Table of Contents
- Introduction to Retiring in Kaohsiung
- Retirement Visa Options for Taiwan
- Monthly Budget Breakdown for Retirees
Health insurance for retirees abroad: SafetyWing offers affordable international coverage starting at $45/month — no age limit surprises, covers 180+ countries.
- Cost Comparison: Kaohsiung vs. US/UK/Australia
- Best Neighborhoods for Retirees in Kaohsiung
- Accessibility & Infrastructure
- Climate Suitability for Retirees
- Pros & Cons of Retiring in Kaohsiung
- Final Checklist Before Moving
- Conclusion
Introduction to Retiring in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, is emerging as a top retirement destination for expats seeking affordability, high-quality healthcare, and a relaxed lifestyle. Unlike Taipei’s fast-paced environment, Kaohsiung offers a warmer climate, lower cost of living, and a strong expat community—making it ideal for retirees.
In 2026, Taiwan remains one of the safest, most stable, and economically competitive countries in Asia, with a world-class healthcare system (ranked 14th globally by CEOWORLD in 2025). Kaohsiung, in particular, stands out for its:
✅ Affordable living costs (€1,500–€2,500/month for a comfortable lifestyle)
✅ Excellent healthcare (NHI covers 70–90% of medical expenses)
✅ Low crime rates (one of the safest cities in Asia)
✅ Warm, tropical climate (mild winters, hot summers)
✅ Strong expat community (Facebook groups, meetups, and English-friendly services)
✅ Modern infrastructure (MRT, buses, bike lanes, and elderly-friendly facilities)
This guide provides a data-driven, honest breakdown of retiring in Kaohsiung, covering visas, budgets, healthcare, taxes, and lifestyle—helping you decide if this city is right for you.
Retirement Visa Options for Taiwan
Taiwan does not have a dedicated "retirement visa," but retirees can stay long-term through:
1. Gold Card Visa (Employment Pass for Freelancers/Investors)
- Best for: Retirees with passive income (pensions, investments, rental income).
- Requirements:
- Monthly income ≥ €2,100 (NT$70,000) or
- Bank deposit ≥ €150,000 (NT$5M) (held for 1+ year)
- No criminal record
- Health insurance (local or international)
- Duration: 1–3 years (renewable)
- Work rights: Allows freelancing or part-time work (unlike tourist visas).
- Application fee: €100–€200
- Processing time: 4–8 weeks
Pros:
✔ No age limit
✔ No need to prove retirement status
✔ Can bring dependents (spouse/children)
Cons:
✖ Requires proof of income/assets
✖ Must renew every 1–3 years
2. Visitor Visa (Extended Stay for Retirees)
- Best for: Retirees who don’t meet Gold Card requirements but want to stay long-term.
- Requirements:
- Proof of financial means (€1,500+/month income or €50,000+ in savings)
- Health insurance (must cover Taiwan)
- No work allowed
- Duration:
- 6 months (extendable to 1 year)
- Must leave Taiwan for 30+ days before reapplying
- Application fee: €50–€100
Pros:
✔ No strict income requirements
✔ Simple application process
Cons:
✖ Must leave Taiwan periodically
✖ No work rights
3. Permanent Residency (APRC – Alien Permanent Resident Certificate)
- Best for: Retirees planning to stay long-term (5+ years).
- Requirements:
- 5+ years of continuous residency (on Gold Card or work visa)
- Monthly income ≥ €2,100 (NT$70,000) or €150,000+ in savings
- No criminal record
- Basic Mandarin proficiency (A2 level)
- Duration: Permanent (renew every 5 years)
- Application fee: €200
Pros:
✔ No need to renew visas
✔ Can work legally
✔ Access to NHI after 6 months
Cons:
✖ Long waiting period (5+ years)
✖ Mandarin test required
4. Taiwan Retirement Visa (Proposed for 2026–2027)
- Expected in late 2026/2027 (Taiwan’s government is discussing a dedicated retirement visa).
- Likely requirements:
- Age 55+
- Monthly pension ≥ €1,500 (NT$50,000)
- Health insurance
- No work rights
- Duration: 1–2 years (renewable)
Current status: Still in discussion—check Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA) for updates.
Monthly Budget Breakdown for Retirees
Kaohsiung is 30–50% cheaper than Taipei, with rent, food, and healthcare being the biggest savings. Below is a detailed budget for a comfortable retirement (€1,500–€2,500/month).
