Freelancer Visa In Taiwan: The Ultimate Guide
Setting sights on Taiwan’s bustling freelance landscape?
To thrive in this East Asian gem, understanding the freelancer visa is paramount.
Dive into our guide, and transition from curious wanderer to established freelancer on Taiwanese soil.
Who Needs A Taiwan Freelancer Visa?
Typically, foreigners who wish to work as independent contractors in Taiwan must obtain a specific visa, such as an Entrepreneur Visa or a Professional Work Visa, as was previously noted.
These visas enable people to work for themselves or offer certain services.
Requirements To Apply For A Freelance Visa
Depending on your country of citizenship and the kind of visa you are asking for, there may be different criteria for getting a freelance visa in Taiwan.
However, typical demands include:
- Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Passport size photographs: The photographs must be 2 by 2 inches (51 by 51 mm). The distance between the chin and the top of the head must be between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25 and 35 mm).
- Prior Taiwanese visa: Proof of existing visa or residency permit, if applicable.
- Evidence of income: You must make $5,700 monthly if you’re not employed in one of the eight fields.
- Previous Employment: Dates of any employment you may have had in Taiwan, if any.
- A statement of employment: The documentation needed to prove your employment depends on your kind of work. You may find the required paperwork through the official Taiwan Employment Gold Card website.
- Credentials: Evidence of your credentials or subject-matter knowledge.
- Business Plan: A thorough business plan for beginning your own company.
- Sponsor: A sponsoring organization or entity that can attest to the quality of your work.
- Tax and insurance: Observing tax and health insurance requirements.
To obtain detailed information on the regulations that apply to your circumstance, it is advised that you contact the Taiwanese embassy or consulate that is closest to you.
The Taiwan Employment Gold Card Visa Fees:
Depending on your country of residence and the length of your card, the Gold Card ranges in price from NT$ 3,200 to NT$ 9,800.
If all of your supporting documents are approved the first time, and there are no unforeseen circumstances (like COVID-19 delays), an ideal application should take 30 days to complete.
Expect a 60+ day turnaround time if your supporting documents need to be modified.
Only one cost is required, and it must be paid via the Gold Card application page. There are no additional expenses for a work permit or visa.
The cost depends on your nationality, the length of the visa, and whether you apply in Taiwan or elsewhere.
What Are The Legal Requirements For Freelancing In Taiwan?
The Taiwan Employment Gold Card, introduced in 2018, is a four-in-one card that combines a resident visa, work permit, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and re-entry permit.
Allowing you to enter and exit Taiwan several times throughout one to three years. No sponsorship is required for online applications. You can visit the website and apply online here.
You should take into account the following legal prerequisites to lawfully work as a freelancer in Taiwan:
Registering With The Tax Office
Regardless of their nationality, all freelancers in Taiwan are required to register with the local tax office.
Obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and disclosing your income are required steps in this registration.
Additionally, you will be accountable for paying income taxes and adhering to any other requirements for national health insurance.
Foreign Freelancers’ Work Permits
Foreigners seeking employment as independent contractors in Taiwan must get a work visa.
Finding a sponsoring body, such as a business or organization, to attest to your work is a standard step in this procedure.
The sponsoring organization will assist you in requesting the required work permit, which is frequently connected to a particular task or project.
Visa Requirements
Your nationality and work will determine the visa type required to operate as a freelancer in Taiwan.
The Entrepreneur Visa is appropriate for people beginning a business, and the Professional Work Visa, appropriate for those with particular talents, are two popular visa alternatives for freelancers.
These visas frequently demand credentials documentation and a business plan.
Compliance With Labor Laws
In Taiwan, independent contractors must follow labor laws, which include rules for working hours, the minimum salary, and employment agreements.
It’s crucial to comprehend these rules and ensure that your freelance employment terms comply with the law.
Science and technology, economy, education, culture and the arts, sports, finance, law, architectural design, and national defense are among the professions where candidates may apply for an Employment Gold Card online.
How Does Freelancing Work In Taiwan?
Once you have decided to start working as a freelancer in Taiwan, you must be aware of the country’s legal framework for independent contractors.
