Visa:
Visa application can be a confusing process! Hence, follow these steps closely for a smooth arrival in Taiwan.
Step 1: Check if you require a VISA
Depending on your length of stay and nationality, you may or may not require a Visa during your stay in Taiwan. Check here if you qualify for Visa-Exempt Entry or if you have Landing Visas, which are commonly valid for 30-90days.
Step 2: What type of Visa should you apply for?
If you require a Visa during your stay in Taiwan, do ensure that you apply for it before leaving the country.
There are 3 types of VISA available for application – Visitor’s Single-entry VISA, Visitor’s Multiple Entries VISA and Resident’s VISA.
For students from Mainland China, please refer here for more information.
| Single-entry | Multiple entries | Single-entry |
Cost | $65 | $129 | $86 |
Details | Allows for a single entry into Taiwan within the valid period – 180 days | Allows for multiple entries into Taiwan within the valid period (i.e. you can leave Taiwan for another country and return using the same VISA for 180 days) | For students staying in the host country more than 180 days. |
Students on a semester long exchange programme or who are unable to qualify for the Visa-exempt entry can apply for single/multiple entry VISA. The VISA is valid for a maximum of 60 to 90 days with 2 extensions allowed and an accumulated duration not exceeding 6 months. To extend your VISA, head over to local service centres of the National Immigration Agency for an extension at least 15 days prior to expiration.
Required Documents for Extension:
- Multiple-purpose Application Form for Foreign Residents’ application
- The original and one copy of passport (original will be returned after verification)
- Proof of registration from school (with name, student ID, and duration)
Extension would be granted immediately upon process of documents. For more information, click here!
Flying Chalks’ recommendation: If you are thinking of travelling out of Taiwan during your exchange term, do apply for the “Multiple Entries VISA” ahead of time.
Single-entry Resident VISA
If you are intending to embark on a year-long international studies programme in Taiwan, we recommend you to opt for a Resident VISA instead. Upon arriving in Taiwan, you will then need to apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) within 15 days. Fines will be charged for non-compliances that may result in immediate deportation. Do note that you will need to present relevant health exam documents to apply for the Resident VISA.
Click here for more information!
Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
The ARC serves as your resident ID card and can be applied for at the National Immigration Agency. The processing time is an estimated 14 days.
Required Documents:
- Application form (Link here!)
- Two 3.5 x 4.5 cm head and shoulder photos in colour with a white background
- Original passport and Resident VISA with one photocopy of each
- Acceptance letter (original and photocopy)
- Certificate of enrollment issued by the university (photocopy of both sides of student ID card)
- Photocopy of both sides of your student ID card
- NT$1,000 appplication fee (for a year)
Flying chalks’ tip: Look out for emails by OIA as the Taipei City Service Centre of National Immigration Agency provides on-site ARC application services during the registration days in NTU. Make sure you apply for the ARC as soon as you touch down to avoid non-compliance issues!
Step 3: Application of VISA
First off, find your local Taiwan representative office at here!
The Taipei Representative Office in Singapore is located at:
The Taipei Representative Office in Singapore
460, Alexandra Road
#23-00 PSA Building
Singapore 119963
Tel: +65-65000100 ext 111 or 116
E-mail address: VisaTaipeiRep@gmail.com
VISA submission: Monday – Friday (9:00am – 11:45am)
VISA collection: Monday – Friday (1:30pm – 4:00pm)
- Office closed on weekends and public holidays
Documents needed for VISA application:
- Duly-filled application form
- Official letter from home university
- Official letter from host university
- 2 recent passport photos
- Passport with at least 6 months of validity upon entry
Under normal circumstances, your VISA will take approximately 1 working day for processing.
For more information, click here!


