Work Permits for Taiwan
Most expats moving to Taiwan will obtain a work permit through the help of an employer, which removes much of the stress and tension normally caused by this bureaucratic labyrinth.
Over the past decade, the country has made large strides to allow more leeway for international companies to fulfil their staffing needs with foreign nationals. The application process for work permits has been streamlined and many restrictions have been relaxed or even lifted for multinationals.
An employer must start the work permit process by applying with the Taiwan Council of Labour Affairs.
Once granted a work permit, the process for obtaining your Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) can begin. Having an ARC means you are a permanent resident and you are entitled to National Health Insurance.
However in order to become a legal permanent resident and receive an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) expats MUST fulfil the following criteria at a minimum:
Please note that if you have entered Taiwan on a landing visa, it cannot be changed into a resident visa, you will have to leave the country and return on a visitor’s visa. If your current visa expires before your resident visa is issued, you will have to leave the country (neighbouring Hong Kong or Macau are popular for this) and a visitor’s visa can be issued to you within 1-2 days.
Over the past decade, the country has made large strides to allow more leeway for international companies to fulfil their staffing needs with foreign nationals. The application process for work permits has been streamlined and many restrictions have been relaxed or even lifted for multinationals. An employer must start the work permit process by applying with the Taiwan Council of Labour Affairs.
Getting your Alien Resident Certificate in Taiwan
Once granted a work permit, the process for obtaining your Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) can begin. Having an ARC means you are a permanent resident and you are entitled to National Health Insurance.
However in order to become a legal permanent resident and receive an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) expats MUST fulfil the following criteria at a minimum:
- be able to pass a health check that tests for HIV
- have a work permit (which will be arranged by your employer)
- have a resident visa (which can be applied for from within Taiwan if you have entered the country on a visitor’s visa)
Changing your visa in Taiwan
Please note that if you have entered Taiwan on a landing visa, it cannot be changed into a resident visa, you will have to leave the country and return on a visitor’s visa. If your current visa expires before your resident visa is issued, you will have to leave the country (neighbouring Hong Kong or Macau are popular for this) and a visitor’s visa can be issued to you within 1-2 days.
