Planning a business trip to Taipei? Or a workation in Kaohsiung or Hsinchu? Learn the essential information you and your employees need to work safely and compliantly while traveling in Taiwan, including working conditions, safety and health regulations, tax treaties, social security, and more.
Capital city
Taipei
Telephone code
+886
Official language
Mandarin Chinese (official); Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, and Indigenous languages also widely spoken
Currency
New Taiwan Dollar (TWD / NT$)
Time zone
UTC+8
Social security compliance
When working remotely abroad, your employees may become subject to the social security scheme of the destination country, which means you, as an employer, would need to pay social security premiums accordingly. Taiwan has not entered into any bilateral social security (totalisation) agreements with other countries. Foreign employees with a valid work permit are required to contribute to Labor Insurance (LI) and National Health Insurance (NHI) from their first day of employment, regardless of their home country's social security regime.
Due to the absence of any bilateral social security agreement, there is no Certificate of Coverage (CoC) mechanism available for Taiwan. This means employees temporarily working in Taiwan may face dual social security contributions -- both in their home country and in Taiwan. Employers should factor these additional costs into assignment and travel planning. Discover our solution for efficient social security risk mitigation here.
Tax compliance
Taiwan has signed 35 comprehensive income tax agreements with key partners, specifying the steps to take to avoid double taxation, available here. These treaties generally follow OECD and UN models and provide guidelines for various types of income, including employment income. Note: Taiwan does not have a comprehensive DTA with the United States.
Despite the existence of these tax treaties, the issue of Permanent Establishment remains a significant compliance concern for employers with employees temporarily working in Taiwan, whether for a workation or a business trip. If a traveling employee is deemed to constitute a Permanent Establishment in the destination country, the employer may be required to register the company locally, allocate profits to the local business (branch), and file corporate taxes, leading to substantial administrative burdens.
To avoid this scenario, here are some key strategies:
If your employees are traveling for a workation, they should refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during the trip. Additionally, they should avoid visiting clients or any office, including the employer's local office in the destination country. Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risk for the employer related to permanent establishment.
If your employees travel for business, it may be impossible to refrain from the activities above. In this case, please make sure to inform your (tax) compliance department of this matter. If you and your organization use WorkFlex, this topic is covered through the WorkFlex platform.
Overriding local employment provisions
Employees traveling to Taiwan are expected to comply with some basic local employment provisions that may be qualified as overriding, such as minimum salary standards. See the recent information on minimum wage in Taiwan here.
Visa
To work legally while in another country, employees generally need a valid work title. It's important to keep in mind that the consequences of entering without the proper documentation can be significant for both the employee and the employer.
For those planning work-from-anywhere trips to Taiwan, here's a quick overview:
- Visa-free entry: Available for citizens of most EU/EEA countries, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and other OECD nations (up to 90 days). A Taiwan Arrival Card (T
- Digital Nomad Visa: Allows remote workers from visa-exempt countries to stay up to 6 months (extendable up to 2 years), with specific income and employment requirements.
Need trip-specific visa information? Reach out WorkFlex Visa services.
For those planning business trips to Taiwan:
- Visa-exempt entry: Available for citizens of most EU/EEA countries, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and other OECD nations (up to 90 days). Covers standard business activities such as meetings, trade fairs, exhibitions, and signing contracts.
- Visitor Visa: Required for citizens not on the visa-exempt list. Apply at a Taiwan representative office (TECO) before departure.
Need trip-specific visa information? Reach out WorkFlex Visa services.
Working hours
Most employees in Taiwan work from Monday to Friday, with a standard workweek of 40 hours, typically broken down into 8-hour workdays. The weekend is observed on Saturday and Sunday.
To remain compliant during your trip abroad, here are some suggestions to follow:
- Avoid working overtime: Regulations regarding overtime can differ significantly and may be much stricter compared to those in your home country.
- Refrain from working outside regular hours: The rules surrounding working outside regular hours may vary and could be stricter than in your home country.
- Do not work on weekends: If the weekend days differ from those in your home country, please avoid working on both your regular weekend days and the local weekend days.
Public holidays
Get information about specific public holiday dates for this year here.
