National Immigration Agency, R.O.C. (Taiwan) - 0303 Guidelines for the Application for Residence, Extension of Residence, and Change of Residence Reasons for Nationals without Registered Permanent Residence in the Taiwan Area

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Guidelines for the Application for Residence, Extension of Residence, and Change of Residence Reasons for Nationals without Registered Permanent Residence in the Taiwan Area

Date： 2024-04-10
Source：Residency Section 2
Hit：14399

I. Legal Basis:
(I) Articles 9 and 16 of the Immigration Act (hereinafter referred to as "the Act").
(II) Articles 12 to 18 of the Regulations Governing the Stay, Residence, and Registered Permanent Residence Permits for Nationals without Registered Permanent Residence in the Taiwan Area (hereinafter referred to as "the Regulations").

II. Applicable Subjects:
(I) Nationals without registered permanent residence in the Taiwan Area residing abroad (hereinafter referred to as "nationals without registered permanent residence") who meet any of the following circumstances may apply for residency in the Taiwan Area to the National Immigration Agency (hereinafter referred to as "the NIA").
1. Nationals without registered permanent residence who have lineal relatives by blood, spouses, siblings, or parents of spouses currently registered as residents in the Taiwan Area. In cases where the familial relationship is established through adoption, the adoptee should be a minor and reside together with the adopter in the Taiwan Area, limited to two (2) persons.
2. Current overseas compatriot-elected legislator.
3. Born abroad to a parent who was a national with registered permanent residence in the Taiwan Area at the time of birth, or born after the death of a parent who was a national with registered permanent residence in the Taiwan Area at the time of death.
4. Entering the ROC with a ROC passport, legally residing continuously in the Taiwan Area for more than five (5) years, with a minimum of 183 days of residency each year.
5. Having investments of over NTD 10 million in the Taiwan Area, approved or filed for review by the competent authority for the intended business.
6. After graduating from schooling in the Taiwan Area, where they were previously enrolled as overseas compatriot students, as approved by the education administration authorities at all levels, universities, or their overseas joint enrollment committees, individuals must return to their residence abroad to serve for a minimum of two (2) years.
7. Individuals who have previously resided in the Taiwan Area as overseas compatriot students permitted to study in the ROC by the competent education authorities at all levels, universities, or their constituent overseas joint enrollment committees, and who subsequently obtain approval from the central labor authority or the competent authorities for the intended business to engage in employment in the Taiwan Area according to Subparagraphs 1 to 7, or 11 of Paragraph 1 of Article 46, or Subparagraphs 1 and 3 of Paragraph 1 of Article 48 of the Employment Service Act, or who engage in lawful employment in the Taiwan Area exempt from applying for a work permit under the Employment Service Act.
8. Individuals who have made special contributions to the ROC or society, or who are high-level professionals needed in the Taiwan Area.
9. Individuals with special skills or expertise, who have been rehired by the competent central authorities for the intended business to return to the ROC.
10. In addition to the preceding item, individuals who have been appointed or employed by government agencies or public or private universities or colleges.
11. Having obtained permission from the central labor authority or the competent authority for the intended business to engage in work stipulated in Subparagraphs 1 to 7, or 11 of Paragraph 1 of Articles 46 of the Employment Service Act, or to engage in work exempted from permission under Subparagraphs 1 and 3 of Paragraph 1 of Article 48 of the Employment Service Act, or to engage in work equivalent to that stipulated in Subparagraphs 1 to 7, or 11 of Paragraph 1 of Articles 46, or Subparagraphs 1 and 3 of Paragraph 1 of Article 48 of the Employment Service Act without the need for a work permit under the same Act.
12. Overseas compatriot students permitted to study in the ROC by educational administrative agencies at various levels, universities, or overseas joint admission committees formed by universities.
13. Approved by the central competent authority for the intended business to return to the ROC for vocational training.
14. Approved by the central competent authority for the intended business to return to the ROC for research internships as master's or doctoral students.
15. Approved by the central competent authority for labor affairs to work in the ROC under Subparagraphs 8 to 10 of Paragraph 1 of Articles 46 of the Employment Service Act, or engage in legal work equivalent to Subparagraphs 8 to 10 of Paragraph 1 of Articles 46 of the Employment Service Act in the ROC without applying for a work permit under the Employment Service Act.
(II) The spouse and minor children of individuals under Items 1 to 11 of the preceding subparagraph may apply to accompany them. Those who do not apply to accompany may apply after the individual's entry permit and before the registered permanent residence permit.
(III) Nationals without registered permanent residence who entered the ROC before the implementation of the Act shall not be compelled to leave the ROC.
(IV) Those who renounce foreign nationality and naturalize to obtain ROC nationality (Identity Code 372).
(V) Those who naturalize to obtain ROC nationality based on distinguished achievements rendered to the ROC or as senior professionals (Identity Codes 397, 398).
(VI) Stateless individuals with the following circumstances who cannot be compelled to leave the ROC and who, after being granted residency by the NIA, obtain nationality in the ROC:
1. Stateless persons from Thailand, Myanmar, or Indonesia who entered the ROC before the implementation of the Act (Identity Code 371).
2. Those who entered the ROC between May 21, 1999, and December 31, 2008, approved by the Ministry of Education or the Overseas Community Affairs Council to return from Thailand or Myanmar for education or technical training (Identity Code 392).
3. Those who entered the ROC before June 29, 2016, recognized by the Ministry of Culture as stateless individuals from India or Nepal through the Mongolian and Tibetan Cultural Center (Identity Code 393).

