Taiwan: Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa and/or work permit?

Most EU nationals do not need a visa or work permit but citizens of non-EU countries may be required to have these documents.

Since March 2009, a visa waiver policy has existed in Taiwan for certain trips lasting no longer than 90 days. It is possible, however, to extend the visa by a further 90 days once in the country as long as it is done before the initial 90-day period runs out. If you plan to stay for longer, arrangements will need to be put in place before travelling to the country.

If you want to work in Taiwan, you will require a work permit and a resident visa. For those wishing to study in Taiwan for a stay of longer than six months, a resident visa is also required. It is advisable to check with the Taipei Representative Office in the UK  for up to date information on visa requirements. Additional information can also be found at the National Immigration Agency - Taiwan .

If passports have less than six months left on their validity, entry to Taiwan may be forbidden, so check this and all current regulations before travelling as rules may be subject to periodic change, perhaps with little notice.

More specific rules are in place for naturalised British citizens who were born in China.

Non-UK citizens should check with their embassy regarding specific visa requirements for Taiwan.

How do I apply for a visa and/or work permit?

An extension on the 90-day period under the visa waiver policy can be applied for through one of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offices in Taiwan. If you are intending to work, your employer should apply for a work permit on your behalf from the Labour Committee. Once you receive the permit you can then apply for a resident visa from the Taipei Representative Office in the UK.

Application forms are available online. Once you have entered Taiwan with the resident visa, you will need to apply for an Alien Resident Card (ARC); you will then be able to start work.

If you are not a UK national, contact the relevant embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to the Taipei Representative Office in the UK.

You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Taiwan. 

How do I apply for permanent residency?

A resident visa is required for anyone wishing to stay in Taiwan for longer than six months for the purpose of pursuing studies or accepting employment. This can be applied for from the Taipei Representative Office. Certain supporting documents will be required, as will a passport valid for at least six months. Resident visa holders are required to apply for the Alien Resident Certificate and Re-entry Permit at local service centres of the National Immigration Agency.

For more details see the Taipei Representative Office in the UK .