Visas and Alien Resident Certificate
International Students Must Know
Students applying from abroad who have received formal admission letters should apply at nearest ROC embassy, consulate or representative agency for entry visas to enter Taiwan. Visitor visas or resident visas are issued to students depending on the length of their study.
International students staying in Taiwan for more than six months will have to apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC).
Visa Application & Regulations
Foreign nationals are required to apply for Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) within fifteen days after entering into Taiwan. Failure to comply will result in fine payment if they violate the regulation set by the Immigration Department in Taiwan.
● Ten days and under, after the assigned time frame (which is fifteen days after being issued a Resident Visa), they will be fined NT$1000.
● Thirty days and under, after the assigned time frame (which is fifteen days after being issued a Resident Visa), they will be fined NT$3000.
● Above thirty days after the assigned time frame (which is fifteen days after being issued a Resident Visa), they will be fined NT $5000.
If foreign nationals stay in Taiwan after a Visitor visa or a Resident Certificate expires, they will be fined according to the regulation set by the Immigration Department in Taiwan.
● Ten days and under, after the expiration date, they will be fined NT$1000.
● Duration from eleven days to thirty days after the expiration date, they will be fined NT $3000.
● Duration from thirty-one days to ninety days after the expiration date, they will be fined NT $5000.
● Above ninety-one days after the expiration date, they will be fined NT $10000.
Note:
(1) If you did not apply for the Resident Certificate according to the regulation of Immigration Department, you will be fined and be expected to apply for it within the rescheduled time frame. If not, you might have to pay extra fine.
(2) If you still stay in Taiwan after your Visitor visa or Resident Certificate expires, you will be fined and be expected to leave the country within the scheduled time frame as well. If not, you will be deported.
How to Apply - Resident Visa & ARC
A. Resident visa
Students with a visitor visa will first need to apply for a resident visa from the Taipei City Service Center, National Immigration Agency. The visa will be issued within 15 days. Required documents:
● Fill out a copy of Multiple-Purpose Application Form for foreign residents and attach two photos (2x2 inch color photos).
● Submit the original and a copy of passport.
● Letter of admission.
● Application fee up to NT$3000, depending on country of origin.
B. Alien Resident Certificates (ARC)
Students with a resident visa will need to apply for the ARC in the Keelung City Service Center, National Immigration Agency within 15 days. Required documents:
● Fill out a copy of Multiple-purpose Application Form for Foreign Residents and attach two photos (2x2 inch) (only for the new ARC applicant)
● Submit the original and a copy of passport, including the resident visa.
● Submit the original and a copy of student ID or original receipt of tuition and dormitory payment.
● Application fee: NT$1,000.
Notes:
1. ARC and Re-entry:
Students may apply for re-entry and the ARC at the Keelung City Service Center, National Immigration Agency at once.
2. Student's Visa:
Students holding multiple entries Visa may re-enter Taiwan within the valid period stated on the visa. Students holding single entry visa and if he or she leaves Taiwan, he or she will need to apply for a visa from overseas in order to re-enter Taiwan.