Taipei
Urban Coastal Beaches RiverfrontTaipei is the capital and largest city of Taiwan, serving as the nation's political, economic, and cultural hub. Located in the northern part of Taiwan, the city is characterized by its modern skyline dominated by the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, which stands as a symbol of the city's contemporary development. The city seamlessly blends traditional Chinese culture with cutting-edge modernity, featuring ancient temples alongside ultra-modern shopping districts and technology centers. Taipei is renowned for its vibrant street food scene, night markets, and diverse culinary offerings that reflect both local and international influences. The city is well-organized with an efficient public transportation system, including the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), making it easy to navigate. Surrounded by mountains and situated near the Tamsui River, Taipei offers natural beauty alongside urban development. The city attracts millions of visitors annually and serves as a major business and innovation center in East Asia, hosting numerous multinational corporations and startups.
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SJB GlobalSJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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Visa & Residency
Obtaining a residency in Taiwan involves several steps and can vary depending on the type of visa applied for. The most common residency visas for expats are the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and the Employment Gold Card. The ARC is typically tied to employment, family reunification, or study. To apply for an ARC based on employment, an expat must first secure a job in Taiwan. The employer then applies for a work permit on behalf of the expat. Once the work permit is granted, the expat can apply for the ARC at the local office of the National Agency (NIA) by providing the necessary documents, including the work permit, a health check report, and proof of residence. The process is bureaucratic and may require assistance from the employer or a legal professional, but it is generally straightforward for those who meet the criteria. The Employment Gold Card is a special visa introduced to attract high-level professional talent in various fields such as science, technology, education, and the arts. It serves as a work permit, residence visa, and ARC. Applicants can apply online through the Taiwan Employment Gold Card Portal by submitting the required documents, which include proof of expertise, such as advanced degrees, professional certifications, or significant work achievements. The Gold Card is valid for one to three years and can be renewed. It offers greater flexibility as it is not tied to a specific employer, making it popular among digital nomads and expats who wish to work independently or have multiple sources of income. For digital nomads, the Employment Gold Card is particularly attractive because it allows them to live and work in Taiwan for an extended period without being tied to a local employer. The application process is competitive, and the criteria for qualification are high, but for those who qualify, it provides a convenient way to reside in Taiwan. Overall, while the process of obtaining residency in Taiwan can be average in terms of difficulty, it is manageable with the proper preparation and documentation. The Taiwanese government has made efforts to streamline the process, especially for skilled professionals, to encourage foreign talent to live and work in Taiwan.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Taipei is high, particularly for housing, dining, and entertainment in central areas. Rental prices and property values have increased substantially due to the city's status as a major economic center and popular destination for expatriates and international professionals. However, costs can vary significantly depending on neighborhood and lifestyle choices.
Weather
Taipei has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, particularly during the monsoon season from May to September.
Healthcare in Taipei
Taipei has excellent healthcare facilities with multiple internationally accredited hospitals offering advanced medical technology and English-speaking staff. Major hospitals including National Taiwan University Hospital and Taipei Veterans General Hospital provide comprehensive services and emergency care. Healthcare standards are high and costs are significantly lower than Western countries.
Schools in Taipei
Taipei has several established international schools including Taipei American School, Morrison Academy, and Taipei Japanese School, offering curricula such as IB, American, and Japanese programs. These schools serve the expatriate community and provide English-medium education with international standards.
Taipei offers numerous bilingual schools combining Mandarin Chinese with English instruction, such as Taipei First High School's bilingual program and various private institutions. These schools cater to families seeking balanced development in both languages.
Restaurants in Taipei
Living in Taipei
Moving to Taipei
Healthcare in Taipei
