Statistics — Latest Published Data

No new monthly data has been published on goldcard.nat.gov.tw since the February 2026 report. The goldcard.nat.gov.tw/en/categories/monthly-data-report/ page indexes through January 2026 publicly; February data (15,924 cumulative approvals; 8,372 valid cards as of Feb 28, 2026) is confirmed but not yet widely indexed. March 2026 figures remain unpublished — consistent with the historical 6–10 week lag; expected late May to early June 2026. April 2026 figures expected late June to mid-July 2026.

Most recent confirmed data (Feb 28, 2026): 15,924 cumulative approvals / 8,372 valid cards. Net pace Nov 2025–Feb 2026: ~204/month. NDC long-term target: 10,000+ annually.

Articles 28–29 — 43 Days to Activation

Articles 28 and 29 of the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals activate June 30, 2026. As of May 18, no implementing sub-regulations have been published. NDC has stated it is "currently working with relevant ministries to revise sub-laws and supporting measures" (confirmed per KPMG Flash Alert 2026-009 and Vialto Partners immigration alert). No application procedures or forms are yet available.

Art. 28 (eff. Jun 30): Foreign professionals with 10+ years legal residence in Taiwan → access to disability evaluation and care services.
Art. 29 (eff. Jun 30): Same population + dependents aged 65+ → access to long-term care services.
Sub-regulations: not yet promulgated. No guidance on application process.

Upcoming Events

May 28, Taichung: Next domestic foreign talent event. NDC Talent Taiwan series; employment and networking format. No policy announcements anticipated based on prior event pattern.

NDC East Coast US June 2026 tour: Official Talent Taiwan 2026 USA Outreach microsite (usa.talent.nat.gov.tw/2026) confirms June East Coast events but lists no specific dates or venues as of May 18. Pattern from Feb 28–Mar 3, 2026 US tour (New York, Washington DC, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston) suggests similar cities. No formal announcement found.

Pending Items

Stuart Fairchild (Gold Card, Sports field): NDC Minister Yeh Jiunn-hsien publicly announced proactive government contact with sports authority to assist Fairchild's Gold Card application on March 16, 2026 — following Fairchild's grand slam for Chinese Taipei vs. Czech Republic at the World Baseball Classic (March 7, 2026; .250/.438/.750 OPS 1.188 for tournament). Application outcome not announced as of May 18.

STARLUX JFK nonstop: No DOT filing or press release confirmed. STARLUX booking engine shows TPE–JFK fare inventory (possible pre-sale testing). A350-1000 delivery milestones remain the enabling trigger. No change from prior status.

Eligibility & Criteria — Unchanged

Salary threshold: NTD 160,000/month (before-tax; any single tax year within 3-year lookback). Fields: 12 professional categories. Review time: 20 working days standard; up to 40 if documents requested; Mainland China connections add 1–2 months. NIA application guidelines last updated April 21, 2026; no subsequent changes.

2026 Act APRC pathways (eff. Jan 1, 2026): Standard 3 years (avg 183 days/year). NTD 6M+/year income → 1 year. Taiwan PhD graduates → 1 year. Taiwan Master's graduates → 2 years. Top-1,500 global university graduates: exempt from 2-year work experience requirement. Top-200 graduates: personal open work permit up to 2 years. Spouses: direct open work permit. Digital nomad visa: extended to 2 years.