You have 3 options I think:
- Request via Gold Card website to change card pick-up location to Taiwan. I’m guessing this only works if they haven’t mailed the card; I didn’t try (didn’t realize it was an option until recently).
- Email or call the SF TECO and ask them to send the card back to Taiwan. This is free and is what my girlfriend did. Not clear how long it takes.
- Request the card be re-issued on the Gold Card website. Costs NT$500 and is straightforward. This is what I did because I think it’s the fastest and I believe I need the Gold Card to get a local driver’s license. They ask for an “affidavit” without explaining what that means. I submitted a PDF with the text “I have lost my Gold Card and would like to have it replaced.”, my name, the date, and a signature and that seemed to work.
The nice thing is you can initiate the process while in quarantine, no need to wait (like I did) to get out and go to the NIA in person. My girlfriend and I submitted our requests on the same day (6 days ago) so we’ll see which is fastest.
I wish there was a clear process for people who want to do passport inspection abroad but collect the card in Taiwan 