Long-term residents and expats in Taiwan need to understand how the arrival card works with residence permits. The Taiwan arrival card is required for each entry unless you hold an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC).
Do Expats Need a Taiwan Arrival Card?
Whether expats need a Taiwan arrival card depends on their visa and residency status. Short-term visitors always need one, while long-term residents with an ARC do not need it for re-entry.
Expat categories and arrival card requirements:
| Status | Arrival Card Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist (no visa) | Yes, every entry | 30-90 day stay depending on nationality |
| Visitor visa | Yes, every entry | For stays over visa-exempt period |
| Resident visa | Yes, for initial entry | First arrival only |
| ARC holder | No | ARC serves as entry permit |
| APRC holder | No | Permanent resident card |
| Gold Card holder | Yes, each entry | Special work permit holders |
If you are an expat arriving in Taiwan for the first time on a resident visa, you need a Taiwan arrival card. After you obtain your ARC, you no longer need the arrival card for future entries.
For details on the standard arrival card application, see our Taiwan arrival card application guide.
ARC Holders and Re-Entry
Holders of a Taiwan Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) do not need to complete a Taiwan arrival card when re-entering the country. The ARC serves as your entry permit and replaces the arrival card requirement.
ARC re-entry rules:
- Valid ARC – Present your ARC at immigration along with your passport
- Re-entry permit – Ensure your ARC has a valid re-entry permit stamp if you plan to leave and return
- Multiple re-entries – Some ARC types allow unlimited re-entries; others require a permit
- ARC expiry – If your ARC expires while you are outside Taiwan, you may need a new visa and arrival card
To check if your ARC has a re-entry permit, look for the stamp on the back of the card. If there is no stamp or the stamp has expired, apply for a re-entry permit at the National Immigration Agency before departing Taiwan.
The re-entry permit costs NT$300 for a single re-entry or NT$600 for multiple re-entries within the ARC validity period.
Work Permit Holders in Taiwan
Foreign professionals working in Taiwan under a work permit need to understand the arrival card rules for their specific situation. Your arrival card requirements depend on whether you have obtained an ARC.
Timeline for new workers arriving in Taiwan:
- Arrive in Taiwan – You need a Taiwan arrival card for your first entry
- Apply for ARC – Within 15 days of arrival, apply at the National Immigration Agency
- Receive ARC – Processing takes 2-4 weeks
- Future entries – Once you have your ARC, you no longer need arrival cards
During the period between arrival and receiving your ARC, you technically need a new arrival card if you leave and return to Taiwan. In practice, your resident visa and work permit documentation should be sufficient, but carrying a printed copy of your most recent arrival card QR code is recommended.
Types of work permits in Taiwan:
- Foreign Special Professional (FSP) – For high-level professionals
- General Work Permit – Standard employment-based permit
- Gold Card – Combined work permit and residence visa for specific professions
- Internship Permit – For foreign interns at Taiwan companies
Student Visa and Arrival Cards
International students arriving in Taiwan on a student visa need a Taiwan arrival card for their first entry. After obtaining an ARC, the arrival card is no longer required for re-entry.
Student arrival card process:
- Before departure – Apply for your Taiwan arrival card at twac.immigration.gov.tw
- Arrive in Taiwan – Present your passport, arrival card QR code, and university admission letter
- Apply for ARC – Your university’s international office will help you apply within 30 days
- Receive ARC – Usually within 4-6 weeks after application
- Future entries – Use your ARC for re-entry, no arrival card needed
Students who leave Taiwan during semester breaks and return can use their ARC instead of a new arrival card. Make sure your ARC has a valid re-entry permit before departing.
Business Travelers and Frequent Entry
Business travelers who visit Taiwan multiple times per year need a new arrival card for each entry unless they hold an ARC. This can be inconvenient for frequent travelers.
Solutions for frequent business visitors:
- Apply each time – Submit a new arrival card 3-5 days before each trip (takes 5-10 minutes)
- Gold Card program – Eligible professionals can apply for the Taiwan Gold Card, which includes ARC privileges
- Resident visa – If you visit frequently enough, consider applying for a resident visa and ARC
- Keep a template – Save your passport details and common information to speed up applications
The Gold Card is available for professionals in science, technology, economy, education, culture, arts, sports, finance, architecture, and other designated fields. Gold Card holders receive an ARC-like card and do not need arrival cards for re-entry.
For business travelers without a Gold Card, the arrival card application is quick and straightforward. You can complete it in under 5 minutes since most information stays the same between trips.
Changing Your Status in Taiwan
If you enter Taiwan as a tourist and later obtain a work permit or student visa, your arrival card status changes. Once you receive an ARC, you no longer need arrival cards for future entries.
Common status changes:
- Tourist to worker – Enter with arrival card, then apply for work permit and ARC
- Tourist to student – Enter with arrival card, then enroll and apply for student ARC
- Worker to permanent resident – ARC holders can apply for APRC after 5 years
- Visitor to spouse ARC – Marriage to a ROC national allows application for a spousal ARC
During the transition period (before your ARC is issued), keep a copy of your arrival card QR code and your visa documentation. Immigration officers may ask for proof of your legal status during this period.
Expat Family Considerations
Expats with families in Taiwan should understand the different arrival card requirements for each family member. Family members who are dependents of an ARC holder may have different rules.
Family scenarios:
| Family Member | Status | Arrival Card? |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse with dependent ARC | ARC holder | No |
| Spouse without ARC | Tourist/visitor | Yes, each entry |
| Children with dependent ARC | ARC holder | No |
| Children without ARC | Tourist/visitor | Yes, each entry |
| Visiting parents | Tourist | Yes, each entry |
Dependents of ARC holders can apply for their own dependent ARC at the National Immigration Agency. This eliminates the need for arrival cards on future entries and allows longer stays in Taiwan.
Long-Term Stay Extensions
Tourists in Taiwan can extend their stay beyond the initial arrival card validity without leaving the country. The arrival card grants initial entry permission, but extensions are handled separately.
Extension rules:
- Visa-exempt stays – Can be extended once at the National Immigration Agency for an additional 30 days (total 60 days for most nationalities)
- Visitor visa – Extensions depend on visa type; some allow up to 180 days total stay
- Processing time – Extension applications take 1-3 business days
- Fee – NT$300 for most extensions
To apply for an extension:
- Visit the nearest National Immigration Agency office
- Bring your passport and current arrival card information
- Provide proof of accommodation and sufficient funds
- Pay the NT$300 processing fee
Do not overstay your allowed period. Overstaying results in fines, deportation, and potential bans from future Taiwan entry. Apply for extensions before your allowed stay expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: July 2025. For official information, visit the National Immigration Agency. This guide is published by the editorial team at taiwan-arrival-card.net to help expats and long-term residents understand Taiwan entry requirements.