III. Application Procedure and Locations:
(I) Applicants in overseas areas: Applications should be submitted to the ROC's embassies, consulates, representative offices, or other authorized diplomatic agencies (hereinafter referred to as "overseas missions"). The application will be forwarded to the NIA by the overseas missions for processing.
(II) Applicants in Mainland China: Applications should be submitted to the institution specified in Paragraph 1 of Article 4 of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area or to a branch established in Mainland China by a private organization commissioned in accordance with Paragraph 2 of the same article. These institutions will then forward the applications to the NIA for processing. If there is no branch institution, the applicant's relatives, spouse in the ROC, or a travel agency of Class A or above, commissioned by them, can apply to the NIA on their behalf.
(III) Applicants in Hong Kong or Macau: Applications should be submitted to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong or Macau, which will then forward them to the NIA for processing.
(IV) Applicants in the Taiwan Area: Applications should be submitted by the applicant personally, by an authorized representative, or by an immigration service organization to the service center of the administrative corps in the applicant's place of residence.

IV. Required Documents:
(I) Applying under Subparagraphs 1 to 3 of Point 2:
1. Application form with a color, uncovered head photo (following the same specifications as a national ID photo).
2. Proof of residence or domicile (referring to the passport of the country of residence). However, for those who have not obtained citizenship in the country of residence, proof of permanent residency or long-term residency in the country of residence is required.
3. The ROC passport or documentation certifying ROC nationality, such as a nationality certificate, Overseas Chinese identity certificate (excluding documents certifying Chinese ethnicity issued by the Overseas Community Affairs Council), or military service documents issued by the Ministry of National Defense.
4. A nationwide criminal record certificate from the country of residence or domicile within one (1) year from the date of issuance (e.g., for residents in the United States, an FBI-issued nationwide criminal record certificate is required); minors are exempt from this requirement. However, if there are quota restrictions, the certificate should be submitted at the time of allocation.
5. Health examination certificate issued within the last three (3) months (to be conducted by public or private hospitals designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and in compliance with the health examination checklist for residence or registered permanent residence as determined by them). For applications submitted abroad, if the Ministry of Health and Welfare has not designated hospitals in the country of residence, examinations may be conducted by qualified local hospitals. For children aged six (6) to twelve (12) coming from visa-exempt countries or regions, only proof of vaccination against measles and German measles is required. Children from non-visa-exempt countries or regions must also provide stool tests for intestinal parasites and tests for Hansen's disease. Children under six (6) years old may substitute original or photocopies of vaccination certificates in foreign languages, or provide original or photocopies of vaccination certificates (or children's health handbooks) issued by medical institutions in the ROC. However, if there are quota restrictions, the certificate should be submitted at the time of allocation.
6. For individuals born in mainland China, in addition to providing supporting documents according to Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 7 of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, one of the following documents should be submitted:
(1) The original certificate verified by the SEF indicating that the applicant has not registered in Mainland China.
(2) The original certificate of cancellation of mainland China household registration verified by the SEF.
