Taiwan (TW)
A safe, democratic, tech-forward island with excellent public healthcare, dense transit, world-class food culture, and a strong base for East Asia.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for Taiwan.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
Over 140 nationalities receive visa-exempt entry for short stays (typically 14, 30, or 90 days depending on passport and reciprocity). EU/EEA, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most Schengen passport holders receive 90 days visa-exempt. Visa-exempt status does not authorise employment or self-employment — any paid work requires a valid work permit and resident visa.
Key agencies: National Immigration Agency (NIA) — immigration.gov.tw; Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) — boca.gov.tw; Ministry of Labor work permits — ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw; Gold Card Office — goldcard.nat.gov.tw. Overstay penalty: Immigration Act Article 85 — NT$2,000–10,000 per day fine plus possible re-entry ban of 1–10 years depending on duration. Always carry your ARC and passport when travelling within or departing Taiwan. Address changes on ARC must be updated at any NIA service centre within 30 days of moving.
Resident Visa for Employment
Foreign nationals with an approved work permit from the Ministry of Labor (勞動部). White-collar professionals must meet minimum salary threshold: NT$47,971/month for most roles; NT$33,000/month for some specified categories with degree + 2 years relevant experience. Apply at BOCA (Bureau of Consular Affairs) abroad or after approval from MOL.
2–10 working days at a BOCA-affiliated overseas office; faster at BOCA Taipei after work permit is approved.
- ✓Valid passport (6+ months beyond visa validity)
- ✓Work permit approval letter from Ministry of Labor
- ✓Employment contract showing salary ≥ NT$47,971/month (or qualifying amount)
- ✓Health examination report (tuberculosis clearance) from MOHW-approved facility
- ✓2 passport-size photos
- ✓Completed visa application form
- ✓Criminal background check for some categories
Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
Holders of a valid resident visa on employment, study, family, or other qualifying basis. Must apply within 30 days of entering Taiwan. Foreign nationals who overstay their 30-day application deadline may face fines.
Approximately 10 working days at any NIA service centre nationwide.
- ✓Passport (original)
- ✓Resident visa stamp in passport
- ✓2 passport-size photos
- ✓Completed ARC application form
- ✓Work permit or other qualifying document
- ✓Local address
- ✓Health examination certificate (tuberculosis) if not already submitted
Employment Gold Card
High-skill professionals in eight designated fields: technology, economy, education, culture/arts, sport, finance, law, architecture. Must meet either an income criterion (NT$160,000/month or higher in the field) or a professional achievement criterion (awards, patents, significant roles). Open to all nationalities. Apply online at goldcard.nat.gov.tw.
Typically 30–60 working days. High-volume fields (technology, finance) sometimes take longer. Gold Card Office: goldcard.nat.gov.tw. Phone: +886-2-2388-9393.
- ✓Online application at goldcard.nat.gov.tw
- ✓Passport scan
- ✓Professional documentation: recent payslips showing NT$160,000/month salary OR achievement evidence (awards, patents, tenure, leadership roles)
- ✓Photo
- ✓Credit card for online fee payment
Entrepreneur Visa
Foreign nationals with a qualifying startup: accepted by a Taiwan government-recognised incubator/accelerator, or with a capital investment of at least NT$500,000, or with relevant patents/awards/recognition. Apply through the National Development Council (NDC): ndc.gov.tw.
NDC pre-approval: 30–60 days. Resident visa and ARC: follow standard timelines after NDC letter.
- ✓Business plan
- ✓Incubator acceptance letter OR proof of investment OR patent/award documentation
- ✓Financial proof of personal living funds
- ✓Passport
- ✓Criminal background check
- ✓Photos
Student Resident Visa
Foreign nationals admitted to a degree programme or full-time language study programme at a MOFA/MOE-recognised institution in Taiwan.
2–10 working days at overseas BOCA office; prompt after arrival for ARC.
- ✓Admission letter from MOE/MOFA-recognised institution
- ✓Proof of tuition payment or financial guarantee (bank statement showing NT$150,000+)
- ✓Passport
- ✓Health examination (tuberculosis clearance)
- ✓Photos
- ✓Application form
Dependent Resident Visa
Spouses and minor children of Taiwan nationals, APRC holders, or ARC holders (eligibility depends on sponsor's status). Spouses of ARC holders may require sponsor's work permit category to meet certain thresholds.
2–4 weeks including document authentication steps.
- ✓Authenticated marriage certificate (TECO-certified if issued abroad)
- ✓Birth certificates for children (TECO-certified)
- ✓Sponsor's ARC/APRC/passport
- ✓Sponsor's proof of income or employment
- ✓Photos
- ✓Application form
Employment Gold Card (Remote-worker pathway)
Digital NomadTaiwan does not have a dedicated 'digital nomad visa' as of 2026. The Gold Card is the practical long-stay route for high-skill remote workers. For short-stay remote workers: visa-exempt entry (90 days for most Western passports) technically allows remote work for a foreign employer, though Taiwan's rules on this are less clearly codified than some countries. Income threshold for Gold Card: NT$160,000/month or qualifying professional achievement.
Gold Card: 30–60 working days. Visa-exempt: immediate on arrival.
- ✓Gold Card: online application + professional income/achievement documentation at goldcard.nat.gov.tw
- ✓Visa-exempt: valid passport only; no application needed
- ✓Tax planning: 183-day residency threshold triggers Taiwan income tax on worldwide income; Gold Card holders may be eligible for 50% exclusion on income above NT$3,000,000
Visa & Immigration
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