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Asia

Retire in Taiwan

Featured city: Taipei

US State Dept · Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions
Est. monthly budget
$1,700/mo (USD)

Mid-range benchmark for a couple. Use the Matcher for FX- and inflation-adjusted comparisons.

Taiwan combines world-class national healthcare for residents, low crime, and excellent food at very reasonable prices. Taipei is modern and walkable; Tainan and Hualien offer slower-paced alternatives.

Excellent healthcare, safe, friendly culture

Pros
  • Healthcare
  • Safety
  • Modern Infrastructure
  • Low Cost
Considerations
  • English is not widely spoken outside major cities — plan for a language learning curve.
  • Long-term residency requires meeting specific income, investment, or paperwork thresholds — engage a licensed immigration attorney.

Retirement visa

The Employment Gold Card or a Resident Visa via investment/pension are common routes for long-term stay.

Program
No dedicated retirement visa; Gold Card / ARC routes
Validity
1–3 yrs, renewable
Financial requirement
Gold Card: monthly salary US$5,700+ in last job (or other categories)
Taiwan Employment Gold Card Office

Cost of living

In Kaohsiung, a central one-bedroom apartment costs about $600, and high-quality street food keeps dining costs very low.

Numbeo cost index

Healthcare

The National Health Insurance (NHI) is world-renowned for its efficiency, low cost, and high quality of care. provincial private clinics are also abundant.

Healthcare index

Safety

Taiwan is exceptionally safe with negligible violent crime and a Level 1 travel advisory.

travel.state.gov

Ready to compare with your budget?

Run the calculator or open the Destination Matcher to see how Taiwan fits.

Other destinations in Asia

Educational content only — not immigration, tax, legal, or financial advice. Visa, golden-visa, and citizenship-by-investment rules change frequently. Verify with the official government source above and a licensed professional before making any relocation, investment, or citizenship decision.