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Taiwan has become a significant destination for UK professionals, particularly in technology, semiconductor-adjacent industries, and education. The Gold Card visa programme, which combines visa, residency, and work authorisation into a single online application, has removed the main administrative barrier that previously made Taiwan difficult to access without an employer sponsor.
Two details of the Taiwan move process are worth understanding before anything else. First: the 6-month window for importing your household goods duty-free is measured from the date on your arrival customs stamp at the airport, not from your visa application. Second: Taiwan runs on 110V, while the UK uses 230V, most single-voltage UK electrical appliances will not work without a step-down transformer.
Quick answer: Shipping furniture from the UK to Taiwan typically costs £2,500 to £4,500 for a 1-bedroom volume in a shared container (groupage) and £4,000 to £9,000 for a full container, depending on size. Allow 7 to 10 weeks from collection to delivery by sea. Two things matter more than the freight price: the customs stamp you ask for on arrival, which starts your 6-month duty-free window, and Taiwan’s 110V electricity, which rules out most single-voltage UK appliances.
Sea freight is the standard method for UK-to-Taiwan household moves. Routing runs from UK ports east, transshipping via Singapore or Hong Kong before arriving at one of Taiwan’s two main container ports.
Groupage (shared container, also called LCL, “less than container load”): Your belongings share a container with other customers’. Transit time: 7-10 weeks port to port.
Full container load (FCL): A dedicated 20ft or 40ft container used only for your move. Transit time: 5-7 weeks port to port. Your belongings are sealed for the entire journey with no additional handling.
Air freight: 5-7 days door to door. Suited to small volumes of priority items: documents, electronics and clothing for the first weeks.
After port arrival, customs clearance typically adds 1-2 weeks. Allow 7-10 weeks from collection to delivery as your planning timeline for sea freight.
These are the ranges Gerson Moving Services publishes for the route. A survey gives you an exact figure for your belongings.
| Option | Typical cost | Sea transit (port to port) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groupage, 1-bedroom volume | £2,500 to £4,500 | 7 to 10 weeks | A small volume or a few key pieces |
| Full container, 20ft (approx. 2-bedroom) | £4,000 to £6,500 | 5 to 7 weeks | A two-bedroom home or a mixed move |
| Full container, 40ft (3-bedroom or larger) | £6,000 to £9,000 | 5 to 7 weeks | A full family household |
What moves the price: the volume you ship, shared or full container, and which port your belongings arrive at. Ask every company whether the price ends at the port or at your front door, because delivery into Taipei, and access at your building, are separate pieces of work.
Decide item by item rather than all at once. Four things on this route make it a real question:
If you are comparing quotes, three questions matter more than the total at the bottom:
Our guide on explains what to check before you pay any deposit.
Taiwan Customs Administration allows used personal effects to be imported duty-free by foreign nationals genuinely transferring residence to Taiwan, provided goods arrive within 6 months of the owner’s first entry date .
How the entry date is established:
When you arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, you will complete a customs declaration form. Fill in “Unaccompanied Household Baggage” in the description field, note the approximate number of boxes, and write “no commercial value” if the goods have no resale value. Then, and this is the critical step, request that a customs officer stamps the form and your passport . This stamped date is what Taiwan Customs uses to calculate your 6-month window.
Do not skip this step or assume it will happen automatically. The stamp establishes the legal start of your personal effects import window, and your household goods must clear Taiwan Customs within 6 months of it.
New items:
New items, electronics in original packaging, new furniture, new appliances, are subject to customs duty and 5% VAT. Taiwan Customs assesses condition on inspection; items appearing new may be questioned even if used.
Taiwan runs on 110V at 60Hz . The UK uses 230V at 50Hz.
Check every electrical appliance before packing. Shipping items that won’t work adds cost with no benefit.
UK household moves to Taiwan arrive at one of two ports:
Port of Kaohsiung (south Taiwan), Taiwan’s largest container port. Most international household goods moves arrive here, with road delivery north to Taipei and throughout Taiwan.