Since February 2018, qualified professionals have had access to the open work permit, residence permit, and visa, known as The Taiwan Employment Gold Card.
You are permitted a 1 to 3-year stay in Taiwan with the Gold Card.
Additionally, holding this card gives you the freedom to work for any Taiwanese company (or several) or to launch your own business.
In Taiwan, the two occupational categories of liberal and commercial professions have their own characteristics and regulatory frameworks.
The main distinctions between these two categories of vocations are summarized as follows:
Taxation As A digital nomad/freelancer
In Taiwan, digital nomads/freelancers will be required to pay taxes.
Depending on your resident status and length of stay, you’ll have varying tariffs, documentation needed, and advantageous regimes.
Residents
People who spend at least 183 days in Taiwan during a tax year are subject to a progressive tax with rates ranging from 5% to 40%. For each kind of taxpayer, the same filing period applies.
First-time Gold Card holders are eligible for extra tax reliefs. They are eligible for a 50% tax exemption on their annual wage if their annual income in the first five years exceeds NT$3 million ($98,736).
Non-Residents
People who spend less than 91 days in Taiwan or more than 90 days but fewer than 183 days in a tax year must pay a flat rate based on the taxed category before leaving the country.
Alternatively, they can submit annual tax returns between May 1 and May 31 of the previous year.
How To Start Freelancing After Arriving In Taiwan?
Once you acquire the required authorizations and visas, you can begin working as a freelancer in Taiwan by taking the following actions:
- Promote Yourself: To demonstrate your abilities and draw clients, establish a credible online presence, including a website or portfolio.
- Build Your Network: In the new country, by attending industry events, joining groups for professionals, and making connections with possible clients and partners.
- Compliance: Constantly ensure you uphold your legal and tax requirements, such as filing taxes and continuing your health insurance.
- Payment Processing: Establish a safe and practical way to accept customer payments, such as online payment systems or bank accounts.
- Contracts With Clients: To safeguard your interests and make sure that there is a clear understanding with clients, always utilize formal contracts that specify project specifics, payment terms, and deadlines.
Can I Work As A Freelancer If I Am A Foreigner Already In Taiwan?
You can legally operate as a freelancer in Taiwan as a foreigner already residing there, but you must follow specific regulations and steps.
In Taiwan, you must usually apply for a work permit to work as a freelancer.
Depending on your situation, numerous work permits are available; the Entrepreneur Visa and the Professional Work Visa are the two most popular categories.
You may need to know the following information:
Visa For Entrepreneurs
This visa is appropriate if you want to start your own business or work for yourself.
You should provide a workable business plan, satisfy specific investment requirements, and explain how your company will advance Taiwan’s economy to be eligible for an Entrepreneur Visa.
Professional Work Visa
You can apply for a professional work visa if you have specific knowledge or experience in a particular industry.
Freelancers who provide expert services, such as graphic designers, authors, or consultants, frequently use this visa. You can be asked to present documentation of your credentials and subject-matter knowledge.
Sponsoring Entity
In Taiwan, you usually require a sponsoring entity, such as a business or organization, to attest to your employment to get a work visa.
They will help you with the application process and can be in charge of some legal responsibilities associated with your employment.
Application For A Visa
You can apply for the necessary visa at the closest Taiwanese embassy or consulate after you have a sponsoring organization and satisfy the conditions of the particular work permit.
Be ready to offer supporting documentation for your application.
Tax And Legal Obligations
You have legal and tax obligations as a freelancer in Taiwan. You must file your taxes on time, register with the tax authorities, and get a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
For tax purposes, it’s critical to maintain precise records of your income and expenses.
Healthcare Insurance
Consider signing up for Taiwan’s national health insurance program, which covers medical services. You might need to contribute, depending on your circumstances.
Labor Regulations
Workplace regulations, such as those governing working hours, minimum wages (if applicable), and employment contracts, must be complied with.
Conclusion
Navigating Taiwan as a freelancer is both thrilling and rewarding. With the insights from this guide, your path to acquiring the right visa is clearer than ever.
Embrace the hustle, relish the culture, and let Taiwan’s freelance story be your next chapter!
Freelance Flourish!
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