How long is the permission normally granted for, how is it renewed, and what longer-term residence direction exists if officially stated?
Employment permits for this work (Subparagraphs 8 to 10 of Article 46(1)) may not exceed three years; further extensions only in major and special circumstances defined by the Executive Yuan, not exceeding six months for major construction projects. A worker who has complied with the law and left may re-enter to work, but total work in these categories is limited to 12 years. From 1 January 2026 employers in industries employing migrant workers (including manufacturing, slaughtering, construction, agriculture and long-term care) may apply to transition migrant workers with 6 years or more in Taiwan into foreign technical workers, who have no limit on their duration of stay and, after working an additional 5 years, become eligible to transition into the permanent residence system.
See recorded sources
- https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=N0090001
(Ⅱ)For work types in Subparagraphs 8 to 10 of Paragraph 1 of Article 46, permits shall also not exceed three years. In case of major and special circumstances, as defined by the Executive Yuan, further extensions may be granted, not exceeding six months for major construction projects.
- https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=N0090001
(Ⅳ)A foreign worker who has complied with laws and regulations and has left the Republic of China upon employment termination or permit expiration or having failed health examinations but has since passed those examinations upon receiving medical attention in their home countries, may re-enter to work. Foreign workers in job categories under Subparagraphs 8 to 10 of Article 46 are limited to a total of 12 years of work in the Republic of China and are subject to the provisions of Subparagraph 2 of Paragraph 1 of Article 51.
- https://fw.wda.gov.tw/wda-employer/home/mid-foreign-labor/index/2c95efb386de05e90186dedd24840359?locale=en
To optimize workforce deployment and retain outstanding technical talent, the Ministry has promulgated the "Regulations Governing the Qualifications and Working Permits of Foreign Technical Workers," which will take effect on January 1, 2026. Applicable to industries currently employing migrant workers—including manufacturing, slaughtering, construction, agriculture, and long-term care—employers may apply to transition senior migrant workers who have worked in Taiwan for 6 years or more, or overseas Chinese and foreign students who have obtained an associate degree or higher in Taiwan, into foreign technical workers, provided they meet the required salary and technical skill qualifications. Foreign technical workers face no limit on their duration of stay in Taiwan, enjoy higher wages, refine their technical skills, and are exempt from paying employment stability fees. Furthermore, after working for an additional 5 years, they become eligible to transition into the permanent residence system.