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Blog Posts

Taiwan APRC FAQ 台灣永久居留常見問題

12/13/2021

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An APRC (short for Alien Permanent Resident Certificate, aka PR) is perhaps the most desirable immigration status for most foreigners in Taiwan. By simply living in Taiwan for five years or more in a row and meeting a few other requirements, you can enjoy permanent residency in Taiwan and an open work permit. However the process and requirements are not so straight forward depending on your situation, therefore we have created this guide to help answer some common questions.

Foreword: Please note that this guide is for reference only. The ultimate authority on what documents are required and whether or not your application will be accepted is the immigration bureau. Some of the information in the blog may be inaccurate for your specific situation. For clarifications, please call the foreigner hotline directly (toll free): 0800-024-111.
This information for this blog was taken from the NIA website and personal experience such as from calls to the immigration office, and in person visits to the immigration office. Personally I applied for an APRC as the spouse of a Taiwan national.


My personal experience getting my APRC was a confusing and difficult process. I made many mistakes along the way. I have listed some of the key takeaways from this process as follows. 
  • I thought the five years for the APRC could be calculated using different ARC types. That is not true, you have to be on one ARC type for the whole five years.
  • I thought the five years were calendar years, starting Jan. 1. But no, the count starts on the first day you were issued an ARC of the type you are still using. Because of this, my first application was rejected and I had to wait another year to apply.
  • Double check when offices are open, and make sure you bring your passport everywhere with you just in case. Double and triple check you have all the required documents before you leave the door. 
  • I forgot to write my middle name when applying for a Criminal Record Certificate. Luckily I was able to go back and fix it for free.
  • I thought I did not have to apply for an open work permit because I have a Taiwanese spouse. That is not the case, even people with dependent ARCs must apply for a work permit after they receive their APRC. 

Now let's start the Q+A.
Q: What are the benefits to having an APRC vs. normal work ARC?
A: 
  • Open work permit (no need for an employer)
  • Ability to declare yourself unemployed and receive related welfare benefits
  • Able to join the new government pension plan, as of 2019 (old pension plan for foreigners is pretty much worthless because you must work for the same employer for 25 years to receive a payout)
  • No need to renew your ARC every few years
  • Perhaps some benefits for purchasing phone plans, getting credit cards, or slightly lower interest rates for bank loans, depending on the phone company/bank.


Q: What are the benefits to having an APRC over a foreign spouse/family ARC (JFRV)?
A: 
  • No need to renew your ARC every three years
  • Perhaps some benefits for purchasing phone plans, getting credit cards, or slightly lower interest rates for bank loans, depending on the phone company/bank.

Q: What are the benefits to having an APRC vs. gold card or special professional visa?
A: 
  • Able to join the new government pension plan, as of 2019 (old pension plan for foreigners is pretty much worthless because you must work for the same employer for 25 years to receive a payout)
  • No need to renew your gold card every few years
  • Perhaps some benefits for purchasing phone plans, getting credit cards, or slightly lower interest rates for bank loans, depending on the phone company/bank.

What are the dangers/disadvantages of having an APRC​?
A:
  • If you have a gold card/special professional visa, your related tax benefits will be gone once you get an APRC. 
  • If you are a white collar professional or special professional and leave Taiwan without returning for five years, your APRC will be revoked.
  • For other APRC types, if you leave Taiwan for more than a year without staying at least 183 days, and you don't file online, your APRC will be revoked. You must apply for an exemption at the government website here.
  • If you commit certain crimes your APRC can be revoked.
  • If you had a dependent ARC before, your new APRC will no longer have your spouse or family member printed on the card.
  • If you had a dependent ARC or gold card before, now you have to apply for an open work permit. 
  • ​An APRC costs 10,000 NT. 
​
Q: What are the basic requirements to qualify for an APRC?
A: The basic requirements for all APRC holders are as follows (these will vary depending on your status:
  • Must be age 20 or older
  • Must be of decent character (see more details below).
  • Must have considerable property, skills or talents that enable you to make a living on your own (see more details below).
  • Must be beneficial to the national interests (see more details below).
  • Residential requirements do not count if the field of employment was: marine fishing/netting work, household assistant and nursing work, or workers designated by the Central Competent Authority in response to national major construction project(s) or economic/social development needs.
  • Foreign nationals who possess the nationality of the R.O.C. concurrently shall not be allowed to apply for permanent residency.
As for the specific required documents and residency requirements, see the questions below.

Q: What kinds of APRC are there?
A: The types of APRC are listed below, and full details are covered in this blog:
  1. ​Normal foreign worker APRC
  2. Gold Card/Special Professional APRC
  3. Spouse/Child of Taiwan ROC national APRC (currently holds JFRV, aka "依親 Yiqin" or family dependent ARC).
  4. Dependent of foreign skilled professional APRC holder APRC
  5. Investment (Plum Blossom) APRC
  6. Missionary APRC

Q: What are the specific requirements to apply for an APRC as a normal foreigner living in Taiwan for employment purposes?
A: If you are a normal foreigner working in Taiwan, are not married to a Taiwanese citizen, and do not have large investments in Taiwan, then in general the requirements are as follows:
1. Pass one of the following residency tests:
  • "An alien, who has legally and continuously resided in the State for five (5) years and for more than one hundred and eighty-three (183) days each year...[and meet other requirements below]." Please note the five years starts and ends on the first day your received your ARC, and the 183 days is counted starting from that day.
  • "Aliens who had legally resided in the State for twenty (20) years or over before May 31, 2002, during which period they had resided in the State for over one hundred and eighty-three (183) days each year for ten (10) years, and have met [other requirements below] for permanent residency."
  • Residential requirements above do not count if the field of employment on the ARC was: marine fishing/netting work, household assistant and nursing work, or workers designated by the Central Competent Authority in response to national major construction project(s) or economic/social development needs.
2. Proof of financial assets, skills, or talents (one of the below):
  • "(1) Having an average monthly income in Taiwan in the previous year that is more than twice of the Monthly Minimum Wage promulgated by the Council of Labor Affairs;" which is 47,600 NT per month as of 2020.
    (2) Having chattel or real estate in Taiwan with a total value worth more than NT$5,000,000;
    (3) Having a certificate issued by the ROC government that certify people with specialized professionalism, techniques or have passed a technical test.
    (4) Other condition(s) recognized by the National Immigration Agency.
  • You can prove the above easily by using a  withholding tax certificate from your employer "扣繳憑單 Kòu jiǎo píngdān" from your employer (with company stamp), a tax payment certificate (納稅證明 Nàshuì zhèngmíng), or proof that you have at least 5,000,000 NT in your bank account​​. I have examples of the former two documents further below.
3. Police Records:
  • "(1) The original copy of the police records of the past five(5) years issued by ROC (Taiwan) (良民證 Liángmín zhèng). (valid within three (3) months)
  • (2) The original copy of the police records of the past five(5) years issued by applicant’s country of origin (valid within six (6) months) (including the Chinese translation of the certificate), with any of the following procedures to be completed:
  • 1. The original certificate of the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin and the Chinese translation which are verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas embassies. (the certificate may be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for re-verification).
  • 2. Where only the original certificate of the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin which is verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas embassies. (the certificate may be for re-verification), the Chinese translation of the certificate must be notarized by the court in the R.O.C.(Taiwan) or certified by a local public notary.
  • 3. Where the police records issued by the embassy or agency of applicant’s country of origin in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) in a foreign language, the original certificate shall be re-verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinese translation of the certificate must be notarized by the court in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) or certified by a local public notary
  • (3) The police criminal records issued by applicant’s country of origin shall be the national record of the applicant’s home country. For example, the police records of U.S. citizens must be issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)."
  • "(4) Foreign nationals who have legally resided in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) for five (5) consecutive years, and exit the R.O.C. (Taiwan) each time for less than three (3) months, may be exempt from submitting satisfactory health examination certificates and the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin."
4. Acceptance of employment (both of the below)
  • (1) Approval letter from authorities (work permit approval letter 工作許可函 Gōngzuò xǔkě hán)
  • (2) Certificate of employment within one (1) month (letter from your employer 在職證明 Zàizhí zhèngmíng).
5. Required Documents:
  • APRC application form.
  • 1 color photo
  • Originals and copies of current and past passports
  • Original and copy of current ARC card
  • Health exam at an approved hospital (exempt if you did not leave for more than three months in the five year period)
  • Proof of financial assets, skills, or talents (see no. 2 above)
  • Police criminal record certificates issued by the government of the applicant’s home country in the most recent five years(exempt if you did not leave for more than three months in the five year period). See point number 4 above for more info.
  • Police criminal record certificates issued by by R.O.C. (Taiwan) in the most recent five (5) years (良民證 Liángmín zhèng).
  • Acceptance of employment documents (see number 5 above).
  • Other relevant identification documents
  • 10,000 NT fee
  • Letter of authorization (Power of attorney, POA) if you will ask someone else to complete the application on your behalf.
  • Any foreign documents must be authorized by the MOFA or Taiwan Rep Office overseas.
  • Note: application must be sent within two years after fulfilling the residency requirement.