(3) The document certifying the loss of mainland China citizenship, verified by the overseas mission.
(4) Other documents sufficient to prove the loss of mainland China citizenship.
7. Minors applying should submit consent letters from both parents; in case of parental divorce,
8. a consent letter from the parent exercising or bearing the rights and obligations regarding the child should be provided.
9. For applicants who have legally resided in the ROC (must enter with a ROC passport) and are applying during the legal stay period, a photocopy of the valid temporary entry permit must be provided.
10. For those entrusting others to apply on their behalf, a letter of authorization should be attached, with the signature or seal of the authorized representative at the designated signature space.
(II) Applying under Subparagraphs 4 to 6 of Point 2:
1. Application form with a color, uncovered head photo (following the same specifications as a national ID photo).
2. Naturalization Certificate (accompanied by the Ministry of the Interior's approval document for naturalization, for applicants under Item 5 of Point 2), one original and one copy (original returned upon verification).
3. Original and photocopy of the Alien Resident Certificate (original to be returned after verification).
4. Proof of residence address, such as the Household Certificate or national ID card of the national spouse who has completed the marriage registration, one original and one copy (original returned upon verification).
5. For those entrusting others to apply on their behalf, a letter of authorization should be attached, with the signature or seal of the authorized representative at the designated signature space.
(III) Applicants for Residence Extension:
1. Application form for extending residence in the ROC, with a color, uncovered head photo (following the same specifications as a national ID photo).
2. R.O.C. (Taiwan) Resident Certificate (hereinafter referred to as "Resident Certificate").
3. Original and photocopy of the ROC passport (original to be returned after verification).
4. A document proving that the original reason for residency still exists, such as: for family reunification, submit the Household Certificate or national ID card of the family member (original and photocopy, with the original returned after verification); for study, provide proof of enrollment; for employment, provide proof of work permit.
5. For those entrusting others to apply on their behalf, a letter of authorization should be attached, with the signature or seal of the authorized representative at the designated signature space.
(IV) For applicants requesting a change in residency reason, if each departure is within three (3) months, they may be exempt from providing the documents listed in Items 2 to 5 of Subparagraph 1.
(V) In case of document damage or loss, applicants must submit an application form along with a recent color passport-style photograph (following the same specifications as a national ID card photo), a damaged or lost document, and a police report or a statement explaining the loss. These should be submitted to the authority for reissuance or replacement (with the same validity period as the original).
(VI) Other supporting documents (as per the attached list).
Documents submitted, if produced overseas, must be authenticated by the overseas missions. The NIA may request the submission of a translated version verified by overseas missions or certified by a domestic notary public. If produced in Hong Kong, Macau, or Mainland China, they must be authenticated by the Service Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong or Macau, or the SEF.

V. Fees:
(I) For applicants applying from overseas: NTD 1,300.
(II) For applicants applying within the legal stay period in the ROC (including those requesting a change in residency reason): NTD 1,000.
(III) For those holding overseas compatriot student status: NTD 500.
(IV) For residency extension: NTD 300.
(V) For applicants requesting reissuance or replacement due to document damage or loss: Fees stipulated in Subparagraphs 1 to 3 apply.

