Visas and Permits

Under Taiwan’s regulations, foreign professionals intending to work in Taiwan must typically obtain a work permit issued by the Workforce Development Agency of the Ministry of Labor before they can legally work in Taiwan. Work-related visas are divided into two main types: business visas and work permits, each serving different purposes.

1. Business Visas (Visitor Visas)
   
   Foreign professionals who need to visit Taiwan briefly for business purposes can apply for a “Business Visa” at the nearest Taiwan representative offices without needing a separate work permit. They can also enter Taiwan with Visa-exemption if eligible. These individuals must have a return ticket and a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond their planned stay.
   
   To apply for a Taiwan Business Visa, the required documents include a passport (valid for at least 6 months after the visa expiration), a return or onward ticket, travel itinerary, a certificate or employment from the applicant’s company, an invitation letter from the Taiwan company, proof of business correspondence (emails, transaction records, import/export documents, etc.), information about contacts in Taiwan, and any other supporting documents required by the authorities. The exact documents needed may vary at the time of application.
   
   A Taiwan Business Visa is typically valid for 3 months to 1 year from the date of issue, with a stay period of up to 3 months.
   
   If expatriates entering by visa-exempt entry, with the purpose of business, family visits, tourism, social visits, and inspections are allowed. However, if the visitor plans to engage in activities requiring permission under other regulations, they must obtain the necessary permits.
   
   
2. Work Permits
   
   If a Foreign professional is hired to  work in Taiwan – such as providing specialized or technical services, serving as a manager for business approved for foreign investment, teaching at a school or a language institute, or working in fields like religion, arts, or performances - must apply for  a work permit issued by Taiwan Workforce Development Agency. If the applicant needs to stay in Taiwan for more than 6 months, they can apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (“ARC”) after entering Taiwan. This certificate allows them to legally reside in Taiwan.
   
   

   (i)

   Work Permits Work permit applications must be submitted by the local employer directly to the appropriate government agency that regulates the foreign national’s work or profession in Taiwan, which is the Workforce Development Agency. Employers and foreigner must meet certain conditions according to the category they wish to apply for before they can apply for a work permit for foreign professionals.   If a foreign professional is not directly employed by a Taiwan company but need to come to Taiwan to fulfill a contract, such as for a service, sales, or technical cooperation agreement, they generally need to apply for a work permit. However, according to current regulations, if the contract work lasts 30 days or less, their entry visa or entry permit is considered as a work permit, and no separate application is needed. Required documents for the work permit application may include the employment contract, diplomas, position description, the contract being fulfilled, the financial standing documents from Taiwan employer or contracting company (such as income tax returns, trading profit and loss account, profit tax return), and the business registration certificate of the company in Taiwan. The specific required documents depend on each  application category and the time of submission. Typically, it takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks to process a work permit application. Depending on the category, Taiwan work permits can be issued for up to 1, 3, or 5 years. A work permit only authorizes foreign professionals to work legally in Taiwan; it is not part of the visa process. Whether a foreign professional can legally stay in Taiwan depends on their via and ARC.

   (ii)

   Resident Visa and Alien Resident Certificate (“ARC”) After obtaining a work permit, if a foreign professional needs to stay in Taiwan for more than 6 months, they can apply for a resident visa at the Taiwan representative offices abroad over their location. A resident visa is required for those planning to reside in Taiwan for over 6 months. Required documents for the resident visa of employment purposes vary by the Taiwan representative offices abroad but generally may include an original valid passport (valid at least six months after the expiration date of the visa), work permit issued by Taiwan authorities and other supporting documents such as proof of financial statement, a job description, etc. Dependent resident visas are available for dependents (spouses, minor children, disabilities adult children) of foreign professionals with work permit approval letters to accompany him/her in Taiwan. A dependent spouse of a foreign professional is not authorized to work in Taiwan without first obtaining individual employment work permit. After arrival in Taiwan, foreign nationals who have received approval for work and their dependents must apply for alien resident certificates (ARC) at the local immigration agency service centres within 30 days of arrival to legally reside in Taiwan. The ARC is typically valid for the same period as the work permit, and the dependent’s ARC is valid for the same period as the primary ARC holder. The processing time for an ARC application is usually around 10 working days. Note: The material above contains general information regarding visas, work permits, and residence permits required to stay and work legally in Taiwan. Readers should seek professional advice regarding the particular facts and circumstances involved in their case.

See also:
Taiwan – Work Permit Application Procedures and Fees (For Foreign, Hong Kong and Macau as the Person in Charge or Managers in Taiwan)
Package for Taiwan Plum Blossom Card Application (Alien Permanent Resident Card)  (Applicable to Overseas Senior Professionals other than  Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China)
Package for Taiwan Employment Gold Card Application (For Specialized Professionals from Hong Kong, Macau and countries other than Mainland China)