Taiwan law provides several different options for foreign visitors, the choice of which depends on the length and purpose of the visit. While we are happy to provide the following information, AIT cannot assist US citizens in obtaining work permits or visas. Moreover, the decision to allow entry of a foreign national falls entirely to Taiwan immigration authorities. For further details about Taiwan visas, you should visit the web site http://www.boca.gov.tw.

U.S. passport holders will be allowed to enter into Taiwan without a visa for up to thirty days (no extensions allowed) if their passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Taiwan and the traveler has a confirmed return or onward air ticket. (Travelers must have already met any additional visa requirements for the next destination if applicable.) If the passport is valid for less than six months from the date of entry into Taiwan, travelers may apply for a landing visa, that has a duration of stay of no more than thirty days (The processing fee is US$124.00 and there are no extensions allowed). Travelers also have the additional option of applying for and receiving a Taiwan visa prior to arrival in Taiwan (The processing fee is US$100.00).

• Visitor's Visa: This visa must be obtained at a Taiwan representative office or an ROC embassy abroad. It is usually valid for five years, allows multiple entries for stays of up to 60 days. Normally one 60-day extension may be granted by the Taiwan National Immigration Agency (http://www.immigration.gov.tw) for a total stay of 180 days. A visitor’s visa is appropriate for travelers coming to Taiwan for tourism, business or study. If you wish to work you will have to get a work permit and a resident visa.

• Resident Visa: Resident visas are normally issued if you have a valid work permit or if you are married to a Taiwan national. Please note, a resident visa does not automatically convey permission to work in Taiwan.You may also be required to have a work permit, which you can get only if a Taiwan employer applies on your behalf.  Foreigners who have resident visas and are married to Taiwan nationals with household registers are not required to apply for a work permit and the types of work are not restricted.   Please see the section “Employment in Taiwan” for further details about work permits.

If you are issued a Resident Visa, you are then eligible to apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) which you will need to carry with you at all times and present when your depart and return to Taiwan.

• Permanent Residency: Foreigners who meet the following conditions may apply for permanent residency. Permanent Residents may also be required to apply for a work permit if they wish to work.

1. Spouse or Child of a Taiwan National: must have resided legally and continuously (183 days or more each year) in Taiwan for five years.
   
2. Other Aliens:
   
   1. An alien who has resided legally and continuously in Taiwan for more than 183 days each year for five years.