Do You Need a Personal Work Permit After Getting an APRC in Taiwan?
After obtaining an Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC), does it mean you can work in Taiwan without applying for a work permit? The answer is not always. Not all APRC holders are subject to the same rules. The easiest way to find out whether you need a work permit is to check the remarks on your APRC.
If your APRC includes the remark "The holder is exempt from applying for a work permit" or other words with the same meaning, it means you already have the legal right to work in Taiwan. You can work for a Taiwan employer or change jobs freely without applying for a work permit from the Ministry of Labor.
However, if your APRC does not include this remark, it does not mean that you can automatically work in Taiwan. In this case, if you want to work for a Taiwan employer, you should apply for a Personal Work Permit with the Ministry of Labor before you start working. You may legally work only after your application has been approved.
Unlike a regular work permit, which is usually applied for by the employer, a Personal Work Permit is applied for by the qualified foreign national. After obtaining a Personal Work Permit, your work authorization is no longer linked to a specific employer. Therefore, as long as you meet the relevant legal requirements, you may change jobs without applying for a new work permit each time.
Eligible applicants may apply for a Personal Work Permit directly with the Ministry of Labor or ask their employer to submit the application on their behalf. In general, the required documents include an application form, a passport, an APRC, and other supporting documents. After the Ministry of Labor reviews and approves the application, the Personal Work Permit will be issued.
If you have any questions about the eligibility requirements, application process, or required documents for a Personal Work Permit, or if you need assistance in checking your eligibility or preparing your application, please feel free to contact the Kaizen consulting team. We will provide professional advice and complete application support based on your purpose of coming to Taiwan and your individual situation.