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Taiwan – Residency

Types of Residency in Taiwan

Foreign nationals moving to Taiwan have several options for obtaining residency status, including:

Resident Visas

Resident visas are available to foreign nationals who wish to stay in Taiwan for a period longer than six months. There are several types of resident visas, including:

  • Work visas: for foreign nationals who have been hired to work in Taiwan
  • Investment visas: for foreign nationals who have made a significant investment in Taiwan
  • Study visas: for foreign students studying in Taiwan
  • Family reunification visas: for foreign nationals who have Taiwanese family members

Permanent Residency

Foreign nationals who have lived in Taiwan for at least five years on a resident visa are eligible to apply for permanent residency. Permanent residency allows individuals to live and work in Taiwan without needing to renew their visa every year.

Alien Permanent Resident Certificates (APRC)

Foreign nationals who have lived in Taiwan for five consecutive years on a resident visa or have been married to a Taiwanese national for five years are eligible to apply for an APRC. The APRC allows individuals to stay in Taiwan indefinitely and work without needing a work permit.

Applying for Residency in Taiwan

The process for applying for residency in Taiwan can vary depending on the type of visa being applied for. However, in general, the following steps must be taken:

  1. Obtain the necessary application forms and gather the required documentation.

  2. Submit the application and documentation to the relevant government department.

  3. Attend an interview, if required.

  4. Wait for the application to be processed and approved.

  5. Collect the residency permit.

Required Documents

The specific documents required for a residency application in Taiwan will depend on the type of visa being applied for. However, in general, the following documents are required:


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  • Valid passport
  • Completed application form
  • Passport-sized photo
  • Proof of financial stability
  • Health certificate
  • Criminal record certificate
  • Education or work experience certificates, if applicable

Registering with Government Departments

Foreign nationals must register with the National Immigration Agency (NIA) within 15 days of arrival in Taiwan. The NIA issues Alien Residence Certificates (ARCs) which must be carried at all times as proof of residency.

In addition, foreign nationals who plan to work in Taiwan must also apply for a work permit from the Council of Labor Affairs.

Information on Residence in Taiwan

The National Immigration Agency is the main government department responsible for issuing visas and permits for foreign nationals in Taiwan. They have a website with information on the different types of visas, the application process, and other requirements for foreign nationals living in Taiwan.

In addition, foreign nationals can also contact their embassy in Taiwan for information and support on residency and other related matters. These websites provide inofrmation on residency in Taiwan: