Taiwan's Employment Gold Card program surpasses 13,000 issued cards: NDC

Taipei, May 25 (CNA) Taiwan's Employment Gold Card program has issued over 13,000 cards since its launch in 2018, with holders from 101 countries, according to statistics from the Cabinet-level National Development Council (NDC).

Designed to attract skilled professionals in fields such as technology, finance, education, culture and sports, the Employment Gold Card combines a work permit, resident visa, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and re-entry permit in a single document.

NDC officials said that interest in the program surged in 2020, when Taiwan's successful COVID-19 response and stable economy made it an attractive destination for global talent.

Issuance jumped to nearly 2,000 cards in 2021, up from 546 in 2019, NDC data showed.

By 2024, the total number of cards issued had surpassed 10,000, and as of April 2025, the figure reached 13,191, reflecting strong and steady demand from international professionals seeking long-term careers and residence in Taiwan.

The United States remains the top source of Employment Gold Card applicants, accounting for 25 percent of all cardholders, according to NDC data. Hong Kong ranks second, followed by Japan, which entered the top three in 2022.

India has also seen a sharp rise in applications, moving up to fourth place. The NDC attributes this growth to India's strength in software and technology, as well as Taiwan's active recruitment efforts in cities like Bangalore through digital outreach and in-person events.

In addition, a growing number of cardholders also come from countries such as Pakistan, Latvia, Egypt, Iran and Russia. Many of them hold PhDs and work in research, defense technology, or education, the NDC said.

Among the notable Gold Card recipients are former NBA star Dwight Howard, who qualified under the sports category, and South Korean cheerleader and cultural ambassador Lee Dahye, who was recommended by Taiwan's Ministry of Culture for her role in promoting Taiwan-Korea cultural exchange.