International students resident certificate and visa

update date : 2025-03-06
  • Q1：What is the resident visa, visitor visa and alien resident certificate?
    A1：Foreign nationals studying in any degree program at a university in Taiwan, according to the "Regulations Regarding International Students Undertaking Studies in Taiwan," are required to apply for and hold a "Resident Visa" if their stay in Taiwan exceeds 180 days. The "Visitor Visa" is a short-term visa applicable for stays within 180 days. The "Alien Resident Certificate" (ARC), commonly referred to as the "Residence Permit," serves as a temporary identification document for foreign nationals during their stay in Taiwan. The ARC is often used for opening a bank account at the post office or banks, as well as for immigration inspections when entering or leaving Taiwan.

  • Q2：Which type of Visa should overseas students apply for?
    A2：Overseas students should apply for Resident Visa.
    Resident visa: https://www.boca.gov.tw/mp-2.html

  • Q3：If the overseas students use a visitor visa or other kind of visa for entering the Taiwan, what should they need to do?
    A3：is not recommended, because the student need go to Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) to apply the resident visa. After getting the visa, they need to apply to apply to the Immigration Agency for an alien residence certificate.

  • Q4：After entering Taiwan with a "Resident Visa," how many days do overseas students have to apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)?
    A4：Overseas students must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) within 15 days of entering Taiwan, and the application should be submitted to the National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior.

  • Q5：What are the fees required to apply for an Entry Visa?
    A5：The fees for visa applications in Taiwan are determined according to the regulations of the Bureau of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-76-32-4a369-1.html). For visa applications made abroad, the information announced by our overseas missions should be followed (https://www.mofa.gov.tw/OverseasOffice.aspx?n=168&sms=87).