Taiwan has established a structured system for foreign nationals seeking to live and work within its borders. This system typically involves obtaining both a visa for entry and residence and a separate work permit allowing employment. The process is designed to regulate the foreign workforce, ensuring that foreign workers fill roles that contribute to the local economy and possess the necessary skills or expertise.
Navigating the requirements for visas and work permits is crucial for both foreign individuals and the companies looking to employ them. Understanding the specific categories, application procedures, required documentation, and ongoing compliance obligations is essential for a smooth and lawful employment relationship in Taiwan.
Common Visa Types for Foreign Workers
Foreign nationals intending to work in Taiwan generally require a Resident Visa. This visa category is typically issued for individuals who plan to stay for more than 180 days for specific purposes, including employment. The specific type of Resident Visa will depend on the purpose of stay, but for employment, it is usually based on having secured a work permit.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Typical Duration | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Visa | Long-term stay for work, study, family | > 180 days | Requires a valid purpose (e.g., work permit) |
| Visitor Visa | Short-term stay for business, tourism | < 180 days | Not for long-term employment |
While a Visitor Visa might be used for initial entry or short business trips, it does not permit long-term employment. Transitioning from a Visitor Visa to a Resident Visa within Taiwan is sometimes possible under specific circumstances, but it is generally recommended to apply for the appropriate Resident Visa based on the approved work permit before arrival.
Work Permit Application Requirements and Procedures
Obtaining a work permit is a prerequisite for most foreign nationals seeking employment in Taiwan. The application is typically initiated by the prospective employer on behalf of the foreign worker. The Ministry of Labor (MOL) is the primary authority responsible for issuing work permits.
Eligibility Criteria:
Eligibility often depends on the foreign national's qualifications (e.g., education, professional experience) and the nature of the employing company and the position offered. Common categories include specialized professionals, teachers, and managers of multinational corporations. Specific requirements vary by category but often involve:
- Holding a university degree or higher, or possessing specialized skills/experience.
- Meeting minimum salary requirements, which vary by profession and experience.
- The employing company meeting certain criteria, such as minimum capital or revenue.
Required Documentation:
The application package submitted by the employer typically includes:
- Application form
- Copy of the foreign national's passport
- Proof of the foreign national's qualifications (diplomas, transcripts, professional licenses)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Employment contract
- Documents related to the employing company (business license, registration documents, financial statements)
- Proof that the position could not be filled by a Taiwanese national (sometimes required)
- Other supporting documents as requested by the MOL
Application Procedure:
- The employer prepares and submits the work permit application and supporting documents to the MOL.
- The MOL reviews the application. This process involves checking the eligibility of both the employer and the foreign national, as well as the legitimacy of the employment relationship.
- If approved, the MOL issues a work permit.
- The foreign national then uses the approved work permit to apply for a Resident Visa at a Taiwan Representative Office abroad.
- Upon arrival in Taiwan with the Resident Visa, the foreign national must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and re-entry permit within 15 days.
Processing Times and Fees:
Processing times for work permits can vary depending on the category and the completeness of the application. Generally, it takes several weeks, often ranging from 2 to 4 weeks. Government fees for work permit applications apply, and these fees vary based on the duration of the permit requested (typically issued for 1 to 3 years).
| Item | Estimated Fee (NTD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permit | Varies by duration | Approx. 100 NTD per month of validity |
| Resident Visa | Varies by nationality | Check with local Taiwan Representative Office |
| ARC | Varies by duration | Approx. 1000 NTD per year of validity |
Note: Fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with the relevant authorities.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
Foreign professionals who have legally resided and worked in Taiwan for a significant period may be eligible to apply for permanent residency, known as an Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC).
The most common pathway requires residing legally in Taiwan for five consecutive years, during which the individual must have been present for at least 183 days each year. Applicants must also meet specific criteria, including:
- Having sufficient financial resources or assets to be self-sufficient.
- Having good conduct and no criminal record.
- Meeting minimum average income thresholds for the past five years.
There are also accelerated pathways to permanent residency for certain highly skilled professionals or individuals who have made significant contributions to Taiwan.
Dependent Visa Options
Foreign nationals holding a valid Resident Visa based on employment can typically sponsor their dependents to join them in Taiwan. Eligible dependents usually include the spouse and minor children (under 20 years old).
Application Process for Dependents:
- The main visa holder must hold a valid ARC.
- Dependents apply for a Resident Visa at a Taiwan Representative Office abroad, providing proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates) and the main visa holder's ARC copy and passport.
- Upon arrival in Taiwan with the Resident Visa, dependents must apply for their own ARC within 15 days.
Dependents holding a dependent ARC are generally not permitted to work in Taiwan without obtaining their own work permit, which requires meeting separate eligibility criteria.
Visa Compliance Obligations
Both employers and foreign employees have ongoing obligations to ensure compliance with Taiwan's immigration and labor laws.
Employer Obligations:
- Ensure the foreign national holds a valid work permit and ARC for the duration of employment.
- Notify the MOL and the National Immigration Agency (NIA) of any changes in employment status (e.g., termination, change of position) within a specified timeframe.
- Adhere to the terms of the employment contract and Taiwanese labor laws.
- Assist the foreign employee with necessary documentation for work permit and ARC renewals.
Employee Obligations:
- Maintain a valid passport, visa, work permit, and ARC.
- Reside legally in Taiwan and notify the NIA of any changes in address.
- Adhere to the conditions of their visa and work permit (e.g., only working for the sponsoring employer in the approved position).
- Apply for ARC renewal at least 30 days before its expiry date.
- Depart Taiwan upon termination of employment or expiry of permits if no alternative legal status is obtained.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, including fines, revocation of permits, deportation, and restrictions on future entry into Taiwan for the foreign national, and fines or restrictions on hiring foreign workers for the employer.
