Taiwan Visa Requirements

Taiwan has short-term visas for up to 90 days (visitor visas) and long-term visas (resident visas). Taiwan has only one visitor visa, but at least 8 long-term visas. This guide will cover each visa and its requirements.

I’ve lived in Taiwan for over 4 years and have gotten several of these visas. So I wanted to share my experience combined with other information I found.

Throughout this guide, you’ll find:

Let’s begin.

Types of Visas You Can Get in Taiwan

You can get these visas to enter Taiwan:

Visa Type	Who’s it For?
Visa Exemption	No visa required for tourist and business purposes (15-90 days)
Student Visa	Mandarin-learning, degree program, exchange, or overseas Chinese students
Work Visa	Working for a company
Gold Card	Extraordinary achievements, ability, or employment
Entrepreneur Visa	Startups with incubators and businesses
Tourist Visa	Tourists and short-term business
Investment Visa	Those who invest $200k into Taiwan’s economy
Family Reunification Visa	Anyone who wants to join Taiwanese family members
Working Holiday Visa	People from certain countries who will work in Taiwan for up to 1 year
Employment Seeking Visa	Someone looking for a job

You’ll need to apply for these visas online if you’re overseas. Then take the required documents to your nearest Taiwan cultural center (de-facto embassy).

Applying within Taiwan will require you to take the application and required documents to your nearest Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) center.

List of Visa-Exempt Countries from Taiwan

As of September 12th, 2022, residents from these countries can stay in Taiwan without a visa:

Country	Visa-free Duration
USA	90 days
Canada	90 days
United Kingdom	90 days
Australia	90 days
New Zealand	90 days
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	30 days
Cyprus	90 days
Eswantini	90 days
Andorra	90 days
Austria	90 days
Belgium	90 days
Croatia	90 days
Czech Republic	90 days
Denmark	90 days
Finland	90 days
France	90 days
Germany	90 days
Hungary	90 days
Iceland	90 days
Ireland	90 days
Latvia	90 days
Liechtenstein	90 days
Lithuania	90 days
Malta	90 days
Monaco	90 days
Netherlands	90 days
Norway	90 days
Poland	90 days
Portugal	90 days
San Marino	90 days
Slovakia	90 days
Slovenia	90 days
Sweden	90 days
Switzerland	90 days
The Vatican	90 days
Romania	90 days
Spain	90 days
Italy	90 days
Luxembourg	90 days
North Macedonia	90 days
Bulgaria	90 days
Estonia	90 days
Greece	90 days
Guatemala	90 days
Honduras	90 days
Paraguay	90 days
St. Kitts and Nevis	30 days
Nauru	30 days
Belize	30 days
Japan	90 days
Chile	90 days
Nicaragua	90 days
Israel	90 days
South Korea	90 days
Singapore	30 days
Malaysia	30 days
Dominican Republic	30 days
Thailand	14 days
The Philippines	14 days
Brunei	14 days

“In purgatory” refers to Taiwan’s previous policy regarding these countries. They had visa-exempt status for 14 days until July 31, 2022. But because of ongoing pandemic restrictions, Taiwan temporarily suspended the visa-free program [1].

You can only visit Taiwan under the visa exemption program for a short-term stay to do the following:

• Business
• Visit family or friends
• Tourism

So when entering Taiwan on visa-free terms, ensure you say one of thoseta reasons when speaking to the immigration officer at the airport.

If you’re British or Canadian, you can extend your visa exemption for up to 180 days. Otherwise, there’s no way to extend the Taiwan visa waiver program. Unless the government rolls out extensions for special circumstances.
Like the 7 visa exemption extensions Taiwan granted during COVID-19 [2].

The following countries can enter Taiwan visa-free starting September 29th, 2022:

• Japan
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Israel
• Dominican Republic
• Chile
• South Korea
• Nicaragua
• Malaysia
• Thailand

Taiwan has temporarily suspended visa exemption from Russia. They’re currently evaluating a trial program for visa-free entry.

