Taiwan Work and Long-Stay Visas

The Taiwan long-term visa options is a critical part of planning your trip to Taiwan. Types of Taiwan work and long-stay visas including gold card, working holiday, and employment permits. This guide covers everything you need to know, from basic requirements to expert tips for a smooth experience.

Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) - Official Form Sample — Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) – Official Form

What Is Taiwan Work and Long-Stay Visas?

The Taiwan long-term visa options refers to work, study, and residency visas for taiwan. For most travelers, this is one of the first things to understand when planning a trip to Taiwan. The system is designed to be straightforward, but knowing the details in advance saves time and prevents issues at the border.

Taiwan’s immigration system is managed by the National Immigration Agency (NIA), which oversees all entry procedures for foreign visitors. The NIA has modernized its processes significantly in recent years, moving many forms and registrations online. This means travelers can now complete most requirements before even boarding their flight.

The Taiwan long-term visa options applies to all foreign nationals entering Taiwan, regardless of nationality, purpose of visit, or length of stay. Whether you are visiting for tourism, business, transit, or study, you need to understand these requirements. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and most EU nations) still need to comply with these rules.

Key Requirements

Understanding the specific requirements for Taiwan long-term visa options helps you prepare correctly. Here are the essential details every traveler should know:

Documents and Information Needed:

Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
Flight number and arrival date
Accommodation address in Taiwan
Contact phone number (can be your home country number)
Email address for confirmation

Timing and Processing:

Complete the process before arriving in Taiwan
Processing is typically instant for online submissions
No fee is charged – the process is completely free
You will receive a confirmation to show at immigration

Important Notes:

The Taiwan long-term visa options is separate from any visa requirements
Even visa-exempt travelers must complete this process
Children under 14 years old may be exempt (check current rules)
Keep a digital or printed copy of your confirmation

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to complete the Taiwan long-term visa options correctly:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before starting, have your passport, flight details, and Taiwan accommodation information ready. This includes the hotel name, address, and phone number. If staying with friends or family, use their address.

Step 2: Access the Online Portal
Visit the official portal at twac.immigration.gov.tw. The portal is available in English and Chinese. Make sure you are on the official government website – avoid third-party sites that may charge unnecessary fees.

Step 3: Fill in Personal Information
Enter your full name (exactly as shown on your passport), nationality, date of birth, gender, and passport number. Double-check all entries for accuracy – even small typos can cause issues at immigration.

Step 4: Enter Travel Details
Provide your flight number, arrival date, and purpose of visit. Select the appropriate option from the dropdown menu. Business travelers should select ‘Business’ rather than ‘Tourism’ for accurate record-keeping.

Step 5: Add Accommodation and Contact Info
Enter your accommodation address in Taiwan and your contact phone number. If you have multiple hotel bookings, use the first hotel where you will stay. The phone number can be your home country number if you don’t have a local Taiwan number yet.

Step 6: Review and Submit
Carefully review all entered information before submitting. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number and take a screenshot or print the confirmation page.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many travelers encounter problems with the Taiwan long-term visa options due to simple errors. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Passport name mismatch: Your name on the form must match your passport exactly. Do not use nicknames, shortened names, or reversed name order. If your passport shows ‘JOHN SMITH’, enter ‘JOHN SMITH’, not ‘John Smith’ or ‘Smith, John’.

Wrong date format: Taiwan uses the format YYYY/MM/DD for dates. Make sure you enter dates correctly – confusing month and day is a frequent error for travelers from the US (where MM/DD/YYYY is common).

Expired passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If your passport expires within 6 months, renew it before completing the form.

Incorrect flight number: Enter your arriving flight number, not your departing flight. Double-check the airline code and flight number against your booking confirmation.

Missing accommodation details: You must provide a specific address in Taiwan, not just a city name. Book at least your first night’s accommodation before completing the form.

What to Expect at Immigration

After completing the Taiwan long-term visa options online, here is what happens when you arrive in Taiwan:

At the immigration counter, present your passport and confirmation. The officer will verify your details in their system. Because you completed the form online, this process is faster than the old paper-based system. Most travelers clear immigration within 10-15 minutes, though peak hours at Taoyuan International Airport can see longer queues.

If you are eligible for the e-Gate system (available to passport holders of certain countries), you can skip the manned counter entirely. The e-Gate uses facial recognition and passport scanning for automated entry. This is the fastest way to clear immigration in Taiwan.

After immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. If you have items to declare, use the red channel and complete a customs declaration form.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about traveling to Taiwan, explore our other guides:

Learn about the complete Taiwan Arrival Card process
Check Taiwan visa requirements for your nationality
Understand Taiwan entry requirements before your trip
Read about the Taiwan immigration process at the airport

Last updated: July 2026. Information is based on official National Immigration Agency guidelines.

Do I need to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card if I am visa-exempt?

Yes. Even if you are visa-exempt (citizens of the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and most EU countries), you must still complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) before entering Taiwan. The TWAC is separate from visa requirements and applies to all foreign nationals.

How much does the Taiwan Arrival Card cost?

The Taiwan Arrival Card is completely free. There is no fee for registration or processing. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees – always use the official portal at twac.immigration.gov.tw.

How far in advance should I complete the Taiwan Arrival Card?

You can complete the Taiwan Arrival Card any time before your arrival in Taiwan. It is recommended to do it at least 24-48 hours before your flight, but many travelers complete it weeks in advance. There is no expiry on the submission as long as your travel details remain accurate.

What if I make a mistake on my Taiwan Arrival Card?

If you notice an error before submitting, simply correct it on the form. If you have already submitted and need to make changes, you may need to complete a new registration. Contact the National Immigration Agency if you are unsure about a specific error.

Can I complete the Taiwan Arrival Card on my phone?

Yes. The TWAC portal is mobile-friendly and works on smartphones and tablets. However, it is recommended to use a larger screen if possible to avoid input errors, especially when entering passport numbers and dates.

Do children need to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card?

Children under 14 years old are generally exempt from the Taiwan Arrival Card requirement. However, children aged 14 and older must complete their own TWAC. Always check the latest rules on the official NIA website before traveling with minors.

What happens if I arrive in Taiwan without completing the TWAC?

If you arrive without a completed TWAC, you may be able to complete it at the airport using your smartphone or available kiosks. However, this delays your immigration process. It is strongly recommended to complete the form online before departure.

Is the Taiwan Arrival Card the same as a visa?

No. The Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is an immigration registration form, not a visa. A visa grants permission to enter and stay in Taiwan. The TWAC simply records your travel details for immigration purposes. You may need both a TWAC and a visa depending on your nationality.

How long is the Taiwan Arrival Card valid?

The TWAC is valid for the duration of your specific trip. If you leave Taiwan and return, you need to complete a new TWAC for each entry. The TWAC is tied to a specific arrival date and flight.

Can someone else complete the Taiwan Arrival Card for me?

Yes, someone else can complete the form on your behalf as long as they have all your correct information (passport details, flight number, accommodation). However, the traveler is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of the information submitted.