Port of Keelung (north Taiwan), located 30km north of Taipei. Some moves route here depending on scheduling and service. Shorter road delivery to Taipei than from Kaohsiung.
Your in-country partner manages port receipt, Taiwan Customs clearance, and delivery to your Taiwan address.
Taipei delivery: Many older residential buildings in Zhongshan, Da’an, Xinyi, and other central Taipei districts have smaller lifts than standard UK lifts, sometimes large enough for two people and one box, not a sofa or wardrobe. Confirm lift dimensions with your building management before your delivery date and plan for stair access if needed. Your in-country partner will assess delivery access in advance.
ARC registration: Within 15 days of arriving in Taiwan, apply for your Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) at the National Immigration Agency. The ARC is required for a bank account, lease, and National Health Insurance registration. For Gold Card holders, the process is streamlined.
We always recommend speaking directly to the relevant embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date moving advice:
Your move manager can confirm the dispatch timing that keeps your belongings inside the 6-month customs window, and give you a realistic timeline and price for Taipei, Taichung or Kaohsiung in your first call. The planning starts at the survey.
Taipei: Taiwan’s capital and largest city. The main expat and professional community is concentrated in the central and eastern districts, Da’an, Xinyi, Zhongshan, and the Xinbei (New Taipei) suburbs. Excellent public transport (MRT system). Living costs are lower than London for housing, food, and transport; international schools and imported goods are comparable to European capital prices.
Taichung: Taiwan’s second-largest city, located in central Taiwan. More affordable than Taipei, with a growing international community and a quality-of-life reputation for food, cycling, and green space.
Kaohsiung: Port city in southern Taiwan. Warmer climate than Taipei, lower cost of living, and a significant arts and culture scene. Growing slowly as a remote-working destination.
Healthcare: Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) system is available to ARC holders. Coverage is comprehensive and costs are low compared to private healthcare in the UK.
Employment Gold Card:
The most accessible route for qualified UK professionals. Combines visa, residence permit, work permit, and re-entry permit in one document, no employer sponsorship required. Apply online at goldcard.nat.gov.tw. Processing takes 30–60 days. Qualification fields include technology, finance, law, education, architecture, culture, and sports. Valid for 1, 2, or 3 years and renewable.
Spouse or Dependent Visa:
For UK nationals married to Taiwanese nationals. Permits residence and employment. Applied for through the Bureau of Consular Affairs or Taiwan Representative Office in London.
Standard Employment Visa:
Employer obtains an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Ministry of Labor before the visa is applied for. Used when the employer sponsors the move directly.
Visa-free entry:
UK nationals can enter Taiwan without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business.
If you’re moving to Taiwan, it’s very likely you’ll need to exchange a significant amount of currency. Many people lose out by using their bank, assuming it’s the only option. However, there are specialist currency exchange providers that offer more competitive rates and can help you save thousands. To find out how to make your money go further during your move, speak to one of our move managers, click here, or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335.
We always advise taking out move protection liability cover with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.
Taiwan drives on the right and right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles are not permitted for import under the applicable vehicle regulations. This makes importing a UK right-hand-drive car or motorcycle unsuitable for normal road use and registration in Taiwan.
For passenger cars, Taiwan currently applies an import duty of 17.5% based on the customs value (CIF – the vehicle’s value plus freight and insurance).
Imported cars are also subject to commodity tax based on engine size:
A 5% business tax (VAT) is then charged on the customs value, import duty and commodity tax. A 0.04% trade promotion service fee is also payable. High-value vehicles may be subject to an additional 10% specifically selected goods tax if they exceed the applicable threshold.
The combination of Taiwan’s RHD restrictions, import taxes and the costs involved in meeting local requirements makes importing a UK vehicle impractical for most people.
Taiwan has a very large motorcycle market, with motorcycles widely available locally.
Imported motorcycles are subject to their own duty and tax structure. Current rates include 18% or 20% import duty, depending on engine capacity, plus 17% commodity tax, 5% business tax and a 0.04% trade promotion service fee. The exact rate depends on the motorcycle’s specification and classification.
