Taiwan Work FAQ 臺灣工作常見問題

CTCB Bank office building in Nangang, Taipei

Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions and answers. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's working environment to those who are learning about this topic for the first time. 

​​Why work in Taiwan?
Taiwan has a great living environment and is very friendly to foreigners. Many Taiwanese people want to improve their English and are interested in foreign culture. It is also a great place to learn Chinese. Taiwan is a clean, safe, modern, convenient, and free country with a thriving democratic government. Also, Taiwan has many great places to see and explore, eat, and the cost of living is relatively cheap.
 
How do I find work in Taiwan?
The best way to find work is to ask your existing connections, but there are also many websites that can help.
 
What are the best work finding websites in Taiwan?

104: https://www.104.com.tw/
This most popular work finding website in Taiwan, although the interface is only in Chinese (sorry), although some job postings are in English. Its worth checking out, even if you can’t read Chinese. Perhaps you can have a Chinese friend help you out.

1111: https://www.1111.com.tw/
This is probably the second most popular work finding site in Taiwan, this website's interface is also only in Chinese, although some job postings are in English.

Tealit: http://www.tealit.com/
This is a great English based website for English Teaching jobs in Taiwan.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com
Linkedin has a few job opportunities that are most in English.

Other than these, search Google. Who knows what you’ll find!
 
Why Teach English in Taiwan?
Teaching English can be a fun way to make a living if that’s what you’re into. The working hours are short and pay is relatively high in Taiwan (at least 48,000 NT per month, for about 30 hours a week). These jobs are only available for those with passports from English speaking nations. However, if singing songs and disciplining children is not your thing, then you probably won’t last long. Also, beware of bosses that will take advantage of you, giving you no time off and no overtime pay (you are allowed overtime pay and time off by law, as well as labor and health insurance).
 
Which bank should I use in Taiwan?
Most banks will let foreigners set up an account. Some handy accounts to have when shopping are with Cathay Pacific, which has the only Costco accepted credit card, CTCB which partners with PX Mart, and Yushan Bank which is aligned with Carrefour.
 
How do I open a Taiwan bank account?
Typically you can walk in to any bank, and open an account if you bring your passport and/or ARC. If you do not have an ARC, then you will need to apply for a Taiwan uniform ID number at the immigration office first.
If you are from a list of countries that is high risk because of money laundering it may be harder to open an account.
Also, if you are American you will have to sign a W9 or similar form because of FACTA.

What are the work regulations in Taiwan?
Please see our article on Taiwan’s Labor Standards Act. These regulations change regularly, so look at our latest blog on the topic. 

Do I get pension as a foreigner in Taiwan?
Foreigners not married to a Taiwanese spouse are entitled to theold pension scheme, you must work for the same employer for 25 years or work for the same employer for 15 years and be at least 55 years old. Reaching this requirement is near impossible for most foreigners.
However, if you are married to a Taiwanese national, you are eligible for the new pension scheme, which is not based on your work tenure, and 6% of your salary paid by your employer, which can be redeemed at age 60.

Do I get labor insurance as a foreigner?
Yes.
 
Do I get health insurance for me and my family in Taiwan?
Yes, if you have a job, but dependent family members have to wait6 months to join as of now.
Newborn foreign babies born in Taiwan are eligible immediately.
 
Do I have to pay taxes in Taiwan as a foreigner?
Yes, if you work in Taiwan. If you stay in Taiwan less than 183 days, you will be subject to 18% tax. For tax advise, please contact Grant Thornton Taiwan.
 
What are the tax rates in Taiwan?
Please see the table below.

Source: https://www.ntbt.gov.tw/etwmain/front/ETW118W/CON/2074/5702201758651492080
 
Where can I get tax advise in Taiwan?
Go to Grant Thornton Taiwan. They have English capable international expertise that can help you. Otherwise you can search the government website.

What is the Taiwanese working environment/culture like?
This depends on where you work. For a typical Taiwanese company, the boss is very powerful and employees are more passive. It is typical for everyone to wait for the boss to leave before they get off work. So, as you can image, Taiwanese people work lots of overtime.
In addition, Taiwanese people like to have working connections, and give gifts to improve a relationship. If you take a gift such as chocolate from a coworker, or are treated to lunch, you are expected to eventually give back similar gift in return to keep the relationship going.
 
What is the average salary for foreigners in Taiwan?
The starting salary for a foreigner is about 48000 NT per month, average salary for English teachers is 60,000-80,000 NT per month. Foreign executives working in Taiwan make foreign salaries, which are much higher than the average Taiwanese salary.
 
Can foreigners start a business in Taiwan?
Yes. Please read our blog on the subject.


​Why live in Taiwan?
Taiwan is one of the best countries in the world with one of the best qualities of life. Taiwan boasts delicious food, great weather year round, amazing tourist sites, friendly people, cheap cost of living, and economic opportunity.
 
How is the water in Taiwan?
Filter or boil water in Taiwan, or buy bottled water. It is not safe to drink from the tap. Taipei has the cleanest water (meaning it requires the least filtration), while more rural areas are hit and miss.

Are there foreign schools for my children in Taiwan?
Yes, there are a number of American and European schools in Taiwan. Please clickhere for a full list: 
​
Is Taiwan safe?
Yes, Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world according to Prescavve.
This is mainly due to low crime and high economic freedom and devolopment.

Have any more questions about work in Taiwan? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list!
Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a great place to work!

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