The Taiwan Alien Resident Card, also known as an ARC, is the primary identification card in Taiwan once a legal school or business hires you. Non Taiwan passport holders can also obtain a marriage Taiwan Alien Resident Card once they are married and plan to live in Taiwan.
Getting Hired in Taiwan
Once a legal company or school hires you, you will receive an Alien Resident Certificate or ARC. This card (shown below) is your ID card that proves you’re a legal working resident of Taiwan. Here are a few important facts about your ARC card.
Taiwan Alien Resident Card Process
After a school hires you, the process of getting a Taiwan Alien Resident Card kicks in.
First, you need to provide 5 documents to your school. These documents are a passport copy, health check from a Taiwan hospital, a copy of your diploma, a background check from your home country, and 2 passport photos.
Your school then sends these documents and other school prepared documents to Taipei and hopefully within 7-10 days you will be approved for an ARC.
Post ARC Approval
Once the school receives your ARC approval document, the school will give you a copy to take the local foreign affairs office. You have up to 14 days to go to the local foreign affairs office with 2 passport sized photos, 1500NT, the official paper statement, and your passport. After submitting all the necessary documents, the foreign affairs office will give you a receipt with a date stamped on it. That is the date you return to the office to pick up your ARC card. This is usually 10-14 days. Some schools may do this for you, but others will require you to do the legwork.
Is a Visa Change Necessary?
Even though you have been approved for an ARC, your visa may not be transferable as you need a visitor visa for Taiwan. This can be changed. Read HERE about how to change your Taiwan visa.
If you lose your ARC, you can get a replacement for a 1500NT fee.
Benefits of a Taiwan Alien Resident Card
The Taiwan ARC is your pathway to many using many of Taiwan services. Here is a list of immediate services you are eligible for.
- get an National Health Insurance card
- Open a bank account
- Obtain a Taiwan driver’s license
- Buy a cell phone plan
- Sign up for Internet services
- Purchase a car or scooter legally
- Start paying taxes
ARC Term
Each ARC is eligible for 1 year from approval. After each year, an employee can either continue at their same company for another year or change to a different place of work. If your ARC ends and you haven’t found a new position, you can apply for a six month extension. This gives you time to travel or look for a new position.
