Going to work in Taiwan: costs, contracts and benefits

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Working in Taiwan is a familiar choice for many Vietnamese workers thanks to the short flight distance, many occupations and the minimum wage being adjusted to increase steadily each year. However, to make the trip truly worthwhile, you need to clearly understand the legal costs, contract content and your rights. The article below summarizes the most important things before signing a contract.

Overview of Taiwan's labor market

Taiwan receives foreign workers in the main groups: industrial production (electronics, mechanical, textile, food factories), construction, public service (caring for the sick, the elderly at home or nursing homes), domestic help, agriculture and fishing boat crew. Common contracts are 3 years, can be extended or changed hands according to regulations.

According to Taiwan's regulations, the total working time of foreign unskilled workers is usually maximum 12 years (in some cases, qualified public workers can be up to 14 years). Taiwan also has a program to convert to "intermediate skilled human resources" for workers who have worked for a sufficient number of years and meet salary and skill conditions - opening up opportunities to stay longer.

Expenses for working in Taiwan

Vietnamese fees

According to the Law on Vietnamese Workers working abroad under contract (Law No. 69/2020/QH14) and guiding circulars, workers may have to pay:

• Service fees for Vietnamese businesses: no more than 1 month of contractual salary for every 12 months of work; Contracts of 36 months or more must not exceed 3 months' salary.
• Brokerage costs (if any): from May 15, 2024, according to Circular 02/2024/TT-BLDTBXH, the ceiling is no more than 0.5 months' salary for each 12 months of work and no more than 1.5 months' salary for contracts from 36 months. For offshore fishing boat crew members and transport ship crew members going to Taiwan, the brokerage ceiling is 0 VND.
• Other costs: health check, passport, criminal record, visa, necessary knowledge training before departure, air tickets (depending on agreement).
• Deposit money (if agreed) must be deposited in a blocked account at the bank, to be refunded upon liquidation of the contract.

Service fee from Taiwan

Brokerage companies in Taiwan are allowed to collect monthly service fees at a ceiling rate prescribed by the Taiwan Ministry of Labor (gradually decreasing according to the first, second, and third years). This amount needs to be clearly stated in the cost and salary commitment that the employee signs before entering the country.

In addition to the business channel, Taiwan has a Direct Recruitment Service Center that allows employers to re-recruit workers without going through brokers - helping to reduce costs, especially for those who re-sign contracts.

Labor contract: points that must be read carefully

Before signing, ask the business to show you the full registered supply contract and labor contract, paying attention to:

1. Name, address of employer, industry and specific work location.
2. Basic salary: for workers covered by the Labor Standards Law, not lower than Taiwan's minimum wage. This level is adjusted annually - in 2026 it is NT$29,500/month, and Taiwan's Ministry of Labor has approved a proposal to increase it to NT$30,900 from January 1, 2027 (pending approval). Public servants and domestic workers are not covered by this law, so salaries are regulated separately.
3. Working hours, overtime and how to calculate overtime and holidays.
4. Deduction for accommodation, labor insurance, health insurance, income tax.
5. Conditions for terminating the contract, changing ownership, responsibility for paying return tickets.

For construction workers, Taiwan's new regulations (reported by Tuoi Tre/KTSG) allow working at multiple projects of the same employer; If work cannot be arranged, the employer must pay at least the basic salary according to the contract and take care of travel expenses between the residence and the construction site.

Rights of Vietnamese workers in Taiwan

• Get paid on time, have enough overtime pay; have payroll in easy-to-understand language.
• Participate in Taiwan's labor insurance and universal health insurance.
• You are allowed to keep your own passport and residence card - the employer or broker is not allowed to keep it arbitrarily.
• Complain through hotline 1955 of the Taiwan Ministry of Labor (with Vietnamese language support) and contact the Vietnam Labor Management Board in Taipei.
• Transfer ownership in cases where the law allows (owner goes bankrupt, violates contract, death of person being cared for...).

Note to avoid risks

• Only work with businesses that have a service license to send workers to work abroad; Check the list on the information portal of the Department of Overseas Labor Management. See more How to choose a reputable dispatching company.
• Request receipts for all receipts; Compare with the ceiling mentioned above.
• Do not leave the contract to work "illegally" - risk arrest, deportation, loss of deposit and entry ban.

If you're comparing markets, you can read more about Korean workers are eligible for EPS, Japanese specific skills and Prepare before flying to work abroad for the first time.

VeDuHoc supports workers and businesses in booking tickets for Taiwan routes: 30+ Booker compares prices across multiple airlines, continues to hunt even when prices are high, refunds the difference if you find a better price after you have paid, issues VAT invoices to businesses and 24/7 support. Refer to the page Labor plane tickets or post return home after the labor contract.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to go to Taiwan?

Total costs depend on the industry and contract salary. Calculate according to the legal ceiling: service fees up to 3 months salary and brokerage fees up to 1.5 months salary for a 3-year contract, plus documents and air tickets. Revenue exceeding the ceiling is illegal.

How much is the basic salary in Taiwan?

Factory and construction workers are entitled to at least Taiwan's minimum wage (NT$29,500/month in 2026, adjusted annually). Housekeepers and housekeepers have separate salaries.

Can I change ownership in Taiwan?

Yes, in cases where Taiwanese law allows it or when the contract expires and the new owner agrees to take over. You should ask the Vietnam Labor Management Board or line 1955 for advice.

What to do if your passport is kept?

Keeping a passport against the employee's will is a violation. You can call 1955 for guidance and support.

Taiwan is still a market with many opportunities if you go through the right channels and understand costs and contracts. Once you have a flight schedule, please contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 for advice on suitable tickets.

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