Taiwan Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Taiwan?

In Taiwan, foreign nationals who intend to work in the country typically need a work permit. This includes individuals employed by a company, foreign professionals, and those on assignments for a limited duration. It is essential for employers to understand that not all foreign nationals require work permits—visitors or individuals on business trips may not need one, as long as they do not engage in work activities. However, any individual performing paid work or duties that contribute directly to the operations of a Taiwanese employer requires proper authorization.

Generally, work permits are issued to foreign employees in the following categories:

• Professionals with specialized skills
• Managers or executives
• Individuals involved in research or development
• Foreign teachers or instructors

Types of Work Visas in Taiwan

Taiwan offers several types of work visas designed to meet the needs of various foreign employees. The specific visa type depends on the applicant's qualifications, job role, and the nature of their work in Taiwan. Employers need to assess the needs of their employees to select the correct visa category.

Work Permit Application Process in Taiwan (Step-by-step)

In Taiwan, most foreign employees need an employer-sponsored work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor before they can obtain a resident visa and Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). The process is largely employer-driven and documentation-heavy, so planning and coordination between HR, the employee, and local advisors is essential.

• Step 1: The employer confirms that the role and candidate qualify under Taiwan’s foreign professional categories (for example, Category A professionals) and that salary and qualifications meet the minimum thresholds. This may include checking degree requirements, relevant work experience, and sector-specific rules.
• Step 2: The employer gathers corporate documents required for the work permit filing. This often includes the company’s business registration, tax registration, proof of capital or revenue where relevant, and any licenses needed for regulated industries.
• Step 3: The employee prepares personal documentation such as a valid passport, degree certificates, professional licenses, CV, and, where required, authenticated or translated documents. In some cases, police clearance or health checks may also be requested depending on the role and stay length.
• Step 4: The employer (or authorized agent) submits the work permit application to the Ministry of Labor, usually via the online system. At this stage, fees are paid and any missing information may trigger requests for clarification or additional evidence.
• Step 5: Once the work permit is approved, the employee applies for a Resident Visa for Employment at a Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) abroad or, in some cases, in Taiwan if eligible for in-country change of status. The visa application relies heavily on the approved work permit and supporting documents.
• Step 6: After entering Taiwan with the appropriate visa, the employee applies for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) with the National Immigration Agency within the required timeframe. The ARC functions as the main residence and work authorization card and must be kept valid throughout the employment.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a Taiwan work permit depends on the job category, the employer’s status, and the foreign national’s qualifications. Authorities focus on protecting the local labor market while allowing genuine skills gaps to be filled.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Minimum salary and role level: Taiwan often sets minimum salary thresholds for foreign professionals to ensure the role is genuinely skilled and not displacing local workers. Employers should confirm current thresholds for the specific category of employment.
• Relevant education or experience: Foreign employees are typically expected to hold a university degree or have substantial related work experience. This helps demonstrate that the candidate is suitably qualified for the position being filled.
• Legally established employer in good standing: The sponsoring company must be properly registered, compliant with tax and labor obligations, and actively operating in Taiwan. Authorities may review financials or headcount to confirm the business is genuine and stable.
• Job aligned with business scope: The position offered to the foreign employee should fall within the company’s registered business activities. This alignment helps immigration and labor officials verify that the role is legitimate and necessary.
• Complete and accurate documentation: Both employer and employee must provide clear, consistent, and, where required, translated or authenticated documents. Incomplete or inconsistent filings are a common cause of delays or refusals.
• Compliance with sector-specific rules: Certain industries, such as education, healthcare, or financial services, may have additional licensing or qualification requirements. Employers in these sectors should confirm any extra conditions before sponsoring a foreign hire.

Work Permit Processing Time in Taiwan

Processing times for Taiwan work permits and related visas can vary depending on the category of worker, the completeness of the application, and the workload of the authorities. Employers should build in buffer time for document collection, legalization, and any follow-up questions from officials.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Taiwan can vary depending on whether the case is straightforward, whether documents need authentication, and whether peak seasons affect government processing. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Around 7 to 21 business days after all required documents are submitted and accepted by the Ministry of Labor, with additional time needed for the subsequent resident visa and ARC issuance.
• Permanent Residence: Approximately 3 to 6 months or longer, depending on eligibility category, background checks, and the completeness of long-term residence and tax records.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Typically 1 to 3 weeks once the application is lodged with a TECO office, assuming documents are complete and the visit is clearly for short-term business meetings or assignments.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While each case is unique, you can map out a rough week-by-week view of who is doing what during a standard employer-sponsored work permit process in Taiwan.

• Week 1: Employer confirms eligibility, role details, and salary level, and requests initial documents from the employee.
• Week 2: Employer compiles corporate documents and drafts the work permit application while the employee gathers personal, academic, and professional evidence.
• Week 3: Employer submits the work permit application to the Ministry of Labor and responds quickly to any initial queries from the authorities.
• Week 4: Authorities review the application; employer may be asked for clarifications or additional documents, and the employee prepares for the visa filing.
• Week 5: After work permit approval, the employee files the Resident Visa for Employment at a TECO office or in Taiwan if eligible, and arranges travel.
• Week 6: Employee enters Taiwan (if abroad) and applies for the ARC within the required timeframe, with employer support on local registrations as needed.

Who Does What During Taiwan Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, confirming that it fits within the company’s business scope, preparing and submitting the work permit application, paying applicable government fees, and ensuring ongoing compliance with labor, tax, and immigration rules. They must also monitor permit and ARC expiry dates and initiate renewals in good time.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, such as degrees and work history, attending any required health checks or interviews, and maintaining a valid passport and immigration status. They must comply with the specific terms of the work permit, including employer, job title, and location.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Taiwan

In Taiwan, standard work permits for foreign professionals are often granted for up to three years at a time, with the possibility of renewal as long as the employment relationship and eligibility conditions continue. Renewal applications typically need to be filed before the existing work permit and ARC expire, and many employers start the process 1 to 3 months in advance to avoid gaps in status.

Exact renewal periods and documentary requirements can differ by category of worker, sector, and any policy changes, so practice may vary. Employers and employees should always check the latest guidance from the Ministry of Labor and National Immigration Agency, or consult local experts, to confirm current validity periods, lead times, and any updated forms or criteria.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Taiwan?

Fees for work permits and visas in Taiwan vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay. Employers should expect to pay a processing fee for the work permit application and any associated costs for the employee’s visa.

Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Taiwan

• Proof of Remote Employment: Employees must provide documentation showing they are employed remotely or freelancing.
• Financial Stability: Proof of sufficient financial resources to support oneself while residing in Taiwan.
• Health Insurance: Proof of adequate health insurance coverage during their stay in Taiwan.

Employer Compliance & Obligations in Taiwan

Hiring international employees in Taiwan presents unique challenges. Employers must comply with local regulations, and understanding the legal and procedural landscape can be complex. Employers may face difficulties with visa applications, delays in processing times, and compliance with local labor laws.

• Visa Delays: The visa application process can take several weeks, which may delay the hiring of foreign talent.
• Compliance Issues: Taiwanese labor laws can be complicated, and non-compliance with work permit regulations could result in fines or legal penalties.
• Language Barriers: Employers may face difficulties in communication with employees if Mandarin Chinese is not spoken fluently.

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