Q: What are the specific requirements to apply for an APRC as a gold card/special professional visa holder?
A: If you are a gold card or special professional visa holder, then in general the requirements are as follows:
1. Pass the following residency test:
  • Professionals who obtain the employment gold card or special professional visa and their qualifying dependents will be eligible to apply for permanent residency after three years of residing in Taiwan for an average of 183 days per year. For those who received a PhD. from a Taiwan university, the eligibility time for permanent residency can be further shortened to two years. 
2. Proof of financial assets, skills, or talents:
  • "(1) Having an average monthly income in Taiwan in the previous year that is more than twice of the Monthly Minimum Wage promulgated by the Council of Labor Affairs;" which is 47,600 NT per month as of 2020.
    (2) Having chattel or real estate in Taiwan with a total value worth more than NT$5,000,000;
    (3) Having a certificate issued by the ROC government that certify people with specialized professionalism, techniques or have passed a technical test.
    (4) Other condition(s) recognized by the National Immigration Agency.
  • You can prove the above easily by using a  withholding tax certificate from your employer "扣繳憑單 Kòu jiǎo píngdān" from your employer (with company stamp), a tax payment certificate (納稅證明 Nàshuì zhèngmíng), or proof that you have at least 5,000,000 NT in your bank account​​. I have examples of the former two documents further below.
3. Police Records:
  • "(1) The original copy of the police records of the past five(5) years issued by ROC (Taiwan) (良民證 Liángmín zhèng). (valid within three (3) months)
  • (2) The original copy of the police records of the past five(5) years issued by applicant’s country of origin (valid within six (6) months) (including the Chinese translation of the certificate), with any of the following procedures to be completed:
  • 1. The original certificate of the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin and the Chinese translation which are verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas embassies. (the certificate may be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for re-verification).
  • 2. Where only the original certificate of the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin which is verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas embassies. (the certificate may be for re-verification), the Chinese translation of the certificate must be notarized by the court in the R.O.C.(Taiwan) or certified by a local public notary.
  • 3. Where the police records issued by the embassy or agency of applicant’s country of origin in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) in a foreign language, the original certificate shall be re-verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinese translation of the certificate must be notarized by the court in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) or certified by a local public notary
  • (3) The police criminal records issued by applicant’s country of origin shall be the national record of the applicant’s home country. For example, the police records of U.S. citizens must be issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)."
  • "(4) Foreign nationals who have legally resided in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) for five (5) consecutive years, and exit the R.O.C. (Taiwan) each time for less than three (3) months, may be exempt from submitting satisfactory health examination certificates and the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin."
5. Required Documents:
  • APRC application form.
  • 1 color photo
  • Originals and copies of current and past passports
  • Original and copy of current ARC card
  • Health exam at an approved hospital (exempt if you did not leave for more than three months in the five year period)
  • Police criminal record certificates issued by the government of the applicant’s home country in the most recent five years(exempt if you did not leave for more than three months in the five year period). See point number 4 above for more info.
  • Police criminal record certificates issued by by R.O.C. (Taiwan) in the most recent five (5) years (良民證 Liángmín zhèng).
  • Other relevant identification documents
  • 10,000 NT fee
  • Letter of authorization (Power of attorney, POA) if you will ask someone else to complete the application on your behalf.
  • Any foreign documents must be authorized by the MOFA or Taiwan Rep Office overseas.
  • Note: application must be sent within two years after fulfilling the residency requirement.

Q: What are the specific requirements to apply for an APRC as a foreign spouse or child of a Taiwanese national  (currently has JFRV, aka "依親 Yiqin" or family dependent ARC)?
A: If you are a foreigner married to a Taiwanese citizen or a child of an ROC citizen, and do not have large investments in Taiwan, then the requirements are as follows:
1. Pass one of the following residency tests:
  • "An alien, who has legally and continuously resided in the State for five (5) years and for more than one hundred and eighty-three (183) days each year...[and meet other requirements below]." Please note the five years starts and ends on the first day your received your ARC, and the 183 days is counted starting from that day.
  • "Alien spouse and/or children of a ROC(Taiwan) national with registered permanent residence in Taiwan who have legally resided in the State for ten (10) years, during which period they have actually resided in the State for more than one hundred and eighty-three (183) days each year for five (5) years, and also meet the following requirements.
  • Residential requirements do not count if the field of employment on the ARC was related to marine fishing/netting work, household assistant and nursing work, or workers designated by the Central Competent Authority in response to national major construction project(s) or economic/social development needs.
2. Proof of financial assets, skills, or talents (one of the below):
  • "(1) Having an average monthly income in Taiwan in the previous year that is more than twice of the Monthly Minimum Wage promulgated by the Council of Labor Affairs;" which is 47,600 NT per month as of 2020.
    (2) Having chattel or real estate in Taiwan with a total value worth more than NT$5,000,000;
    (3) Having a certificate issued by the ROC government that certify people with specialized professionalism, techniques or have passed a technical test.
    (4) Other condition(s) recognized by the National Immigration Agency.
  • You can prove the above easily by using a  withholding tax certificate from your employer "扣繳憑單 Kòu jiǎo píngdān" from your employer (with company stamp), a tax payment certificate (納稅證明 Nàshuì zhèngmíng), or proof that you have "chattels and real estate in Taiwan with an estimated total value in excess of five million NT dollars (NT$5,000,000)"​​. I have examples of the former two documents further below.
  • If you are dependent or spouse of a gold card or special professional visa holder, proof of assets, skills, or talents is not required. 
3. Police Records:
  • "(1) The original copy of the police records of the past five(5) years issued by ROC (Taiwan) (良民證 Liángmín zhèng). (valid within three (3) months)
  • (2) The original copy of the police records of the past five(5) years issued by applicant’s country of origin (valid within six (6) months) (including the Chinese translation of the certificate), with any of the following procedures to be completed:
  • 1. The original certificate of the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin and the Chinese translation which are verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas embassies. (the certificate may be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for re-verification).
  • 2. Where only the original certificate of the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin which is verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas embassies. (the certificate may be for re-verification), the Chinese translation of the certificate must be notarized by the court in the R.O.C.(Taiwan) or certified by a local public notary.
  • 3. Where the police records issued by the embassy or agency of applicant’s country of origin in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) in a foreign language, the original certificate shall be re-verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinese translation of the certificate must be notarized by the court in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) or certified by a local public notary
  • (3) The police criminal records issued by applicant’s country of origin shall be the national record of the applicant’s home country. For example, the police records of U.S. citizens must be issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)."
  • "(4) Foreign nationals who have legally resided in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) for five (5) consecutive years, and exit the R.O.C. (Taiwan) each time for less than three (3) months, may be exempt from submitting satisfactory health examination certificates and the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin."
4. Required Documents:
  • APRC application form.
  • 1 color photo
  • Originals and copies of current and past passports
  • Original and copy of current ARC card
  • Health exam at an approved hospital (exempt if you did not leave for more than three months in the five year period)
  • Proof of financial assets, skills, or talents (see no. 2 above)
  • Police criminal record certificates issued by the government of the applicant’s home country in the most recent five years(exempt if you did not leave for more than three months in the five year period). See point number 4 above for more info.
  • Police criminal record certificates issued by by R.O.C. (Taiwan) in the most recent five (5) years (良民證 Liángmín zhèng).
  • Other relevant identification documents
  • 10,000 NT fee
  • Letter of authorization (Power of attorney, POA) if you will ask someone else to complete the application on your behalf.
  • Any foreign documents must be authorized by the MOFA or Taiwan Rep Office overseas.
  • Note: application must be sent within two years after fulfilling the residency requirement.

