Q: How can my foreign child studying in Taiwan extend their residence as they approach adulthood?
A: There are two ways to extend their residence:
- (I)For foreign students holding valid Alien Resident Certificates (ARC) under family reunification and continuing to study in legally registered institutions (five-year vocational schools, senior high schools, or schools for foreign residents), they can apply for a student residence visa through the Bureau of Consular Affairs or representative offices. For application details, visit: https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-338-185-35222-1.html.
- (II)Foreigners aged 18 or older residing in Taiwan under approved permits can apply for a residence extension if:
- They have legally resided in Taiwan for 10 cumulative years, staying at least 270 days annually.
- They entered Taiwan before age 14 and stayed at least 270 days annually.
- They were born in Taiwan and have legally resided for 10 cumulative years, staying at least 183 days annually.
To apply for an extension, submit the following to the National Immigration Agency (NIA) within three months before the current residence expires:
- Application form
- Passport and Alien Resident Certificate
- Proof of relationship with the sponsor
- Other relevant documents
Q: Can my spouse and children apply for permanent residency? What are the requirements?
A: Spouses and children can apply for permanent residency under the following conditions:
After the Gold Card holder obtains permanent residency, their spouse, minor children, and adult children unable to live independently due to disabilities can apply after three consecutive years of legal residency in Taiwan, with at least 183 days annually. No financial proof is required.
Foreigners who have resided legally in Taiwan for five consecutive years, staying at least 183 days annually, and meeting the requirements of Article 25 of the Immigration Act can apply for permanent residency.
For more details, refer to:
- Permanent Residency Application Guidelines (Chinese):https://reurl.cc/eGnmmx
- Permanent Residency Application Guidelines (English):https://bit.ly/3s5dLA0
Note: Gold Card holders and their dependents must apply for permanent residency separately. Ph.D. holders can reduce their required residency by one year, but dependents cannot. For further regulations, contact the NIA: https://www.immigration.gov.tw.
Q: Do my dependents need to provide a residence address when applying for a resident visa?
A: Yes, the "Residence Address" field is mandatory. Dependents planning to reside in Taiwan should have arrangements in place. Residence visas are valid for 1–3 months, so it is recommended to book accommodations or plan living arrangements before applying. No proof of address is required at the application stage.
Q: Can my spouse work in Taiwan?
A: Your spouse typically needs to secure a job and have their employer apply for a work permit. For more information, visit: https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/Content_List.aspx?n=1840E9E4C04A4FE2.
Spouses may also apply independently for part-time work permits, provided their hourly wage is at least NT$200. For details, see:
- Specialized Part-Time Work for Spouses of Foreign Professionals:https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/cp.aspx?n=77627C0EE4283293&s=79388C7B350E8CE9
- Part-Time Managerial Work for Spouses of Foreign Professionals https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/cp.aspx?n=0E51E7CC33716968
Q: What are the regulations for the adult children of permanent resident Gold Card holders to work in Taiwan?
A: Adult children of permanent resident Gold Card holders who meet the residency duration and eligibility criteria may directly apply to the Ministry of Labor for a work permit without employer sponsorship. Details are available at:https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/cp.aspx?n=002F646AFF7F5492&s=D6C383FCEBE5343C.Spouses must first secure a job, and their employers need to apply for a work permit on their behalf (Image / Source: freepik)
Q: How can my Chinese spouse and children extend their stay in Taiwan?
A: Mainland Chinese residents may apply for a stay extension within one month before their stay period expires by visiting NIA service centers. Processing takes one business day if all required documents are complete and no further verification is needed.
Required documents for stay extension:
- Stay extension application form
- Entry and Exit Permit
- Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents or another valid travel document (valid for at least six months)
- Proof of identity (original and a copy)
- Other supporting documents for extension reasons
- NT$300 processing fee
- Agent's ID if applicable
For detailed guidelines, refer to:https://reurl.cc/mR7voA