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Last updated: June 2026
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.
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, LCL): Your goods share a container with other customers’ shipments. Transit time: 7–10 weeks port-to-port.
Full container load (FCL): A dedicated 20ft or 40ft container exclusively for your move. Transit time: 5–7 weeks port-to-port. Goods 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, clothing for the first weeks.
Cost ranges:
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.
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 shipments to Taiwan arrive at one of two ports:
Port of Kaohsiung (south Taiwan), Taiwan’s largest container port. The majority of international household goods shipments arrive here, with road delivery north to Taipei and throughout Taiwan.
Port of Keelung (north Taiwan), located 30km north of Taipei. Some shipments 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:
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, vehicles are left-hand drive. UK right-hand drive vehicles are not compatible for road use in Taiwan without significant modification, and such modifications are generally not approved for registration.
Import duty:
Approximately 17.5% customs duty plus 5% VAT, plus a commodity tax based on engine size. The combination of right-hand drive incompatibility and import duty makes shipping a UK vehicle to Taiwan impractical for most people.
Motorcycles:
Taiwan has one of the highest motorcycle ownership rates in the world. The domestic market is large and competitively priced. Importing a UK motorcycle faces the same right-hand drive registration issue and import duty structure. Local purchase is almost always more cost-effective.
Practical advice:
Sell your UK vehicle before departure and purchase locally in Taiwan. The new and used vehicle markets are well-supplied, and vehicles are already registered and compliant.
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.
5–7 weeks for a full container, 7–10 weeks for groupage. Allow 7–10 weeks from collection to delivery as your planning timeline.
Your household goods must arrive within 6 months of your first entry date in Taiwan. That date is established by the stamp on your customs declaration form at the airport on arrival, request the stamp and keep the form. Your move manager times the shipment dispatch date to ensure goods arrive within the window.
Yes, within 15 days of arrival. Required for a bank account, lease, and National Health Insurance. Gold Card holders apply at the National Immigration Agency.
Yes, microchip, rabies vaccination, APHA-endorsed health certificate, and BAPHIQ import permit required. 7-day quarantine applies on arrival.
Groupage from £2,500–£4,500 for a 1-bedroom volume; FCL from £4,000–£9,000 depending on container size and destination port.
Your move manager can confirm the dispatch timing to keep your shipment within 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.”
