Living in Taiwan: the ultimate expat guide

Taiwan stands out for the diversity of its cities and their unique atmospheres. While Taipei is home to the majority of expats thanks to its numerous job opportunities and international services, other destinations are increasingly appealing to those seeking a more peaceful lifestyle or more affordable rents. Your choice of city will primarily depend on your professional priorities, budget, and the style of life you wish to adopt:

1. Taipei is the top choice for expats. As the economic and cultural hub of the country, the capital entices with its modern infrastructure, international schools, and efficient public transport. Neighborhoods like Da’an, Xinyi, and Tianmu are particularly favored by families and young professionals from abroad. However, the cost of living here tends to be higher, especially regarding housing.
2. Hsinchu, located about 40 minutes from Taipei by high-speed train, houses Taiwan's main science park. Very dynamic, it attracts numerous professionals from the tech sector who work there while staying close to the capital.
3. Taichung, in the center of the island, offers an excellent compromise: a quieter pace of life, affordable rents, and a rapidly growing expat community.
4. Kaohsiung, in the south, appeals with its laid-back atmosphere, sunny climate, and attractive cost of living.
5. Tainan, the old capital, enchants with its historical heritage, renowned cuisine, and peaceful vibe.

If you're planning to settle in Taiwan, there are several mandatory steps you need to take, regardless of your country of origin. The requirements vary based on your nationality and the length of your stay. Citizens from the European Union do not require a visa for stays of under 90 days. However, if you intend to move permanently, you will need to apply for a work, study, or residence visa. This application must be submitted to the Taipei Representative Office in your home country. For instance, French citizens should contact the Taipei Representative Office in Paris.

Anyone holding a residence visa must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) within 30 days of arrival. This official document is mandatory and essential for daily life: you’ll need it to rent accommodation, open a bank account, or access the healthcare system.

The Working Holiday Program is available to French and Belgian citizens aged between 18 and 30, allowing for a stay of up to 12 months on the island.

Taiwan boasts a dynamic economy focused on high technology, with a labor market that favors skilled expatriates. The country is a global leader in the production of semiconductors. English is widely used in international companies, which eases professional integration.

The industriesthatare hiring the most include information technology, engineering, semiconductors, English teaching, renewable energy, and financial services. The government has launched the Taiwan Employment Gold Card, a visa that combines work and residence permits valid for 1 to 3 years to attract talent.

Housing is one of the major expenses in Taiwan, particularly in Taipei, where rental prices can be quite high. Renting remains the preferred option, with contracts typically set for one year and a security deposit equivalent to two months' rent. In Taipei, a one-bedroom apartment averages between 15,000 and 25,000 NT$ per month (approximately €430 to €715), while a three-bedroom apartment tends to range from 50,000 to 90,000 NT$ (around €1,400 to €2,500). Rents become more affordable as you move outside the capital.

Property purchase is permitted for foreigners from countries that have entered into reciprocity agreements with Taiwan, including France. In Taipei, the cost per square meter in the city center can exceed 355,000 NT$ (approximately €10,000), placing a two-bedroom apartment (60-70 m²) in the range of 18 to 26 million NT$ (around €510,000 to €730,000). When purchasing a property, it’s also important to anticipate acquisition fees (transfer tax, real estate agent fees, registration costs) totaling around 9 to 11% of the purchase price.

The cost of living in Taiwan is approximately 20 to 30% lower than in France. Taipei is the most expensive city, especially when it comes to housing, but prices remain affordable compared to other Asian capitals. For a single person, expect to budget between 35,000 and 50,000 NT$ per month (approximately €980 to €1,400). For a family of four, plan for a monthly budget of 90,000 to 130,000 NT$ (approximately €2,530 to €3,650).

Here are some estimated monthly costs to give you a clearer idea of the cost of living in Taiwan:

The Taiwanese healthcare system is recognized as one of the best in the world. It is built on the National Health Insurance (NHI), a universal scheme established in 1995 that covers over 99% of the population. Expatriates holding a residence permit (ARC) must enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) after six months of continuous residence, or upon being hired if they work in Taiwan.

The NHI covers doctor visits, hospitalizations, dental care, traditional Chinese medicine, and preventive care. The co-pay is very affordable: on average, it costs 150 NT$ (around £4) for a general consultation, and between 240 and 360 NT$ (approximately £7 to £10) for a public hospital. Giving birth costs between 3,000 and 5,000 NT$ (about £85 to £140) under the NHI, compared to around 60,000 NT$ (around £1,700) without insurance.

Contributions to the NHI represent 5.17% of your salary, with 30% paid by the employee, 60% by the employer, and 10% by the state. Facilities are modern and staff are qualified, especially in large cities where many doctors often speak English.