Rent (€1,000/month benchmark)
| Type of Housing | Price Range (€/month) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio (city center) | €400–€700 | Small (30–40m²), modern buildings in Zuoying, Gushan, or Lingya. |
| 1-bedroom (city center) | €600–€1,000 | 50–70m², high-rise with gym/pool (e.g., Kaohsiung Times Square). |
| 1-bedroom (suburbs) | €400–€700 | Quieter areas like Fengshan, Daliao, or Nanzih. |
| 2-bedroom (luxury) | €1,000–€1,800 | 90m²+, premium buildings (e.g., Pier 2 Art Center area). |
| Serviced apartment | €800–€1,500 | Includes cleaning, utilities, and sometimes meals. |
| House (suburbs) | €600–€1,200 | 100m²+, garden, rare in city center. |
Best areas for retirees:
- Zuoying (near MRT, expat-friendly, close to hospitals)
- Gushan (scenic, near Love River, upscale)
- Lingya (central, good transport, shopping)
- Fengshan (affordable, local feel, good markets)
Average rent for a 1-bedroom in a nice area: €700–€1,000/month
Food & Groceries
| Category | Cost (€/month) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries (local markets) | €150–€250 | Rice, veggies, tofu, eggs, meat (€2–€5/kg). |
| Groceries (supermarkets like Carrefour, PX Mart) | €200–€350 | Imported goods (cheese, wine, cereal) cost 2–3x more. |
| Eating out (local eateries) | €150–€300 | Meal at a night market: €2–€4 (braised pork rice, noodles). |
| Eating out (mid-range restaurants) | €300–€500 | Western food (€8–€15/meal), Japanese/Korean (€10–€20). |
| Coffee & snacks | €50–€100 | Starbucks: €3–€5, local café: €1.50–€3. |
| Alcohol | €30–€100 | Beer: €1–€3 (7-Eleven), wine: €8–€20 (imported). |
Total food budget: €400–€800/month
Healthcare & Insurance
| Expense | Cost (€/month) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Health Insurance (NHI) | €20–€50 | Covers 70–90% of medical costs. Mandatory after 6 months of residency. |
| Private health insurance | €50–€150 | Covers NHI gaps (e.g., dental, vision, international coverage). |
| Doctor visit (NHI) | €3–€10 | GP visit: €5, specialist: €10 (with NHI). |
| Prescription drugs | €5–€30 | Most meds are heavily subsidized (e.g., blood pressure meds: €2/month). |
| Dental (NHI) | €10–€50 | Cleaning: €10, filling: €20–€50. |
| Vision (NHI) | €5–€30 | Eye exam: €5, glasses: €30–€100. |
| Emergency room (NHI) | €10–€50 | No bill shock—unlike the US! |
Total healthcare budget: €100–€250/month
Utilities & Internet
| Expense | Cost (€/month) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €30–€80 | AC in summer can push costs to €100+. |
| Water | €5–€15 | Very cheap. |
| Gas (cooking) | €5–€15 | Mostly used for stoves. |
| Internet (fiber optic) | €20–€40 | 100–300 Mbps (Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile). |
| Mobile phone | €10–€30 | Unlimited data: €15–€25. |
| TV & streaming | €5–€20 | Netflix: €8, local IPTV: €5. |
Total utilities: €70–€150/month
Transportation
| Expense | Cost (€/month) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MRT (subway) | €20–€50 | Single ride: €0.50–€1.50, monthly pass: €25. |
| Bus | €10–€30 | Cheaper than MRT, good for short trips. |
| Taxi (short rides) | €5–€15 | 5km ride: €5–€8. |
| YouBike (bike rental) | €5–€20 | €0.30 per 30 mins, great for short trips. |
| Scooter rental | €100–€200 | Not recommended for retirees (safety risks). |
| Car rental (occasional) | €200–€400 | Not necessary—public transport is excellent. |
Total transport budget: €50–€150/month
Leisure & Entertainment
| Expense | Cost (€/month) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership | €20–€50 | Basic gym: €20, premium (e.g., World Gym): €50. |
| Yoga/Pilates | €30–€80 | Group classes: €10–€20/session. |
| Golf | €50–€150 | Public courses: €30–€50, private: €100+. |
| Cinema | €5–€10 | Local films: €5, Hollywood: €8. |
| Museums & attractions | €5–€20 | Pier 2 Art Center: €3, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum: €5. |
| Travel (domestic) | €50–€200 | Round-trip to Taipei: €50 (HSR), Kenting: €80. |
| Travel (international) | €200–€500 | Flights to Japan/South Korea: €150–€300. |
Total leisure budget: €150–€500/month
Miscellaneous Expenses
