RESIDENT VISA
Foreign nationals, who hold ordinary passports or other travel documents, who intend to stay in the Republic of China for more than six months for the purpose of joining family, pursuing studies, accepting employment, making investment, doing missionary work, or engaging in other activities.
Subject to the approval of competent authorities in charge.
Resident Visa holders shall apply for an Alien Resident Certificate ("ARC") after entering the R.O.C.
BUSINESS TRIP
Foreigners who want to engage in business for a period of less than six months may apply for a visitor's visa.
Foreigners who want to conduct business for a period of more than six months shall apply for a resident visa. After arrival in Taiwan, the resident visa holders shall apply for Alien Resident Certificates (ARC).
Foreign nationals who are employed by an enterprise may apply to change their visitor visas into resident visas in Taiwan directly if they can present an official letter of approval of employment issued by Taiwan authorities concerned. (The above regulations do not apply to foreign labourers or those who enter Taiwan on a landing visa or via visa-exemption).
The resident visa cannot be extended. The ARC may be renewed at the city or county police headquarters. The length of stay renewed depends on the document that employer or employee provides. The normal length of stay may be renewed for one year, with a maximum of three years.
The resident visa is usually valid for three months. The permitted length of stay is determined after arrival and is specified on the ARC - normally one year, with a maximum of three years. A re-entry permit will be marked in the passport as soon as the ARC is issued. In other words, the re-entry permit is in lieu of a multiple-entry visa.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
In general the following is a summary of the general documents required to obtain a visa:
1) Completed visa application form.
2) Valid passport - dependant upon the intended length of stay in Taiwan.
3) Portrait photographs. Number of copies depends on each country. Signature and date required on back of each photograph.
4) Pre-paid self-addressed envelopes for passport return, if posted.
5) Copy of itinerary - Single/multiple Entry Visitor Visa applicants.
6) Documents proving purpose (Resident Visa applicants).
TIMING
The relevant government agency in charge of visa applications for each country should be contacted in relation to the time required for process of application.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Resident Visa
-Submit visa application to the overseas missions of the ROC.
-The consular officer will examine the application and give an interview if necessary.
-Visa issued.
-Enter the ROC with resident visa.
-Apply for an ARC at the local police bureau or police headquarters.
