Question 1

What's the difference between a "stay visa" and a "residence visa"?

Accepted Answer

According to the relevant provisions of the Immigration and Exit Act:A "Visitor Visa" is a short-term visa issued to foreigners visiting Taiwan for tourism, family visits, or business activities, with an expected stay of no more than 180 days;The "Risident Visa" is a long-term visa applicable to foreigners who come to Taiwan to study, work, or visit relatives and who plan to stay in Taiwan for more than 180 days.

Question 2

What is an "Overseas Resident Permit (ARC)"?

Accepted Answer

The Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) is an identity document issued by the National Immigration Agency of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of China to foreign nationals, permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau, people from mainland China, and citizens without household registration, granting the holder the right to legally reside in Taiwan for an extended period.

Question 3

What is the "TGC (Temporary Gold Card)"? Who can apply?

Accepted Answer

Taiwan's Gold Card (TGC) is a special visa established by the Republic of China government to attract international professionals, combining:Work PermitResidence visaOverseas Resident Certificate (ARC)Re-entry Permit (Multiple Entry Permit)The professional fields required for the Employment Gold Card include ten categories such as technology, digital, finance, education, culture, and arts, each with different application qualifications and required documents. The Employment Gold Card is valid for a maximum of three years and can be extended under certain conditions.

Question 4

What is a "Plum Blossom Card"? How do I apply for one?

Accepted Answer

The Plum Blossom Card is a permanent residence certificate (APRC) issued by the Republic of China government to those who have made special contributions to Taiwan, are highly skilled professionals, or have invested a certain amount of money and time.The application methods for the Plum Blossom Card include:Special contributions to Taiwan: Those who have received national-level honors or made outstanding contributions in the fields of national defense, education, and economy.Specialized professionals: Those with specialized skills or exceptional achievements in fields such as scientific and technological research and development, engineering management, and academic research.Meet one of the following investment conditions:Investing over NT$15 million and creating at least 5 jobs for 3 years.Investing in central government bonds with a face value of NT$30 million or more for at least 3 yearsHolders of the Plum Blossom Card can directly obtain permanent residency in Taiwan without being subject to residency period restrictions, therefore the application requirements are more stringent than those for general overseas residency permits.

Question 5

How can Hong Kong and Macao residents apply for a foreign resident permit?

Accepted Answer

Applicants with permanent resident status in Hong Kong or Macau may apply for residency in Taiwan for one of the following reasons:Investment residency: Investment of NT$6 million or more, approved by the Investment Review Committee.Dependent residency: Having a direct blood relative or spouse in TaiwanWork Permit: Employment can be obtained with permission from the Ministry of Labor or the Ministry of Education, or by applying for employment in accordance with the " Act on the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals ".Student residency: Students who come to Taiwan to study with permission from the Ministry of Education.Professionals: Those with exceptional achievements in their professional fields or who have obtained professional certificates from the Hong Kong and Macao governments.Other: such as applying for missionary work in Taiwan or applying as a staff member of a Hong Kong or Macao government agency in Taiwan.The receiving unit will vary depending on the applicant's location:In Taiwan, applications should be submitted to the National Immigration Agency's service stations in each municipality and county.In Hong Kong and Macau, applications should be submitted to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong/Macau.In other overseas regions, applications should be submitted to the embassy or consulate in the country.

Question 6

How can residents of Hong Kong and Macao apply for residency in Taiwan?

Accepted Answer

Hong Kong and Macao residents who have obtained a foreign resident permit may apply for permanent residency in Taiwan if they have resided there for a certain period of time (i.e., meet one of the following conditions):Investment residency: Residents must have resided in Taiwan for 5 consecutive years and spend more than 183 days in Taiwan each year.For those who studied in Taiwan and continue to apply for a work permit after graduation: They must have resided continuously for 5 years, spending more than 183 days in Taiwan each year, and meeting the legal salary requirements. (Those who obtain a Master's or Doctoral degree will have their residency period credited for 1 year and 2 years respectively.)Other reasons for residence:The applicant must have resided continuously for at least one year prior to the application date and have not been absent from the country for more than 30 days (no limit on the number of departures); orThe applicant must have resided in Taiwan continuously for at least two years prior to the application date, with each year's stay exceeding 270 days.Eligible Hong Kong and Macao residents should submit their applications and relevant documents to the Immigration Department's service stations in municipalities and counties.Please note that after receiving the settlement permit, the applicant should register their household registration and obtain a national identity card at the household registration office within 30 days (without having to give up their Hong Kong or Macau identity).

Question 7

How do foreigners apply for a foreigner's residence permit?

Accepted Answer

Foreign nationals who do not hold Hong Kong, Macau, or mainland China residency status commonly apply for residency in Taiwan for the following reasons:Investment Residency: Investing over US$200,000 to establish a new company or acquire shares in an existing company, subject to review and approval by the Investment Review Committee.Dependent residency: The dependent must be a spouse with Taiwanese status, a direct ascendant of a minor, or a minor child.Work Permit: Obtain approval from the competent authority and proof of employment.Student residency: Obtaining an admission permit or proof of enrollmentOther: such as applications for missionary work in Taiwan or applications for the status of persons in charge of foreign branch offices in Taiwan.Eligible foreigners should submit their applications, along with relevant documents, to the Immigration Service Center in their place of residence after legal entry.

Question 8

How do foreigners apply for an APRC in Taiwan?

Accepted Answer

Foreign nationals who have obtained an Alien Resident Certificate may apply for a Taiwan Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) if they have resided there for a certain period of time (i.e., meet one of the following conditions) and meet other legal requirements:Specific professional talents: Those who have resided in Taiwan continuously for 3 years and spend an average of more than 183 days in Taiwan per year. (Those who obtained a doctoral or master's degree in Taiwan can have 2 years/1 year of residency credited respectively)Other reasons for residency: Continuous residency for 5 years with at least 183 days of residence in Taiwan each year. (Those who obtained a doctoral/master's/bachelor's or associate's degree in Taiwan can have their residency period credited for 3/2/1 year respectively.)Eligible foreigners should submit their application and relevant documents to the Immigration Service Center in their place of residence.Please note that a permanent residency permit allows applicants to obtain permanent residency in Taiwan while maintaining their original nationality, not Taiwanese citizenship.

​Taiwan Residency / Gold Card / PR

Taiwan