A Guide to Moving to Taiwan

With its dynamic economy, renowned quality of life, and warm hospitality, Taiwan is attracting an ever-growing number of expatriates. Combining professional opportunities, an efficient healthcare system, and a rich cultural heritage, the island offers a balanced and highly appealing living environment.

This guide takes you step by step through your relocation journey to Southeast Asia: administrative procedures, visa requirements, shipping of personal belongings, settling in, daily life, and integration. Discover everything you need to know to make your move to Taiwan a smooth and successful experience!

What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Taiwan?

Taiwan has become a top choice for expatriates for many reasons. Appreciated for its welcoming culture, high quality of life and strong economy, the island combines modern conveniences with cultural richness, offering a lifestyle that many find both comfortable and inspiring. In addition, Taiwan provides growing career opportunities in sectors like technology, healthcare, and education. Its healthcare system is efficient and affordable, and public transportation makes daily life smooth and convenient. Cities such as Taipei blend urban living with easy access to nature, while the warmth of Taiwanese hospitality helps newcomers feel at home. Safety is another advantage, as Taiwan consistently ranks among the safest countries in Asia.

However, the language barrier is one of the main challenges of moving to Taiwan and can be a challenge make everyday life harder outside major cities. Environmental issues such as air pollution, typhoons, and earthquakes are part of the key disadvantages of this destination. While daily costs remain reasonable, imported goods and international schooling can be expensive.

How to Prepare for Moving to Taiwan?

Before relocating to Taiwan, it is essential to prepare for the administrative procedures that come with expatriation. While these formalities may seem extensive, they are critical to ensuring a secure move and allowing you to fully enjoy your new life in Taiwan.

Apply for A Visa

Securing a visa is the first and most important step for any expatriate planning to reside in Taiwan. Several categories are available to suit different profiles:

• Work Visa – For individuals hired by a local company. Applicants must provide an employment contract and obtain authorization from Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor.
• Student Visa – Available to students admitted to a recognized institution, provided they can demonstrate sufficient financial means to support their stay.
• Resident Visa – Granted for family reunification or certain long-term assignments.
• Business or Investment Visa – Designed for professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to engage in trade or commercial development.
• Working Holiday Visa (WHV) – Open to nationals from partner countries with which Taiwan has signed an agreement. Applicants must be between the age of 18 and 30 and are allowed to stay of up to one year for cultural exchange and travel, with the possibility of temporary work to supplement income.

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the visa category. We strongly recommend starting the process early, as processing times differ by visa type and season.

Get Your Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)

The Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) is a mandatory identification document that allows foreigners to legally reside in Taiwan for more than six months. It is also required for accessing essential services such as opening a bank account, obtaining insurance, or renting housing.

Applications must be submitted to the National Immigration Agency within 15 days of arrival. Required documents include:

• Passport
• Visa
• Recent passport-size photo
• Completed application form
• Supporting documents related to your stay (e.g., work contract, enrollment certificate, or proof of family ties)

Obtain an International Driving Permit

If you plan to drive in Taiwan, you must hold a valid license. 

Initially, travelers and expatriates may use an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), presented together with the national license. This permit is typically valid for up to one year from the date of arrival.

For long-term expatriates, it is advisable to exchange their initial driving license for a Taiwanese one. This procedure is carried out at the local Motor Vehicle Office and generally requires:

• A certified translation of your license
• A local medical certificate
• Passport-size photos

Update Your Status with Your Local Authorities

Moving to Taiwan entails certain administrative obligations with the country you currently live in. Before you leave, you must inform the tax authorities of your change of residence. This will allow them to adjust your situation and avoid double taxation. Depending on your circumstances, you will then be registered with the tax center for non-residents.

In addition, it is advisable to notify social security in order to update your coverage and your rights.

Finally, remember to report your departure to your country’s consulate in Taipei: this will make it easier to manage your administrative affairs abroad and allow you to receive assistance if necessary.

Choose the Right Health Insurance

Taiwan’s healthcare system is renowned for its quality and efficiency. Residents benefit from the National Health Insurance (NHI), a public program that covers most routine medical care, hospitalizations, and prescriptions. However, access to this system is generally limited to holders of a residence visa and requires a minimum period of stay to qualify. For more information on the healthcare system and local coverage, you can consult the official NHI website.

For newcomers, it is strongly recommended to purchase an international private health insurance upon arrival. This coverage will help you manage medical expenses while waiting to join the local system and will also provide extended benefits such as repatriation, access to private healthcare, and hospitalization in international clinics.

Having the right insurance is an essential investment for living in Taiwan with peace of mind and without fear of unexpected medical costs.

Open a Bank Account in Taiwan

As an expatriate, you will also need a local bank account to receive your salary, pay bills, or rent accommodation.

The procedure for opening a bank account in Taiwan varies by institution, but the documents typically required include:

• A valid passport
• A residence visa or Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
• A local address
• An employment or enrollment certificate

Some banks may also require a Taiwanese phone number to complete the process.

It is recommended to choose major local banks, such as Fubon Bank or CTBC Bank, which have experience serving international clients.

What You Should Know Before Moving to Taiwan

Moving to Taiwan goes beyond administrative formalities; it is equally important to understand daily life and local realities. Language, Taiwanese culture, cost of living, the job market, housing, and children’s education are all key factors to consider when planning your move.

A solid understanding of these aspects will not only help you integrate more quickly but also allow you to make the most of your experience living in Taiwan.

What Languages Are Spoken in Taiwan?