Do I Need Documents if I Enter Taiwan Without a Visa?

You’ll need the Brunei Certificate of Identity if you’re from Brunei. Otherwise, people from Brunei, Thailand, the Philippines, and Russia will need proof of:

• Accommodation
• Sufficient funds to travel
• Contact information from you and your host

Other visa-exempt countries only require a passport with a couple blank pages, a passport validity of 6 months, and a return flight ticket.

If you’re from Japan or the USA and hold emergency passports, you can still enter Taiwan. Residents from other countries that use an emergency visa must fill out a visa application at your local Taiwan de-facto embassy.

These are otherwise known as cultural centers.

Or, you can apply for a landing visa once you reach Taiwan.

Taiwan Student Visa Requirements

Taiwan has student visas in 4 categories:

• Exchange students: students who participate in language exchange programs
• Overseas Chinese students: students from the People’s Republic of China
• Studying Mandarin Chinese at a language center
• Degree programs: pursuing a degree at a college (or university)

Each visa category has varying requirements. However, all Taiwan student visas have these required documents in common:

Document	Description
Two 2 × 2” (51 × 51 mm) photo.	White background, taken within 6 months, and colored photo
Passport and Photocopy of it	Photocopy of your passport’s bio-page
Printed Visa Application	Speaks for itself
Admission Letter	From your school or language center

I wrote a more in-depth guide surrounding this visa. It’ll explain Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and visa requirements for each category.

Taiwan Employment Visa Requirements

Anyone working for an employer in Taiwan and has a work permit will also need a Work Visa.

Only those working in the following industries can get this visa (and a work permit):

* Teacher	Civil engineer	Financial service	Tax preparation
Attorney	Architect	Academic researchers	Athletic coaches
Recreation service workers	Performing artists	Healthcare workers	Immigration service workers
Transportation workers	Technicians	Veterinarians	Environmental protection workers
Working for manufacturers	Contract workers	Managers of a business

* Teachers also include English teachers (those who want to work at Buxibans). These are cram schools

You’ll need at least 5 years of applicable experience in the industry that you want to apply for.

Requirements for Taiwan’s Work Visa include:

Document	Description
Completed Application	Printed and signed
2 Passport-sized Photos	Taken within 6 months
* Health Certificate	Done within 3 months of applying for the visa
Taiwan Work Permit	With 6 months of validity
Documents Based on your Profession	These will vary
Passport and 1 Photocopy	Photocopy your passport’s bio-page

* For the health certificate, you’ll need to visit a hospital and get tested for various ailments. These ailments will depend on the visa you’re pursuing and the country you hail from. Your local Taiwan embassy will have to validate this certificate if you’re applying from overseas.

Here’s a link to the health certificate application (PDF link).

You can only submit documents in English or Chinese.

You can apply for Taiwan’s work permit through the Workforce Development Agency’s (WDA) website. Teachers must apply through the Taiwan Ministry of Education.

Taiwan Employment Gold Card Requirements

The Taiwan Gold Card is a 4-in-1 card, which includes:

• Alien Resident Certificate (ARC): ID card
• Open work permit: you can work anywhere you want
• Resident Visa: you can stay in Taiwan over 180 days
• Multiple-entry permit: you can leave and enter Taiwan as you please

You’ll get to stay in Taiwan for 3 years. You can bring your grandparents and parents to the country. And you get a 50% tax deduction for anyone who makes over NT$3 million annually (for 5 years).

But. You must meet one of their somewhat strict requirements.

The government has various industries that you can apply under. And each category has varying requirements.

The Gold Card’s official website describes everything better than I ever could. So here’s every category and a link to their requirements:

Special circumstances	National Defense	Architecture	Finance
Law	Sports	Arts	Economy
Education	Technology

Taiwan Entrepreneur Visa Requirements

Taiwan’s Entrepreneur Visa gives anyone who wants to set up a business in Taiwan a chance to reside in the country for up to a year. Successful companies can extend their visas.

