Residence in Taiwan: permits and requirements
Living legally in Taiwan is possible through 5 permit types: work, permanent, investment, family, study. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Work Residence (Employment)
Residence type #1 of 5
Residence permit (ARC - Alien Resident Certificate) for foreigners legally employed in Taiwan.
Requirements
- Job offer from a company registered in Taiwan with a minimum salary of 47,971 TWD/month
- University degree or 2 years of relevant experience
- Medical certificate
- Clean criminal record
- Work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor (for unskilled workers there are quotas)
Documentation
- Valid passport
- ARC application form
- Offer letter and employment contract
- Criminal record certificate (apostilled or legalized)
- Taiwanese medical certificate (from a designated hospital)
- University degree and professional credentials
- Passport-size photos
- Proof of accommodation in Taiwan
Frequently asked questions about residence in Taiwan
How many types of residence permits are there in Taiwan?
Taiwan offers 5 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, permanent, investment, family, study. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Taiwan last?
Durations vary by permit type: 1 to 3 years renewable (3 years maximum per period); Indefinite; 1 to 3 years renewable (possible transition to permanent after 5 years); 1 to 3 years renewable (after 4 years you may apply for the APRC). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Taiwan be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Taiwan (5 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Taiwan?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Formulario de solicitud; Passport-size photos; Valid passport; Certificado de antecedentes penales; Certificado médico. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Taiwan lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 5 consecutive years with 183+ days/year of legal residence (Nationality Act, art. 3(1)). The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Taiwan.
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Anything to correct or add about Taiwan?
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