A Complete Guide to Taiwan Work Permits for Foreigners

Taiwan, officially named the Republic of China, is a small East Asian island nation. With a population exceeding 24 million, Taiwan’s vibrant economy is well-known for its high technology sector, manufacturing industries, and robust job market. Foreigners wishing to take part in Taiwan’s rich and growing economy must first obtain a Taiwan working visa and other relevant documentation prior to their first day of work in Taiwan.

Are you thinking of taking the leap and moving to Taiwan to further your professional career? This article will cover everything you need to know about the Taiwan work visa requirements and application process!

The first thing you need to determine when considering moving to Taiwan for work is whether or not you are eligible for a Taiwan work visa. 

• Specialized or Technical Works
• The Director or Manager of an Approved Business Invested or Established by Overseas Chinese or Foreigner(s) 
• School Teacher 
• Full-time Foreign Teacher in a Cram School 
• Sports Coaching or Athlete
• Arts and Performing Arts
• Contracting Foreigners

It should be noted that the Taiwan work visa requirements are highly specific for each qualified category. The precise information can be found on the Taiwan work permit online application website.

The requirements for a working visa in Taiwan are relatively straightforward. Here are the things you will need:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, with a certified translation into English or Mandarin Chinese
• Employment letters attesting to at least two years of professional and relevant working experience
• A medical exam (this can be completed after your arrival in Taiwan)
• Work permit (this must be approved and sponsored by the company you are applying to work in)
• A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after entry into Taiwan

Employers are responsible for applying and obtaining your Taiwan work permit. Once this document is secured, you can apply for a Taiwan work visa through one of two ways:

1. Applying for a Taiwan work visa at a Taiwan diplomatic mission

If you are applying for a Taiwan work visa from abroad, you have the option of obtaining your visa from a diplomatic mission (i.e. embassy, consulate, etc). You must submit the requisite documents along with a completed and signed copy of the Taiwan Work Visa Online Application form within 30 days of completing the application form. 

2. Applying for a work visa once you’re already in Taiwan

If you are already based in Taiwan and wish to apply for a Taiwan work visa, you can do so on the Taiwan work permit online application portal or through a physical application at the Workforce Development Agency of the Bureau of Labor.

Here are some other frequently asked questions regarding the Taiwan work visa application and processing time.

1. Is it easy to get a working visa in Taiwan?

The eligibility requirements for a Taiwan work visa may pose some challenges for professionals lacking relevant professional experience in the field that they are applying to work in. That said, the administrative process of securing a Taiwan work visa is relatively straightforward, as long as your application package and employer meet the standards set by the Bureau of Labor.  

2. How long can you stay in Taiwan on a work visa?

The Taiwan work visa is only valid for three months. If you are to be employed at your company for longer than three months, you are required to exchange your Taiwan work visa for an Alien Residency Card (ARC), which can be renewed every 1, 2, or 3 years. 

3. What is the minimum salary for a foreign professional with a Taiwan work visa?

The required minimum salary for a foreign white-collar professional working under a Taiwan work visa is 47,971NTD.

4. What is the Taiwan work visa fee?

The Taiwan work visa fee is dependent on where you apply.

If applying from a Taiwan diplomatic mission:

• Single-Entry Resident Visa: US$66
• Multiple-Entry Resident Visa: US$132
  

If applying from within Taiwan:

• Single-Entry Resident Visa: NT$2,200
• Multiple-Entry Resident Visa: NT$4,400

5. How long can I stay in Taiwan if I quit my job?

In the event that you wish to leave your place of employment and stay in Taiwan as you seek a new job, you are required to apply for a Job Seeking visa (or ARC extension). These extensions are valid for 6 months and can be renewed once, for a total of one year. 

6. What happens if I overstay my visa in Taiwan?

Overstaying your Taiwan work visa is not recommended, as fines levied can be anywhere from 30,000NTD to 150,000NTD. Repeat offenses have the potential for 3-10 year re-entry bans.

7. How long does it take to get a work permit in Taiwan?

If the required documentation and payment has been successfully submitted, and barring any national holidays, the Taiwan work permit processing time ranges from 7-14 days.

Taiwan’s entry process for foreign professionals usually starts with a Taiwan work visa application. Obtaining a Taiwan work visa is a crucial step for professionals seeking employment in Taiwan. While the requirements for a Taiwan working visa may seem daunting, employers try their best to simplify the process, and work with you to ensure that the application goes smoothly. 

Are you considering the exciting opportunity of working in Taiwan? Foreign professionals seeking employment in Taiwan primarily rely on online job-seeking platforms. At CakeResume, we take pride in using AI technology to analyze and match your skills with the right job opportunities. We prioritize job transparency, ensuring that you have access to all relevant information, such as pay scale, company background, and application details, presented in a clear and readily available manner. Join CakeResume today to discover your next career move with confidence and convenience. Let us help you find your perfect job in Taiwan!

— Originally written by Alexander Coye —