What is Direct Hiring of Foreign Caregivers?
Families with members requiring long-term care (elderly, people with disabilities) can hire foreign caregivers directly without going through an agency. The government-established "Direct Hiring Joint Service Center" provides a one-stop free service to assist employers in:
Posting job advertisements and matching interested foreign caregivers with employers
Processing entry visas, residency applications, and other documentation
Providing and reviewing labor contract templates
Providing consultation on employment issues and mediating disputes
How Much Money Can You Save?
Hiring foreign caregivers through private agencies typically incurs agency fees of NT$15,000 to over HK$30,000. Direct hiring completely eliminates this cost; the government service is completely free.
Who Can Use Direct Hiring?
For households with members requiring full-time care:
Holding a severe or higher disability certificate
Assessing disability based on the Barthel Index (score ≤ 60)
Suffering from specific serious illnesses or injuries (such as dementia, vegetative state, etc.)
Employer is a citizen of the Republic of China (Taiwan) or a foreigner with residency status
Application Process
Prepare disability documentation for the person being cared for (Barthel Index, diagnosis, etc.)
Post a job ad on the Direct Employment Joint Service Center website or directly match with existing candidates
Confirm employment conditions and sign a contract
Submit an application for a foreign caregiver's entry permit to Taiwan
After arriving in Taiwan, the caregiver will apply for residency and labor insurance.
Service Center Website: dhsc.wda.gov.tw
Service Hotline: 0800-885-078
Comparison of Direct Employment vs. Employment Through a Brokerage
| Project | Direct Hiring | Hiring Through an Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Agency Fee | Free | NT$15,000~30,000+ |
| Matching Service | Provided Free by the Government | Agency |
| Document Application | Service Center Assistance | Agency Processing |
| Follow-up Issues | Handle by Yourself or Call 0800 | Agency Assistance |
| Suitable for | Those with Time to Handle It Themselves | Those Who Want to Entrust the Entire Process |
Notes
Direct hiring requires the employer to be responsible for managing working conditions and handling issues.
If the employer cannot communicate directly, agency services still offer convenience.
Work permits for foreign caregivers are applied for by the employer and must comply with the Ministry of Labor's regulations.