【Immigrate & Relocate to Taiwan】Visa + Logistics Tips

Taiwan has long been one of the most popular immigration destinations for people from Hong Kong. Many are drawn by its lower cost of living, easier access to property and vehicle ownership, and the cultural and linguistic similarities that make settling in more seamless. While choosing the right immigration pathway is essential, planning your physical relocation is equally important. From transporting personal belongings and furniture to handling customs clearance, a well-organized move can significantly impact your quality of life upon arrival. In this guide, we outline five key ways to immigrate to Taiwan—along with application procedures, eligibility criteria, and practical logistics tips to help you relocate with confidence. FreightAmigo’s digital logistics platform offers end-to-end support for cross-border moves, making your transition to Taiwan smoother and more secure.

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Investment Immigration to Taiwan from Hong Kong

For Hong Kong people considering moving to Taiwan, investment immigration is a good choice. However, applicants need to write an investment plan and obtain approval from Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs. According to the new regulations, applicants need to invest at least NT$6 million (approximately HK$1.55 million) in Taiwan, and open a company with actual business or invest in an existing Taiwan company. In addition, the applicant also needs to hire more than two Taiwanese employees, the operating period is also extended from 1 year to 3 years, and at the same time, a qualified accountant is entrusted to conduct the audit. Applicants also need to have lived in Taiwan for one full year before they can apply for a residence permit and obtain an ID card.

It is worth noting that under the new regulations, applicants who buy a house in Taiwan are not counted as investment immigrants. In addition, after obtaining the ID card, the applicant needs to operate for another two years. If it is found to fail during the spot check during the period, the ID card may be recovered. Applicants who have no business experience, they can choose franchise methods, such as self-service laundromats, breakfast shops, doll clip machines, etc.

Procedures and formalities for investment immigration to Taiwan:

1. To apply for investment immigration, you need to consider what type of company to open or invest in an existing Taiwanese company, and entrust a local accountant or lawyer as an agent to assist in writing an investment plan and submit an application to the Investment Review Committee of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan.
2. After the plan is approved, the applicant can open a bank account in Taiwan, remit the investment amount from Hong Kong to Taiwan, and then be reviewed by the Investment Review Committee of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. After successful approval, the applicant can prepare all the documents and go to the Taiwan Immigration Office to apply for a residence permit.

Taiwan Investment Immigration : settlement conditions 

• Investment amount: Applicants must invest at least NT$10 million and hold the invested enterprise for more than 3 years.
• Business operation: The invested enterprise must be legally registered in Taiwan and operate continuously for 3 years.
• Tax records: Applicants must provide tax records for the past 5 years.
• No criminal record: Applicants and their family members must provide proof of no criminal record.
• Willingness to settle: Applicants must express a sincere willingness to settle and meet the residency requirements under Taiwan’s immigration laws.

Entrepreneurship Immigrate to Taiwan from Hong Kong 

Taiwan Entrepreneur Immigration is a policy launched by Taiwan to implement the plan of the Executive Yuan to promote entrepreneur visas for those who are interested in starting a business in Taiwan. Applicants need to meet certain conditions, including the requirements of high school education and business nature and need to be reviewed by the Investment Review Committee of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Eligible applicants can apply for a residence visa for a period of up to one year for the first application. After that, applicants need to meet certain performance indicators, such as the average annual operating income of more than NT$3 million in the last year or the last three years, the average annual operating expenses of more than NT$1 million in the last year or three years, or employment Employing more than 3 full-time Taiwanese employees can apply for the extension of the right of abode, and each extension period shall not exceed two years. As long as you have lived in Taiwan continuously for five years and lived in Taiwan for more than 183 days per year, you can apply for naturalization in Taiwan.

Procedures and formalities for entrepreneurship immigration to Taiwan:

1. Obtain the business ability that meets the requirements of the government and meet the conditions for entrepreneurial immigration set by the government.
2. Apply to the Investment Review Committee of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and submit relevant documents, such as passports, education certificates, business plans, and financial certificates. Applicants are also interviewed and assessed.
3. The Investment Review Committee of the Ministry of Economic Affairs reviews the applicant’s application documents and business plan, and conducts interviews and evaluations.
4. After being approved by the review committee, the applicant can apply to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office for a residence permit.
5. The maximum period for the first application for residence is one year, and then you need to apply for renewal of the right of residence every year if you meet the above conditions. You can apply for naturalization in Taiwan after five consecutive years of residence.