You can apply for a Business Visa if you need one of the many requirements. Examples of requirements include receiving government subsidies or located in a startup incubator in Taiwan

The latter translates to, “You need to find an approved coworking space (PDF link).”

I recommend FutureWard; they allow you to host your business at home (remote) or in one of their coworking spaces. Pitch your idea to the coworking space you chose, pay a fee, and they’ll sponsor you and your company if you’re approved.

Whether these startup incubators still offer visa sponsorship can change at a moment’s notice. Always contact them beforehand to see whether they’re still helping people get visas.

Here are the requirements for Taiwan’s Entrepreneur Visa:

Document	Description
Completed Application	Self-explanatory
Passport and Copy of Passport	Copy of bio-page
2 Passport-sized photos	Taken on a white background and within 6 months
Required Documents from Ministry of Economic Affairs	I provided a link to required documents earlier

.To extend your Taiwan Entrepreneur Visa, you’ll need to meet one of these requirements:

• Demonstrate your ability to contribute to Taiwan’s economy: couldn’t find any details on this
• Hired 3 full-time Taiwanese employees
• Operating expenses within the last year of NT$1 million ($33,000) or higher
• Made NT$3 million ($100k) within the last year

Most people aren’t able to meet these requirements. So if you have a business, you’ll want to ensure it’s profitable before getting a visa.

Taiwan Visitor Visa Requirements (Short-term Visa)

If you’re not eligible for the visa exemption—whether you’re a citizen of the mentioned countries or traveling for less than six months—you’ll have to apply for a visa.

They’ll last you either 14, 30, 60, or 90 days.

Taiwan’s Visitor Visas require the following when applying:

• A passport that’s valid for at least six months
• Completed application form
• A couple passport photos—45 mm x 35 mm (1.77″x1.38″)
• Bank account statement from the last few months. Your balance should prove that you can support yourself during your time in Taiwan.
• A photocopy of your airline ticket—both arrival and departure
• Supporting documents: addresses, evidence of business activities, invitation letters, etc
• Visa fees: at least $50

Taiwan eVisa Requirements (Temporarily Suspended)

Taiwan’s eVisa serves as an electronic visa that allows travelers from certain countries to visit Taiwan for tourism and business for up to 30 days.

You can’t extend the eVisa past this period.

To register for an eVisa, you will need to fill out an online application. You’ll need a passport that’s valid for six months, an email address, and a bank card.

Who’s Eligible for Taiwan’s eVisa?

Citizens from the following countries are eligible to register for Taiwan’s eVisa:

Bahrain	Burkina Faso	Columbia	Dominica
Ecuador	Hong Kong	Kiribati	Kuwait
Mauritius	Montenegro	Oman	Panama
Peru	Qatar	Saudi Arabia	Solomon Islands
Swaziland	United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Taiwan Investor Visa Requirements

The Taiwan investor gives you a resident visa if you invest a minimum of $200,000 in an active Taiwanese business that supports development in the country. You can stay in Taiwan, so long as you reside in ROC for 183 days a year and maintain your investments.

Requirements for Taiwan’s investor visa include:

Document	Description
2 Passport-sized Photos	Self-explanatory
Completed Application	Self-explanatory
Proof of Investment	You’ll need the original and copy of your proof of investment
Passport and Copy of Passport	Copy of your passport’s bio-page
Other Documents	These are required on a case-by-case basis

There’s an enormous list of documents you can find on the government’s website.

You could also invest NT$15 million into a business and create 5 full-time jobs for Taiwanese citizens over 3 years. Apparently, you don’t have to reside in the island nation for 183 days under this scheme.

You can think of this visa as buying a visa.

There’s not much else to say about this visa. If you have 200k to blow and want to move to Taiwan, here’s your chance.

