0903 Guidelines for Foreign Nationals Applying for Permanent Residency

• Date： 2026-04-21
• Source：Residency Section 2
• Hit：1912
• Updated date：2026-04-21

1. Legal Basis:
(1) Article 25 of the Immigration Act (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”).
(2) Article 41 of Enforcement Rules of the Act.
(3) Article 15 of the Regulations Governing Visiting, Residency, and Permanent Residency of Aliens (hereinafter referred to as "the Regulations Governing Residency of Aliens").
(4) Articles 18, 19, and 21 of the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals (hereinafter referred to as "the Act for Foreign Professionals").
2. Application Procedure: Apply at the service station of the National Immigration Agency (hereinafter referred to as "the NIA") located in the place of residence.
3. Eligible Applicants:
(1) Foreign nationals who have legally resided in the Republic of China (R.O.C. (Taiwan), hereinafter referred to as “the State”) for five (5) consecutive years, with a residence of at least 183 days per year, or have household registration in the Taiwan Area and their foreign spouse or children have legally resided in the State for more than ten (10) years, with at least 183 days of residence per year for five (5) years, and meet the following requirements:
a. Aged eighteen (18) or above.
b. Have good conduct without any criminal record verified by a police criminal record certificate.
c. Possess sufficient assets or skills to be self-supporting. However, this requirement does not apply to spouses who have household registration in the Taiwan Area.
d. Serve the national interests of the State.
(2) Foreign professionals who engage in professional work in the State and have legally resided in the State for five (5) consecutive years with an average annual residence of 183 days or more, and who meet the following requirements:
a. Aged eighteen (18) or above.
b. Have good conduct without any criminal record verified by a police criminal record certificate.
c. Possess sufficient assets or skills to be self-supporting.
d. Serve the national interests of the State.
(3) Foreign specialist professionals who meet the requirements of the preceding paragraph may apply for permanent residency under either of the following circumstances:
a. Having legally and continuously resided in the State for three (3) years, with an average residence of more than 183 days per year.
b. Having legally resided in the State for one (1) year, residing more than 183 days, and having domestic salary income and professional practice income in the most recent year totaling at least NTD 6,000,000.
(4) Foreign nationals who legally resided in the State for over twenty (20) years before May 31, 2002, with ten (10) years of residing for at least 183 days annually, and who meet the requirements of subparagraphs of Paragraph 1, are eligible.
(5) Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article 25 of the Act do not impose restrictions on spouses, minor children under the age of eighteen (18), and children aged eighteen (18) or older unable to live independently due to physical or mental disabilities of the applicants.
(6) When the spouse of a foreign national who is a national with household registration in the Taiwan Area dies, and they have actual custody, exercise rights and obligations, or maintain contact with their minor children who are nationals with household registration in the Taiwan Area, they may apply for permanent residency during their lawful residence in the State, without being subject to the restrictions regarding the lawful residence period in the State stipulated in Paragraph 1.
(7) Foreign professionals employed in specialized works who have been granted permanent residency are eligible to apply for permanent residency for their spouse, minor children, and adult children over the age of eighteen (18) who are unable to live independently due to physical or mental disabilities. These dependents must have legally resided in the State for three (3) consecutive years, averaging at least 183 days of residence per year, possess good conduct, have no criminal record verified by a police criminal record certificate, and meet the national interests of the State.
(8) Foreign professionals employed in specialized works who have been granted permanent residency are eligible to apply for permanent residency for their spouse, minor children, and adult children over the age of eighteen (18) who are unable to live independently due to physical or mental disabilities. These dependents must have legally resided in the State for three (3) consecutive years, averaging at least 183 days of residence per year, possess good conduct, have no criminal record verified by a police criminal record certificate, and meet the national interests of the State.
