Applications for top talent to be recognized as Taiwan special experts and professionals began recently and will last until Sept 18, according to the Xiamen municipal bureau of human resources and social security.

During their employment contract, successful applicants from Taiwan who are given the status of special expert can be granted maximum government subsidies of up to 1-1.5 million yuan ($139,600-$209,300), with the standard funding of 200,000 to 300,000 yuan per year.

As for Taiwan special professionals, a maximum subsidy of 120,000 yuan will be granted per year.

Applicants should hold a Taiwan identity card or mainland residence permit for Taiwan residents and sign a full-time employment contract with Xiamen employers for more than three years. And applicants for Taiwan special experts should have been on the job for more than one year.

Under the scheme, applicants can only apply twice to be recognized for the status.