To sum up, applying for Taiwan entrepreneurial immigration needs to meet certain conditions and business capabilities, and needs to be reviewed by the Investment Review Committee of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Applicants are required to submit relevant documents and a business plan, and are required to undergo an interview and assessment. Applicants can apply for a residence permit to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, and must apply for renewal of the right of residence every year if they meet the conditions. After five years of continuous residence, they can apply for naturalization in Taiwan.

Taiwan Entrepreneurship Immigration : settlement conditions 

• Business plan: Applicants must provide a business plan that meets Taiwan’s industrial development direction and has been certified by Taiwanese authorities.
• Investment amount: Applicants must invest at least NT$5 million within Taiwan.
• Business operation: The entrepreneurial enterprise must be legally registered in Taiwan and operate continuously for 3 years.
• Tax records: Applicants must provide tax records for the past 5 years.
• No criminal record: Applicants and their family members must provide proof of no criminal record.

Education Immigration to Taiwan from Hong Kong

If you want to immigrate to Taiwan through further studies, there are generally two ways. The first way is to complete your university education in Taiwan and then return to your place of origin (Hong Kong) to work for two years. After that, you can apply for residence in Taiwan through the HF169 program. Applicants need to provide proof of employment in Hong Kong, a guarantor in Taiwan, and other information. You can apply for permanent residence in Taiwan after you have lived in Taiwan for one year (you can leave Taiwan for up to 30 days within a year, and there is no limit to the number of times you leave the country), or you have lived in Taiwan for two consecutive years and lived in Taiwan for at least 270 days each year.

The second method is to evaluate according to the “Review Quota System for Overseas Chinese Students Staying in Taiwan” after graduating from Taiwan University. Applicants need to have lived in Taiwan for at least five years and obtain a score of at least 70 points based on eight aspects of their education, salary, work experience, professional qualifications, Chinese and foreign language ability, growth experience, and compliance with government policies related to industrial development. At the same time, applicants need to have a salary of at least NT$38,000 per month to be approved to work in Taiwan. In addition, applicants must live in Taiwan for at least 183 days per year in the fifth year and have a monthly salary of approximately NT$42,000 before they can apply for settlement in Taiwan.

If applicants want to be evaluated according to the “Review Quota System for Overseas Chinese Students Staying in Taiwan”, they need to be evaluated based on eight aspects: education, salary, work experience, professional qualifications, Chinese and foreign language skills, growth experience, and compliance with government policies related to industrial development. Get a score of at least 70. At the same time, applicants need to have a salary of at least NT$38,000 per month to be approved to work in Taiwan. In addition, applicants must have lived in Taiwan for at least five years, at least 183 days in the fifth year each year, and have a monthly salary of about NT$42,000 before they can apply for settlement in Taiwan.

Procedures and formalities for education immigration to Taiwan:

1. Students who intend to study in Taiwan can apply online at the National Taiwan Normal University Preparatory Class for Overseas Students, and study one-year basic courses and university preparatory courses. The project starts to accept applications in September every year. According to the teaching direction of the university department, the courses are divided into three categories, and students can choose to study according to their interests and preferences.
2. After completing one year of basic courses and university preparatory courses and obtaining graduation grades, students can choose to study in various universities in Taiwan according to their academic performance and professional preference.

Skilled Immigration to Taiwan from Hong Kong

Hong Kong people with professional qualifications can choose to use the method of skilled immigration. Applicants do not need to invest in Taiwan. They only need to meet the professional requirements specified in Taiwan and live in Taiwan for a specified period of time to be eligible to apply.

Skilled immigration to Taiwan conditions (applicants must meet one of the following)

Those who have achieved achievements in applied engineering technology in special fields, that is, have professional skills in emerging industries, key technologies, key components and products, and have more than five years of practical experience in factory affairs or research and development, and have served as managers or above job standards.

