"Unified Identification Number for Foreign Nationals: Application and Renewal FAQs"

Q: Who can I contact if I have questions about applying for the new format ID number?
A: You can call the "Home Affairs Service Hotline" at 1996 or the "Life Consultation Service Hotline for Foreign Nationals in Taiwan" at 1990. You can also contact through the Director-General’s mailbox of the National Immigration Agency. 

Q: Are there any fees for holders of the old format ID number when applying to change the new format?
A:Principle: There are no additional fees for changing to the new format ID number. For those who switch to the new format ID number through document extension, reissue (replacement), or change of residency reason, the regular fees for extension, data modification, or reissue (replacement) will apply; no extra charge is imposed for the new format ID number change.

1. Exception: For those who proactively apply for a simple change to the new format ID number before the document expiry date, starting January 3, 2022, the applicable fees will be charged according to the National Immigration Agency's fee standards for document data modification.
2. For specific application and renewal regulations, please refer to the "Instructions for Application and Renewal of Unified ID Numbers for Foreign Nationals."

Q: Will the old format ID number stop being used?
A: The deadline for changing the old format ID number to the new format is from January 2, 2021, to December 31, 2030. Starting January 1, 2031, the old format ID number will no longer be valid. 

Q: I applied for the unified ID number for the first time on or after January 2, 2021. Is my number in the new or old format?
A: All new applications on or after January 2, 2021, will be issued with the new format ID number. 

Q: I applied for the unified ID number before January 1, 2021. How can I apply for the new format ID number?
A:The National Immigration Agency will automatically change your old format ID number to the new format when there is a case update, such as document extension, reissue (replacement), or change of residency reason. You do not need to apply proactively.

1. For specific application and renewal regulations, please refer to the "Instructions for Application and Renewal of Unified ID Numbers for Foreign Nationals."

Q: If I apply for the new format ID number before my document expires, will the original document's validity period be extended?
A: The validity period of the original document will remain unchanged when applying for the new format ID number before the document expires. 

Q: I am not yet due for renewal. Can I proactively apply for a simple change to the new format ID number?
A:Principle: The change to the new format ID number will occur alongside any case updates, such as document extension, reissue (replacement), or change of residency reason, using the existing required documents.

1. Exception: If you wish to proactively change to the new format ID number before the expiry date, you may apply at the National Immigration Agency (this measure is primarily for non-migrant foreign nationals to reduce inconvenience due to queuing).
2. For specific application and renewal regulations, please refer to the "Instructions for Application and Renewal of Unified ID Numbers for Foreign Nationals."
   The deadline for changing the old Unified Identification Number is from January 2, 2021, to December 31, 2030 (Image from the National Immigration Agency website).
   
   

Q: Can I apply for the new format ID number online?
A:Online applications for the new format ID number are available only under the following conditions; other cases require in-person service at the counter:

• Temporary Stay:
1. Mainland China residents staying in Taiwan for academic research, industry research, internal corporate transfer, investment management, professional accompanying, or international accompanying reasons can apply for the new format ID number online.

• (Apply for professional visits: Link)
• (Apply for business activities: Link)

1. Mainland China residents studying in Taiwan with single or multiple entry permits can apply for the new format ID number online.

• (Link: https://coa.immigration.gov.tw/coa-frontend/student/entry)

• Residency:
1. Residents in Taiwan for study reasons can apply for the new format ID number online or at the counter.

• (Link: https://coa.immigration.gov.tw/coa-frontend/student/entry)

1. When applying online for foreign labor extensions or data modifications, the new format ID number will be issued automatically.

• (Link: https://coa.immigration.gov.tw/coafrontend/foreign-labor)

1. For specific application and renewal regulations, please refer to the "Instructions for Application and Renewal of Unified ID Numbers for Foreign Nationals."

Q: How can applicants apply for a unified ID number from overseas?
A: The procedure for applying for a unified ID number from overseas is as follows:

1. The applicant must visit a Taiwanese overseas representative office for identity verification, with the following required documents:
   (1) Valid identification documents (original and copy; the original will be returned after verification):
• Foreigners: Passport.
• ROC nationals without household registration in Taiwan: ROC passport or a valid entry/exit permit issued by the National Immigration Agency.
• Mainland China residents: Mainland China resident ID card or a valid entry/exit permit issued by the National Immigration Agency.
• Hong Kong and Macau residents: Permanent resident ID card of Hong Kong/Macau or a valid entry/exit permit issued by the National Immigration Agency.
  (2) Authorization letter (to be completed on the application form and verified by the overseas representative office).
2. The verified original documents should be sent to the appointed representative in Taiwan.
3. The appointed representative in Taiwan must bring the following documents to the National Immigration Agency’s service stations in various municipalities and counties (cities) for in-person application:
   (1) Verified copies of the applicant’s identification documents.
   (2) Verified authorization letter.
   (3) Identification documents of the appointed representative in Taiwan (e.g., ID card or passport).

Q: If the applicant has forgotten their previously issued unified ID number, can it be looked up at the National Immigration Agency service station, or does it need to be reapplied for?
A: The applicant should bring their original passport to the service station to apply for a replacement. If the passport number has changed, a new application form must be completed.
How do you apply for changing the old Unified Identification Number to the new Unified Identification Number (Image from the National Immigration Agency website)

Q: How can foreigners apply for a unified ID number?
A: The process and required documents for foreigners applying for a unified ID number are as follows:

1. For those who have entered Taiwan:
   (1) One application form.
   (2) Original and copy of the passport (the original will be returned after verification).
   (3) For cases requiring a representative (not needed if applying in person):
   - One authorization letter (or directly fill in the "Authorization Declaration" on the application form).
   - Identification documents of the representative: ID card, residence permit, or passport.
2. For those who have not entered Taiwan:
   (1) One application form.
   (2) Original authorization letter specifying the purpose as "Application for Unified ID Number Assignment," verified by a Taiwanese overseas representative office.
   - The signature on the authorization letter must match the one on the passport.
   (3) Copy of the passport (must be verified by a Taiwanese overseas representative office).
   (4) Identification documents of the appointed representative: ID card, residence permit, or passport.
3. Applicants should apply at the National Immigration Agency service station within the jurisdiction of their residence.

Q: How can foreigners staying short-term in Taiwan apply for a unified ID number?

1. For those who have entered Taiwan:
   (1) One application form.
   (2) Original and copy of the passport (the original will be returned after verification).
   (3) For cases requiring a representative (not needed if applying in person):
   - One authorization letter (or directly fill in the "Authorization Declaration" on the application form).
   - Identification documents of the representative: ID card, residence permit, or passport.
2. For those who have not entered Taiwan:
   (1) One application form.
   (2) Original authorization letter specifying the purpose as "Application for Unified ID Number Assignment," verified by a Taiwanese overseas representative office.
   - The signature on the authorization letter must match the one on the passport.
   (3) Copy of the passport (must be verified by a Taiwanese overseas representative office).
   (4) Identification documents of the appointed representative: ID card, residence permit, or passport.