Q: How do I apply for permanent residency as a dependent of a permanent residency card holder?
A: If you are a dependent of a permanent residency card holder then the requirements are as follows:
1. Pass one of the following requirements:
  • "Where a foreign skilled professional applies for permanent residency under the provisions of Article 25 Paragraph 3 Subparagraph 2 of the Immigration Act, said person’s spouse and minor children, and children over twenty years old who are unable to live independently due to physical or mental disability, may apply for permanent residency with said person."
  • "After a foreign professional hired to conduct professional work has been approved for permanent residence, h spouse and minor children, and children over twenty years old who are unable to live independently due to physical or mental disability, and have resided in the State legally and continuously for five years, have stayed in the State for more than 183 days in each of those years, and have behaved properly in compliance with the national interests, may apply for permanent residency."
  • The spouse and any minor children of any alien whose application for permanent residency is approved based upon investment immigration (Plum Blossom APRC), may also apply for permanent residency.
2. Required documents:
  • Proof of family relationships
  • Children over twenty years old who are unable to live independently due to physical or mental disability shall provide the relevant supporting documents.
  • APRC application form.
  • 1 color photo
  • Originals and copies of current and past passports
  • Original and copy of current ARC card
  • Health exam at an approved hospital (exempt if you did not leave for more than three months in the five year period)
  • Other relevant identification documents
  • 10,000 NT fee
  • Letter of authorization (Power of attorney, POA) if you will ask someone else to complete the application on your behalf.
  • Any foreign documents must be authorized by the MOFA or Taiwan Rep Office overseas.

Q: How do I apply for permanent residency investment visa as an investor/business owner in Taiwan (Also known as APRC Plum Blossom Card)?
A:  If you are an investor/business owner in Taiwan, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Complete one of the following investment requirements:
  • Invest over NT 15 million in a for profit enterprise in Taiwan, and create five or more job opportunities for ROC nationals for three years.
  • Invest over NT 30 million in Taiwanese government bonds for over three years.
2. Business registration documents (all of the below):
  • Business registration certificate, such as the permit of business registration and business registration copy.
  • Shareholders list.
  • Company change registration card.
  • Letter issued by the Investment Commission, Ministry of Economic Affairs for applications within three (3) months.
  • Additional supporting documents shall be requested for particular cases.
3. Police record requirements:
  • "(1) The original copy of the police records of the past five(5) years issued by ROC (Taiwan). (valid within three (3) months)
  • (2) The original copy of the police records of the past five(5) years issued by applicant’s country of origin (valid within six (6) months) (including the Chinese translation of the certificate), with any of the following procedures to be completed:
  • 1. The original certificate of the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin and the Chinese translation which are verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas embassies. (the certificate may be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for re-verification).
  • 2. Where only the original certificate of the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin which is verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas embassies. (the certificate may be for re-verification), the Chinese translation of the certificate must be notarized by the court in the R.O.C.(Taiwan) or certified by a local public notary.
  • 3. Where the police records issued by the embassy or agency of applicant’s country of origin in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) in a foreign language, the original certificate shall be re-verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinese translation of the certificate must be notarized by the court in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) or certified by a local public notary.
  • (3) The police criminal records issued by applicant’s country of origin shall be the national record of the applicant’s home country. For example, the police records of U.S. citizens must be issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)."
  • "(4) Foreign nationals who have legally resided in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) for five (5) consecutive years, and exit the R.O.C. (Taiwan) each time for less than three (3) months, may be exempt from submitting satisfactory health examination certificates and the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin."
4. Required Documents:
  • Business registration documents listed under point 2 above
  • APRC application form.
  • 1 color photo
  • Originals and copies of current and past passports
  • Original and copy of current ARC card
  • Health exam at an approved hospital (exempt if you did not leave for more than three months in the five year period)
  • Police criminal record certificates issued by the government of the applicant’s home country in the most recent five years(exempt if you did not leave for more than three months in the five year period). See point number 4 above for more info.
  • Police criminal record certificates issued by by R.O.C. (Taiwan) in the most recent five (5) years (良民證 Liángmín zhèng).
  • Other relevant identification documents
  • 10,000 NT fee
  • Letter of authorization (Power of attorney, POA) if you will ask someone else to complete the application on your behalf.
  • Any foreign documents must be authorized by the MOFA or Taiwan Rep Office overseas.

Q: How do I apply for permanent residency as a missionary in Taiwan?
A: If you are a missionary in Taiwan, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Pass one of the following residency tests:
  • "An alien, who has legally and continuously resided in the State for five (5) years and for more than one hundred and eighty-three (183) days each year...[and meet other requirements below]." Please note the five years starts and ends on the first day your received your ARC, and the 183 days is counted starting from that day.
  • "Aliens who had legally resided in the State for twenty (20) years or over before May 31, 2002, during which period they had resided in the State for over one hundred and eighty-three (183) days each year for ten (10) years, and have met [other requirements below] for permanent residency."
​2: Documents from your religious organization (all of the following)
  • Letter of guarantee issued by the religious organization. A. This letter shall indicate that the foreigner will perform unpaid, full-time work. B. This letter shall provide assurance that the related organization will be responsible for the livelihood of the foreigner after obtaining permanent residency.
  • Permit of the religious organization issued by the Ministry of the Interior or registration of legal entities of the religious organization.
  • Certificate of employment issued by the religious organization.
​3. Police record requirements:
  • "(1) The original copy of the police records of the past five(5) years issued by ROC (Taiwan). (valid within three (3) months)
  • (2) The original copy of the police records of the past five(5) years issued by applicant’s country of origin (valid within six (6) months) (including the Chinese translation of the certificate), with any of the following procedures to be completed:
  • 1. The original certificate of the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin and the Chinese translation which are verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas embassies. (the certificate may be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for re-verification).
  • 2. Where only the original certificate of the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin which is verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas embassies. (the certificate may be for re-verification), the Chinese translation of the certificate must be notarized by the court in the R.O.C.(Taiwan) or certified by a local public notary.
  • 3. Where the police records issued by the embassy or agency of applicant’s country of origin in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) in a foreign language, the original certificate shall be re-verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinese translation of the certificate must be notarized by the court in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) or certified by a local public notary
  • ​(3) The police criminal records issued by applicant’s country of origin shall be the national record of the applicant’s home country. For example, the police records of U.S. citizens must be issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)."
  • "(4) Foreign nationals who have legally resided in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) for five (5) consecutive years, and exit the R.O.C. (Taiwan) each time for less than three (3) months, may be exempt from submitting satisfactory health examination certificates and the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin."
4. Required documents
  • Documents from your religious organization listed under point 2 above
  • APRC application form.
  • 1 color photo
  • Originals and copies of current and past passports
  • Original and copy of current ARC card
  • Health exam at an approved hospital (exempt if you did not leave for more than three months in the five year period)
  • Police criminal record certificates issued by the government of the applicant’s home country in the most recent five years(exempt if you did not leave for more than three months in the five year period). See point number 4 above for more info.
  • Police criminal record certificates issued by by R.O.C. (Taiwan) in the most recent five (5) years (良民證 Liángmín zhèng).
  • Other relevant identification documents
  • 10,000 NT fee
  • Letter of authorization (Power of attorney, POA) if you will ask someone else to complete the application on your behalf.
  • Any foreign documents must be authorized by the MOFA or Taiwan Rep Office overseas.
​
Q: What are the residency requirements to get an APRC?
A: If you are a foreign professional, spouse/child of an ROC national, or a missionary, then the residency requirements are one of the following:
  • "An alien, who has legally and continuously resided in the State for five (5) years and for more than one hundred and eighty-three (183) days each year...[and meet other requirements below]." Please note the five years starts and ends on the first day your received your ARC, and the 183 days is counted starting from that day. (Please note this is also applicable to foreign spouses).
  • "Alien spouse and/or children of a ROC(Taiwan) national with registered permanent residence in Taiwan who have legally resided in the State for ten (10) years, during which period they have actually resided in the State for more than one hundred and eighty-three (183) days each year for five (5) years, and also meet other requirements.
The five or ten years for fulfilling the residency requirement starts and ends on the first day your received your ARC, and the 183 days is counted starting from that day.
For example: 
If I first received my work ARC August 20th, 2016, I would have to wait until August 20th, 2021 to be eligible to apply for an APRC.
If I left for more than 183 days between August 20th, 2016 and August 20th 2017, or between August 20th, 2017 and August 20th, 2018 etc. I would not be able to apply for an APRC.
Note 1: If you leave for more than 90 days in this period you will have to get a health  check and obtain a criminal record from your home country. 
Note 2: The time toward your APRC residence test does not count if your ARC was a student ARC or related to marine fishing/netting work, household assistant and nursing work, or workers designated by the Central Competent Authority in response to national major construction project(s) or economic/social development needs.
Note 3: If the nature of your ARC changes from missionary to professional worker or vice versa, then the count starts over.


Q: Does my student visa count toward the five years?
A: No.

Q: Is there an electronic copy of the APRC application that I can fill out on my computer first?
A: Yes, you can download the file below and fill it out first using Microsoft Word. 
arc_application_form.doc
File Size: 118 kb
File Type: doc
Download File

  Q: How do I apply for a Taiwan ROC police criminal record (良民證 Liángmín zhèng)?
A: Applying for a Taiwan ROC police criminal record (良民證 Liángmín zhèng) is pretty easy. You can go in person first or online here to apply. If you apply online, you will have to fill out the form shown below:
Picture
Taken from https://eli.npa.gov.tw/E7WebO/E701/E701A01A_01.jsp
After about three days, your criminal record will be ready for pickup. They will not notify you, so you need to call if you want to make sure it is ready. 
The cost for this document is 100 NT.
Required documents:
To pick up your criminal record certificate you need to bring the following:
  • Original ARC or passport
  • 100 NT
  • Power of attorney letter if someone else will perform this for you. 
Please note that your ROC criminal record should have been obtained in the past three months before your APRC application. 
List of police stations that offer criminal records:
Only a few police stations around Taiwan offer this service. Here is the full list:

(Taipei City) 臺北市政府警察局
Address: 臺北市中正區延平南路96號 hours: 08:30-17:00 周三至20時 phone: 02-23817494
(New Taipei City) 新北市政府警察局
Address: 新北市板橋區府中路32號 hours: 08:30-17:00 周三至20時 phone: 02-80725454 轉4095或4096
(Taoyuan) 桃園市政府警察局
Address: 桃園市桃園區縣府路3號 hours: 08:00-17:00 周三至20時 phone: 03-3335107
(Taichung) 臺中市政府警察局
Address: 臺中市潭子區豐興路一段500號 hours: 08:00-17:00 phone: 04-23273875
(Tainan) 臺南市政府警察局
Address: 臺南市新營區中正路3號 hours: 08:00-17:30 phone: 06-6354531
(Kaohsiung) 高雄市政府警察局
Address: 高雄市前金區中正四路260號 hours: 08:00-17:30 phone: 07-2215796
(Keelung) 基隆市警察局
Address: 基隆市信二路205號 phone: 02-24252787; hours: 08:30-17:30
(Hsinchu City) 新竹市警察局
Address: 新竹市中山路1號 phone: 03-5242103; hours: 08:00-12:00; 13:00-17:00
(Hsinchu County) 新竹縣政府警察局
Address: 新竹縣竹北市光明六路12號 phone: 03-5557953; hours: 08:00-17:00
(Chiayi City) 嘉義市政府警察局
Address: 嘉義市中山路195號 phone: 05-2220772; hours: 08:00-12:00; 13:30-17:30
(Chiayi County) 嘉義縣警察局
Address: 嘉義縣太保市祥和一路東段3號 hours: 08:00-12:00; 13:00-17:00 phone: 05-3620220
(Miaoli) 苗栗縣警察局
Address: 苗栗縣苗栗市府前路2號 phone: 037-356950; hours: 08:00-12:00; 13:00-17:00
(Changhua) 彰化縣警察局
Address: 彰化縣彰化市中正路2段778號; phone: 04-7615463; hours: 08:00-17:30  
(Nantou) 南投縣政府警察局
Address: 南投縣南投市南崗二路133號 hours: 08:00-12:00; 13:30-17:30 phone: 049-2234302
(Yunlin) 雲林縣警察局
Address: 雲林縣斗六市大學路3段100號 hours: 08:00-13:00; 13:30-17:30 phone: 05-5329033
(Pingtung) 屏東縣政府警察局
Address: 屏東縣屏東市中正路119號 hours: 08:00-12:00; 13:30-17:30 phone: 08-7336283
(Yilan) 宜蘭縣政府警察局
Address: 宜蘭縣宜蘭市中山路2段167號 Hours: 08:00-17:00 Phone: 039-353921
(Hualien) 花蓮縣警察局
Address: 花蓮縣花蓮市府前路21號 Hours: 08:00-17:00 Phone: 03-8224023
(Taitung) 臺東縣警察局
Address: 臺東縣臺東市中山路268號 hours: 08:00-12:00 13:00-17:00 phone: 089-334756
(Penghu) 澎湖縣政府警察局
澎湖縣馬公市治平路36號 hours: 08:00-12:00; 13:30-17:30 phone: 06-9278466
(Kinmen) 金門縣警察局
Address: 金門縣金城鎮金山路15號 hours: 08:00-12:00;13:30-17:30; phone: 0823-25653
(Matsu) 連江縣警察局
Address: 連江縣南竿鄉介壽村260號 hours: 08:00-12:00; 13:30-17:30 Phone: 0836-25859轉2102
Picture
The ROC police certificate looks like this.

Q: How do I apply for a police permit from my home country?
A: The requirements are as follows:
  • (1) The original copy of the police records of the past five(5) years issued by applicant’s country of origin (valid within six (6) months) (including the Chinese translation of the certificate), with any of the following procedures to be completed:
  • 1. The original certificate of the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin and the Chinese translation which are verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas embassies. (the certificate may be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for re-verification).
  • 2. Where only the original certificate of the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin which is verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas embassies. (the certificate may be for re-verification), the Chinese translation of the certificate must be notarized by the court in the R.O.C.(Taiwan) or certified by a local public notary.
  • 3. Where the police records issued by the embassy or agency of applicant’s country of origin in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) in a foreign language, the original certificate shall be re-verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinese translation of the certificate must be notarized by the court in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) or certified by a local public notary
  • (2) The police criminal records issued by applicant’s country of origin shall be the national record of the applicant’s home country. For example, the police records of U.S. citizens must be issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)."
For a guide on how to obtain this permit from the USA, see the "criminal record check" section of this blog here.

Q: How long does it take to receive my APRC?
A: After applying for an APRC, it will go through two stages of review. It usually takes 3 weeks to two months to receive your APRC.

Q: What is the minimum salary requirement to get an APRC?
A: 47,600 NT per month as of 2020.
"Having an average monthly income in Taiwan in the previous year that is more than twice of the Monthly Minimum Wage promulgated by the Council of Labor Affairs;" 

Q: Where do I get a withholding tax certificate (扣繳憑單 Kòu jiǎo píngdān)?
​A: You can only receive a withholding tax certificate "扣繳憑單 Kòu jiǎo píngdān" from your employer. Please note the certificate must have your company’s stamp on it. or proof that you have "chattels and real estate in Taiwan with an estimated total value in excess of five million NT dollars (NT$5,000,000)"​​.​​
Picture
Example of a withholding tax statement above.

A: Where do I get a a tax payment certificate (納稅證明 Nàshuì zhèngmíng)?

A: You can receive one by applying at your local tax office. 
Picture
Example of a tax payment certificate above. 

​Q: Where do I get a Certificate of employment (在職證明 Zàizhí zhèngmíng)?.
A: You must get a certificate of employment within one (1) month of applying from your employer, who should have a business entity in Taiwan. The certificate should have the company stamp on the document.

Q: Do I need to show the work permit for the most recent year or all prior years?
A: Just show your most recent work permit.

Q: Can I apply for an APRC based on my time as a tourist, student, migrant fisherman, or care taker?
A: No.

Q: How do I know when my APRC has been approved, and how can I pick it up?

A: After your APRC application has been approved, you will receive an official letter in Chinese like the one below. 
Picture
The letter will tell you who to ask about when you need to go to the immigration office to pick up your APRC card. In my case, I called the office and they said my APRC was ready within 10 days of the letter. You have to go in person, or ask another Taiwanese person to go in person on your behalf to get your APRC card.
Picture
You have to take the letter, your receipt of 10,000 NT payment, and your current ARC to pick up your new APRC at the immigration office. Make sure you keep the 10,000 NT receipt on hand otherwise you will not be able to get your APRC card smoothly.
Picture
The APRC card looks exactly like a normal ARC card except there is no expiration date, and it will not mention your spouse or employer on the card. 

Q: Do I need to apply for an open work permit with the labor bureau after I receive my APRC?
A: If you are a foreign professional: Yes. This step is kind of a formality.
If you are a spouse/child of an ROC national: Yes! As per Article 51 of the Employment Service Act, you still need to apply for an open work permit because it says everyone with permanent residence needs to apply for one.
In other words, every APRC holder needs to apply for a work permit if they plan to work in Taiwan. If not, technically you can be fined for working without proper authority. 

Q: How do I apply for my open working permit?
A: You should apply at the nearest Ministry of Labor office. In Taipei, there is only one office you can go to on Zhonghua Road Sec. 1, No 39, 10F. 
You will need to bring:
  • Application form AF-042 (see below) and declaration statement (they will provide the statement)
  • 1 APRC copy of both sides
  • 2 passport copies
  • ​A 1 inch photo
  • 100 NT
​Processing time takes about an hour if you go in person. They are open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. You can also send in the application via mail, but you will need to pay via post office and it will take 12 working days.
af-042就服法第51條第1項第1、3、4款申請書_個人___1_.doc
File Size: 54 kb
File Type: doc
Download File

Q: How long does it take to receive the work permit?
A: If you go in person, it takes an hour for them to process. After applying I had to sit there for an hour, while it seemed the labor office was literally not doing anything. I was the only person there.
If you process by mail, it takes 12 working days. 
Picture

After an hour of waiting, I finally received my open work permit.
Picture
The work permit looks like the photo above. It is a card you can carry around. This is a special work permit just for APRC holders, which must be applied for under Article 51 of the Employment Service Act. The work permit is valid as long as your APRC is valid, which hopefully will be forever. ​

Q: What is the requirement to keep my APRC if I need to leave Taiwan for a few years?

A: For white collar professionals and special professinoals: All you have to do is come back to Taiwan once every five years.
For everyone else (missionaries, dependents, foreign spouse/child): You must apply for an exemption at the government website here, otherwise if you do not your APRC will be canceled.
You can apply for multiple times in a row (two years per application).
Legal reference:
Article 18 Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals:
Where a foreign professional, after having obtained approval for permanent residence from the National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior, leaves the State for more than five years without re-entering, the National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior, may revoke said person’s permanent residence permit and cancel said person’s Alien Permanent Resident Certificate, and the provisions of Article 33 Paragraph 1 Subparagraph 4 of the Immigration Act do not apply.

​Also please note that you should end your health insurance and also the tax rate will go to 18% if you stay over 90 days but less than 183 days in a year.

Q: Do I need to apply in advance if I plan to leave Taiwan for a few years?
A: No if you are a white collar professional or dependent. Yes if you have another APRC type. You must apply for an exemption at the government website here.
Also please note that you should end your health insurance and also the tax rate will go to 18% if you stay over 90 days but less than 183 days in a year.

Q: Does my student ARC count toward the APRC residency total?
A: No.

Q: Does my time on a missionary ARC count toward my professional/foreign child spouse ARC for the APRC total?
A: No. Each ARC type must be valid over the 5 consecutive years (or ten consecutive years for spouse/child ARC). If you changed the nature of your ARC from a missionary to something else, the timing starts over.

Q: Does my time on a white collar professional ARC count toward APRC time after my spouse ARC?
A: Yes.

Q: Do I still require a health check/police report from my home country if I am using the 10 year residency test for spouses/children of ROC nationals?
A: If you left Taiwan for longer than three months in that period, then yes you still need these two things. If you did not leave Taiwan for more than 90 days, then no.

Q: If I am a working professional (white collar worker) with an APRC, can my dependents and minor children receive their APRC immediately without having to wait 5 years?
A: Yes.

Q:  What happens when my dependent with an APRC turns 21?
A: Their APRC will be cancelled and they must find another form of ARC/APRC to stay in Taiwan.

Q: When must I update my address/passport no./name etc. on my APRC?
A: Within 15 days of the change, otherwise you will be fined at least 2000 NT. 

Q: What are the qualifications for Taiwan's employment gold card?
A: Check out our employment gold card FAQ here.

Q: Is there a facebook group for general APRC questions?
A: Yes, check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TaiwanAPRC/
I would recommend only asking general questions about the process and about other's experiences. For specific questions about APRC required documents and whether or not you meet requirements, contact the immigration agency directly. 

Q: If I have specific questions about my APRC application, who should I ask?
A: Ask the immigration agency closest to you, or call the foreigner hotline in Taiwan toll free at 0800-024-111.

Be sure to check out more of our Taiwan related frequently asked questionshere. 
Share

74 Comments
Gladys Roxan Abellana
7/23/2020 04:41:15 am

Question: does being a factory worker includes the qualifications for having or getting a APRC?

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
7/23/2020 11:32:25 am

For blue collar workers, the regulation seems to be 6 years working in a row or seven years living in Taiwan: https://www.businesstoday.com.tw/article/category/80392/post/201805160019/%E7%A7%BB%E6%B0%91%E6%94%BF%E7%AD%96%E9%AC%86%E7%B6%81%EF%BC%81%E5%A4%96%E7%B1%8D%E5%8B%9E%E5%B7%A5%E5%9C%A8%E5%8F%B0%E5%B9%B4%E8%B3%87%E5%85%AD%E5%B9%B4%E5%8F%AF%E6%B0%B8%E5%B1%85
To clarify if you are eligible or not, please call the NIA toll free: 0800-024-111.

Reply
Li
8/25/2020 11:07:46 am

Hi, this link (business...) creates a horizontal scrollbar on the computer version (not in the mobile version), which makes the page distorted and very hard to read. It would be great if you could fix this. Very helpful page otherwise!

Gladys Roxan Abellana link
9/26/2020 12:08:43 am

Thank you for the reply... and if ever i can make the 7years here in Taiwan, is that mean i can apply by myself for APRC? Or can get any help from my employer for that?? I am 6years already here in Taiwan with the same employer..

Lei Yiming
9/13/2020 12:37:36 am

Hi there,

Thanks for this invaluable source of information! I (British citizen) am currently planning to do a masters in Taiwan with the hope that I might settle there with my spouse (PRC citizen) in the long term. I understand that the two years of my masters would not count towards the successive five years required to attain an APRC, but I am unclear as to whether or not my spouse is also required to live in Taiwan for five years to apply for an APRC alongside me. If I attain an APRC, will my spouse be able to apply directly for her own permit if she has lived outside the country for the 5 years leading up to my own application?

Thanks,

Yiming

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
8/2/2021 09:27:54 am

Both you and your spouse will need to fulfill the five year resident requirement in Taiwan. And time on a student ARC will not count.

Reply
chris davis link
9/25/2020 10:15:47 pm

if i complete all 5 years on a Gold Card, do I need to show the minimum wage stuff for proof of financial assets? or do I just qualify under the "special foreign professional" definition? (number 3 under that portion -- see below...)?

(3) Having a certificate issued by the ROC government that certify people with specialized professionalism, techniques or have passed a technical test.
(4) Other condition(s) recognized by the National Immigration Agency.

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
8/2/2021 09:29:17 am

For such a specific question, you should ask the NIA directly. Ask them if the documents you have to prove you are a special professional are enough.

Reply
Simon
9/29/2020 12:08:25 pm

Thank you for the excellent info, much of what is on the web is out of date. I learned of some options from the post that I never knew I had...I may follow up with an email.

Reply
Simon
10/13/2020 07:51:11 am

HI looks like the figure in section 3. is incorrect/typo:

3. Proof of financial assets, skills, or talents (one of the below):'or proof that you have at least 500,000 NT in your bank account​​. I have examples of the former two documents further below.'

So from am I right that this should be 5,000,000?

Reply
Miguel
1/18/2021 08:32:07 am

I’ve been a long time APRC holder, now I’m retired.
Do I need to apply for an exemption if I’m going to spend more than 183 days out of taiwan?. The información i see here only mentions spouses
Thanks

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
8/2/2021 09:31:46 am

Yes, you should.

Reply
John
5/27/2021 04:08:19 am

HI,
I'm married to Taiwanese citizen. We were considering retiring to Taiwan (from USA). We would like to have all the paperwork (authorizations and approvals) completed before making any moving plans. How would I go about getting a citizenship/APRC/JFRV from here?

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
8/2/2021 09:32:49 am

Meet the residency and other specific requirements to apply for an APRC as a foreign spouse or child of a Taiwanese national (currently has JFRV, aka "依親 Yiqin" or family dependent ARC) mentioned above.

Reply
Val
5/31/2021 10:09:55 pm

I am a college foreign student here in Taiwan. Currently I'm a third year college, I plan to take a masteral degree. So in the future, I will be here for more than 5 years. I am holding a Multiple Re-Entry Permit ARC. Does my time here include for the application for APRC?

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
8/2/2021 09:34:41 am

No

Reply
Chad Edwards
7/13/2021 11:39:52 am

I am a US citizen and APRC holder. I am leaving Taiwan for one month at the end of July. I just discovered my passport will expire in Mid January of 2022. Can I still come back into Taiwan on my APRC if I have less than 6 months left on my passport. I would plan to renew it immediately after returning to Taiwan.

Thanks!

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
8/2/2021 09:34:20 am

Talk to your airline and apply for a new passport as soon as possible.

Reply
Rose
8/3/2021 03:34:46 pm

I am a dependent on my husbands APRC. He went to Canada in 2019 and due to medical stuff he was out for 187 days. Will they cancel his APRC when i apply for mine? will they consider Covid related delays on travelling back? Just 4 days over.

Reply
Rose
8/3/2021 04:43:54 pm

I have had an ARC as dependent of my APRC foreign worker husband for 7 yrs. He stayed 187 out. If he loses his APRC, would i be able to apply as a dependent from my daughter's APRC instead? She already has her husband and son as dependents, could she ad her mom?

Reply
Terence
8/4/2021 07:07:30 pm

Hello,

I received my APRC last week and I wanted to thank you for all the information that you provide in your blog. It is much more useful and easier to understand than the official immigration website. Especially about the exact nature of some required documents.

I also wanted to share my modest experience:
1- When applying, I did not have to give them my current ARC and use a application certificate instead. You can keep it as they can actually reject your APRC application. You will have give it only when you pick up the APRC.
2- Also, they said that if your APRC is not ready before the expiration date of your current ARC, you need to re-apply for a new standard ARC. So if you apply for an APRC while the current one is about to expire, you need to make sure you can get the required document to apply for a new ARC in time.
3- If granted, your APRC may show new ID number of one letter and nine number. However, your old ID number may appear on the back of the APRC. This is probably to help with the ID number changing with the banks, insurance, etc.
Again, thank you for your help!

Terence.

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
8/9/2021 02:21:58 pm

Thanks Terence!

Reply
Jesslyn
8/6/2021 05:17:44 pm

I already worked in Taiwan as white collar for 2 years. If I change my job now (still white collar), can I apply for APRC after 3 years later?
Thanks.

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
8/9/2021 02:21:37 pm

Yes.

