Moving To Taiwan From The UK

Moving to Taiwan

If you are moving to Taiwan, whether to Taipei, Kaohsiung or Tainan, Britannia Movers International has the expertise and the local knowledge to tailor the move to your individual needs.

	Importing Personal Effects to Taiwan Used household effects must be imported within six months of shipper’s arrival in Taiwan. The shipper must hold a residence visa, and produce his passport with immigration entry stamp, as well as an embarkation card with arrival and flight information. Nearly all electrical items are subject to both duty and tax at various rates, and only one of each major item can be imported. New items are all taxable. An import permit is required for alcohol, and high duties and taxes will be applied. To assist us with the completion of customs formalities, we may request a copy of your passport (and visa if applicable). The required documentation will be supplied to you on arrival.
	Taiwan Customs Prohibitions and Restrictions In general, it is in your interest not to import the following items: Firearms & ammunition Inflammable goods & substances Plants & plant material Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise Narcotics and dangerous goods Offensive materials Alcohol & tobacco
	Transit Times to Taiwan Sole-use containers take an average of 6 – 7 weeks. Crated consignments may take longer, on average between 8 and 10 weeks.
	Protecting Your Items for Transport to Taiwan All groupage consignments will be barcoded before they are loaded into the shipping container. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.
	Moving to Taiwan with Pets Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures. Find out more about pet transport.
	Moving Motor Vehicles to Taiwan Import is subject to local restrictions and duties between 71% to 83% will apply. An import permit is required. Shipment of vehicles is not recommended.
	Taiwan Currency Transfer When you are making international payments for individuals you can benefit from IFX expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. IFX can help to protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments. IFX offers: International Payments Regular Overseas Transfers Prepaid Currency Card Forward Contracts More info can be found on the IFX website.

Moving to Taiwan with Britannia

Your Move to Taiwan with Britannia – Britannia can offer you a door-to-door service to Taiwan, and can either ship your effects by sole-use container, or for smaller shipments in a wooden crate. In addition, we can offer a door-to-door shipping service to Taipei. Our agents in Taiwan will arrange customs clearance, and deliver and unpack the effects, including removal of debris on day of delivery.

Additional Removal Services – Britannia can provide a variety of additional removal services when moving to Taiwan. We are authorised to provide insurance,can arrange storage prior to delivery, and can also take care of your pet transport.

If you are interested in moving to Taiwan, you can request a quote, and read more about our international removals.

Living in Taiwan

Also known as Ilha Formosa – Beautiful Island, an expression used by Portuguese sailors when they first set eyes on the island, Taiwan is a beautiful and technologically developed country. While it may not yet be one of the most common destinations for expats or tourists in Asia, it is a hidden gem brimming with cultural richness, professional opportunities, and a thriving economy.

Taiwan is located in the Western Pacific off the southern coast of mainland China, and is bordered by the East China Sea, the Taiwan strait that separates it from the Asian continent, and a number of islands. The eastern part of the island is characterised by stunning mountain ranges, making the country one of the world’s highest islands, while you’ll find mostly rolling plains in the West. Taiwan has a developed high-income economy and is one of the Four Asian Tigers. Its economy is highly industrialised, with leading technologies such as nanotechnology, communications and biotechnology, which makes it an excellent destination for those seeking career growth or investment opportunities.

Whether you are looking for new opportunities, or new cultural experiences, Taiwan can be the perfect expat destination. Taiwanese culture in the 21st century combines elements from traditional Chinese and Japanese culture with Western influences. Whether you’re exploring bustling night markets, enjoying cultural festivals, or delving into the island’s fascinating history, there’s always something new to discover.

Despite a complex relationship with mainland China, Taiwan is a stable and forward-thinking country. With its strong economy, rich cultural tapestry, and welcoming communities, it offers an exciting and rewarding experience for anyone ready to embrace it as their new home.

Taiwan Visas

If you plan to settle down permanently in Taiwan, and work, you’ll first need to obtain a work permit. A visitor visa is suitable for those planning a short-term stay of up to 180 days, either for tourism, business meetings, or family visits. If you plan to look for work, this visa could be a starting point, but you’ll need to switch to a work visa if you secure employment, as it’s illegal to work on a Visitor Visa. Your employer must sponsor you for a work permit and will typically handle to application process on your behalf.

Once you have a work permit, you should also apply for a resident visa and ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) if you are planning to stay in Taiwan for more than 6 months, to study, for professional reasons or to join your family. For this, you’ll need a valid passport, a work permit (if you’re working), proof of finances or sponsorship, and a health certificate.

All visa applications must be submitted to the Taipei Representative Office in the UK. Taiwan’s visa processes and regulations can vary, so it’s best to check with the official Taiwanese government website or your nearest Taipei Representative Office for the latest requirements.

Working in Taiwan

Taiwan offers a range of employment opportunities for UK expats, particularly in industries such as technology, education, manufacturing, and finance. The country is a global leader in high-tech sectors, and many UK professionals find rewarding roles in electronics, semiconductors, and IT. There are numerous multinational companies in Taiwan also looking for foreign talent in management, marketing, and engineering positions. Teaching English is a popular career path for expats, and there is strong demand for native English speakers in schools, universities, and language institutes.

The working culture in Taiwan involves a blend of traditional and modern values. Professional relationships often focus on respect for hierarchy and seniority, but teamwork and collaboration are also highly valued. The concept of “guanxi,” or building personal connections, will play a significant role in business dealings, and mean networking is an essential skill for success. There is generally a strong sense of community in the workplace, with colleagues often bonding over group lunches or company-organised events.

Cost of Living in Taiwan

The cost of living in Taiwan will greatly depend on your location and lifestyle. Living and housing costs in Taipei are relatively high compared to some rural areas for example. However, living costs will generally not be as high as in the UK.

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Taiwan is 23% lower than in the UK, not including rent. Rent prices alone are 55% lower in Taiwan than in the UK. Salaries are also generally lower, with the average monthly wage in Taiwan being 43% lower than in the UK.

You can check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in Taiwan below. Prices are shown in New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) and converted to UK pounds alongside the price in the UK so you can see how costs match up.

Interesting Facts About Taiwan

• With a population of 22 million, Taiwan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
• Mandarin Chinese is the officially recognised national language in Taiwan and is spoken by most of the residents.
• Most of the Taiwanese population are adherents of Buddhism, and Taoism. Confucianism, a philosophy dealing with secular moral ethics also plays an important role in Taiwanese culture.
• Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, who make up about 2% of the population, have rich cultural traditions that include music, dance, and craftsmanship.
• The first woman ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize is from Taiwan.
• Taiwan has the highest mountain in south east Asia, the Jade Mountain, which is nearly 4000 metres above sea level.
• Taiwan is home to the world’s first green skyscraper – Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world, was the first skyscraper to receive the LEED Platinum certificate for its eco-friendly design.
• Located at the intersection of two tectonic plates, Taiwan experiences frequent earthquakes; despite this, the island’s buildings are built to be highly resistant to seismic activity.

Choose Britannia for Your Taiwan Relocation

If you are thinking about moving to Taiwan and want to find out more about our international removal services or request a quote, you can call us on 0845 6006661 or email sales@britannia-movers.co.uk. Our team will be happy to discuss how we can help you with your international relocation.