4. Required Documents: The documents to be submitted, if produced overseas, must be authenticated by the overseas missions; if produced domestically by a foreign embassy or authorized institution, they must be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; if produced in mainland China, they must be authenticated by the Straits Exchange Foundation (hereinafter referred to as “the SEF”). However, concerning the authentication of foreign documents, if they comply with the provisions of Article 15-1 of the Document Legalization Act for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Overseas Missions, they shall be processed accordingly.
(1) Joint Documents:
a. Application for Permanent Residence by Foreign Nationals.
b. One color photograph (same specifications as National ID Card).
c. Original and photocopy of new and old passport (the original document will be returned after inspection).
d. Original and photocopy of a valid Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) (the original document will be returned after inspection). However, applicants applying pursuant to Paragraphs 3 to 5 of Article 25 of the Act are exempt from submitting this document.
e. A certificate of health examination clearance (The health examination form must use the "List of Items to be Examined in the Health Examination Certificate" (Form B) currently used by major medical centers and newly added medical examination hospitals announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare). However, this requirement is exempt for applicants who, during the most recent five (5) years, have stayed abroad for no more than three (3) months each time.
f. Proof of one of the following circumstances of assets or skills: However, spouses of nationals with household registration in the Taiwan Area, individuals permitted to continue residence under Subparagraphs 1 to 4 of Paragraph 4 of Article 31 of the Act following the death of or divorce from an R.O.C. (Taiwan) national spouse, applicants applying under Paragraphs 3 to 5 of Article 25 of the Act, or applicants applying under Paragraphs 5, 7, and 8 of the preceding point are exempt from this requirement.
For those who apply within two (2) years as stipulated in Subparagraph 2 of Point 7 and whose reason for residence has changed, proof of assets or skills for the final year that meets the residence requirements shall be submitted.
(i) In the past year (referring to the twelve (12 months prior to the application month or the period from January to December of the preceding year), if the average monthly income in the State exceeds twice the announced minimum wage by the Ministry of Labor (MOL) (For those with withholding tax certificates or tax payment certificates spanning multiple years, the calculation of twice the basic wage is based on the most recent year's basic wage announced by the MOL; for calculations based on the period preceding the application date, the basic wage announced by the MOL for the previous year is used as the calculation standard), the applicant may provide one of the following documents, to be determined by the NIA:
(A) Individual Income Tax Return for Foreign Residents (for online filing, the submission process must be completed and the Alien Individual Income Tax Electronic Filing Receipt [Online] shall be attached).
(B) Statement of Individual Income Tax.
(C) Tax certificates showing various types of income.
(D) Withholding Statement for Salary Income issued by the employer (the filing procedure with the National Taxation Bureau must be completed; for paper filings, the document must bear the National Taxation Bureau filing stamp; for online filings, the withholding statement must show the upload date, time, and verification serial number).
(ii) Ownership of personal and real property in the State with an appraised total value exceeding NTD 5,000,000 for more than one (1) year. Where a deposit certificate of NTD 5,000,000 is submitted, the applicant shall also provide an explanation of the source of the funds, account statements for the most recent year, and other supporting documents.
(iii) Official documents issued by the R.O.C. (Taiwan) government agencies equivalent to professional or technical certifications at the higher education level or above or Grade B or above skill certifications.
(iv) Other documents as determined by the NIA.
g. One national criminal record certificate from the applicant’s home country covering the most recent five (5) years. The authentication procedures and notes are as follows:
(i) Authentication Procedures:
(A) The original foreign-language police criminal record certificate issued by the applicant's home country and its Chinese translation, both verified by the overseas missions of the State (if necessary, may be sent for re-verification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
(B) The original foreign-language police criminal record certificate issued solely by the applicant's home country, verified by the overseas missions (if necessary, may be sent for re-verification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), with its Chinese translation authenticated by either a court notary or a private notary in the State.
(C) The original foreign-language police criminal record certificate issued (or verified) by the embassy or institution in the applicant’s home country should be re-verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with its Chinese translation authenticated by either a court notary or a private notary in the State.