Reply
Jesslyn
8/12/2021 04:20:58 pm

As above said: "I thought the five years for the APRC could be calculated using different ARC types. That is not true, you have to be on one ARC type for the whole five years."
Can you explain more about the ARC type? Is it like study/work/missionary?

Alan
8/9/2021 09:59:58 am

I thought this was changed from 5 years to 3 years?

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
8/9/2021 02:21:19 pm

That has not taken effect yet.

Reply
Simon
8/12/2021 06:32:18 am

A question re the having required income in the previous year. My wife is due to finish her contract in November. It was out plan then to apply for the aprc for her on the strength of this year's salary. As taxes etc would not yet be processed. What do we do? Is the tax.ofdice able to give us something showing what she earned this year? Are we allowed to apply based on this year's earnings? If so how do we approach this? Many thanks for your help.

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
12/13/2021 04:27:21 pm

Yes you can go to the tax office and ask for an income list 所得清單

Reply
Andre
8/17/2021 04:17:25 pm

Dear helping people,

I have an arc in the field of art which will expire on 30.09.2021. i left taiwan last week for familiar reasons and i would like to know how and if i can entre the country again? Due to covid i saw that only aprc holders are allowed to entre taiwan. So can i extend my arc or will it get extended automatically due to the situation? What can i do? I really love taiwan but its pretty complicated at the moment.

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
12/13/2021 04:26:36 pm

Valid ARC holders can still enter.

Reply
de la Cruz
8/20/2021 02:10:30 pm

I would like to know what is the difference of APRC and Employment Pass Card ? Can anyone help me ?

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
12/13/2021 04:26:04 pm

Employment Gold Card has expiry and has tax benefits. https://www.foreignersintaiwan.com/blog-370963385326684/taiwan-employment-gold-card-faq

Reply
Stella
8/23/2021 01:18:10 pm

Can you please explain more about the ARC types? Because you said that you changed your ARC type. Missionary?student?white collar working?

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
12/13/2021 04:25:18 pm

The purpose of your ARC when you originally applied. Was it for work, study, etc.

Reply
Filip
8/28/2021 05:27:49 pm

Has anyone tested whether the "last year average salary" is really the last calendar year or can it be just the last 12 months?
The clerk at immigration told me that it has to be the last calendar year, but sometimes officials don't know the law that accurately. Thanks

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
12/13/2021 04:24:32 pm

Last Calendar Year

Reply
Jason
9/1/2021 05:10:43 am

Hi, Is this < 3 months per year? or for the entire 5 to be 3 years? Thanks.

Foreign nationals who have legally resided in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) for five (5) consecutive years, and exit the R.O.C. (Taiwan) each time for less than three (3) months, may be exempt from submitting satisfactory health examination certificates and the police records issued by applicant’s country of origin."

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
12/13/2021 04:24:02 pm

3 months per year.

Reply
Jessi Millwood
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Reply
Ray
10/14/2021 01:18:58 am

Hello,

I have been in the US visiting my family due to some health issues in my family. I have an APRC. I have been in the US since July and it is now October. So, I've been here almost 4 months. I was supposed to go back to Taiwan in October, but my flight was cancelled due to Covid.

I want to stay until at least Christmas because I haven't been back for Christmas in about 10 years. I've heard that I can't stay outside of Taiwan for more thank 180 days if I want to keep my APRC. I've also heard it is possible to extend my time outside of Taiwan because I am visiting my family for health reasons. Do I have to be back in Taiwan to apply for that extension, or can I do it from the states?

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
12/13/2021 04:23:27 pm

You must apply for an exemption at the government website here.https://ncp.immigration.gov.tw/NIA_OnlineApply_inter/onlineExitCase/onlineExitCaseForm.action

Reply
iyy
10/25/2021 11:39:56 pm

after becoming aprc holder, can I invite my mother to stay in taiwan by multi entry arc?

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
12/13/2021 04:22:14 pm

Not sure about multiple entry, but yes.

Reply
Mary
11/2/2021 03:10:00 pm

HI thanks for such detailed information :)

I want to apply (I already asked NIA, and I am eligible), however I do have some questions, if anyone can help

1. Bank statement: will the passbook be ok, or do I need to provide a specific bank documentation?

2. Once I receive the APRC, how long can i leave Taiwan without coming back, and how should i update the APRC?

3. Once with the APRC, if I leave Taiwan, do I still need to pay taxes and NHI? How would that work?

4. Once with the APRC, what should i do with the company I am working now, will there be any status changed or information i shall provide / receive?

5. If my husband is also a foreigner, can he get an APRC as well?

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
12/13/2021 04:11:49 pm

1. Passbook should be okay.
2. Depends on what kind of APRC you get.
3. No.
4. Yes you should let you company HR person know.
5. Yes if he meets the criteria.

Reply
luk
11/7/2021 04:18:34 pm

Hi, thanks for guide!

I think one of the answers below has a typo and it should be either 500k or 5m in both cases, but sure which one is correct?
Also would like to ask, if I can prove I have the money in bank account, do I still need to have salary that is twice the minimum at the time of applying for APRC?

You can prove the above easily by using a withholding tax certificate from your employer "扣繳憑單 Kòu jiǎo píngdān" from your employer (with company stamp), a tax payment certificate (納稅證明 Nàshuì zhèngmíng), or proof that you have at least 5,000,000 NT in your bank account​​. I have examples of the former two documents further below.

Q: Where do I get a withholding tax certificate (扣繳憑單 Kòu jiǎo píngdān)?
​A: You can only receive a withholding tax certificate "扣繳憑單 Kòu jiǎo píngdān" from your employer. Please note the certificate must have your company’s stamp on it. or proof that you have at least 500,000 NT in your bank account

Reply
睹善 Dusan
12/13/2021 02:54:43 pm

Under the question What are the specific requirements to apply for an APRC as a normal foreigner living in Taiwan for employment purposes?”
In the list of required documents (point 6) it says: Proof of financial assets, skills, or talents (see no. 2 above)
But there is no no.2. the paragraph numbering is 1. 3. 4. 5. 6 Please clarify.

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
12/13/2021 04:08:54 pm

Sorry the numbering was messed up. Fixed now.

Reply
Ann
12/14/2021 04:29:55 am

I just stumbled upon this blog. Thank you for the wellspring of information.

Is there anywhere on this site that details on how to apply for foreign spouse ARC ? Unfortunately, I cannot do a search.

I know there's an official Taiwan government site, but I'd much rather gather the insights from expatriates living in Taiwan.

Thank you very much.

Reply
Tamas
12/14/2021 04:56:44 pm

I'm a foreigner living in Taiwan for almost 30 years, holding an APRC since 2017. My wife is also a foreigner, who is already here living with me using a spouse ARC (based upon my APRC) - issued earlier this year. She hasn't got university degree or other special qualifications, but is there any way that she can apply for a "normal" job - such as a factory worker before the first 5 years pass and she could get her own APRC?

Reply
De la Cruz
12/29/2021 02:06:08 am

I got my APRC last week. Thanks to you. However, I plan to leave Taiwan next year and I am not sure when to come back. Does the (stay for183 days rule for the next year)also applies for foreign professional APRC holders? Or I just need to stay within 5 years and all is ok? Please help. I am so confused.
‘“””
Q: What is the requirement to keep my APRC if I need to leave Taiwan for a few years?
A: For white collar professionals and special professinoals: All you have to do is come back to Taiwan once every five years.
“”””

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
12/29/2021 10:05:05 am

It should be once every five years. To avoid any doubt, just read the back of your APRC and it will tell you.

