Living in Taipei: the ultimate expat guide

Taipei serves as the economic engine of Taiwan, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and technology innovation. The city hosts headquarters of major corporations and offers diverse employment opportunities, particularly for professionals in tech, finance, and education. Taiwan's Employment Gold Card program has simplified the process for skilled foreign professionals to live and work in the country.

Key Industries and Employment Sectors

The technology sector dominates Taipei's economy, with Taiwan producing over 60% of the world's semiconductors and nearly 90% of advanced chips. Major employers include TSMC, MediaTek, and numerous international tech companies with regional offices. Beyond tech, opportunities exist in finance, international trade, education (particularly English teaching), and the growing startup ecosystem.

Foreign professionals can pursue the Employment Gold Card, a 4-in-1 document combining work permit, resident visa, re-entry permit, and Alien Resident Certificate. This open work permit allows holders to work for any employer without sponsorship, valid for 1-3 years with renewal options.

Employment Overview

The following table presents key employment indicators for Taipei and Taiwan.

Sources: Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS), Taiwan Employment Gold Card Office

Taipei hosts some of Asia's most prestigious universities, offering international students quality education at competitive tuition rates. With over 17 universities in the city, students can choose from programs taught in English or Mandarin across diverse disciplines. The government actively welcomes international students through scholarship programs and simplified visa processes.

Top Universities for International Students

National Taiwan University (NTU) ranks as Taiwan's top institution and among Asia's best, offering extensive English-taught programs across sciences, engineering, and humanities. National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) is renowned for its Mandarin training programs and education degrees, attracting students from around the world. National Chengchi University (NCCU) excels in business, law, and international relations, while Taipei Medical University is a leading choice for healthcare studies.

Tuition and Admission

Public universities charge approximately USD 2,000-3,500 annually for undergraduate programs and USD 2,500-4,500 for master's degrees. Private institutions typically charge higher fees. The Taiwan Scholarship Program offered by the Ministry of Education covers tuition up to NT$40,000 per semester plus monthly allowances of NT$15,000-20,000.

International students apply directly to universities during designated admission periods, typically between December and March for fall enrollment. Most programs require proof of previous education, language proficiency (English B1 or Chinese A2 minimum), and a financial statement showing at least USD 4,000 available funds.

Sources: Study in Taiwan (Ministry of Education), National Taiwan University Admissions

Taipei offers excellent educational options for expat families, with numerous international schools following American, British, and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula. By law, international schools in Taiwan are restricted from accepting Taiwanese nationals without foreign passports, ensuring places remain available for the expat community. However, demand often exceeds supply, so early application is essential.

Leading International Schools

Taipei American School (TAS) in Tianmu is the largest and most established, serving Pre-K through Grade 12 with an American curriculum and extensive extracurricular programs. Taipei European School (TES) offers British, German, and French sections, providing IGCSE and IB Diploma pathways. Morrison Academy Taipei caters to the missionary and expat community with an American curriculum emphasizing academic excellence. Dominican International School provides Catholic education from kindergarten through high school.

Tuition and Enrollment

International school fees vary considerably. Annual tuition typically ranges from NT$400,000 to NT$1,000,000 (approximately USD 13,000-33,000) depending on grade level and institution. First-year enrollment includes additional one-time fees for registration and facilities.

Most international schools begin their academic year in August or September, with waiting lists common at popular institutions. Applying 6-12 months in advance is recommended, particularly for entry at kindergarten and middle school levels.

Sources: Taipei American School, Taipei European School, Numbeo

Finding accommodation in Taipei requires patience and planning, as the rental market is competitive, particularly in popular expat areas. Most expats live in apartments ranging from compact studios to spacious family units. While housing costs are significant, they remain lower than comparable Asian cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, or Tokyo.

