In Taiwan, many companies prefer to hire employees without visible tattoos which is a policy that often surprises foreign workers but remains deeply rooted in local culture. While tattoos are increasingly seen as a form of self-expression, it still carry a strong social stigma in Taiwanese society.
Some companies do not allow tattoos (or require them to be covered) mainly because of cultural, social, and professional reasons:
1. Cultural stigma
Traditionally, tattoos in Taiwan (and other East Asian societies) were associated with gangs, crime, or rebellion. This perception still lingers, especially among older generations.
2. Professional image
Companies, especially in customer-facing industries (hospitality, airlines, schools, retail, healthcare), want to maintain a “clean” and “neutral” appearance. Visible tattoos may be seen as unprofessional by clients or customers.
3. Workplace rules
Some companies follow strict dress codes that include rules about hairstyle, piercings, and tattoos, to ensure uniformity and avoid drawing attention to personal style.
4. Industry-specific restrictions
Jobs in banking, government offices, and traditional businesses are stricter about appearance, while creative industries (design, IT, entertainment) tend to be more open.
5. Generational gap
Younger Taiwanese are more accepting of tattoos, and many workplaces are becoming less strict. However, older employers or conservative companies may still hold negative views.
This cultural backdrop explains why job seekers in Taiwan may find tattoos to be more of a barrier than an asset when entering the workforce. It’s not illegal to have tattoos in Taiwan, but whether they’re accepted at work depends on the company culture, industry, and job role.