Those who have professional technical ability and have obtained the practicing certificate from the Hong Kong or Macau government, including: lawyers, accountants, technicians, architects and medical practitioners, and need to perform the duties for more than two years.

Those who have made special achievements in academic, scientific, cultural, journalism, finance, insurance, securities, futures, transportation, postal, telecommunications, meteorological or tourism professional fields.

Supervisors or professional and technical personnel employed by a company established in accordance with the Company Law, an approved foreign company, or a representative office of a foreign company that has been filed, if they have obtained a master’s degree or above from a relevant university at home and abroad, Or those who have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a relevant firm and have more than two years of relevant work experience, etc.

*The above four categories have different review standards, please go here for details.

Procedures and formalities for skilled immigration to Taiwan:

When the applicant meets one of the above-mentioned professional skills, he needs to submit the required documents to the competent authority. For example, a lawyer applicant needs to submit to the Ministry of Justice the lawyer’s practice certificate issued by the Hong Kong and Macao governments and the certification documents that have been practicing as a lawyer for more than two years; Personnel needs to submit to the Ministry of Health and Welfare the medical personnel practicing certificate issued by the Hong Kong and Macau governments, and the certification documents that have performed the duties of medical personnel for more than two years.

Marriage Immigrate to Taiwan from Hong Kong

The condition for applying for marriage immigration in Taiwan is to be officially married to a resident who has a household registration in Taiwan (holding a Taiwan ID card), and to submit supporting documents following the procedures. After applying for the right of abode, the applicant can apply for settlement and naturalization in Taiwan after living in Taiwan for a specified number of days. The conditions for applying for marriage immigration in Taiwan are that you have lived in Taiwan continuously for one year from the date of application, and you have not been out of the country for more than 30 days (those who enter and leave the country on the same day are also counted as one day), or you have lived in Taiwan continuously for two years since the date of application, and live in Taiwan for more than 270 days each year. Applicants also need to apply for a certificate of no marriage record, a certificate of no criminal record, and a Taiwan entry permit in Hong Kong.

Procedures and formalities for marriage immigration to Taiwan:

(Applicants need to go through the following procedures in Hong Kong first)

1. To apply for a certificate of no marriage record: you need to prepare the original Hong Kong ID card or passport, and fill in an application form for a certificate of no marriage record. You can choose to apply by mail or in person at the Marriage Registration and Records Office. If you want to apply online, you can go here.
2. Verification of the certificate of no marriage record: Prepare the certificate of no marriage record, the application form for document certification, and the original and copy of the Hong Kong ID card, and go to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Lippo Center, Admiralty, and mail applications are not accepted.
3. Apply for a Taiwan Entry Permit and a Certificate of No Criminal Record: You need to prepare a passport, visa application form, two passport photos, and a copy of the Hong Kong ID card. Go to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office to apply for a visa for more than three months. Also, the application requires the inspection of a police certificate and a letter. Then, you need to make an appointment through the online appointment system or call the automatic telephone inquiry system (Tel: 2396 5351), and you can go to check the documents you need to prepare in advance.

(Procedures in Taiwan)

1. Marriage registration in Taiwan: On the day of registration, you must prepare all the required documents, and go to the Taiwan household registration office to apply for marriage registration.
2. Physical examination and application for a Taiwan residence permit: Go to a hospital designated by the Department of Health of the Executive Yuan of Taiwan for a physical examination, and apply for a Taiwan residence permit at the Immigration Department.

Application fee:

Beyond the Visa: Managing Your Move to Taiwan

Securing your visa is only the first step in the immigration process. The real challenge often lies in how to safely and efficiently transport your personal belongings, furniture, appliances, and household items to Taiwan—and complete customs clearance and delivery without delays. These moving details directly affect your quality of life once you settle in.

Why Moving Logistics Matter

• Initial comfort: A well-organized move ensures a smoother transition and better living conditions from day one.
• Customs and tax compliance: Some items may require declaration or tax reporting, so preparing itemized lists and value documentation is essential.
• Time and cost efficiency: Choosing the right shipping method—air freight, sea freight, or courier—can help you save both time and money.
• Protection and peace of mind: For high-value items like collectibles or electronics, purchasing transport insurance is highly recommended to reduce risk.

