Application: FAQs on Fingerprint and Residence Certificate

Q: How can foreigners apply for a fingerprint card?
A:

1. For applicants whose country or applying unit accepts the NIA’s computer-printed fingerprint card, please visit the NIA’s service stations in various counties and cities.
2. For those needing an ink fingerprint card, please bring your blank fingerprint card or use an ink fingerprint card provided by the NIA and apply at the service stations.
   
   

Q: Does the NIA provide a standard format blank fingerprint card for foreigners applying for a fingerprint card, or do foreigners need to obtain a blank fingerprint card from their representative office in Taiwan?
A:

1. Considering that different countries have varying fingerprint requirements for different purposes, applicants should provide their blank fingerprint card, and the service stations can assist with ink fingerprinting using their equipment.
2. If the applicant does not have a blank fingerprint card and the applicant's country or applying unit accepts the NIA’s computer-printed or self-made ink fingerprint card, the service stations can assist in processing.
3. Foreigners applying for a fingerprint card at the service stations are charged NT$100 per copy.
   
   

Q: What documents are required for fingerprinting when applying for a residence certificate?
A:
Foreign labor residence application form, one 2-inch color photo with a white background, and the original approval letter from the Council of Labor Affairs.

Q: What documents are required for supplementary fingerprinting after obtaining a residence certificate?
A:
The original passport and the residence certificate.

Q: How can foreigners apply for a residence certificate?
A:

1. Required documents: One application form, the original, and a copy of the passport or Alien Resident Visa (the original will be returned after verification).
2. Fee: NT$100.
3. Application method: In person or by a designated representative (the representative must provide an authorization letter).
4. Other notes: This application must be submitted to the service station of the applicant's current or most recent place of residence.
   
   

Q: How to authenticate foreign documents?
A:
According to the new notarization law, document authentication procedures are as follows:

1. Documents issued by the central government or competent authority of the foreigner’s country and certified by our overseas embassies, along with the original and Chinese translations.
2. Documents issued by the central government or competent authority of the foreigner’s country must first be certified by our overseas embassies and then verified by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan. The original documents and Chinese or English translations should then be submitted to the court notary office or a private notary for notarization.
   
   

Q: If a foreigner needs to replace an old passport but has a re-entry permit in the old passport, what should be done?
A:
The applicant should bring both the new and old passports, the Alien Resident Certificate, and documents related to the reason for residence to the local service station to reattach the re-entry permit to the new passport (if the applicant is a laborer, an employment certificate is required).Foreign migrant workers can apply for re-entry permits online. (Image/Source: NIA official website)