TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The National Development Council (NDC, 國發會) announced on Thursday (Sept. 19) plans to introduce the "Global Elite Card" (全球菁英卡) to attract international professionals with annual salaries exceeding NT$6 million.
The card offers benefits such as permanent residency after one year, work permits for spouses, unrestricted stays for dependents, and access to disability and long-term care services, NDC Deputy Minister Kao Shien-quey (高仙桂) stated after presenting the council's "National Talent Competitiveness Enhancement Plan" (國家人才競爭力躍升方案) at the Executive Yuan (行政院) earlier that day.
Kao emphasized that the draft will also provide personal work permits for graduates from the global top 100 universities and overseas students in Taiwan, allowing them to seek employment for a year. These measures aim to enhance Taiwan's talent pool and competitiveness.
Per the proposed plan, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) expects Taiwan to cultivate 450,000 interdisciplinary talents in fields like artificial intelligence, and attract 120,000 foreign professionals and 80,000 foreign technical workers by 2028, ensuring the nation's developmental needs and strengthening Taiwan's competitive edge, Kao revealed.
Estimates indicate Taiwan will face a talent gap of 350,000 by 2028. Of this, 150,000 will be locally trained, while 200,000 will be recruited globally, Kao shared.
Currently, Taiwan issues the "Employment Gold Card" (就業金卡), allowing foreign professionals earning over NT$160,000 monthly to freely seek and switch jobs. After three years of continuous residence, they can apply for permanent residency.