Taiwan's Entrepreneur Visa: two years to show your startup belongs there
Qualify with venture money, an incubator spot, a patent, an award or NT$1 million (about $31,400) in your own Taiwan company. The real test comes at renewal, when the business needs sales, spending or local hires.
The rules come from the Ministry of Economic Affairs' October 2022 amendment, still the version in force in September 2026. Americans can scout Taiwan for up to 90 days visa-free before committing.
Fit check
For founders with backing, not for living on savings
This visa wants proof that someone serious already believes in your business: an investor, a Taiwan incubator, a patent office or a competition jury. No Taiwan employer is involved.
It's the wrong route if you mainly want to live in Taiwan on a pension, investments or a remote paycheck, because at renewal the company has to show it's operating. People with a strong salary history should compare the Employment Gold Card first.
The ways in: you need just one
Venture or angel money
Investment from a venture capital firm or Taiwan's National Development Fund angel program, or at least NT$2 million (about $62,900) raised on a government-approved fundraising platform.
An incubator spot
You're based at a government-approved startup park or incubator, or were within the past year, and it recommends you. Foreign incubators Taiwan recognizes count too.
A patent
An invention patent from any country, or a Taiwan invention or design patent.
An award
A win at a leading startup or design competition, or a shortlist or award at a notable fashion show or film festival.
NT$1 million in your own company
About $31,400 invested in a Taiwan company recognized as an innovative startup, where you're the legal representative, manager or director.
Other recognized innovation
A catch-all for innovation the government specifies or recommends. Teams of up to three can apply together.
Step by step
From qualification review to residence card
The Ministry of Economic Affairs' Investment Commission checks that you qualify before any visa is issued.
- Using your own company? Set it up first. Foreign owners need investment approval and a CPA to verify the capital; one law firm puts setup at two or three months.
- Apply on the Foreign Professionals Online Application Platform with proof of your route.
- After approval, submit visa papers within six months: the barcoded online form, two photos, and a passport valid 6+ months plus a copy.
- Apply at a Taiwan office in the U.S., or at the Bureau of Consular Affairs if you're in Taiwan on a visitor visa.
- Once you're living there, report any address or business change to immigration within 30 days.
Fees and timing
$63 to $157
Immigration fee per application
NT$2,000 to NT$5,000, by nationality and where you apply
US$185 or US$315
Visa fee at a Taiwan office in the U.S.
raised April 2026; ask which applies
30
Working days, official processing
22 for an extension
2 years
First residence period
then up to 2 years per extension
Renewal is where it gets real
To extend, your company needs one of these: NT$3 million (about $94,300) in sales for the latest year or averaged over three, NT$1 million (about $31,400) in operating expenses, three full-time Taiwanese employees, or other results officials accept. Three hires at the 2026 minimum wage of NT$29,500 a month (about $927) cost NT$1,062,000 a year in wages alone. File in the four months before expiry; an extension costs NT$1,000 to NT$2,000 (about $31 to $63).
Beyond the paperwork
Bringing a spouse, getting insured and paying tax as a founder
Your spouse and kids
Spouses and children under 18 can apply as your family, and immigration lists 5 working days to process them. If they came on a visitor visa, it's NT$3,200 (about $101) for one year or NT$4,200 (about $132) for two. The rules don't spell out whether a spouse can get a work permit on this status, so ask before counting on a second income.
Health coverage
As a company owner, you join National Health Insurance through your company after six months in Taiwan, with one trip abroad of 30 days or less allowed. Carry private coverage until then.
Taxes
Taiwan treats you as a tax resident once you're there 183 days in a year, and its corporate tax rate is 20%. There's no U.S.-Taiwan tax treaty, and you still file a U.S. return every year.
Staying for good
Permanent residency takes five consecutive years of at least 183 days a year, plus income above twice the minimum wage (NT$59,000, about $1,854, a month in 2026) or NT$5 million in property. The fee is NT$10,000 (about $314). Citizenship means giving up your U.S. passport within a year unless you're recommended as a high-level professional.
Help with what surrounds the company
Hunter Schultz
Healthcare Coach
Healthcare coach who works with Americans on how care, costs and coverage will work in their new country.
ExpatInsure
Global Health Insurance
Global health insurance for Americans living overseas.
MyExpatTaxes
U.S. Expat Tax Service
U.S. tax filing service for Americans who live abroad.
Moneycorp
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange and international transfers, handy when you wire capital into a new company.
Entrepreneur visa questions
Can I apply for Taiwan's entrepreneur visa from inside Taiwan?
Often, yes. People in Taiwan on a visitor visa can apply at the Bureau of Consular Affairs without leaving, though the immigration fee is higher than from abroad. Americans can enter visa-free for 90 days, so check with the bureau whether a visa-free entry qualifies before you fly.
Will I pay tax in both the U.S. and Taiwan?
Possibly. Taiwan taxes you as a resident after 183 days in a year, and Americans file U.S. returns wherever they live. There's no U.S.-Taiwan tax treaty; a relief bill passed the House in January 2025 and was still waiting on the Senate as of June 2026.
How long does Taiwan's entrepreneur visa last?
Two years at first. Each extension runs up to two years, as long as the company passes one of the renewal tests on sales, spending or hiring.
How long does the Taiwan entrepreneur visa take to process?
The National Immigration Agency quotes 30 working days, about six weeks, for the application and 22 working days for an extension. If you need to set up a Taiwan company first, law firm Winkler Partners estimates two or three months for that.
Can my spouse and children move with me?
Yes. Your spouse, children under 18 and adult children who can't live independently because of a disability can apply as family members. Taiwan's immigration agency lists 5 working days to process them.
Does Taiwan's entrepreneur visa lead to permanent residency?
It can. Permanent residency needs five consecutive years of legal residence with at least 183 days a year, plus income over twice the minimum wage or NT$5 million in property. Confirm with the National Immigration Agency that your entrepreneur years count before you plan around it.
What does my company need to show to renew the entrepreneur visa?
One of these: NT$3 million (about $94,300) in sales for the latest year or averaged over three years, NT$1 million (about $31,400) in operating expenses, three full-time Taiwanese employees, or other results the government accepts. Apply in the four months before your residence expires.
Do I need to invest NT$2 million for Taiwan's entrepreneur visa?
No. NT$2 million (about $62,900) is the minimum only when you raise it on a government-approved fundraising platform. Venture capital investment, an incubator recommendation, a patent or a competition award can qualify on their own, and putting NT$1 million (about $31,400) into your own recognized Taiwan startup is another route.
Taiwan's other residence routes
Taiwan's Employment Gold Card: live and work in Taiwan with no employer sponsor
One card bundles your resident visa, open work permit, residence card and re-entry permit for one to three years. Here's how Americans qualify, what it costs from the U.S., and how it leads to permanent residency.
The Taiwan student visa for Americans: degree programs, Mandarin school and what comes after
International tuition at National Taiwan University runs about $1,700 to $2,100 a semester, and federal student aid won't cover it.
Map out your Taiwan launch
Book a call with Expatsi to test which route fits your company and how to time the move.
Why not you?