Glad to hear this blog was helpful to you!

Reply
SC
5/24/2022 05:25:25 pm

Hello. Firstly thank you for the great resource.
I'm a bit confused - further up (eg. 8/2/2021) you replied that a white collar APRC should apply for an exemption, but in the article, and here, it's just returning at least once every five years.
Have the rules changed in that period?
Many thanks!
(I did apply for exemption previously, when it was definitely required)

Michael Campbell
1/17/2022 02:06:31 pm

Hi

I saw in the Disadvantages section of having APRC, one of the things that draw my intention is "related tax benefits will be gone once you get an APRC"

What is the that benefit that ARC holder can have but APRC holder can't have?

Currently I'm holding ARC with 2 dependents who live in Taiwan as well with me (Wife and Son) and I my taxable income is reduced due to having dependents. Is this is one of the benefit that will be gone once I have APRC?

Thanks so much in advance

Best Regards

Michael

Reply
Hans
2/16/2022 06:14:09 pm

Few suggested updates of the post since I just went through the process:
- There's a new tax payment certificate with an itemized list. Not everyone at the immigration office recognizes this yet and sends the applicant back to get "the correct one". That should grow out over time though :-)
- There's a new application form for the open work permit. The old one linked in the post is no longer accepted
- Once you get your APRC and hence a new ID, your employer should change the ID with NHI. You can't do it yourself at NHI...

Reply
N
2/17/2022 11:25:16 am

I tried to apply for my APRC in Kaohsiung today and was told I would need to extend my ARC first because the ARC needs to still be valid for at least 3 months (mine is valid for another 6 weeks). The reason they gave was that APRC processing takes 3 months. I double-checked the application documents from the National Immigration website, and they say "Processing Time:14 days (excluding the time taken for the special municipality and county/city the service centers to approve transfer to the NIA, for supplementation of documents, for interviews, or for requesting relevant agencies to examine documents)." and "the applicant’s ARC must still be valid." My application seems to be completely standard and I had all the other correct documents. When I asked about the discrepency the officer just said "the website is wrong." So, not a big problem in my case, but useful to know about this apparently unwritten "3 month" rule. Not sure if they would require this in every city or for every type of APRC application.

Reply
Rainicornfanboy
3/15/2022 11:41:42 pm

I went to apply today. The lady said, it would take about 4 weeks before they would invite me to the interview. Also applied in Kaohsiung. Got nothing in return for handing in my papers, so basically no proof. She said I would have to pay when I have my interview. I have been talking to people in Taipei. It took them 3 weeks to get it without any interview at all. Did you get your APRC yet?

Reply
N
5/19/2022 02:39:42 pm

After submitting my APRC application it took a total of about 6 weeks to receive my card. The local office took about 2 weeks to process the initial application, then they called me to come and pay the 10,000 fee so they could submit it to Taipei. Took about another month for Taipei to approve the application and the local office to print the card. I'm delighted to be a new permanent resident!

Reply
Melanie
2/19/2022 05:23:42 am

To be exempt for the police check from my own country, it says that I cannot have left Taiwan for more than 3 months. May i know if they count this in days or months? I was gone Nov 11 2021 to Feb 9. Is this duration still considered exempt from the police check? Thanks!

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
2/22/2022 05:09:16 pm

In principle yes, but please check with the immigration office.

Reply
Kimma
2/21/2022 10:56:30 pm

Hello! Good day.
May I ask if I want to apply for APRC, do I need the approval of my employer? Or I can apply by my own? Thanks.

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
2/22/2022 05:08:49 pm

Hi Kimma,

You can apply on your own without your employer's permission.

Reply
Lukasz
3/1/2022 05:27:35 pm

Hi, thanks for the info.
Just thought I'll contribute by mentioning, that to apply for the open work permit after you got your APRC you need to go to the Ministry of Labor in Taipei, they don't process it at other branches. I just went to the Ministry of Labor in Xinzhuang and they had no idea what to do, had to start calling around and in the end told me to go to Taipei.

Reply
Sean
3/8/2022 03:08:25 pm

So, just to confirm my understanding here:

1) If I get an APRC by completing all of the requirements, I can work in Taiwan, self-employed, by first getting an open work permit? Not just the APRC by itself?

2) Does that mean I can do something such as open my own restaurant? Or is it limited to work from outside sources such as remote computer jobs?

Reply
Filip
3/21/2022 02:37:03 pm

I just found one thing that might come in handy. You can track your application's progress online. There are three fields to fill in after scanning the QR code on your receipt. 1 Receipt number. 2 ID number 3 your birthday.

When I put all three in, I saw no results.
Only after not putting in my ID number - only including my BD and the receipt number, I saw my application progress in the system.

Reply
Peter John Comfort
3/28/2022 10:11:49 pm

Hi I have been told by immigration that both my work visa arc and JFRC count towards that 5 year requirement at immigration. However, I was thinking of switching back to my work based ARC.

What happened in your situation? You said that your application was rejected? Did you have a break in between or something?

Reply
Tina
4/10/2022 09:04:29 pm

Hi, can I check is the parent of an ARC holder eligible to apply for the dependent ARC? Doe the dependent usually refer to the Children below 20 years of age? Thank you.

Reply
Jeffy
5/3/2022 12:20:55 am

Hello, Im a white collar, my salary is not 48k, it would be a problem to get the APRC ?
Do I need to show my payslips or proof about my salary ??

Reply
Ado
5/5/2022 07:27:13 pm

Can I write a power of attorney to apply for a new arc? I mean my looking for a job Arc expires in June but my new job starts in August, now it's too early to apply because so I'd like to leave Taiwan for 2 months and have someone applying for me with a power of attorney, pick it up and send it to me, is this possible? Thank you

Reply
Dewrrick
6/6/2022 04:55:03 pm

Not sure if you still check this, but do you know how strict is the "Application must be sent within two years after fulfilling the residency requirement"?

I make enough money, but it turns out my boss has been "misrepresenting" my income for tax reasons, so I'm going to need another full tax year at a higher reported income to show proof. This would put me beyond my seventh year. Seems like an arbitrary rule, so hopefully they won't be sticklers about it.

Reply
Toro
7/28/2022 03:19:53 pm

you mentioned the five year count needs to be on the same ARC, so if i had a entrepreneurial ARC for 1 year and then switched to gold card (4 year), at the end of my 4 year gold card, can i still apply for APRC?

Reply
Ly Nguyen link
11/8/2022 11:38:32 pm

New application form of open work permit: https://www-ws.gov.taipei/Download.ashx?u=LzAwMS9VcGxvYWQvNDU0L3JlbGZpbGUvNDYwMDYvODQ0NTU5MC82NWEyNThkNy0yYzM2LTRhNzktODZjNS1jOGMxNzNlZDE0MzAucGRm&n=MTJf5aSW5ZyL5Lq65bel5L2c6Kix5Y%2Bv55Sz6KuL5pu4KOWAi%2BS6uijlsLHmnI3ms5XCpzUxLTEtMeOAgTPjgIE0KS5wZGY%3D&icon=..pdf

Reply
Shennon
1/14/2023 12:48:37 am

Can I travel abroad after submitting my APRC application. My ARC expiration date is 2026. I plan to travel for a month after submitting my APRC application to settle some issues and return back to Taiwan. Can I use my ARC to enter Taiwan?

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     Author 作家

    We are US Expats that have extensive experience living, working, and travelling in Taiwan. In our day, we had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But we have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. ​Our blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. We are just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country.

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