| Expense | Cost (€/month) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housekeeper | €50–€150 | 2–4 hours/week: €10–€15/hour. |
| Laundry | €10–€30 | Self-service: €1–€2/kg, delivery: €10–€20. |
| Haircut | €5–€20 | Local barber: €5, salon: €15–€20. |
| Massage | €10–€30 | Foot massage: €10, full-body: €20–€30. |
| Language classes | €50–€150 | Group classes: €5–€10/hour, private: €15–€25. |
| Charity/donations | €20–€100 | Local temples, expat causes. |
| Emergency fund | €100–€300 | Unexpected medical/legal costs. |
Total miscellaneous: €200–€500/month
Total Monthly Budget for Retirees in Kaohsiung (2026)
| Lifestyle | Budget Range (€/month) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (local lifestyle) | €1,200–€1,600 | Small apartment, local food, minimal travel. |
| Comfortable (mix of local & Western) | €1,800–€2,500 | 1-bedroom, eating out 2–3x/week, occasional travel. |
| Luxury (Western lifestyle) | €2,500–€4,000 | 2-bedroom, imported groceries, frequent travel, private healthcare. |
Most retirees live comfortably on €1,800–€2,500/month.
Healthcare System & Insurance for Retirees
Taiwan’s healthcare system is ranked among the best in the world (better than the UK, Canada, and Australia in some metrics). Kaohsiung has 50+ hospitals and clinics, including:
- Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital (top-tier, English-speaking doctors)
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (excellent for cardiology & cancer treatment)
- E-Da Hospital (private, luxury care)
- Veterans General Hospital (affordable, good for chronic conditions)
National Health Insurance (NHI)
- Mandatory for all residents (after 6 months of residency).
- Covers 70–90% of costs (doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions).
- Premiums:
- €20–€50/month (based on income).
- Retirees with no local income pay the minimum (€20–€30).
- What’s covered?
- Doctor visits (€3–€10)
- Hospital stays (€10–€50/day)
- Surgeries (€50–€300)
- Prescriptions (€1–€10 per item)
- Dental (basic procedures)
- Vision (eye exams, glasses)
- What’s NOT covered?
- Cosmetic surgery
- Some advanced dental work (implants, braces)
- Private hospital rooms (extra €30–€100/day)
- International medical evacuation
Example NHI costs:
| Service | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| GP visit | €5 |
| Specialist visit | €10 |
| Blood test | €3 |
| X-ray | €5 |
| MRI scan | €30 |
| Hospital stay (per day) | €10–€50 |
| Heart surgery | €300–€1,000 |
| Chemotherapy | €50–€200/session |
Private Health Insurance Options
Since NHI doesn’t cover everything, many expats get supplemental private insurance:
| Provider | Plan | Cost (€/month) | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Silver | €100–€150 | International coverage, dental, vision, evacuation. |
| Allianz Care | Essential | €80–€120 | Hospitalization, emergency care. |
| Aetna International | Basic | €70–€100 | Inpatient care, some outpatient. |
| Taiwan Local Insurers (e.g., Fubon, Cathay) | NHI Supplement | €30–€80 | Covers NHI gaps (private rooms, dental). |
Recommended for retirees:
- NHI + private supplement (€50–€100/month) for full coverage.
Quality of Healthcare in Kaohsiung
✅ Pros:
- Short wait times (same-day appointments for most issues).
- Highly trained doctors (many study in the US/UK).
- Affordable (even without insurance, costs are low).
- English-speaking doctors (especially in major hospitals).
- Advanced technology (robotics, AI diagnostics).
❌ Cons:
- Overcrowded public hospitals (longer waits for non-urgent care).
- Limited English in clinics (outside major hospitals).
- NHI doesn’t cover everything (private insurance needed for full protection).
Best hospitals for expats:
- Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (best overall)
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (best for cancer/cardiology)
- E-Da Hospital (private, luxury care)
- Veterans General Hospital (affordable, good for chronic conditions)
Safety for Elderly Retirees
Kaohsiung is one of the safest cities in Asia, with low violent crime, clean streets, and a strong police presence.
