ARC Application Guide: How to Get Your Alien Resident Certificate — Convert visa into residency Taiwan Work Permit Guide: APRC, Gold Card & Employment Options — Work-based visas explained Legal Rights in Taiwan for Foreigners: What You Need to Know (2026) — Your rights on each visa type Getting Married in Taiwan as a Foreigner: Complete Guide (2026) — Spousal visa pathway

Taiwan Visa Guide 2026 | Types, Requirements & How to Apply

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Taiwan?

It depends on your nationality. Taiwan offers visa-exempt entry to citizens of over 65 countries and territories, making it one of the easiest places in Asia to visit. Visa-exempt countries (90 days) Citizens of the following countries can enter Taiwan without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business visits: North America — United States, Canada Europe — United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland, Czech Republic, Ireland, Portugal, and most other EU/Schengen countries Asia-Pacific — Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia Latin America — Chile, Paraguay, Guatemala, Honduras, and others Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, and you need a return or onward ticket. eVisa countries Some nationalities can apply for an eVisa online through the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) website. This includes citizens of certain Southeast Asian countries (Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and others) who meet specific conditions such as holding a valid visa or residency from the US, Canada, UK, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or a Schengen country. Countries requiring a regular visa Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt or eVisa lists must apply for a visa at a Taiwan Embassy or Representative Office (TECO, Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office, 駐外代表處) in their home country before travel. Always verify before you travel Visa policies change. Check the latest information on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website (boca.gov.tw) before booking your trip. Search for "visa-exempt" or enter your nationality to see the current rules.

Q: How do I extend my stay in Taiwan?

Extending visa-exempt entry If you entered Taiwan visa-free for 90 days, you may be able to extend your stay for an additional 90 days (up to 180 days total). To do this: Visit a National Immigration Agency (NIA) service center before your 90 days expire Bring your passport and a completed application form Pay the processing fee (approximately NT$300) Processing usually takes 1–3 business days Not all nationalities are eligible for extension — check the NIA website Extending a visitor visa Apply for an extension at the NIA before your current stay expires Bring your passport, visa, application form, and supporting documents (reason for extension) Extensions are granted at the NIA's discretion and are not guaranteed Overstay penalties Overstaying your visa or visa-exempt period is taken seriously in Taiwan: 1–10 days overstay — Fine of NT$2,000–10,000, and you will be noted in the immigration system 10–30 days overstay — Fine plus a 1-year entry ban 30–90 days overstay — Fine plus a 3-year entry ban Over 90 days overstay — Fine plus a 5-year or longer entry ban If you realize you may overstay, contact the NIA immediately. Voluntarily reporting and making arrangements is always better than being caught at the airport. Step-by-step extension process Check your eligibility on the NIA website (immigration.gov.tw) Download and fill out the extension application form Visit your nearest NIA service center (there are offices in every major city) Submit your application with required documents and fee Pick up your passport with the extension stamp (or receive notification of approval)

Q: What are the work visa requirements?

Working legally in Taiwan requires both a work permit (工作許可) and a resident visa / ARC. The process involves your employer, the Ministry of Labor, and the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Step-by-step process Get a job offer from a Taiwan-based employer Employer applies for your work permit at the Ministry of Labor (勞動部). This typically takes 2–4 weeks. Once approved, you apply for a resident visa at a TECO office in your home country (or convert your visitor visa status at the NIA if you're already in Taiwan, depending on circumstances) After arriving in Taiwan, apply for your ARC at the NIA within 15 days Required documents Valid passport (at least 6 months validity) Original or notarized degree certificate (bachelor's degree or above, usually required) Proof of 2+ years of relevant work experience (some industries have different requirements) Passport-sized photos (recent, white background) Health certificate from an approved hospital Work permit approval letter from your employer Employment contract Eligibility requirements Most work permit applications require the foreigner to hold at least a bachelor's degree and have 2 years of work experience in the relevant field Monthly salary must meet the minimum threshold — currently NT$47,971 or above for most white-collar positions Some industries (teaching, professional sports, religious work) have different requirements Processing time Work permit: 2–4 weeks Resident visa at TECO: 3–7 business days ARC at NIA: 5–10 business days after arrival Your employer's HR department should guide you through the process. If they don't have experience hiring foreigners, suggest they consult the Ministry of Labor's Foreign Worker Affairs section.

