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Visa and Work Permit

Visas and Work Permits

ROC Visa Example

Visa Categories

Visas for the Republic of China (Taiwan) are divided into four categories based on the applicant's purpose of entry and status:

  • VISITOR VISA: A short-term visa for stays of less than 180 days.
  • RESIDENT VISA: A long-term visa for stays of 180 days or more.
  • DIPLOMATIC VISA.
  • COURTESY VISA.

Visa Field Explanations

  • VALID UNTIL (or ENTER BEFORE): This refers to the deadline by which the visa holder must use the visa. For example, VALID UNTIL APRIL 8, 1999 means the visa becomes invalid after April 8, 1999, and cannot be used.
  • DURATION OF STAY: The period the visa holder is permitted to stay in Taiwan, calculated from 00:00 on the day following the date of entry.
    • Typical durations include 14, 30, 60, and 90 days.
    • Holders of a visa with a duration of 60 days or more (without restrictive remarks) who need to extend their stay must apply for an extension at the local service station of the National Immigration Agency (NIA) before the duration of stay expires.
  • Resident Visa without Duration of Stay: Holders must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and Re-entry Permit at the local NIA service station within 30 days following the date of entry or within 30 days of the issuance of a Resident Visa in Taiwan. The duration of stay is based on the validity of the ARC.
  • ENTRIES: Divided into Single (SINGLE) and Multiple (MULTIPLE).
  • VISA NUMBER: Travelers should fill in this number on the arrival card upon entry.
  • REMARKS: Codes indicating the reason for the application or the applicant's identity. The holder must engage in activities consistent with the permitted purpose.

Source: Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) - Visa Introduction

Application Procedures for Visitor Visas for Studying Mandarin Chinese

For foreign nationals planning to study Mandarin in Taiwan, the key requirements for a Visitor Visa application are summarized below (please refer to BOCA for detailed regulations):

Required Documents (Original and Photocopy)

  1. Visa Application Form: Fill out the form online at "Online Visa Application," print it out with the barcode, and sign it.
  2. Photos: Two 2-inch color photos taken within the last 6 months (white background).
  3. Passport: Valid for at least 6 months with blank pages.
  4. Letter of Admission: Issued by a Chinese language center or institution accredited by the Ministry of Education.
    • Weekly class hours must be at least 15 hours.
  5. Study Plan: Including motivation and plan for studying.
  6. Proof of Financial Support: E.g., bank deposit statement, remittance proof, etc.

Note: BOCA and overseas missions reserve the right to request additional documents.

For more details: BOCA - Mandarin Study Visa Instructions

Re-entry Permit Application

Applying for a "Re-entry Permit"

Holders of a "Single Entry Visitor Visa":
If you wish to re-enter Taiwan after leaving, you must apply for a new visa abroad. Please bring your "Student ID" or "Certificate of Enrollment" from this center to the nearest R.O.C. Embassy, Consulate, or Representative Office to apply.

Holders of a "Multiple Entry Visitor Visa":
No additional application is required.

Holders of an IC Card "Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)":
You may enter Taiwan using your ARC as long as it remains valid.

Note: "Single Entry Visitor Visas" cannot be converted into "Multiple Entry Visitor Visas."