Visa
Taiwan Student Visa Alternatives
Taiwan does not issue a specific “Student Visa.” Instead, international students can apply for one of two types of visas based on the duration of their stay:
- Visitor Visa - For stays of less than 6 months
- Resident Visa - For programs extending beyond 6 months
Applying Through Taiwan's Overseas Offices
Taiwan (Republic of China) operates more than 109 embassies and representative offices across 73 countries. Students must approach the designated office in their home country to apply for the appropriate visa. In cases where no Taiwanese office is available locally, students may reach out to the nearest one in a neighboring country or any convenient location globally.
Visa Options for Chinese Language Learners
Students admitted to a certified Chinese Language Center in Taiwan can apply for a Visitor Visa through the nearest Taiwan embassy, consulate, or representative office. This visa is suitable for short-term programs lasting under 6 months. For longer durations, a Resident Visa will be necessary.
Visitor Visa Duration Options:
- 14 days
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
Required Documents:
To apply for a Visitor Visa, you will need the following documents
| No. | Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application form | Fill out the application form online and print it out |
| 2 | Passport (original & photocopy) | Valid for 6 months with blank pages |
| 3 | 2 passport-size photos | Color photos with a white background taken within 6 months |
| 4 | Certificate of admission issued by language centers (original & photocopy) | Admission Letter sent by your language center |
| 5 | Plan for studying Chinese (original & photocopy) | Describe the motive and plan for studying Chinese |
| 6 | Proof of financial support (original & photocopy) | Proof of banking account balance or foreign remittance |
Visa Guidelines for Exchange Students
As an exchange student in Taiwan, the type of visa you need will depend on the duration of your academic program:
- For programs shorter than 6 months - Apply for a Visitor Visa
- For programs exceeding 6 months - Apply for a Resident Visa
If you’re granted a Visitor Visa, you may be eligible to extend your stay in Taiwan for up to 180 days, depending on your needs and the visa conditions.
Available Visitor Visa Validity Periods:
- 14 days
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
Required Documents:
To apply for a Visitor Visa, you will need the following documents
| No. | Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application form | Fill out the application form online and print it out |
| 2 | Passport (original & photocopy) | Valid for 6 months with blank pages |
| 3 | 2 passport-size photos | Color photos with a white background taken within 6 months |
| 4 | Certificate of admission (original & photocopy) | Admission Letter or record of enrollment and registration sent by your university or college |
| 5 | Record of enrollment of the overseas school (original & photocopy) | Issued by the school where you come from. |
Visa Information for Degree-Seeking Students
Students enrolled in degree programs in Taiwan, which typically last more than six months, are required to obtain a Resident Visa.
There are two primary ways to apply for this visa:
- Before arriving in Taiwan: If you have been accepted into a degree program at a Taiwanese university, you should apply for a Resident Visa through the nearest Taiwan embassy, consulate, or representative office in your country.
- After arriving in Taiwan: If you're already in Taiwan on a Visitor Visa and meet the eligibility criteria for a Resident Visa, you can submit your application at the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Required Documents:
To apply for a Resident Visa, you will need the following documents
| No. | Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application form | Fill out the application form online |
| 2 | Passport (original & photocopy) | Valid for 6 months with blank pages |
| 3 | 2 passport-size photos | Color photos with a white background taken within 6 months |
| 4 | Health certificate | Issued within 3 months by one of the designated hospitals Or check the website of Centers for Disease Control |
| 5 | Admission permit or Certificate of enrollment (original & photocopy) | Admission permit or Certificate of enrollment with a record of registration issued from the university you are going to attend |
| 6 | Diploma and transcript of your highest education (original & photocopy) | Issued by the school you previously studied |
| 7 | Financial statement | Bank statements or records of remittance, etc. |
Visa Information for Overseas Chinese Students
If you are an overseas Chinese student and meet the criteria outlined in the Regulations on Study and Counseling Assistance for Overseas Chinese Students in Taiwan, you are eligible to apply for either a Visitor Visa or a Resident Visa, depending on the length of your stay.
To apply, you must provide the necessary supporting documents. For details on applying for a Visitor Visa, please refer to the guidelines under “Visa for Chinese Language Learners” or “Visa for Exchange Students.”
Required Documents:
To apply for a Visitor Visa, you will need the following documents
| No. | Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application form | Fill out the application form online |
| 2 | Passport (original & photocopy) | Valid for 6 months with blank pages |
| 3 | 2 passport-size photos | Color photos with a white background taken within 6 months |
| 4 | Health certificate | Issued within 3 months by one of the designated hospitals Or check the website of Centers for Disease Control |
| 5 | Admission permit or Certificate of enrollment (original & photocopy) | Admission permit or Certificate of enrollment with a record of registration issued from the university you are going to attend |
| 6 | Diploma and transcript of your highest education (original & photocopy) | Issued by the school you previously studied |
| 7 | Financial statement | Bank statements or records of remittance, etc. |
Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) for Students
The Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) serves as an official identification card for students who possess a Resident Visa in Taiwan.
If you enter Taiwan holding a Resident Visa, you must apply for the ARC at the National Immigration Agency within 15 days of your arrival.
For students who initially enter Taiwan with a Visitor Visa but intend to stay longer than 6 months, it is necessary to convert your visa to a Resident Visa first (refer to the “Visa for Degree Students” section for details). Once your Resident Visa is approved, you can proceed to apply for the ARC at the National Immigration Agency.
Required Documents:
To apply for the ARC, you will need to submit the following documents
| No. | Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application form | Fill out the application form online |
| 2 | Passport | Valid for 6 months with blank pages and the Resident Visa |
| 3 | 1 passport-size photo | Color photos with a white background taken within 6 months |
| 4 | Health certificate | Issued within 3 months by one of the designated hospitals Or check the website of Centers for Disease Control |
| 5 | Admission permit or Certificate of enrollment | The student ID card, Admission permit or Certificate of enrollment with record of registration issued from the university you are going to attend |
| 6 | Certificate or ID of your family member (if needed) | Marriage certificate, Birth certificate, Household registration issued within 3 months, ID cards or other proof of family relationship (for detail information, please check the website of National Immigration Agency) |
VISA Extension
If you currently hold a Visitor Visa and plan to remain in Taiwan past its expiration date, you must apply for an extension at the National Immigration Agency at least 30 days before your visa expires.
Required Documents:
To apply for a Visitor extension, you will need the following documents:
| No. | Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application form | Fill out the application form online and print it out |
| 2 | Passport | Valid for 6 months with blank pages |
| 3 | Certificate of admission | Admission letter issued by your language center or the university/college you are studying |
| 4 | Record of attendance | Issued by your language center or university/college you are studying |