What is Taiwan's minimum wage in 2026?

Taiwan's minimum wage is set by the government and reviewed annually. As of January 1, 2026:

This applies to all workers in Taiwan regardless of nationality. Employers are prohibited by law from paying below the minimum wage. Any employment contract specifying wages below the legal minimum is void for that portion — the minimum wage still applies.

Note: Some industries or roles have additional allowances (transportation, meals) that are included in the total compensation but may or may not be counted toward the minimum wage calculation. Check with the Council of Labor Affairs (勞動部) if you are unsure.

Are foreigners entitled to the same labor rights as Taiwanese employees?

Yes. The Labor Standards Act (勞動基準法) applies equally to all employees working in Taiwan, regardless of nationality. This includes:

• Minimum wage protection
• Maximum working hours
• Overtime pay requirements
• Annual leave entitlements
• Severance pay
• Maternity and parental leave
• Protection against unfair dismissal

The only significant difference for foreigners is that you need a valid work permit (工作許可) to be employed legally in Taiwan. Your employer is responsible for sponsoring this. Working without a valid work permit is illegal and can result in deportation.

White-collar workers (professionals, managers, specialists) have work permits managed through the Ministry of Labor and can generally switch employers, while blue-collar workers may have more restrictions on changing jobs.

How does overtime pay work in Taiwan?

Taiwan law strictly regulates overtime. The standard workday is 8 hours and the standard workweek is 40 hours (5 days × 8 hours). Monthly overtime is capped at 46 hours.

Weekday overtime rates:

Weekend/rest day overtime rates:

National holidays: If your employer requires you to work on a public holiday, you must receive at least double pay (2×) for those hours.

Important: Your employer cannot ask you to waive overtime pay through your employment contract — any such clause is legally unenforceable.

How many days of annual leave do I get?

Annual leave (特別休假) in Taiwan accumulates based on your length of service with the same employer:

Key rules:

• Annual leave must be taken within the year it is earned
• If you cannot take leave due to work requirements, your employer must compensate unused days in cash
• Taiwan also has national public holidays (around 13 days per year) which are separate from annual leave

Sick leave: Employees are entitled to 30 days of sick leave per year; the first 3 days are fully paid, days 4–30 are at half pay.

Do foreign employees pay into Labor Insurance and NHI?

Yes. Foreign employees in Taiwan are enrolled in the same social insurance systems as local employees:

Labor Insurance (勞工保險 / Labor Insurance):

• Covers work injuries, disability, maternity, old age, and death
• Premium: approximately 10.5% of your insured salary
• Split: Employee pays 20%, employer pays 70%, government pays 10%
• Provides a monthly pension upon retirement or a lump-sum payout
• Contributes to your Labor Pension (新制勞退) — employer must contribute at least 6% of your monthly salary to your personal pension account

National Health Insurance (NHI / 健保):

• Universal healthcare system
• Premium: 5.17% of your insured salary
• Split: Employee pays 30%, employer pays 60%, government pays 10%
• Covers most medical services with small copays

Both deductions appear on your monthly pay stub. The insured salary is based on your actual salary, mapped to a government table of insurance grades.

What is severance pay and am I eligible?

Foreign employees are fully entitled to severance pay under the same rules as Taiwanese workers.

Under the old Labor Standards Act system (pre-2005 employees or those who opted to stay):

• 1 month of average wages per year of service
• Capped at 45 months total
• Only applicable if dismissed by the employer (not if you resign)

Under the new Labor Pension system (post-July 2005):

• The pension is fully portable — your employer contributes 6% monthly to your personal account regardless
• Severance under this system: same 1 month per year rule still applies in qualifying dismissal cases

Qualifying reasons for severance:

• Business closure or downsizing
• Job becoming unnecessary due to business changes
• Employee's job performance genuinely insufficient after training
• Bankruptcy of employer

You are NOT entitled to severance if you resign voluntarily — unless your resignation is due to the employer's serious breach of contract (e.g., unpaid wages, unsafe work conditions).

How to file a labor complaint in Taiwan?

If your employer is violating your labor rights (unpaid wages, illegal overtime, unfair dismissal, etc.), you have several options:

1. Call 1955 (Labor Rights Hotline)

• Free hotline operated by the Ministry of Labor
• Available in multiple languages including English
• Can provide advice and help mediate disputes

2. Contact your local City/County Labor Bureau (勞動局)

• File a complaint in person or online
• The bureau will investigate and may conduct a workplace inspection
• Taipei Labor Bureau: labor.gov.taipei
• New Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung — each has their own bureau

3. File online

• Ministry of Labor online complaint system: eservice.mol.gov.tw
• Available in Chinese; you may want to bring a Mandarin-speaking friend or hire a translator

4. Labor Mediation (勞資爭議調解)

• Free government mediation service
• If mediation fails, you can escalate to labor arbitration or civil court

5. Legal aid

• If you cannot afford a lawyer, the Legal Aid Foundation (法律扶助基金會) provides free legal assistance
• Website: laf.org.tw — some English services available

Timeline: Labor complaints are typically investigated within 30 days. If your employer is found in violation, fines range from NT$20,000 to NT$1,000,000 depending on the violation.

Related Reading

• Taiwan Work Permit Guide: APRC, Gold Card & Employment Options — Permit types and work rights
• Taiwan Income Tax for Foreigners: Rates, Filing & Deductions (2026) — Tax obligations and filing guide
• Health Insurance in Taiwan for Foreigners: NHI Enrollment & Coverage — NHI premiums and coverage details
• Insurance in Taiwan for Foreigners: NHI, Private & Travel Insurance (2026) — Labor insurance explained
• Starting a Business in Taiwan as a Foreigner (2026) — Alternative to employment
• Legal Rights in Taiwan for Foreigners: What You Need to Know (2026) — Broader legal protections