Taiwan Join Family Visa

Foreigners (under 20 years old) who want to join Taiwanese family members in Taiwan.

Here are the requirements for Taiwan’s Family Reunification visa:

Document	Description
Police Clearance Certificate	For Americans, this would be the FBI identity history summary
2 Passport-sized Photos	Taken within 6 months
Passport and Bio-page Copy	Passport must have 3 blank pages
Completed Application	Self-explanatory
Documents Based on Relative You Join	The following section will cover the details
Documents based on Household Registration	I’ll cover this in a second
Marriage Certificate	If you married a Taiwanese person

For married folks. If your Taiwanese partner DOES have a Taiwan Household Registration, you’ll need the Household Registration Certificate showing you’re married. Otherwise, you’ll need an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) or Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC).

Others joining relatives will have varying requirements. If you’re under 20 and joining a parent, you’ll need:

• Proof of your parent’s marriage
• Parent’s Taiwan Household Registration Certificate
• Your birth certificate that shows your parent’s names
• Proof of custody: if you have divorced parents

You’ll need the original document and a photocopy.

For those joining grandparents in Taiwan, you’ll apparently just need written consent from your legal guardians giving you the green light to travel.

Working Holiday Visa

Taiwan’s Working Holiday program is when someone from a certain country can stay and work in Taiwan for around a year (at max.).

Citizens aged 18-35 from the following countries can are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa in Taiwan:

Australia	Austria	Belgium	Canada
Czech Republic	France	Germany	Hungary
Ireland	Japan	South Korea	Luxembourg
New Zealand	Poland	Slovakia	United Kingdom

You’ll need these documents of Taiwan’s Working Holiday Visa:

• Two 2” colored photos taken within 6 months
• A passport with over a year of validity
• Round-trip flight ticket
• * Prove that you have at least NT$10,000
• Proof of health insurance
• Filled visa application

* You can use bank statements or traveler’s checks to prove you have these funds

Australians will need to provide a health certificate. Australian and Taiwanese authorities must sign the health check.

The difference between Taiwan’s Working Holiday visa and employment visa is the term of employment. The former’s short-term. Meanwhile, the latter’s long-term.

You must apply for this visa from your home country.

Employment-seeking Visa

You can get a visa to stay in Taiwan and look for a job for up to 3 months. Upon renewing the visa, you can stay for an additional 180 days.

Here’s what you’ll need for Taiwan’s employment-seeking visa:

Document	Description
Passport and Copy of Passport	Copy the passport’s bio-page
2 Passport-sized Photos	I’ll cover requirements in a bit
Filled out Visa Application	Self-explanatory
Proof of Financial Support	You need at least NT$100,000
Letter of Plan for Seeking Employment	A letter of how you’ll search for a job (in English or Chinese)
Proof of Health Insurance	NA
* Meet 1 of Their Conditions	I’ll cover these in a second

Here are the requirements you can qualify for:

• Graduated from one of the world’s top universities: you will need proof of where you graduated from an institution on this list of global school rankings
• Employment the previous 6 months and made NT$47,971 ($1,600): you’ll need proof of your salary
• Find other ways to impress Ministry of Foreign Affairs: they’re vague on requirements

The Taiwanese government has an in-depth guide on applying for the Self-employment Visa (PDF link).

Taiwan Visa Photo Requirements

Taiwan’s visa photo requirements include:

Requirement	Description
Number of Photos Needed	2
Headwear	None (unless for religious reasons) & glasses can’t cover eyes
Background	Solid white
Date Taken	Must take it within 6 months of your application
Photo Size	1.77” × 1.37” (45 × 35 mm)
Facial Expression	Neutral
Head & Face Position	Centered
Colored Photo?	Yes
Attire	No white clothing

Taiwan Visa Fees

Here are all the fees for Taiwan’s visas (only applies to US passport holders) [3]:

Type	Fee (NT$)	Fee (USD)	Rush Handling Fee
Single-entry Visa (General)	NT$4,800	$160	NT$800 ($25)
Multiple-entry Visa (General)	NT$4,800	$160	NT$1,600 ($50)
Single-entry Investment Visa	NT$6,150	$205	NT$1,100 ($33)
Multiple-entry Investment Visa	NT$6,150	$205	NT$1,600 ($50)

If you’re not a US passport holder, you’ll see these fees:

Type	Fee (NT$)	Rush Handling Fee
Single-entry Visa (Visitor Visa)	NT$1,600	NT$800
Multiple-entry Visa (Visitor Visa)	NT$3,200	NT$1,600
Single-entry Resident Visa	NT$2,200	NT$1,100
Multiple-entry Resident Visa	NT$4,400	NT$1,600

No matter the country you buy a Taiwan visa from, they’ll convert the funds to US Dollars.

Their website doesn’t state the amount of time it’ll take for your visa to arrive with rush handling.

Taiwan Travel Restrictions

As of now, Taiwan (officially Republic of China or ROC) does not accept tourists from certain countries due to the ongoing pandemic [4].

Starting September 12th, 2022, the following countries can enter Taiwan without a visa for tourism and business purposes:

• Countries listed in the section ‘List of Visa-Exempt Countries from Taiwan‘
• * Diplomatic allies

* Taiwan’s diplomatic allies include the following countries [6]:

Belize	Guatemala
Haiti	Honduras
Paraguay	Saint Christopher and Nevis
St. Lucia	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Holy See	Eswantini
Marshall Islands	Nauru
Palau	Tuvalu

If you’re a non-resident business traveler, you can enter Taiwan, but first, you’ll have to apply for a special entry permit in your home country [5]. Business activities that you can engage in involve fulfilling contractual obligations, business visits, investments, and employment.

If you’re a migrant worker from Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, or the Philippines, you can enter Taiwan. IF you’re fully vaccinated and meet any requirements they have when you decide to enter [7].

You don’t need to provide a PCR test within a couple of days before your flight anymore. When entering Taiwan, you’ll have to stay in a quarantine facility for 3 days [8]. Then monitor yourself for 4 days.

These requirements change daily, so follow the links I mentioned to check the government’s updates.

October 15th and on, Taiwan will remove its hotel quarentine in their “0+7” quarentine policy. That means you’ll have to monitor yourself for COVID symptoms for 7 days.

That means you won’t need to stay in a special hotel when entering Taiwan.

Taiwan ARC: You’ll Also Need It

When applying for a resident visa, you’ll also need an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). It’s an identification card for foreigners.

With an ARC, you can apply for Taiwan’s health insurance program, open bank accounts, and rewards programs for stores.

I have an in-depth guide covering requirements and other useful information for Taiwan’s ARC.

I will show you Taiwan’s Alien Resident Certificate fees:

Type	Fee (NT$)	Fee (USD)
Single-Entry Resident Visa	NT$2,000	$66
Multiple-Entry Resident Visa	NT$4,000	$132
Single-Entry Resident Visa (Applying in Taiwan)	NT$2,200	$73
Multiple-Entry Resident Visa (Applying in Taiwan)	NT$4,400	$146

Taiwan Citizenship: Quick Facts

Citizenship by birth	No
Residency requirement for naturalization	5 years; you must also stay inside Taiwan 183 days each year. 3 years if you hold a Gold Card [8]
Dual citizenship?	No; must give up your nation’s citizenship
Citizenship by descent	One of your parents must be a Taiwan citizen

FAQs

Explore these commonly asked questions about getting a Taiwan visa.

Conclusion

Taiwan has many available visa options. While you may not fit under any of them, you should look around to see what option is your best choice.

Once you find a way to get into Taiwan, you’ll need to find a place to stay. I’ve had a difficult time finding an apartment in Taiwan and want to help give you a better experience.

So check out my guide on finding somewhere to live.