Navigating Taiwan's Tech Job Market as a Foreigner

My Journey to Becoming a Software Engineer in Taiwan

When I decided to pursue a tech career in Taiwan, I had no idea how tough the journey would be. It took me over six months to secure a position (on top of over 1 year of self-studying), during which I faced numerous rejections and challenges. Some companies made offers but couldn’t sponsor relocation, while others couldn’t support visa sponsorship. Eventually, I found a creative solution with my current company in Kaohsiung, we decided on an entrepreneur visa and worked out a business-to-business arrangement. It was far from easy, but I learned that persistence pays off. You only lose when you stop trying!

For a brief background, I was an international student in Taiwan, originally from the Philippines. I studied mechanical and automation engineering in Kaohsiung. However, after graduating, I realized I was happier writing code, so I decided to shift careers to software engineering.

The journey wasn’t just about landing a job, it was also about staying motivated during uncertain times. I started studying software engineering during one of the most uncertain times, at the height of the economic crash and the AI scare. Companies were laying off hundreds of thousands of employees, and anxiety about the future of tech was dark. It was difficult to concentrate on studying while the job market was burning down. Despite everything, I pushed through.

Why? Because I realized that programming was something I truly enjoyed. I stopped obsessing over whether I’d land a job and instead, I focused on learning just for the sake of having fun. Of course, this way of thinking isn’t easy for everyone to adopt it’s natural to worry about outcomes. But I firmly believe it’s wrong to try and time the job market. The best time to start studying is always now. The job market will recover eventually, and you’ll be ready when it does. Besides, Taiwan’s economy is strong. I’ve been seeing more job postings recently, and exciting developments like AI projects in Kaohsiung show that the tech industry here is growing. So, take the leap. As Nike says, “Just do it.”

Why Consider Taiwan for Your Tech Career?

Taiwan boasts a vibrant and rapidly growing tech scene, supported by a strong infrastructure and a government that prioritizes innovation. With its blend of traditional and modern cultures, Taiwan provides a unique environment for personal and professional growth. The country’s high standard of living, one of the best healthcare systems in the world, and opportunities in many different industries make it an appealing destination for tech professionals from around the world.

Here are some reasons to consider Taiwan:

• Diverse tech opportunities: From startups to FAANG companies, Taiwan offers a range of roles.
• Great work-life balance: Many companies value employee well-being.
• Cultural experience: Living in Taiwan offers a unique blend of traditional and modern Asian culture.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

1. Visa Issues

Visa sponsorship is one of the first hurdles you’ll face. Not all companies in Taiwan sponsor work visas, so it’s crucial to clarify this upfront during your application process. I personally encountered this issue multiple times before finding a solution.

Tips:

• Clearly state your need for visa sponsorship in your cover letter or early in the recruitment process.
• Target companies known for hiring foreigners (e.g., Appier, PicCollage, and ofcourse FAANG).
• Be aware of the “Gold Card” visa, a government program that offers work authorization for highly skilled professionals.
• If a company cannot offer visa sponsorship, consider applying for an entrepreneur visa, which allows you to legally stay and work in Taiwan for two years.

2. Language Barriers

While English is often used in tech companies, Mandarin proficiency can be a significant advantage, especially for daily life outside work.

Tips:

• Focus on applying to companies with a diverse and international culture.
• Learn basic Mandarin to navigate life more easily. Apps like Duolingo or local language schools can help.

3. Relocation Packages and Housing Costs

If you’re moving from outside Taipei, housing costs can be a shock. I encountered this firsthand when exploring opportunities in Taipei versus Kaohsiung.

Tips:

• Ask if the company covers relocation expenses.
• Research the cost of living in Taipei rents can be significantly higher than in other cities like Taichung or Kaohsiung.

4. Lack of Entry-Level Opportunities

Many Taiwanese companies prioritize experienced candidates, making it harder for entry-level professionals to find roles. My initial lack of local experience was a challenge, but I overcame it by building a strong github portfolio, having an Internship and my github heatmap being full of greens lol.

Tips:

• Build a strong portfolio and gain experience through internships or freelance projects.
• Network extensively via platforms like LinkedIn and attend local tech meetups (Theres always an event, Python meetup, Golang, Ruby on Rails theres a community pretty much for any tech you’re interested into).
• I know a guy who posted a free service on facebook group of local entrepreneurs in Taiwan… well I’m not saying you should do that aswell but an experience is an experience.

Finding the Right Companies

1. Ideal Locations

Most software companies are based in Taipei, with some options in cities like Taichung. For better opportunities, it’s advisable to relocate to Taipei, where the tech scene is most active.

2. Recommended Companies

• PicCollage: A startup known for its diverse team and creative culture.
• Appier: An AI-driven SaaS company that hires english speaker SWEs.
• 508.dev: 508.dev is a co-op design and development firm connecting excellent offshore engineers with projects that require their expertise.
• FAANG companies: Major companies like Google, Meta and Amazonn also have offices in Taiwan.

Tech Stacks by Region

Taiwan’s tech scene is diverse, with different regions showcasing unique trends and specialties. If you’re just starting out and want to explore which technologies are popular in various cities, here’s a general breakdown:

• Southern Taiwan (e.g., Kaohsiung, Tainan): The focus here is more on low-level programming and firmware engineering. As a result, languages like C, C++, and embedded systems programming are common I’ve even seen a job post that’s looking for someone who knows assembly, Crazy right. These cities are home to many industrial and hardware-focused companies, so if you’re interested in firmware or working closely with hardware, southern Taiwan might be a good fit.

• Northern Taiwan (e.g., Taipei): In the northern part of Taiwan, the tech trends align more closely with what you would see in other tech hubs around the world. Here, you’ll find a demand for modern programming languages and frameworks, such as JavaScript (React, Vue, Angular), Python, Java, and cloud technologies like AWS, Azure and GCP. Taipei, being the tech capital, hosts a lot of startups, tech giants, and international companies if these are the tech stack you’re more into consider moving here!

• Central Taiwan (e.g., Taichung): Central Taiwan tends to have a mix of both worlds. Companies here are increasingly adopting modern technologies, while still keeping a strong foothold in legacy systems and manufacturing-related tech. Languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript remain popular, but there is also a notable interest in enterprise-level software.

If you’re still unsure which path to pursue, consider the industries thriving in each region and how they align with your skills and interests. Whether you’re into firmware or app development, Taiwan has opportunities in both fields.

Preparing for Interviews

Taiwanese tech companies often use LeetCode-style interviews (sadly) to assess technical skills. This means solving algorithmic problems similar to what you’d find on platforms like LeetCode and NeetCode.

Tips:

• Practice consistently on platforms like LeetCode and NeetCode.
• Understand the fundamentals of data structures and algorithms.
• Review common interview patterns like dynamic programming, binary search, bfs/dfs and graph traversal etc.

Additional Resources

• Gold Card Program: Learn about Taiwan’s Gold Card visa.
• Taiwan Impact Entrepreneurs A group of entrepreneurs incase having an entrepreneur visa is something you’re gonna need.
• 104.com.tw for foreigners A popular job site for finding opportunities in Taiwan.
• Taipei Apartment Rentals: Browse housing options in Taipei.

Conclusion

Finding a job in Taiwan as a foreigner is challenging but with the right preparation and strategy, it’s entirely achievable. Focus on finding companies that value diversity, prepare for local interview norms, and be clear about your visa and relocation needs. My journey to becoming a Software Engineer in Taiwan taught me that perseverance is key you only lose when you stop trying. Taiwan’s tech scene is growing rapidly, and there’s plenty of room for talented professionals to make their mark.