Q: Taiwan Gold Card: who qualifies?

The Employment Gold Card (就業金卡) is Taiwan's program to attract international talent. It combines a work permit, resident visa, and re-entry permit into a single card. Eligible fields (8 categories) Science and technology Economics Education Culture and arts Sports Finance Law Architecture Within each field, you must meet specific criteria — for example, having a certain salary level (typically over NT$160,000/month in your previous job), significant professional achievements, or recognized expertise. Benefits Open work permit — Work for any employer or be self-employed, no sponsorship needed Tax incentive — For the first 5 years, if your annual salary exceeds NT$3 million, only the first NT$3 million is subject to income tax (the excess is exempt). This is a major benefit for high earners. Fast-track processing — No need to find a job first; you can come to Taiwan and then look for work Bring family — Spouse and children can apply for dependent ARCs Multiple re-entry — Travel in and out freely during the card's validity Application details Fee: NT$3,100–7,650 depending on your nationality and the card's duration (1, 2, or 3 years) Apply online at goldcard.nat.gov.tw — the entire process is digital Processing time: 30–60 working days typically, though it can be faster Renewal: Apply before expiration; no need to leave Taiwan You do NOT need a job offer to apply Tips The application requires documentation proving your qualifications — letters from employers, publications, awards, salary slips, etc. If you're unsure which category fits you, the Gold Card website has a self-assessment tool Join the Gold Card community (Taiwan Gold Card Facebook group) for tips from approved cardholders

Do I need a visa to visit Taiwan?

It depends on your nationality. Taiwan offers visa-exempt entry to citizens of over 65 countries and territories, making it one of the easiest places in Asia to visit.

Visa-exempt countries (90 days)

Citizens of the following countries can enter Taiwan without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business visits:

North America — United States, Canada
Europe — United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland, Czech Republic, Ireland, Portugal, and most other EU/Schengen countries
Asia-Pacific — Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia
Latin America — Chile, Paraguay, Guatemala, Honduras, and others

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, and you need a return or onward ticket.

eVisa countries

Some nationalities can apply for an eVisa online through the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) website. This includes citizens of certain Southeast Asian countries (Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and others) who meet specific conditions such as holding a valid visa or residency from the US, Canada, UK, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or a Schengen country.

Countries requiring a regular visa

Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt or eVisa lists must apply for a visa at a Taiwan Embassy or Representative Office (TECO, Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office, 駐外代表處) in their home country before travel.

Always verify before you travel

Visa policies change. Check the latest information on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website (boca.gov.tw) before booking your trip. Search for "visa-exempt" or enter your nationality to see the current rules.

What types of Taiwan visas are there?

Taiwan has several visa categories depending on your purpose and intended length of stay:

Visa Type	Duration	Work Allowed?	Typical Purpose
Visa-exempt entry	Up to 90 days	No	Tourism, short business visits
Visitor visa (停留簽證)	60–180 days	No (unless special permit)	Extended tourism, visiting family, attending conferences, language study
Resident visa (居留簽證)	1–3 years (renewable)	Yes (with work permit)	Employment, study, marriage to a Taiwan citizen, investment
Gold Card (就業金卡)	1–3 years	Yes (open work permit)	Special foreign talent in designated fields

Visitor visa details

Single-entry or multiple-entry
Apply at a TECO office before traveling
Processing time: 3–5 business days (may vary)
Fee: varies by nationality, typically US$50–100
Can attend language schools; some language study visas allow stays up to 180 days

Resident visa details

Required for anyone staying long-term for work, study, or family reunion
After arriving in Taiwan with a resident visa, you must apply for an ARC (Alien Resident Certificate, 居留證) at the National Immigration Agency (NIA, 移民署) within 15 days
Your ARC is your primary ID document in Taiwan — you need it for banking, phone contracts, health insurance, and more

How do I extend my stay in Taiwan?

