Hiring with the Work Permit & ARC: Requirements & Process in Taiwan

Basic Eligibility Requirements for the Taiwan Work Permit & ARC

The Taiwan Work Permit & ARC is designed for skilled and specialized foreign workers who have a confirmed job offer from a Taiwan-based employer. It typically applies to professionals in fields like technology, engineering, education, and R&D, as well as intra-company transferees and foreign specialists whose skills aren’t readily available in the local labor market.

Employee requirements

• Relevant skills or industry experience
• Bachelor’s degree or several years of professional experience
• A valid job offer from a Taiwanese employer
• Role meets Taiwan’s minimum salary threshold for foreign professionals

Documents required from the employee

• Passport
• Degree certificates or proof of experience
• Employment contract
• Passport-style photo(s)
• Completed ARC application (after Work Permit approval)

Documents required from the employer

• Business registration certificate
• Employment contract
• Job description and role justification
• Company financial or operational statements (if required)
• Work Permit application forms

Employer Requirements for the Work Permit & ARC in Taiwan

Hiring foreign talent in Taiwan comes with specific responsibilities for employers. To sponsor a candidate for a Work Permit and ARC, companies have to do more than just extend a job offer. In order to stay fully compliant with Taiwan's labour and immigration rules, they need to be properly registered, meet qualification and salary standards, and justify the role. Employers manage the entire Work Permit process and play an ongoing role in maintaining legal employment once the employee has arrived.

• Be a legally registered company in Taiwan with valid business registration.
• Provide a compliant employment contract outlining duties, title, salary, and employment terms.
• Meet Taiwan’s minimum salary and qualification requirements for foreign professionals.
• Prepare and submit all Work Permit documentation on behalf of the employee.
• Maintain compliance with labor, immigration, and tax regulations (including renewals and reporting).
• Keep accurate records of the employee’s permit/ARC status and report changes such as early termination, role adjustments, or address updates to the relevant Taiwanese authorities.
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Step-by-Step Process for Sponsoring a Work Permit & ARC in Taiwan

For the most part, sponsoring a foreign employee for a Work Permit and ARC in Taiwan is a straightforward, employer-driven process. Employers handle the bulk of the paperwork, from preparing documentation to securing government approval, before the employee can apply for their residency card.

1. Confirm the role and candidate qualify: Ensure the job meets Taiwan’s criteria for foreign professionals, including minimum salary and skill/experience requirements.
2. Gather employer documentation: Prepare business registration documents, the employment contract, job description, and any evidence required to justify the hire.
3. Submit the Work Permit application: Apply through Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor (MOL) with all supporting documents and forms.
4. Await Work Permit approval: Once approved, the employer provides confirmation to the employee so they can begin the ARC process.
5. Support the employee with ARC/visa steps: After the Work Permit is issued, the employee completes ARC registration with the National Immigration Agency (often after entering Taiwan).

Work Permit & ARC Processing Time

• Work Permit approval: Typically 7–14 working days
• ARC issuance: Usually 10–15 working days after arrival
• Total estimated timeline: Around 3–6 weeks from start to finish (depending on the role and documentation quality)
• ARC validity period: One year and total extension of the residence period should not be more than two years
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Costs & Fees Employers Are Responsible For

Sponsoring a Work Permit and ARC in Taiwan is relatively cost-efficient compared to many other countries, but employers should still plan for several mandatory fees and administrative expenses. While some costs fall on the company, others are typically paid by the employee unless the employer chooses to reimburse them.

Government fees

• Work Permit application fee: Usually NT$1,000–3,000, paid by the employer.
• ARC application fee: Generally paid by the employee (fee varies by ARC validity period).
• Health checks (if required): Often the employee’s responsibility.

Employer vs. employee costs

• Employer pays: Work Permit fee, internal admin/HR costs, and any optional reimbursements.
• Employee typically pays: ARC fee, visa fee (if applying from abroad), and medical checks.

NOTE: Employers may choose to cover employee fees as part of a relocation or benefits package, but it’s not mandatory.

Renewal and extension fees

• Both the Work Permit and ARC must be renewed before expiry.
• Reissuance, replacement, and registration of data changes fees cost around NT$500.
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Employer Responsibilities to Ensure Compliance

Employers sponsoring a Work Permit and ARC in Taiwan must follow strict labor and immigration rules to keep the employee’s status valid. This includes staying within the approved job scope, keeping accurate records, and reporting any changes promptly. Non-compliance can lead to fines, cancelled permits, or restrictions on future sponsorships.

Key takeaways for employers

• Role & job scope restrictions:The employee must work only in the approved position; any major job change requires a new Work Permit.
• Working hours: Work conditions must align with the terms submitted in the application.
• Reporting duties:Notify authorities of early termination, changes in job role, company address, or employee contact details.
• Record-keeping obligations:Maintain employment contracts, proof of recruitment efforts, business registration documents, and employee records.
• Absence reporting: Significant or unexplained absences must be reported when required.
• Penalties: Fines, cancellation of the Work Permit, and future restrictions on hiring foreign workers may apply for non-compliance.
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