In order to retain exceptional foreign professional talent for the long-term, Articles 18 and 19 of the Act eases permanent residence policies for the spouses and dependents of foreign professionals. The details are as follows:
1. Flexible calculation of continuous residence period each year: Considering that foreign professionals frequently cross borders and may find it challenges to reside in Taiwan for 183 days each year, the current calculation method of 183 days each year has been revised to an average of 183 days each year.
2. Shortening the policy of continuous residence period for foreign professionals applying for permanent residence:
(1) Foreign Professionals: Maintain the current policy of continuous residence in the State for 5 years. Those who obtain doctorate degrees in the State may deduct 3 years; those who obtain master’s degrees in the State may deduct 2 years; those who obtain bachelor’s or associate degrees in the state may deduct 1 year. For example, foreign professionals applying for permanent residence must legally and continuously reside in Taiwan for 5 years but those who obtain a doctorate degree in the State require only 2 years of legal, continuous residence with an average of 183 residence each year. Once these criteria are met, they may apply to the NIA for permanent residence.
(2) Foreign Specialist Professionals: The current 5-year continuous residence period has been shortened to 3 years. Those who meet the specific conditions as announced by the Ministry of Interior may apply for permanent residence after legally residing in the State for 1 year; those who obtain doctorate degrees in the State may deduct 2 years; those who obtain master’s degrees in the State may deduct 1 year.
3. Ease permanent residence requirements for dependents: Once the foreign professional has obtained permanent residence, the dependents of foreign professionals who have continuously resided in the State for 5 years, or those of foreign specialist professionals who have continuously resided in the State for 3 years (or 1 year) with an average 183 days of continuous residence, they may apply for permanent residence without the need for financial statements.
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