Common Mistakes in Cross-Border Hiring in Taiwan

You’ve found the perfect candidate for your Taiwan expansion. They have the skills, the cultural fluency, and the excitement to work for a global team. But then - just as you’re ready to send the offer - they turn you down. Sound familiar?

Many international companies miss out on top talent in Taiwan because they underestimate how cross-border hiring differs from recruiting at home. Here are the most common mistakes that cause great candidates to say “no,” and how you can avoid them.

1. Misunderstanding Taiwan’s Candidate Priorities

One of the biggest missteps is assuming what matters to candidates in your HQ market will matter equally in Taiwan. Competitive salary is important, but benefits like extended family care leave, annual bonuses, and stable long-term employment often weigh more heavily for local candidates. Without a package that aligns with local expectations, even your dream candidate may walk away.

What you can do: Research current market benchmarks for total compensation in Taiwan. Consider partnering with a local HR consultant to ensure your offer is attractive and competitive.

2. Delays in the Interview Process

In Taiwan’s fast-moving job market, it’s not uncommon for candidates to receive multiple offers within days. International hiring processes can drag on for weeks, especially with cross-border approvals or multiple time zones. By the time your offer arrives, your top choice may already have accepted another opportunity.

What you can do: Streamline your interview process wherever possible. Empower local teams or hiring partners in Taiwan to make timely decisions, and keep candidates updated so they feel valued throughout.

3. Overlooking Cultural Fit

Culture mismatch is a leading cause of rejected offers. Taiwanese professionals often seek companies with clear communication, mutual respect, and long-term stability. Candidates can sense when an employer hasn’t taken the time to understand their work culture - or worse, when a company expects them to adapt entirely to a foreign way of working. Foreign companies sometimes overlook the importance of localizing job titles, perks, and management styles, which can make even competitive offers feel out of touch.

What you can do: Demonstrate your commitment to cultural integration. Share how your team bridges East and West, highlight local success stories, and show respect for Taiwanese business etiquette from the first interview.

4. Confusing Compliance and Contracting

Taiwan’s labor laws differ significantly from those in the U.S., EU, or other APAC markets. One common mistake foreign companies make is assuming their home-country employment terms apply. In reality, Taiwan’s Labor Standards Act (LSA) sets clear rules around working hours, leave, benefits, and termination - and these local laws take precedence. Offering contracts that don’t meet local standards, misclassifying employees as contractors, or overlooking probation rules can raise red flags for candidates who are concerned about job security and legal protections.

What you can do: Always consult local labor law experts or an Employer of Record (EOR) to ensure your employment contracts are fully compliant. Transparency here goes a long way in building trust.

5. Ignoring Employer Branding in Taiwan

Many international firms assume their global reputation will automatically impress candidates in Taiwan. But unless you’ve already invested in local marketing or word-of-mouth employer branding, candidates may not know who you are - or worse, assume you aren’t committed to Taiwan for the long term.

What you can do: Build a strong employer presence in Taiwan by sharing your company story in Mandarin, showcasing your local team online, and engaging with Taiwanese job boards or recruitment events.

Losing a great candidate isn’t always about the salary. Often, it comes down to slow processes, poor cultural alignment, or a lack of local understanding. By approaching cross-border hiring in Taiwan with preparation and respect, you’ll set yourself apart - and give top talent a compelling reason to say “yes.”

Final Thoughts

At Welcome to Taiwan, our mission is to simplify and streamline doing business and relocating to Taiwan for foreign businesses, government entities, and individuals. Eliminate the burdens of entity establishment and navigate complex labor laws with our expert EOR and recruitment services. Recognized by RemotePad as one of Taiwan's premier EOR providers, we are your trusted partner in Taiwan. Contact us to discuss your needs

Need expert guidance for hiring employees in Taiwan? Contact us to learn how we can help you navigate the complexities of expanding your business into the Taiwan market using our Employer of Record (EOR) service.