Extending visa-exempt entry

If you entered Taiwan visa-free for 90 days, you may be able to extend your stay for an additional 90 days (up to 180 days total). To do this:

Visit a National Immigration Agency (NIA) service center before your 90 days expire
Bring your passport and a completed application form
Pay the processing fee (approximately NT$300)
Processing usually takes 1–3 business days
Not all nationalities are eligible for extension — check the NIA website

Extending a visitor visa

Apply for an extension at the NIA before your current stay expires
Bring your passport, visa, application form, and supporting documents (reason for extension)
Extensions are granted at the NIA's discretion and are not guaranteed

Overstay penalties

Overstaying your visa or visa-exempt period is taken seriously in Taiwan:

1–10 days overstay — Fine of NT$2,000–10,000, and you will be noted in the immigration system
10–30 days overstay — Fine plus a 1-year entry ban
30–90 days overstay — Fine plus a 3-year entry ban
Over 90 days overstay — Fine plus a 5-year or longer entry ban

If you realize you may overstay, contact the NIA immediately. Voluntarily reporting and making arrangements is always better than being caught at the airport.

Step-by-step extension process

Check your eligibility on the NIA website (immigration.gov.tw)
Download and fill out the extension application form
Visit your nearest NIA service center (there are offices in every major city)
Submit your application with required documents and fee
Pick up your passport with the extension stamp (or receive notification of approval)

What are the work visa requirements?

Working legally in Taiwan requires both a work permit (工作許可) and a resident visa / ARC. The process involves your employer, the Ministry of Labor, and the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Step-by-step process

Get a job offer from a Taiwan-based employer
Employer applies for your work permit at the Ministry of Labor (勞動部). This typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Once approved, you apply for a resident visa at a TECO office in your home country (or convert your visitor visa status at the NIA if you're already in Taiwan, depending on circumstances)
After arriving in Taiwan, apply for your ARC at the NIA within 15 days

Required documents

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
Original or notarized degree certificate (bachelor's degree or above, usually required)
Proof of 2+ years of relevant work experience (some industries have different requirements)
Passport-sized photos (recent, white background)
Health certificate from an approved hospital
Work permit approval letter from your employer
Employment contract

Eligibility requirements

Most work permit applications require the foreigner to hold at least a bachelor's degree and have 2 years of work experience in the relevant field
Monthly salary must meet the minimum threshold — currently NT$47,971 or above for most white-collar positions
Some industries (teaching, professional sports, religious work) have different requirements

Processing time

Work permit: 2–4 weeks
Resident visa at TECO: 3–7 business days
ARC at NIA: 5–10 business days after arrival

Your employer's HR department should guide you through the process. If they don't have experience hiring foreigners, suggest they consult the Ministry of Labor's Foreign Worker Affairs section.

What are the student visa requirements?

Studying in Taiwan is a popular option, and the visa process is relatively straightforward once you have an acceptance letter.

Step-by-step process

Get accepted by a recognized Taiwan university, language center, or educational institution
Apply for a resident visa (study purpose) at a TECO office in your home country
Arrive in Taiwan and apply for your ARC at the NIA within 15 days
Enroll in National Health Insurance (NHI) after 6 months of residence (or immediately if you hold a scholarship from the Taiwan government)

Required documents

Acceptance letter from the Taiwan educational institution
Proof of financial support (bank statement showing sufficient funds, scholarship letter, or sponsor letter)
Valid passport
Passport-sized photos
Academic transcripts and diplomas (may need notarization or authentication depending on your country)
Health certificate