- January 1: National Day
- Date varies: Lunar New Year (extended holiday period; exact dates vary by lunar calendar)
- February 28: Peace Memorial Day
- April 4-5: Children's Day / Tomb Sweeping Day
- May 1: Labour Day
- Date varies (usually June): Dragon Boat Festival (date varies by lunar calendar)
- Date varies (usually September): Mid-Autumn Festival (date varies by lunar calendar)
- September 28: Teachers' Day (Confucius Birthday)
- October 10: National Day (Double Tenth)
- December 25: Constitution Day
Depending on the region you're visiting, there may be additional region-specific public holidays. For more information about these holidays, please check here.
To comply with labor laws, please refrain from working on national holidays during your trip. These days hold significant importance for locals and provide a great opportunity for you to blend in and celebrate with the community.
Working activities
When considering travel for work purposes—whether for a workation or a business trip—it is crucial to understand the implications of Permanent Establishment (PE) and associated tax risks. PE is a significant compliance concern for companies and can become costly due to the administrative burden if the compliance requirements for employees working abroad are not properly managed. To help mitigate these risks, here are a few guidelines to follow.
If you are traveling for a workation, please:
- Refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during your trip.
- Avoid visiting clients or any office, including your employer's local office in the destination country.
Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risks related to Permanent Establishment for your employer.
If you are a business traveler, it may be difficult to avoid the activities mentioned above. In this case, please ensure you inform your employer's compliance department about this matter. If you and your organization are WorkFlex users, this topic is addressed through the WorkFlex platform.
Data protection
Data protection is fundamentally about keeping our information safe from unauthorized access, breaches, theft, or damage. This responsibility is important for everyone, regardless of where they are working.
When employees work temporarily from abroad, data protection involves ensuring continued coverage and compliance with the data protection regulations of both, the home country and the destination country. Taiwan has implemented the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), most recently amended in November 2025. Its level of regulation and enforcement is characterized as moderate. This means Taiwan has established data protection legislation with enforcement mechanisms, though the regulatory framework is still evolving - notably, an independent Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) is in the process of being established to replace the current decentralized enforcement model. Learn more about it here.
For WorkFlex users, a comprehensive list of data protection activities is available in the profile, but here are some general data protection guidelines to keep your data safe:
- Adhere to Your Company's Internal Data Policies: Familiarize yourself with and follow your organization’s specific data protection protocols.
- Use Secure Network Connections: Always connect through secure networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
- Be Aware of Phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links.
- Utilize Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- Keep Your Devices in a Secure Location: Always store your devices in safe places to prevent unauthorized access.
- Lock Your Screen Whenever Applicable: Ensure your screen is locked when you're away from your device to protect your information.
Local emergency phone
110 (Police), 119 (Fire / Ambulance)
Vaccination
Guidelines
Drinking potable water
Generally safe (boiling recommended as precaution)
Travel health insurance
When traveling to Taiwan for work - whether for a short business trip or an extended workation - it's essential to have comprehensive health insurance coverage to ensure access to medical care.
For business trips, the employer typically arranges the employee's travel health insurance. However, for workations, these responsibilities can be less clear. WorkFlex takes care of travel health insurance for trips worldwide to ensure there are no costly consequences for either the employee or the employer if accidents occur while working abroad.
Note: Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) does not cover short-term visitors or workation travellers; private travel health insurance is therefore essential.
For travelers using WorkFlex
If you’re traveling with WorkFlex, comprehensive health insurance is automatically included if your employer has activated this feature. For more details, please refer to your trip request on the WorkFlex platform.
For other travelers
Ensure you have travel health insurance with worldwide coverage, whether for a workation or business trip, so that you can receive adequate medical treatment in case of an emergency.
Urgent safety information
For travelers using WorkFlex:
Please refer to your trip's risk assessment under the "Health and Security" dimension to review any urgent security information relevant to your travel.
For other travelers:
Please visit official authority websites to check for any current threats or urgent security advisories:
Terrorism
The terrorism threat in Taiwan is rated as low. No significant terrorism incidents or threats are currently reported. Terrorism is not identified as a major security concern for travellers in official US State Department or OSAC advisories.
Safety recommendations:
- Exercise standard awareness in busy public places.
- Report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
- Follow local news for any updates during your stay.
Domestic political situation
The domestic political situation in Taiwan is stable. Demonstrations are possible in major cities and may occasionally lead to traffic disruptions. Travelers are advised to avoid protest gatherings and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Note: Taiwan operates in a complex geopolitical environment. While this does not directly affect daily life for business travelers, employees should stay informed of developments via their home country's foreign ministry advisory before and during travel.