Crime Rates (2026 Data)
| Crime Type | Kaohsiung (per 100k) | Taipei (per 100k) | New York (per 100k) | London (per 100k) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 0.5 | 0.4 | 5.2 | 1.7 |
| Robbery | 5.1 | 4.3 | 150 | 150 |
| Burglary | 20 | 18 | 300 | 500 |
| Assault | 30 | 25 | 400 | 600 |
| Pickpocketing | 15 | 20 | 200 | 300 |
Safety highlights:
✔ Very low violent crime (safer than most US/UK cities).
✔ Safe to walk at night (even in less touristy areas).
✔ Low scam risk (unlike some Southeast Asian cities).
✔ Police are helpful (many speak basic English).
✔ Emergency number: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire).
Areas to be cautious in:
- Liuhe Night Market (pickpocketing risk, but rare).
- Zuoying Station at night (some drunk individuals, but not dangerous).
- Motorbike theft (always lock scooters).
Safety tips for retirees:
- Carry a copy of your ARC (residency card) (police may ask for ID).
- Use Uber or taxis at night (avoid walking alone in dark alleys).
- Beware of scams (fake "tourist police," overcharging taxis).
- Join expat groups (for safety updates).
Expat & Retiree Community in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung has a growing expat community, with Facebook groups, meetups, and English-friendly services.
Expat Clubs & Social Groups
| Group | Description | Size (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Kaohsiung Expats (Facebook) | General expat group, housing/job tips. | 12,000+ |
| Taiwan Expats & Retirees | Retirement-focused discussions. | 8,000+ |
| Kaohsiung Language Exchange | Meet locals & expats for language practice. | 5,000+ |
| Hash House Harriers (Kaohsiung) | Running/social club. | 200+ |
| Kaohsiung International Women’s Club | Social events for women. | 300+ |
| Taiwan Retirement Association | Retiree meetups, trips. | 1,000+ |
| Meetup.com (Kaohsiung) | Hiking, board games, photography. | 2,000+ |
Best places to meet expats:
- The Wall (live music bar)
- Cama Café (coffee & coworking)
- Pier 2 Art Center (weekend markets)
- Love River (walking/biking paths)
- Fongyi Academy (cultural events)
Activities & Hobbies for Retirees
| Activity | Cost (€/month) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tai Chi (parks) | Free–€20 | Morning classes in parks (e.g., Central Park). |
| Mahjong | Free–€10 | Play with locals in teahouses. |
| Calligraphy/Painting | €30–€80 | Classes at Fongyi Academy. |
| Hiking (Shoushan, Monkey Mountain) | Free | Great for fitness, scenic views. |
| Golf (Kaohsiung Golf Club) | €50–€150 | Public courses available. |
| Volunteering (animal shelters, temples) | Free | Great way to meet locals. |
| Cooking classes (Taiwanese cuisine) | €20–€50 | Learn to make beef noodles, dumplings. |
| Temple visits (Fo Guang Shan, Dragon Tiger Pagoda) | Free–€5 | Spiritual & cultural experience. |
| Day trips (Kenting, Tainan, Sun Moon Lake) | €30–€100 | Easy via HSR or bus. |
Banking for Retirees
Opening a bank account in Taiwan is easy for expats with residency, but challenging for tourists.
Opening a Bank Account
Requirements:
✔ ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) (Gold Card or long-term visa)
✔ Passport
✔ Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill)
✔ Minimum deposit: €100–€500 (varies by bank)
Best banks for expats:
| Bank | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| CTBC Bank | English support, good online banking. | Higher fees. |
| Taiwan Bank | Government-backed, low fees. | Limited English. |
| Cathay United Bank | Good for international transfers. | Slow service. |
| HSBC Taiwan | Global network, English-friendly. | High minimum balance (€5,000). |
| Chinatrust | Good for foreigners, low fees. | Some branches don’t speak English. |
Steps to open an account:
- Get your ARC (Gold Card or residency).
- Choose a bank (CTBC or Cathay United are best for expats).
- Visit a branch (bring passport, ARC, proof of address).
- Deposit €100–€500 (minimum balance).
- Get a debit card & online banking (some banks offer English apps).
ATMs & Fees:
- ATMs are everywhere (7-Eleven, MRT stations).
- Withdrawal fee: €1–€3 (foreign cards).
- Local transfers: free (within Taiwan).
- International transfers: €10–€30 (use Wise or Revolut for cheaper rates).