Part-time work rules

Degree-seeking students can apply for a work permit to work part-time
During the semester: maximum 20 hours per week
During summer/winter break: no hour limit
You must apply for a separate work permit through your school — do not work without authorization
Language students generally cannot work

Scholarships

Taiwan offers several government scholarships for international students:

Taiwan Scholarship (台灣獎學金) — Covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend of NT$15,000–20,000
Huayu Enrichment Scholarship (華語文獎學金) — For Chinese language learners, NT$25,000/month
Check the Study in Taiwan website (studyintaiwan.org) for the latest opportunities

Taiwan Gold Card: who qualifies?

The Employment Gold Card (就業金卡) is Taiwan's program to attract international talent. It combines a work permit, resident visa, and re-entry permit into a single card.

Eligible fields (8 categories)

Science and technology
Economics
Education
Culture and arts
Sports
Finance
Law
Architecture

Within each field, you must meet specific criteria — for example, having a certain salary level (typically over NT$160,000/month in your previous job), significant professional achievements, or recognized expertise.

Benefits

Open work permit — Work for any employer or be self-employed, no sponsorship needed
Tax incentive — For the first 5 years, if your annual salary exceeds NT$3 million, only the first NT$3 million is subject to income tax (the excess is exempt). This is a major benefit for high earners.
Fast-track processing — No need to find a job first; you can come to Taiwan and then look for work
Bring family — Spouse and children can apply for dependent ARCs
Multiple re-entry — Travel in and out freely during the card's validity

Application details

Fee: NT$3,100–7,650 depending on your nationality and the card's duration (1, 2, or 3 years)
Apply online at goldcard.nat.gov.tw — the entire process is digital
Processing time: 30–60 working days typically, though it can be faster
Renewal: Apply before expiration; no need to leave Taiwan
You do NOT need a job offer to apply

Tips

The application requires documentation proving your qualifications — letters from employers, publications, awards, salary slips, etc.
If you're unsure which category fits you, the Gold Card website has a self-assessment tool
Join the Gold Card community (Taiwan Gold Card Facebook group) for tips from approved cardholders

How do I get APRC (permanent residency)?

The APRC (Alien Permanent Resident Certificate, 永久居留證) gives you the right to live and work in Taiwan indefinitely without needing a specific employer sponsor or visa renewal.

Standard requirements

5+ consecutive years of legal residence in Taiwan on an ARC
183+ days physically present in Taiwan each year during those 5 years
Financial proof: monthly income of at least 2x the minimum wage (approximately NT$57,526/month in 2026) or assets/savings above a certain threshold
Clean criminal record in Taiwan
Basic Chinese ability or other proof of integration (some applicants are exempt from this requirement)

Alternative pathways

Spouse of a Taiwan citizen: Eligible after being married and residing in Taiwan for 5 years (with 183+ days/year). Financial requirements are lower.
APRC through Gold Card: Gold Card holders can apply for APRC after 5 years of residence
Special contributions: People who have made significant contributions to Taiwan (in economics, science, culture, etc.) may qualify for APRC with fewer years of residence
Senior professionals: Those with a monthly salary above NT$80,000 and specialized skills may qualify after 3 years

Benefits of APRC

No need to renew your ARC or maintain a specific job
Work for any employer or be self-employed
Easier to switch jobs without visa complications
You still maintain your original citizenship
Access to NHI (National Health Insurance) continues
Easier path to apply for Taiwan citizenship later (if desired)

How to apply

Gather documents: passport, ARC, tax records for 5 years, financial proof, criminal record certificate, photos
Submit your application at the NIA
Processing time: 30–60 working days
Fee: NT$10,000

Important notes

If you leave Taiwan for more than 5 consecutive years, your APRC may be revoked
APRC holders still need to file taxes in Taiwan on worldwide income
You can hold APRC and your original passport simultaneously — Taiwan allows dual status (but not dual citizenship for naturalized citizens)

Visa FAQ: common questions answered

Can I change my visa type without leaving Taiwan?

