Plum Blossom permanent residence — senior professional

Foreign nationals who are senior professionals needed by the ROC include the following: 1. Possess specialized skills in emerging industries, key technologies, critical components, and products. 2. Demonstrate exceptional talent in scientific research and development within specialized technical or scientific institutions, with rare expertise in areas such as nanotechnology, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), optoelectronics, information and communication technology (ICT), automation system integration, material application technology, high-precision sensing technology, biotechnology, resource development, energy conservation technology, and cutting-edge basic research. Their expertise aligns with the urgent needs or those not easily cultivated in the ROC. 3. Exhibit exceptional talent in management roles, with outstanding achievements in fields such as highways, high-speed railways, metro systems, telecommunications, aviation, shipping, deepwater construction, meteorology, or seismic activities, which are rare domestically or internationally. Their qualifications meet the urgent needs or are challenging to cultivate in the short term in the ROC. 4. Possess special abilities in science, research, industry, commerce, and teaching, capable of making substantial contributions to the economy, industry, education, or welfare of the ROC, and currently employed in the ROC due to their professional skills. 5. Currently or previously held positions as a lecturer, professor, associate professor, or assistant professor at foreign universities, and currently employed in educational, academic, or research institutions in the ROC. 6. Currently or previously served as a researcher, associate researcher, or assistant researcher at foreign research institutions, and currently employed in educational, academic, or research institutions in the ROC. 7. Hold a doctoral degree, received international academic awards, or authored significant specialized works, and currently employed in educational, academic, or research institutions in the ROC. 8. Have engaged in research activities at foreign research institutions or technology organizations, or management roles in technology research and development for over four (4) years, and currently employed in educational, academic, or research institutions in the ROC. 9. Have outstanding achievements in industrial technology and gained international recognition, with their research and development in industrial technology capable of effectively promoting the upgrading of industries in the ROC. 10. Have achieved a top-three placement in the Olympic Games or World Cup, first place in continental games, or demonstrated exceptional performance in other significant competitions, contributing to the enhancement of athletic competitiveness in the ROC. 11. Previously served as a coach for national teams in various countries, with athletes trained under their guidance achieving top-five placements in the Olympic Games or World Cup, top-three placements in continental games, or demonstrating exceptional performance in other significant competitions, contributing to the enhancement of athletic competitiveness in the ROC. 12. Have been invited or selected to participate in internationally renowned cultural and artistic competitions, delivering outstanding performances, or have been repeatedly invited to participate in internationally renowned performance events, exhibitions, related cultural activities, or art festivals, receiving high acclaim. 13. Have exceptional legal expertise, currently or formerly employed in renowned domestic or international legal firms, demonstrating outstanding performance over many years. They have been awarded significant domestic or international legal-related awards and have published excellent research recognized both domestically and internationally in the field of law. They have also demonstrated exceptional performance in international litigation. 14. Recommended by central competent authority for the intended business for other outstanding achievements.

Senior professionals needed by the ROC: Documents substantiating one's professional expertise, such as professional skills, research and development patent certificates, relevant publications, or qualification certificates.

Certificate issued by the central competent authority for the intended business or an accredited institution.

(II) Foreign nationals who are senior professionals needed by the ROC include the following: 1. Possess specialized skills in emerging industries, key technologies, critical components, and products.

3.“Foreign senior professional” means a senior professional needed by the State as prescribed in the Immigration Act.

A foreign professional, foreign specialist professional, or foreign senior professional, their spouse, minor children, or children having reached the age of majority or above who lack self-care ability due to physical or mental disability, having obtained permanent residency approved by the National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior (hereinafter referred to as the NIA), is not required to apply to the Ministry of Labor or Ministry of Education for a permit to engage in work in the State.

Article 15 The spouse of a foreign specialist professional or a foreign senior professional, having been approved by the NIA to reside in the State as a dependent relative, may apply directly to the Ministry of Labor for a permit to engage in work in the State. The term of the work permit may not extend beyond the spouse’s dependent residency period.

Foreign nationals applying for permanent residency as individuals who have made special contributions to the ROC, as senior professionals, or as investment immigrants shall not be subject to the restriction of residing for 183 days per year.

Starting from January 1st of the year following the issuance of the Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (Plum Blossom Card), if the average annual residence does not reach 183 days over the most recent five (5) years, the Permanent Residency Permit will be revoked or invalidated, and the Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (Plum Blossom Card) will be canceled. However, this provision does not apply to individuals stipulated in Article 19 of the Act for Foreign Professionals or those authorized by the NIA.