Taiwan's Entrepreneur Visa (formally the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Residence Visa) enables foreign nationals to establish and operate innovative businesses in Taiwan. Launched in June 2015 by the Ministry of Economic Affairs through the Review Directions of Entrepreneur Visa Qualification for Foreign Nationals, the program is designed to attract international entrepreneurs to Taiwan's startup ecosystem. Qualification review is administered by the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration (SMESA), while residence is managed by the National Immigration Agency. A key advantage is the ability to reside in Taiwan for up to two years before needing to establish a business.
Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
Team applications of up to 3 members are permitted.
The initial residence period is 2 years. Extensions of up to 2 years each are available, subject to meeting at least one business performance criterion: annual sales revenue of at least NT$3 million (or 3-year average), annual operating expenses of at least NT$1 million (or 3-year average), employment of at least 3 full-time Taiwanese nationals, or recognized contributions to Taiwan's development.
Spouses, minor children under 18, and adult children with disabilities may apply for residence based on the main applicant's visa. Family member applications are processed within 5 working days and require proof of relationship, valid passport, health examination, and criminal record certificate.
After 5 years of continuous legal residence with 183+ days per year, holders may apply for an Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC). Financial requirements include average monthly income exceeding twice the minimum wage, or personal property of NT$5 million or more in Taiwan. Holders who upgrade to an Employment Gold Card (entrepreneur category) may access an accelerated 3-year pathway.
Since July 2023, all applications must be submitted online through the Foreign Professionals Online Application Platform. The SMESA reviews qualifications in consultation with relevant authorities within 30 working days. Upon approval, applicants verify their passport at an ROC overseas mission or Bureau of Consular Affairs office and upload the resident visa copy within 30 days of issuance. After entering Taiwan, an Alien Resident Certificate must be obtained at an NIA service center within 30 days of arrival.
The visa does not require an established business before arrival, making it accessible for early-stage entrepreneurs. However, tangible business performance must be demonstrated at renewal. Blue-collar workers currently in Taiwan are not eligible. The program sits alongside the standard Investment Resident Visa (general investor pathway without innovation criteria), the Employment Gold Card (which has an entrepreneur subcategory for enterprises with US$1 million+ in venture capital), and the Digital Nomad Visitor Visa (for remote workers, which does not permit establishing a local business).