VISA & RESIDENCE
Student Visa and Residence Guide: From Entry Preparation to Life in Taiwan
Learn about entry visas, the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), extensions, National Health Insurance (NHI), and work permits based on your program, so you can manage the key requirements throughout your studies in Taiwan.
YOUR JOURNEY IN TAIWAN
Your Visa Is Only the Beginning of Your Journey in Taiwan
Before entering Taiwan, you must obtain a visa that matches your purpose of study. After arrival, students who qualify for residence must apply for an ARC. During your studies, you will also need to manage extensions, changes to registered information, National Health Insurance, and work regulations. This guide explains each step in the order you are likely to encounter it.
01 | DETERMINE YOUR STATUS
Choose Your Study Path
Degree students and Mandarin language students are subject to different visa and residence requirements.
02 | BEFORE DEPARTURE
Apply for a Visa
Prepare your admission, academic, financial, and health examination documents according to the purpose of your program.
03 | AFTER ARRIVAL
Apply for an ARC
Once you qualify for residence, complete your ARC application and card collection within the required deadlines.
04 | DURING YOUR STUDIES
Maintain Your Legal Status
Keep track of extensions, changes to registered information, National Health Insurance, travel requirements, and work permits.
Last reviewed: September 2, 2026
Requirements may vary depending on your nationality, program, and method of entry. Official announcements and individual case reviews by the relevant authorities take precedence.
STEP 01 | STUDY STATUS
Degree Students and Mandarin Language Students Follow Different Pathways
Use the program type stated in your admission letter to determine your student category, then review the corresponding requirements. Do not enter Taiwan on a visa that does not match your intended course of study.
A | DEGREE STUDENTS
Students Enrolled in Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree Programs
- Obtain official admission to a university degree program.
- Prepare your admission letter, authenticated academic credentials, proof of financial support, and any other documents required by the processing office.
- Apply for a resident visa overseas. If you are already in Taiwan on a visitor visa issued for an eligible study purpose, you may apply to the National Immigration Agency for residence if you meet the applicable requirements.
- After receiving a resident visa or approval for residence from the National Immigration Agency, complete your ARC application and card collection within the prescribed period.
University admission and visa approval are separate processes. Receiving an admission letter does not guarantee that your visa will be approved.
B | MANDARIN LANGUAGE STUDENTS
Students at University-Affiliated or Ministry of Education-Approved Mandarin Language Centers
- As a general rule, enter Taiwan with a visitor visa issued for the purpose of studying Mandarin (purpose code: FR).
- After studying continuously for four months and registering for at least three additional months, you may apply to the National Immigration Agency for residence in accordance with current regulations.
- The program must generally provide at least 15 hours of classes per week, Monday through Friday, and your absences must not exceed one-quarter of the total class hours.
- Apply to the National Immigration Agency for residence and an ARC, then complete the required follow-up procedures specified in the approval notice.
If you enter Taiwan visa-exempt, with a landing visa, or with a visitor visa issued for a purpose other than studying Mandarin, you generally cannot convert directly to residence on the basis of Mandarin language study.
STEP 02 | BEFORE DEPARTURE
Prepare Documents for Your Visa Category
Document requirements may vary by overseas mission, nationality, institution, and individual case. Documents issued outside Taiwan may also require authentication and a Chinese or English translation.
Commonly Required Documents
- A valid passport, completed application form, and recent photograph
- Admission letter and proof of registration or enrollment
- Proof of financial resources or a scholarship award
- The required health examination certificate
Additional Documents Based on Your Status
- Authenticated diploma or graduation certificate and academic transcripts
- Attendance and academic records from your Mandarin language center
- Proof of continued enrollment and a study plan
- Any other documents requested by the processing office
STEP 03 | AFTER ARRIVAL
Complete Your ARC Application Within the Required Deadline
Your ARC is an important form of identification and proof of legal residence in Taiwan. Be sure to account for the application deadline, processing time, and fees when planning your first weeks after arrival.
01
Confirm the Application Deadline
As a general rule, you must apply within 30 days beginning on the day after your entry into Taiwan or the day after your resident visa is issued.
02
Prepare Your Residence Documents
Prepare your passport, resident visa, proof of enrollment, proof of address, and photograph.
03
Submit Your Application Online
Upload your documents, complete the required information, and follow the National Immigration Agency’s instructions for payment or additional documentation.
04
Collect and Verify Your ARC
Check your name, registered address, and expiration date, and retain a copy of your application record.
