I have been thinking about moving to Taiwan for a long time and last year I applied for a Gold Card, but failed:
“Your skills are valuable, but they are not exceptional” was the reply I got.
I work as an IT freelancer for international corporations and since Corona I do it mostly over the Internet. Since last spring I had a reasonable good run at profitable projects and now I could invest some money to set myself up a small business “out o’pocket” on the island.
But I’m not a millionaire (yet). So my question is: Is there an avenue for me to reside legally in Taiwan, if I have funds to support myself for quite some time and work as an IT consultant for non-Taiwanese companies?
To get residency in your case you are looking for a work visa. Find a company that want to hire you and will apply for a work permit.
Also Gold Card has many categories. You can contact their help desk office and maybe they can help you find a category that will apply to your situation.
I would recommend double-checking the requirements again:
It could be that you simply applied under the wrong category. Usually, they will tell you that - I’ve never heard about receiving the line you received. Maybe send a message to the Gold Card Office (they’re always helpful, but their influence on the decision process of the ministries also seems to be limited)?
For IT-stuff, usually the new Digital Category should be the right one with the following requirements (you only need to meet ONE):
Those who have at least eight years of relevant professional experience in the digital economy-related industries or fields.
Previously or currently holding a position in a digital economy-related industry or field in another country or in Taiwan with a most recent monthly salary of at least NT$160,000.
The person has graduated with a doctorate from one of the top 500 universities listed in the most recent QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, or U.S. News & World Report Rankings.
Those with expertise in the products or services required in the digital economy-related industries or fields, have obtained a doctoral degree in related fields at a domestic or foreign university, and have either receive domestic or foreign awards recognized by the Ministry of Digital Affairs, or have more than four years of work experience in related fields.
If you want to go that path, you can also start a company in Taiwan and issue yourself an ARC. I am not entirely sure if that works without you already being in Taiwan - maybe @Marco can help.
Sorry, but I was at this for weeks. At times even calling the ministry directly (from Germany). I supplied them with a whole batch of written top notch recommendations from major international corporations.
I don’t want to accuse anyone of anything, but I did supply my profile pic and I am a person of color.
Even at that time I was under contract, making almost 5 figures a month. So, their reply really astonished me, given that I had already figured out where to stay, rental prices and so on.
Life is what it is. So, now I’m trying to see if I can get in via my savings account (if not my skill set).
If you can help me figure out an avenue how I can obtain legal status in Taiwan (I am nut currently residing on the island), then I would truly appreciate it.
I found a place to stay, I got some sizeable amount of savings (should last me for at least 3 years) and I am still under contract by a major organization (Internet work).
I have no criminal record, am fluent in two languages, not so fluent in three others and can learn new ones very quickly.
The process is you call the CPA. This is what I did to open my business in Taiwan. He takes care of the process. If you have $500000 or equivalent in foreign currency. Then he will take care of it.
So, just to get that straight (got to ask this question, because its totally different in other countries):
If I task that CPA with opening up/registering a small business for me in Taiwan, (s)he’ll also secure immigration papers for me?
So, I give her my info, make an investment and (s)he will take care of the rest?
The Entrepreneur Visa for Taiwan is issued for a maximum of 2 years, and it is suitable for those who plan to launch a business in Taiwan. You do not need to start your own company before entering Taiwan. You can extend your stay without a departure. The advantage also includes the availability of a group application, with applicants being eligible to apply for a Youth Business Start-up Loan. Talent Taiwan
You can apply online from overseas. The typical route for most applicants is to apply via being enrolled in an incubator.
Likely beyond your timeline but there is also a 1 year Digital Nomad Visa in the works, but that could be some time yet before it’s available (the law amendments still need to be approved).
Mr. Marco suggested - if I understood him right - that I could hire a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) to set up said business for me and also apply for my residency papers.
Do you agree that this approach is feasible?
