Current Statistics

NIA monthly data lags approximately 6 weeks. March 2026 figures are expected mid-May 2026. The most recent published data remains February 28, 2026.

Valid cards (Feb 28, 2026): 8,372
Net additions (Jan–Feb 2026): ~134/month
Total cumulative approvals (Feb 2018 – Oct 2025): 14,907
April 2026 figures not expected until ~June 2026.

Eligibility — Unchanged

Salary threshold: NTD 160,000/month average before-tax; any single tax year within 3-year lookback.
Fields: 12 professional categories (13 for Architecture).
Review time: 20 working days standard; up to 40 if docs requested.
Mainland China connections: 1–2 additional months.

No amendments to qualifying criteria, salary thresholds, or field definitions since the January 1, 2026 Talent Act amendments took effect. No new legislation pending as of Apr 27, 2026.

Articles 28–29 — 64-Day Countdown

Articles 28 and 29 of the amended Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals activate on June 30, 2026 — 64 days from this report. These provisions extend disability/care and long-term care program eligibility to foreign professionals with 10+ years of legal residence in Taiwan.

NIA and MOI have published no implementation guidance for Articles 28–29 as of Apr 27, 2026. Operational details (application procedure, qualifying documentation) remain unspecified.

Key 2026 Talent Act Amendments — In Effect Jan 1

Top-1,500 global university graduates: exempt from 2-year work experience requirement.
Top-200 graduates: personal open work permit up to 2 years (non-extendable).
APRC standard residency requirement: 5 → 3 years continuous.
APRC Global Elites (>NTD 6M/year income): 1 year.
Spouses: direct open work permit, no employer sponsorship required.
Digital Nomad Visa: extendable to 2 years total.
Labor pension system: eligible without APRC.

NDC US Recruitment — On Track

National Development Council US talent recruitment trips confirmed for July 2026 and October 2026. Targeting AI and digital professionals in the US and India. Silicon Valley talent hub planned. Part of the 120,000 foreign professional target by 2028 (current total: ~80,000).

NTD 5M Asset APRC Pathway

Legally valid under current statute; NIA approval remains inconsistent. No publicly documented approved cases. Applicants pursuing this route should confirm NIA discretionary interpretation before applying.

Approval Likelihood Assessment

For applicants meeting the NTD 160,000/month threshold in a qualifying field with complete documentation: approval rate remains high. Processing time 20 working days standard. No policy changes reducing or expanding eligibility since Jan 1, 2026.