International Transfers & Pension Withdrawals
Best ways to receive pension/income in Taiwan:
| Method | Cost | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise (formerly TransferWise) | €1–€5 | 1–2 days | Best for regular transfers. |
| Revolut | €0–€2 | Instant | Good for small amounts. |
| Bank wire transfer | €20–€50 | 3–5 days | Expensive, slow. |
| PayPal | €3–€10 | 1–3 days | High fees for large amounts. |
| Western Union | €5–€20 | Instant | Good for emergencies. |
Tax implications for pensions:
- US/UK/Australia pensions are taxed in Taiwan (see Tax Section).
- Some countries have tax treaties (e.g., US-Taiwan treaty reduces double taxation).
Best practice:
- Keep a US/UK/AU bank account for pension deposits.
- Transfer monthly via Wise/Revolut to avoid high bank fees.
- Use a Taiwan debit card for local spending.
Tax Implications for Retirees
Taiwan has a territorial tax system—you only pay tax on Taiwan-sourced income. However, foreign pensions may be taxed.
Pension Taxation in Taiwan
| Country | Tax Rate in Taiwan | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US | 0–20% | US-Taiwan tax treaty (pensions taxed in US, not Taiwan). |
| UK | 0–20% | UK-Taiwan tax treaty (pensions taxed in UK). |
| Australia | 0–20% | No treaty (pensions taxed in Taiwan). |
| Canada | 0–20% | No treaty (pensions taxed in Taiwan). |
| EU | 0–20% | Depends on country (check local treaty). |
How Taiwan taxes pensions:
- If no tax treaty: Pensions are taxed as ordinary income (5–40%).
- If tax treaty exists: Pensions are only taxed in home country (e.g., US/UK).
- NHI premiums: Based on total income (including pensions).
Example (US retiree):
- Monthly pension: €2,000
- Tax in US: 15% (US taxes pensions)
- Tax in Taiwan: 0% (US-Taiwan treaty)
- NHI premium: €30/month (based on €2,000 income)
Example (Australian retiree):
- Monthly pension: €2,000
- Tax in Australia: 0% (already taxed)
- Tax in Taiwan: 5–20% (no treaty)
- NHI premium: €50/month
Double Taxation Treaties (US, UK, Australia)
| Country | Treaty Status | Pension Taxation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | ✅ Yes | Taxed in US only | No double taxation. |
| UK | ✅ Yes | Taxed in UK only | No double taxation. |
| Australia | ❌ No | Taxed in Taiwan | 5–20% tax. |
| Canada | ❌ No | Taxed in Taiwan | 5–20% tax. |
| Germany | ✅ Yes | Taxed in Germany only | No double taxation. |
| France | ✅ Yes | Taxed in France only | No double taxation. |
Key takeaways:
✔ US/UK retirees pay ZERO tax in Taiwan (thanks to treaties).
✔ Australian/Canadian retirees pay 5–20% tax in Taiwan.
✔ NHI premiums are based on total income (including pensions).
Tax filing in Taiwan:
- Deadline: May 31 (for previous year).
- File online (via Taiwan Tax Portal).
- Hire an accountant (€100–€300) if unsure.
Cost Comparison: Kaohsiung vs. US/UK/Australia
Kaohsiung is 30–60% cheaper than major Western cities. Below is a cost comparison for a comfortable retirement (€2,000/month).
| Expense | Kaohsiung (€) | New York (€) | London (€) | Sydney (€) | Los Angeles (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom, city center) | 800 | 3,000 | 2,500 | 2,200 | 2,800 |
| Groceries | 300 | 600 | 500 | 550 | 600 |
| Eating out (mid-range) | 400 | 1,200 | 1,000 | 900 | 1,100 |
| Healthcare (NHI + private) | 150 | 800 | 500 | 400 | 700 |
| Utilities | 100 | 200 | 250 | 200 | 200 |
| Transport | 100 | 300 | 200 | 250 | 300 |
| Leisure | 300 | 800 | 600 | 700 | 800 |
| Total | 2,150 | 6,900 | 5,550 | 5,200 | 6,500 |
Savings vs. Western cities:
- New York: €4,750/month cheaper
- London: €3,400/month cheaper
- Sydney: €3,050/month cheaper
- Los Angeles: €4,350/month cheaper
Healthcare cost comparison:
| Service | Kaohsiung (€) | US (€) | UK (€) | Australia (