Validity reminder | An expired visa or ARC may affect your residence status and ability to enter or leave Taiwan. If you take a leave of absence, withdraw, graduate, transfer, or change programs, contact your university’s international office and the National Immigration Agency promptly.
8 Business Days
The standard processing time for resident visa applications submitted in Taiwan. Additional time may be required for supplementary documents or special cases.
10 Business Days
The standard ARC processing time published by the National Immigration Agency.
Within 30 Days
The key deadline for applying for an ARC after becoming eligible for residence.
NT$1,000
The standard fee for a one-year ARC. Fees for other validity periods are determined by the National Immigration Agency.
STEP 04 | DURING YOUR STUDIES
Keep Your ARC Valid and Your Personal Information Up to Date
Extensions and Changes to Registered Information
You may apply to extend your ARC within the three months before it expires. If your residential address or other registered information changes, you should generally report the change within 30 days.
Departure and Re-entry
Before traveling abroad, check the validity of your passport, ARC, and residence status. If you are about to graduate or the basis for your residence is changing, confirm the applicable requirements with the National Immigration Agency.
National Health Insurance
ARC holders who are not employed generally become eligible for National Health Insurance after meeting the applicable six-month residence requirement. Ask your school or the National Health Insurance Administration to confirm how the qualifying period is calculated in your case.
Your Enrollment Status Affects Your Residence
A leave of absence, withdrawal, graduation, transfer, or interruption of study may affect the legal basis for your residence. Do not rely solely on the expiration date printed on your ARC.
STEP 05 | STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
You Need a Work Permit to Work in Taiwan
An ARC, student ID, or approval from your school does not replace a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor. Before starting any job, make sure your work permit has been approved and remains valid.
Degree Students
Once officially enrolled, degree students may apply in accordance with their school’s procedures and Ministry of Labor regulations.
Mandarin Language Students
Students enrolled only in language courses must have studied for at least six months and meet the other applicable eligibility requirements.
Working Hours
During the academic semester, students may work no more than 20 hours per week. Work during winter and summer breaks must still comply with labor laws and the conditions of the work permit.
Penalties for Unauthorized Work
Working without a valid permit may result in a fine of NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 and an order to leave Taiwan.
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Find the Right Government Authority for Each Procedure
Regulations, fees, forms, and online systems may change. Use the appropriate official website to check the latest requirements for the procedure you need.
Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Visitor and resident visas, supporting documents, and Taiwan’s overseas missions.
National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior
ARC applications, extensions, changes to registered information, and online services.
Workforce Development Agency, Ministry of Labor
Student work eligibility, working-hour limits, and online applications.
National Health Insurance Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare
National Health Insurance eligibility and residence-period calculations for international students.
1990 Hotline for Foreigners in Taiwan:Dial 1990 within Taiwan or +886-800-001990 from overseas.
FAQ
Common Questions About Visa and Residence Applications
Does receiving a university admission letter guarantee that I will receive a visa?
No. Your school assesses your eligibility for admission, while Taiwan’s overseas missions or the National Immigration Agency review your visa or residence application based on your nationality, documents, purpose of entry, and individual circumstances.
Can a Mandarin language student enter Taiwan visa-exempt and then apply directly for residence?
Generally, no. If you plan to use Mandarin language study as the basis for residence, you should obtain a visitor visa for studying Mandarin (purpose code: FR) before entering Taiwan and meet the applicable requirements for study duration, attendance, and continued enrollment.
What should I do if I lose my ARC or move to a new address?
If your ARC is lost, apply to the National Immigration Agency for a replacement. The current replacement fee is generally NT$500. If your residential address or other registered information changes, you should generally report the change within 30 days.
Will my residence status change automatically after I am admitted to a university from a Mandarin language center?
No. After receiving university admission, submit your new admission documents to the National Immigration Agency before your current visa or residence status expires. When necessary, confirm the applicable change-of-status procedure with the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Can I work in Taiwan as long as I have an ARC?
No. You must obtain a valid work permit before starting work, and the eligibility requirements differ for degree students and Mandarin language students.
START YOUR APPLICATION
Begin Your Application Based on Your Study Status
If you are unsure which pathway applies to you, prepare information about your nationality, program, intended method of entry, and current visa status, then confirm the correct procedure with your school or the relevant government authority.
This page provides general information only and does not constitute visa or legal advice. Current regulations and the outcome of individual cases are subject to official announcements and review by the relevant authorities.