In many cases, yes. If you enter visa-free or on a visitor visa and then find employment or enroll in a program, you may be able to change your visa status at the NIA without leaving the country. However, this depends on your nationality and specific situation. Some changes require you to exit and re-enter. Check with the NIA or a TECO office.

What if my visa application is rejected?

TECO offices are not required to give a specific reason for rejection
Common reasons: incomplete documents, insufficient financial proof, unclear purpose of visit, or past immigration violations
You can reapply after addressing the likely issues
Consider consulting with an immigration attorney or the TECO office for guidance

Can I work on a visitor visa?

No. Working without proper authorization (work permit + resident visa/ARC) is illegal. Penalties include fines, deportation, and a ban on future entry. This applies to both paid employment and some forms of freelance work.

Do I need a visa for transit through Taiwan?

If you have a connecting flight through Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and do not leave the transit area, you generally do not need a visa. However, if you want to leave the airport during a layover, visa-exempt entry or a valid visa is required. Transit without visa (TWOV) rules vary by nationality.

Is health insurance required for a visa application?

For visitor visas: not typically required, but recommended
For resident visas: you will be enrolled in NHI (National Health Insurance, 全民健保) after 6 months of continuous residence in Taiwan, or immediately for certain categories
Some visitor visa categories may require proof of travel insurance

How long can I stay in total?

Visa-exempt: 90 days, extendable to 180 days
Visitor visa: as specified on your visa (60, 90, or 180 days), extendable at NIA's discretion
Resident visa / ARC: as long as your ARC is valid (typically 1–3 years, renewable)
APRC: indefinite

Where do I apply?

Before entering Taiwan: At a TECO (Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office) in your country. Find your nearest office at taiwanembassy.org or boca.gov.tw
After entering Taiwan: At the National Immigration Agency (NIA, 移民署). Main office in Taipei at No. 15, Guangzhou St., Zhongzheng District. Regional offices in every major city.
Gold Card: Apply entirely online at goldcard.nat.gov.tw

Useful contacts

Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA): boca.gov.tw
National Immigration Agency (NIA): immigration.gov.tw
Foreign Worker hotline: 1955 (multilingual, free)
Gold Card program: goldcard.nat.gov.tw

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my visa in Taiwan?

Yes, in most cases. If you entered Taiwan visa-free for 90 days, you may apply for an extension of up to 90 additional days (180 days total) at a National Immigration Agency (NIA) service center. Visitor visa holders can also apply for extensions at the NIA before their current stay expires. Extensions are granted at the NIA's discretion and are not guaranteed — you will need to provide a valid reason and supporting documents. Always apply before your current authorized stay expires to avoid overstay penalties.

Do I need a visa for a short visit?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of over 65 countries and territories — including the US, Canada, UK, most EU countries, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand — can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business. You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return or onward ticket. Some nationalities can apply for an eVisa online. Check the Bureau of Consular Affairs website (boca.gov.tw) for the latest visa-exempt country list before you travel.

Can I work on a tourist visa?

No. Working in Taiwan without proper authorization (a work permit plus a resident visa or ARC) is illegal, regardless of whether you entered visa-free or on a visitor visa. This includes paid employment, freelance work, and in some cases unpaid internships. Penalties for illegal work include fines of NT$30,000–150,000, deportation, and a ban on future entry to Taiwan. If you want to work in Taiwan, you must first obtain a work permit through an employer or apply for a Gold Card.

How do I apply for a visa extension?

Visit the nearest National Immigration Agency (NIA) service center before your current stay expires. Bring your passport, a completed extension application form (downloadable from immigration.gov.tw), and the processing fee of approximately NT$300. For visa-exempt extensions, processing typically takes 1–3 business days. For visitor visa extensions, you may also need supporting documents explaining your reason for staying longer. NIA offices are located in every major city in Taiwan — check their website for office locations and hours.