VI. Notes:
(I) In cases where the information provided is incomplete or inaccurate, applicants shall have fifteen (15) days from the day following the receipt of written notification from the NIA to rectify the issue. For applications submitted overseas, Hong Kong, Macau, or Mainland China regions, the rectification period is three (3) months. Failure to rectify within the specified period will result in the rejection of the application.
(II) For applicants who have been granted residency while residing abroad in Hong Kong, Macau, or mainland China, a single-entry permit and a copy of the Resident Certificate shall be issued. Applicants are required to enter the ROC within the validity period of the copy (valid for six (6) months from the day of issuance). Within three (3) months from the date of entry, they must present the copy, Alien Resident Certificate (if available), and identification documents to the service station of the NIA to exchange for the Resident Certificate. However, in the case of minors, the exchange process must be conducted by their legal representatives.
(III) Individuals who have obtained residency according to Subparagraphs 4 to 6 of Point 2, if required to leave the ROC during their residency period, must apply for a ROC passport from the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being allowed to enter or leave the ROC.
(IV) Applicants who have obtained residency according to Subparagraphs 4 to 6 of Point 2 shall, upon receiving the notification of approval, submit their Alien Resident Certificate and relevant documents to the service center of the NIA in their registered jurisdiction to obtain their Resident Certificate.
(V) The duration of each extension of residency is three (3) years. However, in the following circumstances, the duration of the extension of residency is as follows:
1. For applicants under Items 7, 9 to 15 of Subparagraph 1 of Point 2: The validity period of the Resident Certificate is determined based on the duration of employment, study, training, or internship, and shall not exceed three (3) years at most.
2. For applicants under Item 12 of Subparagraph 1 of Point 2, if they have completed the following years of study, the duration of each extension of residency shall not exceed six (6) months:
(1) Completion of five (5) years in a doctoral program.
(2) Completion of three (3) years in a master's program.
(3) Completion of four (4) years in a bachelor's program (excluding two-year programs). However, if the duration of study is extended by law due to the nature of the department, college, or program, the extension of residency shall be granted after the completion of the extended study period.
(4) Completion of a two-year bachelor's program or a two-year associate degree program is required after two (2) years of study.
3. Applicants under Article 18 of the Regulations:
(1) For items 5, 9 to 11 of Subparagraph 1 of Point 2: The validity period of the residence permit is extended for six (6) months from the day after the original residence period expires. If necessary, before the expiration of the extended residence period, one additional extension may be applied for, with the total extension period not exceeding one (1) year.
(2) For items 5, 9 to 11 of Subparagraph 1 of Point 2: The validity period of the residence permit is extended for six (6) months from the day after the original residence period expires. If necessary before the expiration of the extended residence period, one additional extension may be applied for, with the total extension period not exceeding one (1) year.
(VI) Nationals without registered permanent residence in the Taiwan Area applying for residence, extension of residence, or change of residence reason based on family reunion or accompanying residence, if their family members or accompanying parties have been outside the ROC for more than two (2) years and have not entered the ROC within two (2) months from the date of notification by the NIA, their application may be denied.

VII. Processing Time:
(I) Residence: Seven (7) days (excluding receipt date, holidays, supplementary document submission, and mailing time).
(II) Exchange of Resident Certificate Copies for Resident Certificate: Five (5) days.
(III) Extension of residence, change of residence reason: Five (5) days.

Related File(s)

0303 Guidelines for the Application for Residence, Extension of Residence, and Change of Residence Reasons for Nationals without Registered Permanent Residence in the Taiwan Area　pdf
Application Form for Extension(111.8.1 version)　docx pdf
Application Form(111.8.1 version)1111109　docx pdf
Health Certificate for Residence Application　pdf
Letter of Attorney(Sample)　pdf
Letter of Attorney　doc odt pdf