1. Visa Information

International students should obtain a student visa or entry permit at a Taiwan overseas representative office before coming to Taiwan. Two kinds of visas are available: visitor visa and resident visa. For the latest visa information, please visit the Taiwan Representative Office or Embassy in your country or check the following website:

Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China

https://www.boca.gov.tw/mp-2.html

1. Visitor visa

International students with valid passports or other legal documents who intend to stay for no more than six months in Taiwan can apply for a visitor visa.

2. Resident visa

International students with valid passports or other legal documents who intend to stay for longer than six months in Taiwan can apply for a resident visa.

 Visa Process

Where to apply

1.   Alien Residence Certificate (ARC) application

The ARC process should be conducted within 15 days after entering Taiwan (counted from the next day of arrival).

(1)  If you are holding a resident visa, please complete your school registration within 15 days after arriving at school. Take your passport (the original and a copy of the passport bio-page), visa (the original and a copy), two color 2"x2" passport photographs, admission letter (the original and a copy; the original will be returned after inspection) and certificate of enrolment to obtain your Alien Residence Certificate within 15 days after arriving in Taiwan.

(2)  Students from Hong Kong and Macao: Please complete your registration and physical examination within 15 days after arriving at school. Take your passport (the original and a copy), visa (the original and a copy), entry permit (the original and a copy; the original will be returned after inspection), certificate of enrollment, two 2"x2" color passport photographs, Hong Kong or Macao identity card (the original and a copy), permission of entry, physical examination report, and for those who are already 20 years old or older, Police Criminal Record Certificate to obtain Residence Permit so that long-term residency is legal.

Note: Photos must have been taken within 6 months. Hat and tinted glasses are not permitted and ears should be visible

2.  National Health Insurance (NHI) Information

Students who obtain a resident visa and have stayed in Taiwan for 6 successive months are required to join the NHI scheme. In order to qualify for the NHI scheme only one departure is permitted during the first 6-month period in Taiwan (of no more than 30 days). International students are advised that if they go home during winter vacation, or go on an overseas trip, then those days are not counted in the 6 successive months and this will delay meeting the NHI conditions. The NHI is important for students in Taiwan so please pay attention to this condition when purchasing your plane tickets.

For NHI regulations, please check the National Health Insurance website: National health Insurance Administration

http://www.nhi.gov.tw/english/