Agency website information

Related Topics: Work Permit Application Procedures and Fees

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