Popular Expat Neighborhoods

Tianmu in northern Taipei is the traditional expat hub, home to Taipei American School and Taipei European School, numerous international restaurants, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Da'an District offers a central location with excellent MRT access, universities, and a mix of local and international dining. Xinyi District, home to Taipei 101, features modern high-rises and upscale shopping but commands premium rents. Neihu houses many multinational companies and offers good value with newer developments and large retail stores like Costco.

Rental Costs and Process

The table below shows average monthly rents in Taipei.

Leases typically run one year, with a security deposit of two months' rent required upfront. Popular platforms include 591.com.tw (Taiwan's largest rental site) and Facebook groups like "Taipei Taiwan Apartment Rentals." English-speaking agents charge approximately one month's rent as commission. Most apartments come unfurnished, though furnished options exist at premium prices.

Sources: Numbeo Taipei, 591 Real Estate

Taipei offers an extraordinary range of cultural experiences, from centuries-old temples to cutting-edge art spaces. The city's legendary night markets, world-class museums, and accessible natural escapes ensure there's always something new to discover.

Night Markets and Food Culture

No Taipei experience is complete without exploring its famous night markets. Shilin Night Market is the largest, featuring hundreds of food stalls, games, and shopping. Raohe Street Night Market is beloved for its iconic pepper pork buns and more authentic atmosphere. Ningxia Night Market specializes in traditional Taiwanese dishes and has earned multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendations. Markets typically open around 5:00 PM and run until midnight.

Museums and Cultural Sites

The National Palace Museum houses one of the world's largest collections of Chinese art, with nearly 700,000 artifacts including the famous jade cabbage and meat-shaped stone. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall offers impressive architecture and hourly changing of the guard ceremonies. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, a converted tobacco factory, showcases contemporary design and hosts regular exhibitions. The Taipei Fine Arts Museum features rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.

Outdoor Activities

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) provides stunning views of Taipei 101 after a short 20-minute hike. Yangmingshan National Park, accessible by bus, offers hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and cherry blossoms in spring. Beitou Hot Springs district, just 30 minutes by MRT, provides public and private hot spring facilities. A cinema ticket costs approximately NT$340 (~USD 11), while gym memberships average NT$1,272/month (~USD 41).

Sources: Taipei Travel, National Palace Museum

Daily life in Taipei is remarkably convenient, thanks to excellent public transportation, 24/7 convenience stores on nearly every corner, and a culture that prioritizes efficiency. The city operates at a comfortable pace despite its urban density, and most errands can be accomplished with minimal stress.

Transportation

The Taipei Metro (MRT) is the backbone of the city's transport system, covering 6 lines with over 130 stations. Trains run from approximately 6:00 AM to midnight, with intervals of 2-7 minutes during peak hours. The EasyCard (NT$100 deposit) works across all MRT lines, buses, YouBike rentals, convenience stores, and many shops. A single MRT ride costs NT$20-65 depending on distance, while monthly passes are available for NT$1,280.

City buses complement the MRT network, with fares starting at NT$15. The YouBike public bicycle system offers over 13,000 bikes at stations throughout the city, payable via EasyCard. Taxis are affordable, with a base fare of NT$85 and approximately NT$25 per kilometer.

Cultural Adaptation

Taipei operates on a culture of respect and efficiency. Tipping is not customary and may even cause confusion. Garbage collection follows a unique system where residents bring trash directly to musical garbage trucks that pass through neighborhoods twice daily. Learning basic Mandarin phrases significantly improves daily interactions, though English signage is common in commercial areas. The city embraces a work-hard culture balanced by a love for food, with meal times being important social occasions.

Sources: Taipei Metro Corporation, EasyCard Corporation

Taipei offers a moderate cost of living compared to other major Asian capitals. While not the cheapest destination, expats find excellent value given the high quality of life, safety, and convenience. Housing represents the largest expense, followed by international schooling for families with children.

Monthly Budget: Single Person

The following estimates assume a comfortable lifestyle with occasional dining out and entertainment.

Monthly Budget: Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo Taipei 2025, Taiwan DGBAS