How FreightAmigo Supports a Stress-Free Move

FreightAmigo offers a one-stop cross-border logistics platform that helps you manage every step of your relocation:

• Instantly compare quotes for air freight, sea freight, and courier services
• Book your preferred shipping method online—no in-person visits required
• Multilingual customs documentation support to reduce clearance delays
• Real-time shipment tracking to monitor every item in transit
• Optional transport insurance to protect your valuables
• Connected to over 1,000 airlines and shipping lines across major global routes

Whether you're relocating solo, moving with family, or expanding your business, FreightAmigo provides tailored logistics solutions to help you settle in Taiwan with confidence. Here are the key preparations before your international move:

1. Categorize and Pack Your Belongings

Before your move, it’s recommended to sort your items into categories to simplify packing, labeling, and customs clearance. Common categories include:

• Documents and books
• Clothing and personal items
• Furniture and large household appliances
• Kitchenware and fragile items
• Collectibles or high-value belongings

Choosing the right packing materials can significantly reduce the risk of damage. Common materials include:

• Wooden crates
• Cardboard boxes (various sizes)
• Bubble wrap (for fragile items)
• Packing tape
• Foam padding or pearl cotton
• Waterproof or sealed bags

FreightAmigo offers doorstep delivery of packing boxes and can assist you in selecting the most suitable packing solution to ensure your items are well protected during transit.

2. Choose the Right Transportation Method

FreightAmigo provides both air and sea freight options for relocation. You can choose based on the volume, size, and budget:

• Air Freight: Charged by net weight, with a transit time of approximately 7 to 9 days. Ideal for smaller personal moves. If your shipment is under 1 cubic meter, air freight is generally more cost-effective.
• Sea Freight: Charged by volume (cubic meters), with a transit time of around 40 to 60 days. No weight restrictions. Recommended for families or larger moves. If your shipment exceeds 1 cubic meter, sea freight is usually more economical.

With FreightAmigo’s platform, you can instantly compare quotes across different transport methods to find the best option.

3. Customs Clearance and Document Preparation

International relocation requires compliance with customs procedures at the destination. It’s important to prepare the following documents in advance:

• Detailed packing list (including item descriptions and quantities)
• Value declaration (some items may be taxable)
• Identification and visa copies
• Packing details (especially for special or high-value items)

FreightAmigo provides customs support services to help you prepare all necessary documents, with dedicated specialists to oversee the entire clearance process. You’ll need to pay a 30% deposit and submit your packing list before collection. If collection occurs on a weekday, you’ll receive a pallet completion photo the next day and must settle the remaining balance within three days. Our team will then arrange the shipping schedule and delivery.

Our digital platform also supports document uploads and progress tracking, allowing you to monitor customs status and shipment location anytime. This helps reduce errors and communication costs, ensuring a smooth moving experience.

4. Insurance Protection Is Essential

When relocating internationally, choosing the right insurance coverage is crucial—especially for high-value furniture (e.g., antiques, designer pieces), collectibles, fragile items, electronics, or personal valuables. It’s recommended to photograph your items before shipping and clearly document their value and quantity to support any future claims.

FreightAmigo’s platform offers instant insurance quotes and plan comparisons, helping you select the most suitable coverage based on item type, destination, and budget. We also support claims processing and document management to ensure seamless coordination between insurance and logistics.

Common types of coverage include:

• Declared Value Protection: Basic coverage provided by the moving company, compensated based on item weight. The rate is relatively low (around USD $0.60 per pound) and may not fully cover high-value furniture.
• Full Value Protection: Covers the actual value of items, including repair or replacement costs. Offers comprehensive coverage and requires an additional premium. Ideal for high-value or fragile items.
• Third-Party Insurance: Independent from the moving company, offering higher protection levels. Suitable for antiques, artwork, or valuable collections. Covers damage, theft, or loss during transit. Be sure to review policy terms and claims procedures carefully.

When choosing insurance, consider coverage limits, deductibles, claims procedures, and the provider’s reputation. With FreightAmigo’s expert support, you can relocate with peace of mind, knowing your belongings are well protected—even in unexpected situations.

