Are you planning to move to Taiwan? Whether it’s for work, study or to settle down with your family, you will need a resident visa to live in Taiwan for the long-term. In this article, we will provide all the information you need to know about resident visas for Taiwan, including the different types of visas, the application process, visa requirements, and more.
What is a Resident Visa?
A resident visa is a legal document that allows foreign nationals to live, work, or study in Taiwan on a long-term basis. With a resident visa, you can stay in Taiwan for up to one year, and you can renew your visa after it expires. However, a resident visa does not give you the right to vote or to become a citizen of Taiwan.
Types of Resident Visas in Taiwan
There are several types of resident visas in Taiwan, and the type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your stay. Here are the different types of resident visas available:
1. Work Visa
A work visa is required if you plan to work in Taiwan. To apply for a work visa, you must have a job offer from a Taiwanese company, and the company must apply for the visa on your behalf.
2. Student Visa
A student visa is required if you plan to study in Taiwan. To apply for a student visa, you must have been accepted into a Taiwanese educational institution, and the institution must apply for the visa on your behalf.
3. Family Visa
A family visa is required if you are a spouse, parent, or child of a Taiwanese citizen or a resident foreign national. To apply for a family visa, you must provide proof of your relationship, and your sponsor must apply for the visa on your behalf.
4. Entrepreneur Visa
An entrepreneur visa is required if you plan to start a business in Taiwan. To apply for an entrepreneur visa, you must have a business plan and meet certain investment and employment criteria.
Application Process
To apply for a resident visa in Taiwan, you must follow these steps:
Step 1: Gather Documents
The first step is to gather all the documents you need for your visa application. The documents you need depend on the type of visa you are applying for, but they usually include:
- Passport with at least six months of validity
- Visa application form
- Two passport-size photos
- Proof of your purpose of stay (e.g. job offer, admission letter)
- Proof of financial support
- Police clearance certificate
- Health certificate
Step 2: Submit Application
The next step is to submit your visa application to the nearest Taiwanese embassy or consulate in your home country. You must make an appointment and bring all your documents with you. The embassy or consulate will process your application and issue your visa if it is approved.
Step 3: Enter Taiwan
Once you have been issued a resident visa, you can enter Taiwan. You must present your visa at the port of entry, along with your passport. The immigration officer will inspect your documents and grant you permission to stay in Taiwan.
Visa Requirements
To be eligible for a resident visa in Taiwan, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity
- You must not have a criminal record or a serious medical condition
- You must have a legitimate purpose for staying in Taiwan
- You must have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay
- You must not engage in any illegal activities while in Taiwan
Renewing Your Visa
If your resident visa is about to expire, you can renew it by submitting an application to the National Immigration Agency (NIA) in Taiwan. You must submit your application at least 30 days before your visa expires. The NIA will review your application and issue a new visa if it is approved.
Conclusion
Getting a resident visa for Taiwan can be a long and complicated process, but it is necessary if you plan to live in Taiwan for the long-term. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your visa application goes smoothly and that you are able to settle down in Taiwan with ease.
