Popular for its low cost of living, advanced infrastructure, and one of the best healthcare systems in the world, Taiwan is an island nation off the coast of East Asia known for its semiconductor industry, night markets, and stunning mountainous interior. For professionals relocating for work, entrepreneurs building a company, and remote workers drawn by the digital nomad visa, Taiwan provides a mix of convenience, opportunities, and culture.
Because Taiwan offers one of the most convenient visa systems in the region, many aspects of moving there are easier to plan than in neighboring countries. However, like any relocation across culture and language, there are nuances to be aware of ahead of time. Here are the key things to know about moving to Taiwan.
Things to Know About Moving to Taiwan
Cost of Living
Taiwan costs less than expected from a developed East Asian economy. A single person in Taipei can live well on $1,100–1,600 a month. That number drops outside the capital.
Rent is the biggest expense and the biggest difference between cities. A city-center studio costs $780–1,250 a month in Taipei’s Da’an or Xinyi districts. The same unit costs less in Taichung or Kaohsiung.
Groceries, transit, and eating out are affordable island-wide. A night market meal can cost as little as $2–5. A ride on Taipei’s MRT rarely goes above $1. If you earn in USD or EUR, you are at an advantage as your paycheck stretches further.
Taxes
Taiwan taxes residents on worldwide income once you cross 183 days in the country within a calendar year. Progressive rates then apply, from 5% to 40% on net taxable income, according to Taiwan’s National Taxation Bureau. For stays under 183 days, a flat 18% withholding applies instead only on Taiwan-source income.
Taiwan has no wealth tax. It also skips capital gains tax on most stock trades, since it dropped the securities transaction tax for individuals years ago. Real estate gains fall under a separate Housing Tax, at 15–45% depending on how long you held the property. No estate tax treaty exists between Taiwan and the US, so anyone with assets in both countries should talk to a tax advisor.
Housing
Taiwan’s rental market has its own vocabulary. Most listings for singles and young professionals are known as a tao-fang: a self-contained studio carved out of a larger apartment. But it’s not a full one-bedroom unit, which is an important distinction that can be blurred in translation and throw off expectations. Popular neighborhoods include Da’an, Xinyi, and Zhongshan in Taipei, plus Xitun in Taichung and the area around Hsinchu Science Park.
If you are interested in buying, there is no citizenship restriction for most foreigners. However, reciprocity rules do apply: your home country needs to let Taiwanese citizens buy property too. A handful of nationalities face extra review. Most banks want a valid Alien Resident Certificate, which is provided with your residency, and a track record of local income before approving a mortgage. Renting the first year while you build banking history is the most common route.
Visas and Residency
Taiwan’s immigration system has clearly defined categories. Here are the most common pathways:
- Employment Gold Card: A combined work permit, residence permit (ARC), and multiple-entry visa in one document, created for skilled professionals. You need a monthly salary of about $5,000, or proven expertise in a priority field like technology, finance, or the arts. It can be arranged through a Taiwan-based employer for a duration from one to three years, with extensions available. Holders get national health insurance coverage.
- Digital Nomad Visa: This visa was expanded in January 2026 to a six-month initial stay with up to three six-month extensions, for a two-year cap. Applicants over 30 need annual income of at least $40,000; applicants 20-29 need $20,000 plus a $10,000 bank balance. This visa doesn’t include national health insurance and bars local employment.
- Employer-Sponsored Work Permit: The route for anyone with a job offer from a Taiwan-registered employer. Common in semiconductor and manufacturing hiring.
- APRC (Permanent Residency): Available after five years of continuous legal residence on a qualifying visa. Grants open work rights without further permits.
Work and Digital Nomads
Taiwan’s job market for foreign professionals centers on semiconductors, electronics, AI, and education. Hsinchu Science Park is the hub for engineers and technical specialists. Finance, English teaching, and a growing startup scene fill out Taipei’s international hiring.
For remote workers, the Digital Nomad Visa gives Taiwan an edge over neighbors without this category. However, the income bar sits well above comparable programs in Southeast Asian and duration caps at two years. Anyone planning to stay longer usually goes for the Gold Card instead, if their income allows it.
Education and Families
Taiwan’s public schools have a rigorous curriculum, and classes are conducted in Mandarin. Most families moving from abroad choose international schools instead. Taipei has limited international school seats, so it’s advised to get on the waiting list early.
Taipei American School and Taipei European School are the capital’s main options, both running American or IB curricula. Morrison Academy has campuses in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, so families have a consistent option even if they move cities. Hsinchu has its own cluster of schools for Science Park families, and Kaohsiung offers several IB-focused campuses in the south. Annual tuition is $9,500–20,000, below comparable schools in Singapore, Tokyo, or Hong Kong, according to iSchool Advisor. Some employers cover school fees as part of a job offer.
Healthcare
Taiwan’s National Health Insurance system ranks among the best in the world according to Numbeo’s surveys. NHI covers nearly all medical services at low copays. Coverage kicks in after four to six months of legal residence, or right away for many employment-based ARC holders. The standard premium is about 5.17% of insured salary, split between employee, employer, and government. Digital Nomad Visa holders are the exception. NHI excludes them no matter how long they stay, so they need private international coverage for the whole visit.
Language
Mandarin Chinese is Taiwan’s official language used in government paperwork, banking, and most healthcare and rental interactions. English is also used in Taipei’s business and academic circles. Public schools teach in Mandarin, which works well for families planning a long stay with young kids since they pick up a new language fast. In shorter postings, parents usually lean on international schools instead. Neither the Gold Card nor the Digital Nomad Visa requires a language test, but a bit of Mandarin makes daily errands a lot easier.
Places to Move to in Taiwan
Taipei
Taiwan’s capital has the largest job market, the most number of international schools, and the biggest expat community. Housing costs are the highest here, especially in Da’an and Xinyi. In exchange, you get transit, healthcare, and culture in one of Asia’s safest major cities.
Hsinchu
Home to Hsinchu Science Park and a dense cluster of semiconductor employers, Hsinchu draws engineers and tech workers on job transfers. It sits about 40 minutes from Taipei by high-speed rail, close enough for a weekend trip to the capital.
Taichung
Taiwan’s second-largest city is the middle ground. Rent is lower than Taipei, everything moves at a slower pace, but the expat community keeps growing. A Morrison Academy campus and other international school options make it a solid pick for families skipping Taipei’s price tag.
Kaohsiung
A southern port city with a smaller but welcoming expat community, Kaohsiung has lower housing costs and several strong IB-curriculum schools. It suits families and remote workers who want a slower, coastal life without giving up infrastructure and facilities.
Is Taiwan Right for You?
Taiwan offers a great affordable lifestyle, some of the best healthcare anywhere, and safety. Whether you are moving as a skilled professional, on a job transfer, or as a digital nomad, figure out your visa route and plan your relocation steps.
Arpin has spent over a century helping people move internationally, from single professionals to families with kids in tow. Read our resources and reach out for a free quote and a chat with one of our move coordinators.