(ii) Notes:
(A) The police criminal record certificate from the applicant’s home country is valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance.
(B) The police criminal record certificate from the applicant’s home country must indicate a nationwide criminal record. For example, for citizens of the United States, the certificate must be issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
(C) Applicants who, during the most recent five (5) years, have stayed abroad for no more than three (3) months each time are exempt from submitting the police criminal record certificate from their home country. However, if the certificate was not submitted when applying for residency or during the period of residency in Taiwan, it must still be submitted when applying for permanent residency.
(D) Applicants applying pursuant to Paragraphs 3 to 5 of Article 25 of the Act are exempt from submitting the police criminal record certificate from their home country.
h. The police criminal record certificate from the State issued within the last five (5) years (valid within three (3) months from the date of issue). However, applicants applying pursuant to Paragraphs 3 to 5 of Article 25 of the Act are exempt from submitting this document.
i. For individuals born in mainland China and originally holding mainland Chinese citizenship, in addition to providing supporting documents according to Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 7 of the Enforcement Rules of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, proving residence overseas for more than four (4) years (such as passport entry and exit records, or entry and exit certificates issued by competent authorities in mainland China or the place of overseas residence), the applicant shall also submit documentary proof that he or she has not established household registration in mainland China and has not been issued a mainland China passport. Documents proving that the applicant has not established household registration in mainland China include:
(i) The original certificate verified by the SEF indicating that the applicant has not registered in mainland China.
(ii) The original certificate of cancellation of mainland China household registration verified by the SEF.
j. If submitting the application through a representative, a letter of authorization should be provided.
(2) Individual Documents:
a. Dependent Family Members:
(i) Proof of family relationship (including marriage certificate or birth certificate, and identification documents of the family member being depended upon).
(ii) Relevant documentation for adult children who are unable to live independently due to physical or mental disabilities.
b. Employment:
(i) Work permit approval letter with a validity period exceeding six (6) months.
(ii) Proof of Employment issued within one (1) month.
(iii) Applicants without an employer during the job-seeking period, and those holding an Employment Gold Card are exempt from providing a Work Approval Letter and Proof of Employment.
(iv) Applicants seeking employment shall additionally submit a written statement explaining the progress of job seeking activities, the means of livelihood during the job-seeking period, and plans for livelihood after obtaining permanent residency, together with supporting evidence.
c. Religious Work (Missionary Activities):
(i) Guarantee letter issued by the religious organization stating that the foreign nationals will serve in an unpaid capacity and ensure their safety and well-being during their service in the State.
(ii) Certificate of incorporation or temple registration of the religious organization (the organization or temple must have been registered for over five (5) years, and its total registered assets or the balance of the bank account opened under the name of the temple should be over NTD 5 million).
(iii) Proof of Employment issued by the religious organization within one (1) month.
d. Investment:
(i) Approval letter from the Department of Investment Review, Ministry of Economic Affairs and investment proof dated within the last three (3) months.
(ii) Application for Establishment (Change) Registration of Company (investment amount must be over USD 200,000).
(iii) Proof that the company operated by the applicant during the most recent five (5) years has an average annual gross operating profit of at least NTD 600,000 during the most recent five (5) years, together with the “Statement of Profit or Loss and Tax Calculation” issued by a certified public accountant for each year during the period of application for permanent residency.
e. Company Responsible Person:
(i) Approval letter from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
(ii) Foreign Company (Change) Registration Form or Branch Office Establishment (Change) Registration Form.
(iii) Proof that the company operated by the applicant during the most recent five (5) years has an average annual gross operating profit of at least NTD 600,000 during the most recent five (5) years, together with the “Statement of Profit or Loss and Tax Calculation” issued by a certified public accountant for each year during the period of application for permanent residency.
f. Innovative Entrepreneur:
(i) Approval letter from Department of Investment Review, Ministry of Economic Affairs.
(ii) Documentary proof of actual business operations within the past year.