Effectively managing your budget is crucial for a successful expatriation. The cost of living in Taiwan is approximately 20 to 30% lower than in France, especially when it comes to dining and leisure, but housing in Taipei remains a significant expense.

Taiwan is not a traditional retirement destination for many expats. The majority of foreign retirees living on the island are former expats who have worked there for several years. However, retiring in Taiwan can be appealing if you have a stable income and seek a high quality of life in a safe and modern environment.

3 major advantages

1. Attractive cost of living: approximately 20 to 30% lower than in France, especially for dining out and leisure activities.
2. High-quality healthcare system: modern facilities, accessible care, and a comprehensive national health insurance scheme.
3. Safe and welcoming environment: exceptional safety, efficient transport systems, and accessible nature.

💡 Useful information

1. There is no specific retirement visa. To stay in Taiwan, you will need a residence permit through investment, sponsorship, or family reunification.
2. French pensions are not taxed locally, but are still subject to French taxation.
3. The local Taiwanese retirement system sets the retirement age at 65, but this primarily affects local workers.
4. For a comfortable standard of living, expect a monthly income of at least 80,000 NT$ (approximately €2,300), depending on your lifestyle and location.

Taiwan attracts a large number of international students thanks to its renowned universities and multicultural environment. The island is home to over 140 higher education institutions, including the National Taiwan University (NTU), ranked among the best in Asia, along with National Tsing Hua University and National Cheng Kung University.

Why study in Taiwan?

The universities offer a wide range of programs taught in English, particularly in fields such as engineering, sciences, management, and technology. The island presents a unique experience that blends modernity with traditional Chinese culture, all at a more affordable cost of living compared to many other Asian capitals. Tuition fees average around 50,000 NT$ (approximately €1,400) per semester at public universities. At some private universities or specialized programs, fees can rise to as high as 230,000 NT$ (about €6,600) per semester. However, both the government and universities provide numerous scholarships for international students.

💡 Our tips

1. Start your applications early, as selection can be competitive for the top universities.
2. Check the equivalence of your diplomas with the Taiwanese Ministry of Education.
3. Plan a housing budget: university accommodations are limited, so sharing flats is common.
4. A good level of English is essential for international programs.

The Taiwanese education system is well-known for its academic excellence as well as its high expectations. School is mandatory starting at age 6, consisting of 6 years of elementary school and 3 years of junior high. Instruction is primarily conducted in Mandarin, with classes typically held from Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The system, which emphasizes rote learning and intensive preparation for entrance exams, can be stressful for children who are used to different pedagogical approaches. Many students also attend evening classes at private institutions known as buxiban.

An international move to Taiwan requires careful planning and organization. Several important items need to be prepared in advance:

1. Compare quotes from moving companies (including insurance).
2. To qualify for a customs duty exemption, your belongings must be imported within the six months following your arrival. Be sure to prepare a customs declaration for your unaccompanied luggage. Used personal effects can enter without taxes, but new items may be taxed.
3. Gather your official documents (degrees, birth certificate, marriage certificate, driver's license) and have them translated into English or Chinese by a certified translator.
4. Taiwan operates on a 110 V / 60 Hz system, unlike France (220 V / 50 Hz): a transformer is therefore essential.
5. If you are traveling with a pet, strict rules apply. You must obtain an import permit at least 30 days before departure, have the pet vaccinated against rabies, and perform a rabies titer test between 180 days and 12 months before arrival. A quarantine of at least 7 days is mandatory, which may be extended up to 21 days if your documentation is incomplete.

Living in Taiwan means embracing a friendly lifestyle where street food, modern conveniences, and traditional culture coexist in harmony. Expats appreciate the exceptional safety, efficiency of services, and the balance between professional life and accessible leisure.

Taiwan offers a wide variety of leisure activities that help maintain a good work-life balance. The island combines accessible nature with a vibrant urban life. Activities range from hiking, cycling, and water sports (surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding) to adventure sports (canyoning, rafting, paragliding), as well as a rich cultural scene featuring the National Theater and Concert Hall in Taipei, the National Taichung Theater, and numerous museums like the National Palace Museum, the National Taiwan Museum in Taipei, and the National Taiwan Literature Museum in Tainan.

Plan for your move: ensure you understand the visa requirements, look into the working holiday permit, and remember that an ARC is mandatory for residents.

Take the time to read our articles, particularly those covering employment, housing, and healthcare in Taiwan.

Feel free to ask your questions on the Taiwan forum, where the expat community shares friendly advice and experiences!

To integrate successfully, be curious, respect local customs, and enjoy the Taiwanese lifestyle, which beautifully blends modernity and tradition.

Moving to Taiwan means discovering a welcoming, vibrant island filled with opportunities. To ensure your plans thrive, proper preparation is key. We hope this Expat.com guide has provided you with the essential insights to organize your relocation and fully enjoy your new life in Taiwan.