Visa: Questions and Answers on Stay and Residency

Q: How to change from a Visitor Visa to a Residency Visa after entering Taiwan?
A: (1) If you entered Taiwan with a Visitor Visa and now meet the requirements for a Residency Visa, you can apply to change your visa at the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Tel: 02-23432888). After obtaining a Residency Visa, you must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) at any service station of the National Immigration Agency within 30 days.
(2) If your Visitor Visa is valid for more than 60 days and is not marked with restrictions such as “No Extension” or other limitations, and if you meet the conditions under Article 23 of the Immigration Act (such as family reunion, employment, investment, or study), you can apply directly for an ARC at any service station with the relevant supporting documents.Residency Visa Application Flowchart (Image / Sourced from the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs website)

Q: How do foreign nationals apply for a residency extension or handle issues related to changing employers after entering Taiwan?
A:

1. If you entered Taiwan with a Residency Visa issued by an overseas office, you must apply for an ARC at any service station of the National Immigration Agency within 30 days after arrival. Required documents:
(1) One application form.
(2) One recent, front-facing, colored photo (same specifications as for the ID card, applicable for both foreign residents and migrant workers).
(3) Original passport and Residency Visa (returned after verification).
(4) Relevant supporting documents: depending on the purpose of residency, provide the original and one photocopy of the documents listed below (originals will be returned after verification):
1. For employment or investment: The original and one photocopy of the approval letter from the competent authority and a proof of employment.
2. For students: A photocopy of the student ID or certificate of enrollment. (First-time overseas Chinese students should provide the admission letter for verification.)
3. For religious workers: Certification documents issued by a government-registered religious organization (such as a registration certificate or legal person certificate) and an invitation letter.
4. For family reunification: Proof of family relationship, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, household registration transcript, or ARC.
2. If you entered Taiwan with a Visitor Visa issued by an overseas office that is valid for more than 60 days and is not marked with “No Extension” or other restrictions, and meet the conditions of Article 23, Paragraph 1 of the Immigration Act, you can apply for an ARC at any service station within 30 days after the relevant circumstances occur.
3. Apply for an extension of your ARC at any service station within 3 months before the expiration date.
4. For issues related to changing employers, please contact the Ministry of Labor or visit their website for more information (Tel: 0800-085151; Website: https://www.mol.gov.tw/).

Q: How do foreign nationals apply for a Visitor Visa extension?
A:

1. Required documents for application:
(1) One application form.
(2) Original passport and one photocopy.
(3) Original and one photocopy of the current entry (or domestically obtained) visa.
(4) Relevant supporting documents (see link below for more details).
2. Important notes:
(1) Applications for extension should be submitted within 15 days before the expiration of the current stay period.
(2) The current Visitor Visa must have a stay period of more than 60 days and must not be marked “NO EXTENSION.”
(3) Those who entered Taiwan with a Landing Visa or Visa-Free Entry are not eligible to apply for an extension.
(4) Each extension must not exceed the original permitted stay period of the visa, and the total stay period must not exceed 180 days.
(5) To understand the reason for the extension, the National Immigration Agency may request additional supporting documents from the applicant.

Q: Can nationals with dual citizenship and household registration in Taiwan extend their stay with a 60-day visa (not marked with “No Extension”) on a foreign passport?
A: Yes, but you must first deregister your household registration at the Household Registration Office before applying for an extension at any National Immigration Agency service station. Required documents include one application form, passport, Visitor Visa, and relevant supporting documents.

Q: If a foreign passport is about to expire and the time required for passport processing varies by country, how should one handle a residency extension?
A: The service station can grant an extension based on the date required as indicated on the receipt provided by the respective country's office.

Q: What should foreign nationals do if their ARC or stay permit has expired, and they wish to leave the country?
A:Please bring the following documents to the service station:
(1) Completed application form for departure of foreigners with an expired residency or stay permit.
(2) Original passport and photocopy of the visa page and E/D card (entry registration form).
(3) Flight ticket departing within 7 days.
(4) Payment of fines.


Q: How can foreign parents of foreign spouses apply for a Visitor Visa extension when visiting Taiwan?
A: In principle, applications should be submitted in person at the service station in the district where the foreign national resides. Required documents:
(1) Visitor Visa valid for 60 or 90 days with the option to extend.
(2) Original and photocopy of the passport.
(3) One application form.
(4) Proof of family relationship.
(5) Power of attorney, if applying through an agent.

Q: How to re-enter Taiwan for residency after the overstay ban period has ended?
A:After leaving Taiwan, apply for a Residency Visa at an overseas office before re-entering the country. Alternatively, apply for a Visitor Visa first, then change it to a Residency Visa at the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs after entering Taiwan. Within 15 days of obtaining the Residency Visa, apply for an ARC at the local service station with your passport, one 2-inch photo, supporting documents, and relevant fees.