Guide to Working in Taiwan

Want to work in a country that’s full of vibrant Asian history, unique culture and brilliant travel opportunities? Here’s our Guide to Working in Taiwan.

Accommodation – How Much Does It Cost to Live in Taiwan?

Taiwan, officially part of the Republic of China, is a state in East Asia.

The cost of living in Taiwan will vary across areas of the country. The capital, Taipei City, is likely to have a higher cost of living than more regional areas of Taiwan. However, here are the average rents and bills to help you plan your budget:

· Studio Apartment Accommodation – One month’s rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Taipei would cost around 16 318,81NT$ (£353,56).

· Suburban Accommodation – One month's rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Taipei suburbs would cost around 10 277,78NT$ (£222,67).

· Monthly Utility Bill for Taipei – Utilities for one month for 2 people in an 85m2 flat in Taipei will cost around 2 111,93NT$ (£45,76).

Transport – How Can You Get Around?

Travel by Metro – Taiwan's two major cities, Taipei and Kaohsiung, both have Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Metro systems. They are clean, safe, convenient and reliable. All signs and ticket machines are in English. English signs around stations indicate which exit to take to nearby sights. Posters indicate bus transfer routes.

Travel by Railway – Taiwan’s railway is an island-wide network that covers 1,496 km, offering the most convenient way to access the country’s major towns and cities. Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail services offer an even easier, faster route.

Working in Taiwan offers the opportunity to visit other incredible countries around Asia, which include:

· China – Take a trip to China for its culture features, an abundance of the material and spiritual values, unchanged over millennia.

· Japan – The historical country combines ancient culture with exquisite natural landscapes and dazzling modernity.

· Vietnam – Visit a land of staggering natural beauty.

· The Philippines – Defined by its emerald rice fields, teeming megacities, smouldering volcanoes, the Philippines have much to offer.

Culture

Taiwan is renowned for its blend of traditional and modern cultures. Traditional architecture is plentiful, not only in the form of fascinating magnificent temples but also in the many old structures that have been renovated into community centres, cafes, stores and other public spaces. Many aspects of traditional Chinese arts, crafts and customs are better preserved in Taiwan than anywhere else. For example, the country is one of the few places still using traditional Chinese characters in writing and calligraphy.

Education

Education is taught using the Mandarin Chinese language, and the academic year runs from September to June. Compulsory education lasts 12 years (six years of elementary education, three years of junior high and three years of senior secondary education.)

The literacy rate among Taiwanese people ages 15 and above is 98.5%, and students graduating from the Taiwanese education system achieve some of the highest scores in the world in technical fields such as mathematics and science, evidencing the high standards of the country's schooling systems.

Taxes

A non-resident individual living in the country for fewer than 90 days in a calendar year is subject to 18% WHT on salary pay received from a registered entity. Remuneration received from an entity registered outside of the country is tax
exempted.

A non-resident individual residing in the country for more than 90 days but fewer than 183 days in a calendar year is subject to tax at a flat rate of 18% on taxable salary income, regardless of where the remuneration is paid. A resident individual is subject to 5%-40% tax rates dependent on income.

Pensions

Taiwan's pension system is in a process of transition and reform. In the sector of public pensions, there is a basic safety net for the elderly and schemes for public sector workers.

For private sector employees, there are several occupational schemes. Labour Insurance offers several types of insurance protection while the Old Labour Pension Fund is a specific pension plan. Voluntary private pension savings are not subsidised and mainly consist of life insurance contracts.

Things to Do

Longshan Temple: Late 18th century showcase of southern Asian architecture.
National Palace Museum: Home to the world's largest collection of Chinese art.
Tiánliáo Stone Temple: Gaudi-esque Taoist temple created by Southeast Asian migrant workers.
Taipei 101: Designed to mirror a giant bamboo stalk.
Taijiang National Park: Taiwan's eighth national park, covering coastal lands north of Anping Harbour.

Language

Hi = 嗨 (Hāi)
Yes = 是 (Shì)
No = 沒有 (Méiyǒu)
Thank You = 謝謝 (Xièxiè)
Bye-Bye = 再⾒ (Zàijiàn)
Sorry = 抱歉 (Bàoqiàn)
I'm = 我是 (Wǒ shì)
You're welcome = 別客氣 (Bié kèqì)
How are you ? = 你好嗎 (Nǐ hǎo ma)
Well = 好 (Hǎo)

Looking for a new challenge? Have a look at all our technical and engineering jobs around the world.

Decided Taiwan isn’t for you? Here are 8 Ways to Shake Up Your Career in 2020.