Taiwan · long-stay visa routes and official sources
3 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Common questions
Can I move to Taiwan without a local job offer?
Yes — 1 of the 3 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Resident Visa for studying Mandarin Chinese / Resident Visa for foreign students. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
A study-based route requiring admission to an eligible education provider.
Typical timeline / duration: Resident visa followed by ARC/residence formalities; validity linked to study programme and permit.
Passport valid at least 6 months; application; admission/enrolment certificate; health certificate; supporting education documents; documents may need authentication/translation.
Financial proof may be required depending on route; health certificate is official requirement for resident-visa categories.
An employer-led or qualification-based work route.
Typical timeline / duration: Resident visa is used for entry/stay linked to employment; ARC required for residence after arrival. Work tied to approved employer/work permit.
BOCA states employer must apply for a work permit from competent authority, and the remaining period of employment on the work permit must be more than 6 months at time of resident visa application.
Documents include visa form, passport and supporting documents depending on case.
No universal salary threshold for all white-collar work in BOCA source.
Employment-seeking visa has separate NT$100,000 funds requirement and should not be mixed with employment resident visa.
A longer-stay route based on its specific eligibility requirements.
Typical timeline / duration: Entrepreneur Visa offers 2 years residency and extension without leaving Taiwan according to official startup portal summary.
Applicant/team must meet at least one innovation/startup criterion such as qualifying investment, innovation capability, IP/professional skill, incubation/park stationing and recommendation, startup/design awards, or approved entrepreneurship projects.
One official criterion is received domestic/foreign investment of at least NT$2 million; not every applicant must qualify through investment if another criterion applies.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.