Securing a work permit in Taiwan opens the door to exciting professional opportunities in this dynamic and vibrant country. Whether you are eager to contribute your skills to the thriving job market or embark on a new career path, obtaining a work permit is the key to unlocking your potential in Taiwan
How to apply for work permit in Taiwan?
To obtain a Taiwan work permit, your employer can initiate the process through either the online platform provided by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) of the Ministry of Labor or by submitting the application in person or via registered mail at the WDA reception counter. Following the issuance of your work permit, your next steps may involve applying for a Taiwan Work Visa if you are currently abroad or a Taiwan residence permit if you are already in the country on a Visitor Visa. It's important to note that work permit applications for school teachers must be acquired through the Taiwan Ministry of Education, rather than the WDA.
Work permit in Taiwan: requirements and documents
To initiate an application for an EZ Taiwan work permit, individuals must provide specific documents, including:
Additionally, the employer is required to submit the following documents:
- A copy of the education diploma authenticated by the Taiwanese embassy.
- A copy of the work experience certificate and proof of employment, demonstrating a minimum of five years of experience in the relevant field.
- A copy of the individual income tax statement.
- A report and receipt from the medical examination.
- A copy of the passport.
- Passport-size photographs (2 required).
Additionally, the employer is required to submit the following documents:
- A copy of the previous year's corporate income tax return.
- A copy of the organization's representative ID card or passport.
- A copy of the organization's registration certificate, business registration, and other permits.
- A copy of the foreign investment letter approval issued by the investment commission.
- A copy of the employment contract.
Working permit in Taiwan for student: nuances
International students seeking part-time jobs or internships in Taiwan, whether on or off-campus, must obtain a valid work permit before commencing work. Failure to do so may result in fines ranging from NTD 30,000 to NTD 150,000 and immediate expulsion from Taiwan. Students are limited to a maximum of 20 working hours per week, with exceptions during summer and winter vacations.
The work permit's maximum validity period is six months, expiring on March 31st of the following year for fall semester applications and on September 30th of the same year for spring semester applications. The application process involves using the Workforce Development Agency's online system for international degree students. Applicants must create an account, select their identity category, and provide necessary information, including Chinese department names. After online submission, departmental approval is required before the application is forwarded to the Office of International Affairs (OIA).
Required documents for submission include photocopies of the student ID card, passport, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), post office work permit application fee payment receipt, and a certificate of enrollment. OIA will notify applicants via email upon receiving the work permit from the Workforce Development Agency. Reissuance of a work permit is only allowed in case of loss.
Additional regulations stipulate that students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year. Holding a job without a valid work permit may result in penalties and expulsion. Students are eligible for a work permit if enrolled as degree students in a university or have completed a one-year language course in Taiwan.
For those opting to receive the work permit in person, a declaration form must be completed and submitted at the designated Workforce Development Agency counter. The payment receipt must be presented by the specified deadline; otherwise, the agency will send the permit by mail.
The work permit's maximum validity period is six months, expiring on March 31st of the following year for fall semester applications and on September 30th of the same year for spring semester applications. The application process involves using the Workforce Development Agency's online system for international degree students. Applicants must create an account, select their identity category, and provide necessary information, including Chinese department names. After online submission, departmental approval is required before the application is forwarded to the Office of International Affairs (OIA).
Required documents for submission include photocopies of the student ID card, passport, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), post office work permit application fee payment receipt, and a certificate of enrollment. OIA will notify applicants via email upon receiving the work permit from the Workforce Development Agency. Reissuance of a work permit is only allowed in case of loss.
Additional regulations stipulate that students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year. Holding a job without a valid work permit may result in penalties and expulsion. Students are eligible for a work permit if enrolled as degree students in a university or have completed a one-year language course in Taiwan.
For those opting to receive the work permit in person, a declaration form must be completed and submitted at the designated Workforce Development Agency counter. The payment receipt must be presented by the specified deadline; otherwise, the agency will send the permit by mail.
How long does it take to get a work permit in Taiwan?
The approval process for the work permit typically spans a duration of 7 to 14 days.
Work permit in Taiwan: processing fees
If you apply for a work permit in Taiwan through a diplomatic mission, the processing fees are as follows:
If you apply within Taiwan, the fees are:
Additionally, besides the work permit, you are required to pay a fee for the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), which is:
- Single-Entry Work Permit: $66 USD
- Multiple-Entry Work Permit: $132 USD
If you apply within Taiwan, the fees are:
- Single-Entry Work Permit: NT$2,200
- Multiple-Entry Work Permit: NT$4,400
Additionally, besides the work permit, you are required to pay a fee for the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), which is:
- One-year duration: NT$1,000
- Two-year duration: NT$2,000
- Three-year duration: NT$3,000
Work permit in Taiwan on Reddit
Kim from Taiwan says: "The process for obtaining a work permit varies depending on the industry. For positions like a buxiban teacher, a degree is generally sufficient. However, for white-collar professional roles, eligibility is determined by scoring around 70 points through assessment in categories such as education, prior work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant factors (to the best of my recollection).
The specific requirements may also be influenced by the industry, with the tech sector often being more supportive in facilitating this process."
The specific requirements may also be influenced by the industry, with the tech sector often being more supportive in facilitating this process."