Crime
The overall crime rate in Taiwan is low. Taiwan is generally considered a safe destination for business travelers and workation visitors. In larger cities, petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and credit card fraud can occur, particularly in crowded tourist and commercial areas.
To help ensure your safety, consider the following precautions:
- Exercise extra caution in crowded areas.
- Keep money, ID cards, driver’s licenses, and other important documents secure; consider saving electronic copies or photos to simplify obtaining replacements if needed.
- Carry only the cash you’ll need for the day and avoid bringing unnecessary valuables.
- Stay alert, especially in large crowds, and closely monitor your belongings.
- Avoid leaving valuables unattended in public places.
- Be cautious of unfamiliar emails, phone calls, prize notifications, offers, and requests for help from supposed acquaintances. Always verify the legitimacy of such interactions.
Natural hazards and climate risks
Taiwan is located in one of the most seismically active zones in the world. Thousands of earthquakes of magnitude 3 to 6 are recorded annually; on average, five to six are perceptible in Taipei each year. Travelers should familiarise themselves with earthquake safety guidelines.
Taiwan is regularly affected by typhoons, particularly between May and November. These can cause flooding, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage. In the event of a typhoon warning, travelers are advised to:
- Monitor weather forecasts, including via the Taiwan Central Weather Administration.
- Purchase a Taiwanese prepaid SIM card so that local emergency alerts can reach your mobile device.
- Install the Taiwan Fire Department app for real-time alerts (available for Android and iOS).
- Follow official warnings and the instructions of local authorities.
Taiwan has a subtropical to tropical climate, with the northern half subtropical and the southern half tropical, divided by the Tropic of Cancer.
Spring (March to May):
- 12-25°C (54-77°F)
- Mild and pleasant before the summer heat
- Low humidity compared to summer
- One of the best times to visit
Summer / Southwest Monsoon (June to September):
- 28-35°C (82-95°F), occasionally reaching 38°C (100°F)
- High humidity, rarely below 70%
- Heavy rainfall, especially in southern Taiwan
- Typhoon season: approximately 3-5 typhoons affect Taiwan annually
- Outdoor activities may be significantly disrupted
Autumn (October to November):
- 20-28°C (68-82°F)
- Taiwan's golden season: crisp, fresh air and comfortable conditions
- Low humidity
- One of the best times to visit
Winter / Northeast Monsoon (December to February):
- 10-20°C (50-68°F)
- Northern Taiwan is cool, damp, and cloudy
- Central and southern regions remain mostly sunny
- Steady rainfall in the north and northeast
Best time to visit: October to November (autumn golden season) and February to March (early spring). Avoid July to September due to extreme heat, high humidity, and typhoon risk.
Airports
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
- Location: Dayuan, Taoyuan, approximately 40 km west of Taipei
- When to use: Taiwan's primary international hub serving over 100 airlines. Connected to Taipei via the Taoyuan Airport MRT line (approximately 35 minutes to Taipei Main Station). Recommended for all international travellers.
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)
- Location: Kaohsiung
- When to use: Serves southern Taiwan with direct international connections to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. Connected to city centre via Kaohsiung MRT Red Line.
Train stations
Taiwan has an excellent national rail network connecting all major business cities:
- Taiwan High Speed Rail: High-speed rail running along the western corridor from Nangang/Taipei in the north to Zuoying (Kaohsiung) in the south. 12 stations including Taipei, Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, and Zuoying. The full Taipei–Kaohsiung journey takes approximately 90–100 minutes at speeds up to 300 km/h.
- Taiwan Railways (TRA): Conventional rail covering the entire island, including the east coast (Hualien, Taitung) not served by HSR. A good option for travel to smaller cities and scenic areas.
- Taipei Main Station is the key interchange hub in the north, connecting HSR, TRA, Taipei MRT, and intercity bus services.
Ride-hailing services
- Uber
- LINE Taxi
- Taiwan Taxi
- Bolt
Note: These ride-hailing apps are widely available and used in most major cities.
Public transportation
- MRT: Taipei Metro with 6 lines and 131 stations. Additional metro systems in Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. Operates approximately 6:00 AM to midnight.
- Buses and taxis: Extensive bus networks in all major cities. Metered taxis widely available and can be hailed on the street, at taxi stands, or booked via app.
- Travel cards: The EasyCard and iPASS provide seamless access to all MRT systems, buses, trains, ferries, and bike-sharing (YouBike).