Short answer: Taiwan has two investment routes, and which applies depends on your status. Hong Kong and Macau permanent residents invest NT$6,000,000 in a company and can settle with a Taiwan ID; foreign passport holders invest NT$15,000,000 (or NT$30,000,000 in bonds) for an APRC.
The two routes compared
| HK & Macau residents | Foreign nationals (APRC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | HK/Macau permanent residents without another foreign passport | Foreign passport holders |
| Investment | NT$6,000,000 | Business NT$15,000,000 or bonds NT$30,000,000 |
| Operating | Set up and run a company | Business route: five local jobs for three years |
| Status | Residence, then settlement and ID | Alien permanent residence (APRC) |
| Timing | Settle after a year (no more than 30 days abroad) | Apply after three years of investment |
| Original status | Keep Hong Kong status | Naturalisation is separate, generally renouncing your nationality |
Hong Kong residents with a foreign passport
The HK & Macau route generally requires no other foreign passport. With one, you’d generally apply under the foreign-national rules — assess before applying.
Mainland residents
Mainland residents come under separate cross-Strait rules and generally can’t gain residence or settlement through investment.
How to choose
- HK/Macau permanent residents without a foreign passport: the lowest threshold, with a Taiwan ID.
- Foreign passport holders: the APRC route; choose bonds if you don’t want a business.
See the Taiwan overview for more.