UK motorcycles are also affected by Taiwan’s restrictions on right-hand-drive vehicles and must meet Taiwan’s applicable import, technical and registration requirements. As a result, importing a UK motorcycle is unlikely to be cost-effective for most people.
For most people moving from the UK to Taiwan, selling your UK vehicle before departure and buying a vehicle locally is the simpler and more economical option. Taiwan has a well-established new and used vehicle market, and locally purchased vehicles will already be registered and designed to meet Taiwan’s requirements.
Taiwan has a structured but manageable pet import process for dogs and cats from the UK.
Requirements:
Quarantine:
Dogs and cats from the UK undergo 7 days of quarantine at a government animal quarantine facility on arrival. This is standard for approved countries (the UK is on the approved list). Quarantine costs are your responsibility.
Approved arrival airports: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (Taipei), Kaohsiung International Airport.
Other animals: Birds, rabbits, and other species require separate import permits and face stricter controls. Contact BAPHIQ directly for the applicable requirements.
Used household goods, furniture, clothing, books and personal belongings for genuine personal use can generally be imported, subject to customs inspection and any applicable duties or restrictions. Used household and personal items should be clearly identified as such and should not appear to be intended for commercial use.
Used electrical and electronic equipment can generally be shipped, although Taiwan uses 110V/60Hz electricity, so check that appliances are compatible before shipping.
Personal collections, such as artwork and musical instruments, can generally be included as part of a genuine household removal. Antiques and older items may also be imported, but particularly valuable or culturally significant items may require additional documentation or approval.
Important: Import rules can vary according to the exact item, quantity, value and whether goods are accompanied or shipped as unaccompanied household effects. Check unusual, high-value, restricted or regulated items with Taiwan Customs or the relevant Taiwanese authority before shipping.
Groupage (a shared container) is £2,500 to £4,500 for a 1-bedroom volume. A full 20ft container is £4,000 to £6,500 and a 40ft container £6,000 to £9,000. A survey gives you an exact figure, and it is worth asking whether the price ends at the port or at your door.
Five to seven weeks by full container and seven to ten weeks by groupage, port to port. Allow 7 to 10 weeks from collection to delivery as your planning timeline.
Your household goods must clear Taiwan Customs within 6 months of your first entry date. That date is set by the stamp on your customs declaration form at the airport, so ask the officer to stamp both the form and your passport, and keep the form. Your move manager times your dispatch so that your belongings arrive inside the window.
It depends on the item. Sentimental and good-quality pieces are usually worth shipping. Large appliances are generally not, because of 110V voltage and compact homes, and anything that appears new is subject to duty and VAT.
Groupage from £2,500–£4,500 for a 1-bedroom volume; FCL from £4,000–£9,000 depending on container size and destination port.
Groupage is usually the cheapest way for a smaller volume, though it takes a little longer. The lowest total is not always the cheapest move, so check that the quote plans your dispatch around the 6-month window and states where the price ends.
Yes, apply within 15 days of arrival. The Alien Resident Certificate is required for a bank account, a lease and National Health Insurance. Gold Card holders apply at the National Immigration Agency and the process is streamlined.
Yes. You need a microchip, a rabies vaccination, an APHA-endorsed health certificate and a BAPHIQ import permit, and a 7-day quarantine applies on arrival.
Your move manager can confirm the dispatch timing that keeps your belongings inside the 6-month customs window and run through the arrival checklist before you fly. Taiwan rewards preparation: the Gold Card process, the customs stamp and the pet quarantine booking all need to be in place before moving day.
Real feedback from people who chose our international moving company.
“Relocating to Taiwan was a significant move for our family, but the entire process was handled with professionalism and care. We received regular updates throughout, and everything arrived safely and on schedule. It made settling into our new home so much easier.”
“Our move to Taiwan was organised brilliantly from start to finish. The team were responsive, efficient, and always available to answer our questions. Everything arrived in perfect condition, giving us complete peace of mind.”
“Moving to Taiwan felt like a huge undertaking at first, but the support and expertise we received made all the difference. Every detail was managed carefully, communication was excellent, and the entire move was completed seamlessly.”