The official language in Taiwan is Mandarin, which is used in government, business, and education. Other languages, such as Taiwanese (Hokkien) and Hakka, are commonly spoken in certain regions. English is increasingly used, particularly in major cities and professional environments connected to international business, but it remains limited in daily life.

Learning basic Mandarin is therefore a significant advantage, helping you navigate administrative processes, communicate with locals, and better integrate into the local culture.

What Is the Expat Life Like in Taiwan?

Daily life in Taiwan blends modernity with tradition. The island offers well-developed urban infrastructure, an efficient public transportation system, and one of the highest safety standards in Asia. Taiwanese people are known for their hospitality, which makes it easier for newcomers to adapt.

Local life is enriched by night markets, Buddhist and Taoist temples, and cultural festivals. Leisure activities are abundant, including hiking in the mountains, visiting beaches and museums, and enjoying diverse cuisine. Taiwan provides a vibrant and well-balanced living environment for expatriates.

What is the Cost of Living in Taiwan?

In Taiwan, the local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). As of September 2025, 1€ is approximately 35.53 TWD.

The cost of living in Taiwan is generally more affordable than in France, although it varies depending on the city and lifestyle you choose.

In Taipei, downtown rents can range from 14,000 to 23,000 TWD per month (approximately €400 to €680), while in cities like Kaohsiung or Taichung, a similar apartment typically costs between 8,000 and 12,000 TWD per month (€230 to €350).

For a single expatriate, a monthly budget of €1,200 to €1,800 is usually sufficient to cover housing, food, transportation, and leisure while maintaining a comfortable standard of living.

If you are relocating to Taiwan with your family and plan to enroll your children in international schools, tuition fees should also be considered. For example, annual fees at the French International School of Taipei range from €10,900 to €12,700, depending on the grade level.

Where to Live in Taiwan as an Expat?

• Taipei, the dynamic capital, attracts professionals and students with its numerous economic and academic opportunities. However, the cost of living is higher than in other parts of the country.

• Taichung, located in central Taiwan, is appealing for its pleasant climate and balance between modernity and nature.
• Tainan and Kaohsiung, in the south, offer a more relaxed atmosphere, lower living costs, and a less hectic pace of life compared to Taipei.

How to Find a Job in Taiwan?

The job market in Taiwan is particularly attractive in certain sectors of activity, including information technology, foreign language teaching, scientific research, and engineering.

To work legally, you must obtain a work visa and an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), which is typically arranged by your employer.

Employers seek qualified and specialized professionals. While proficiency in English is often sufficient in international work environments, learning Mandarin can significantly enhance your integration and career advancement opportunities.

What Are the Schooling Options in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s education system is known for its rigor and high academic standards. Expatriate children can either attend local schools, where instruction is in Mandarin, or enroll in international schools.

International schools, primarily located in Taipei, offer programs in English, French, or bilingual formats (International Baccalaureate, American, or French systems). They are an ideal choice for families seeking continuity in their children’s education, although tuition fees are higher than those in the public system.

For French-language education, several options are available:

• Taipei European School (TES): Offers a curriculum from preschool to high school, bilingual in French and English with daily Chinese lessons, and is an AEFE partner.
• Lycée International Français de Taipei (LIFT): Opened in 2022, it welcomes students from primary (CP) to 5th grade in a trilingual French-Mandarin-English program, AEFE-accredited for elementary levels.
• L’Avenue des Petites Écoles (AVEC): Located in Taipei and Taichung, it provides linguistic and cultural activities for French and bilingual children.

How to Move to Taiwan with Your Pet?

Bringing your four-legged companion to Taiwan requires careful planning. Allow at least six months between starting the preparations and the travel date. There are two main steps to follow: preparing the required documents and completing the health protocol.

Required Documents

Before departure, several documents are essential, including:

• An import license issued by Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture.
• A European pet passport or up-to-date vaccination record.
• A health certificate issued by your veterinarian within 7 days prior to travel.

Veterinary Protocol

Here are the main health requirements to import your pet into Taiwan:

• Identification via microchip (tattoos are not accepted).
• Up-to-date rabies vaccination.
• Rabies antibody titer test conducted at least one month after vaccination and more than six months before departure, in an EU-approved laboratory.
• Mandatory quarantine upon arrival, regardless of the procedures followed.

How to Ship Your Personal Belongings to Taiwan?

Shipping your belongings to Taiwan can be done by sea (the most cost-effective option for large volumes), by air (faster but more expensive), or using a combination of both depending on your needs.

Custom Formalities

To import your personal belongings, you will need to provide several documents:

• Passport
• Visa or Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
• Detailed inventory of your items
• Proof of employment or enrollment in an educational institution (in certain cases)

Expatriates holding a residence visa may be eligible for customs exemptions on certain personal items, provided they are declared and for personal use only. In contrast, importing new equipment or goods for commercial purposes is subject to taxation.

Prohibited or Restricted Items

As in many countries, certain items cannot be imported into Taiwan or require special authorization. These include:

• Illegal substances and drugs
• Weapons and ammunition
• Certain electronic devices (not compliant with local standards)
• Food products (meat, dairy, fresh fruits, and vegetables)
• Certain medications, which require prescriptions and prior declaration
• Animals, plants, and seeds, subject to strict health regulations

Before shipping, it is strongly recommended to check the official, updated list with Taiwanese customs to avoid seizure or fines.

Useful Links

To best prepare your move to Taiwan, here is a selection of official websites and practical resources:

• Guide for Moving Abroad
• National Immigration Agency of Taiwan