(iii) Proof that the company operated by the applicant during the most recent five (5) years has an average annual gross operating profit of at least NTD 600,000 during the most recent five (5) years, together with the “Statement of Profit or Loss and Tax Calculation” issued by a certified public accountant for each year during the period of application for permanent residency.
g. Overseas Compatriots from Korea Granted Long-Term Residency in Taiwan under a Special Project Approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
(i) Approval letter issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs granting residency for a validity period exceeding six (6) months.
(ii) Work permit approval letter issued under the special project approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
5. Processing Time: Fourteen (14) days.
(1) This period does not include the administrative processes for acceptance of applications by service centers of municipalities or counties (cities) under the regional administration corps, data entry, mailing, supplementary submissions, card production, interviews, or consultations with relevant authorities.
(2) The fourteen (14)-day review period shall be counted from the date the case officer receives the application, and applicants should allow sufficient time for the review process.
6. Fees: NTD 10,000.
7. Notes:
(1) The period of residence (stay) in the State for applicants listed in the paragraphs under Point 3 shall not be counted for the following reasons:
a. For those who are studying or those who are extending their residency in accordance with Subparagraph 3 of Paragraph 1 of Article 23, Subparagraphs 1 and 2 of Article 26, Subparagraphs 5 to 8 of Paragraph 4 of Article 31 of the Act, and Article 11 of the Regulations Governing Visiting, Residency, and Permanent Residency of Aliens.
b. Residency shall not be counted for individuals authorized by the central competent labor authority to work in the State under Subparagraphs 8 to 10 of Paragraph 1 of Article 46 of the Employment Service Act, and for those extending their residency in accordance with Subparagraph 5 of Paragraph 4 of Article 31 of the Act.
c. Those approved for residence as dependents according to the preceding two subparagraphs.
(2) According to Paragraphs 1 to 4, 7, and 8 of Point 3, applicants for permanent residency should apply within two (2) years after the expiration of their residence and stay period.
(3) Foreign nationals who also possess R.O.C. (Taiwan) citizenship are not eligible to apply for permanent residency.
(4) During the period of permanent residency, if the average annual residence does not reach 183 days in the most recent five (5) years, the approval of permanent residency permit may be revoked or invalidated, and the Alien Permanent Resident Certificate will be canceled. However, this provision does not apply to individuals stipulated in Article 21 of the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals or those authorized by the NIA. The calculation of "year" begins from January 1 of the year following the issuance of the Alien Permanent Resident Certificate. Additionally, individuals whose Alien Permanent Resident Certificate has been revoked according to Paragraph 4 of Article 33 of the Act, yet still retain residency eligibility, may apply for residency within thirty (30) days from the date of revocation.
(5) If the approval of an individual's permanent residency permit is revoked or invalidated according to the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals, or according to Subparagraphs 1 to 3 or Subparagraph 8 of Article 33 of the Act, the approval of permanent residency permit of accompanying applicants shall be simultaneously revoked or invalidated.
(6) During the period of permanent residency, if a foreign national changes their foreign nationality, they must present the passport issued after the change of nationality for inspection upon entry and provide sufficient evidence to prove their identity. Only then can they apply for the change of nationality, with a processing fee of NTD 1,000.
(7) Foreign professionals and foreign specialist professionals who, in accordance with Paragraph 4 of Article 18 of the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals, use an associate degree or higher obtained from a college or university in the State to offset the required period of continuous residence shall present the original Chinese-language diploma certificate for inspection. The original shall be returned after inspection, and a copy shall be retained.
(8) Applicants who are children aged eighteen (18) or older unable to live independently due to physical or mental disabilities under Paragraphs 5, 7 and 8 of Point 3 should attach a diagnosis certificate. The document should sufficiently prove their condition, such as paralysis, inability to care for oneself, or the need for complete assistance in daily life. Alternatively, a Barthel Index score assessed by a physician should be thirty (30) points or below.