Visitor Visa:

The VISITOR VISA is the only kind of visa that can be used to apply for a work permit.  It is imperative that you enter Taiwan with this kind of visa.

There are two types of VISITOR VISAS:

• multiple-entry
• single-entry

Both type of visas can be used to apply for a work permit.  Applying for a multiple-entry visa is more expensive and they rarely grant such type of visas.

The duration of stay granted on a VISITOR VISA depends on the issuing office.  The determining factor for this is a mystery.

• fourteen (14) days
• thirty (30) days
• sixty (60) days
• ninety (90) days

On some occasions, the VISITOR VISA issued will bear a stamp that says, "no extension will be granted."  The determining factor for this is also a mystery.

Applying for a visa to come to Taiwan is fairly simple.  The requirements are as follows:

• A passport valid for at least six months
• A duly completed application form with two (2) photos
• An outbound airline ticket or verifiable proof of purchase of a steamship ticket
• A bank statement with a balance equivalent to at least US$ 2,000

Below is how the visa application form looks like.  The form is available at any overseas mission of the Republic of China.

¡@

Download the Adobe Acrobat version of the visa application form

You may have heard that you can just fly into Taiwan and apply for a LANDING VISA at the airport.  Please note that only a VISITOR VISA can be used to apply for a work permit.  Furthermore, a LANDING VISA is only good for thirty (30) days and extensions will not be granted.  If you come into Taiwan with a LANDING VISA, you will need to fly out again and get the proper VISITOR VISA before your work permit can be processed.

Visa-Exempt Entry:

You may also have heard that you don't even need a visa to enter Taiwan.  This is called a VISA-EXEMPT ENTRY.  If you enter Taiwan this way, you will also not be able to get a work permit.  Your duration of stay in Taiwan will be limited to thirty (30) days and no extensions will be granted.  You will need to fly out again and get the proper VISITOR VISA before your work permit can be processed.

A branch of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Overseas Mission of the Republic of China or Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office is the representative office of the Taiwan government in a foreign country.

The visa application fee is different in each representative office.  The time it takes to process a visa also differs.  In some cases, an extra service charge may be paid and your visa will be processed within the day.

R.O.C. Embassies, Consulates & Representative Offices Around the World