 Read【Furniture Shipping Insurance】 Protecting Your Valuables During Transit to learn more about comprehensive coverage options.

5. Real-Time Shipment Tracking

International relocation often involves multiple transport stages and regional transfers. Monitoring your shipment status and delivery progress is essential for ensuring the safety of your belongings. FreightAmigo’s digital logistics platform connects with over 1,000 airlines and shipping companies worldwide, offering real-time tracking capabilities.

With FreightAmigo, you can:

• Check shipment location and status anytime via mobile or desktop
• View estimated delivery times, transit points, and customs updates
• Receive logistics notifications for each stage of the journey
• Increase transparency and peace of mind, reducing uncertainty and communication costs

Whether you’re moving to Taiwan, the UK, or elsewhere, FreightAmigo’s Track & Trace feature helps you stay informed and ensures your items arrive safely and on time.

Conclusion

Immigrating to Taiwan is more than just securing a visa—it’s about relocating your entire life. From choosing the right immigration pathway to managing the physical move, every detail matters. With FreightAmigo’s digital logistics platform, you gain full control over your relocation journey, ensuring your belongings arrive safely and your new beginning starts smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration from Hong Kong to Taiwan

1. How far in advance should I prepare for an international move?

The full process of relocating overseas—including requesting a quote, packing furniture and personal items, scheduling pickup, international shipping, and final delivery—typically takes around 2 to 3 months. The actual timeline may vary depending on the volume of your belongings, packaging needs, destination, and chosen transportation method.

FreightAmigo recommends booking at least one month before your planned departure. Based on your specific situation, we’ll provide a tailored relocation plan and assign a dedicated moving specialist to guide you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

2. What is FreightAmigo’s international moving service process?

FreightAmigo offers a one-stop international moving service with a simple and transparent process, allowing you to manage every step with ease:

• Online Quotation: Choose from multiple relocation plans with clear pricing. Instantly compare air freight, sea freight, and courier options.
• Booking Confirmation: Fill in basic details and pay just 5% of the quoted amount to confirm your booking.
• Receive Packing Materials: Free delivery of cardboard boxes and packing supplies to your home.
• Self-Packing: Sort and pack items based on type and quantity.
• Initial Payment: Pay 30% of the total cost before collection and submit your packing list.
• Pickup / Professional Packing: Schedule a pickup date and request professional packing services (e.g., wooden crate reinforcement).
• Storage / Palletizing: Enjoy 14 days of free storage and palletizing at the origin warehouse for added flexibility and safety.
• Final Payment: After receiving the pallet completion photo, pay the remaining balance within three days.
• Door-to-Door Delivery: We handle export customs clearance, import customs clearance, and quarantine checks, ensuring your items are safely delivered to the designated address.

With FreightAmigo’s expert support, you’ll enjoy a reliable and efficient international moving experience.

3. Are customs duties required when moving to Taiwan?

All international shipments must go through customs clearance upon arrival in Taiwan. Whether duties and taxes apply depends on the type of goods, declared value, and relevant regulations.

According to current rules:

• If you’re using the “unaccompanied baggage” method (i.e., your items arrive separately from your flight), you must fill out the Taiwan Customs Declaration Form upon entry. Request the form from the flight attendants and complete it onboard to expedite customs processing.
• Your baggage must arrive in Taiwan within six months of your entry to qualify for duty exemption (excluding tobacco and alcohol).
• If you fail to declare unaccompanied baggage upon entry, your items will be treated as general imports and will not be eligible for the NT$20,000 duty-free allowance for personal household goods.
• Taiwan uses the CIF valuation method (Cost + Insurance + Freight) to calculate taxable value, meaning shipping and insurance costs are included in the assessment.
• If you appoint a customs broker to assist with clearance, additional service fees will apply.

FreightAmigo’s specialists can help you prepare customs documents, guide you through the declaration process, and assist with duty exemption applications—ensuring your belongings are safely and smoothly imported into Taiwan.

The procedures for the regulation of restricted items and tariff arrangements are complicated. If you want to safely deliver your favorite items to your new home, it is best to have logistics experts to support you throughout the process! If you are planning to arrange overseas moving, welcome to FreightAmigo’s special page for overseas moving freight quotations.

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