Effective February 2018, applicants can now apply online for Taiwan’s Employment Gold Card. Taiwan introduced its plans for this new visa on October 31, 2017, as part of its Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals initiative to attract and retain highly skilled foreign workers. The card offers a combined work and residence permit that does not require sponsorship and can be valid for up to three years depending on the applicant. Foreign nationals defined as experts in the fields of technology, economics, education, culture, arts, sports, finance, law, and architectural design are now eligible to apply.