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2026/4/10

Complete Guide to Applying for, Extending and Changing Residence Permits (ARC) for Foreigners in Taiwan

What is ARC? Why do you need it?

To legally reside in Taiwan long-term, you will definitely need an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) . This card is not only proof of identity, but also an essential document for opening bank accounts, renting accommodation, applying for labor and health insurance, and receiving salary remittances in Taiwan.

If you are coming to Taiwan with a valid residence visa and plan to stay for more than 6 months, you should apply for an ARC (Archived Residence Permit) at the National Immigration Agency within 15 days of arrival. Don't worry about the complicated procedures—this guide will walk you through it step by step!

Overview of ARC Application Types and Fees

Application type	Applicable situations	cost
First-time application (processed overseas)	If applied for outside of Taiwan, collection will be made upon entry.	NT$1,300
First-time application (processed within China)	After entering the country, proceed to any of the Immigration Agency's service stations to complete the necessary procedures.	NT$1,000
Extension application	Apply for an extension before the expiry date of your residence permit.	NT$300
Hair replacement/replacement	Loss, damage, or changes to information (such as address)	NT$200

Application Location: National Immigration Agency Service Centers (with locations throughout Taiwan; you can find the nearest service center on the National Immigration Agency website ).

First-time ARC application: Process and required documents

Step 1: Confirm that you hold a residence visa

ARC is based on a "residence visa". If you are coming to Taiwan on a work permit, the employment residency visa applied for by your employer is your entry ticket. Customs will stamp your passport upon entry to confirm your entry date.

Step 2: Prepare application documents

document	illustrate
Original passport	The validity period must be more than 6 months; the entry stamp must be clearly visible.
Residence visa	Valid residence visa on passport inner page
Foreigner's Residence Application Form	Download the form from the Immigration Agency's website or obtain it on-site.
2-inch color photo	Two photos taken within the last 6 months, with a white background and clear frontal view.
Work Permit Letter	Provided by the employer (issued by the Ministry of Labor)
Proof of address in Taiwan	Lease, household registration transcript, or a copy of the landlord's household registration book
Application fee	NT$1,000 (for domestic processing)

Step 3: Go to the Immigration Service Center in person to complete the process.

Please bring the aforementioned documents to an Immigration Service Center in person. Some service centers offer online appointments ; it is recommended to check the website in advance to avoid long waiting times.

Step 4: Claim ARC

Once approved, the Immigration Service typically issues the ARC within 7 to 14 business days . You can choose to pick it up in person or have it mailed to your address.

💡Reminder: After receiving your ARC, please be sure to check that your name, date of birth, and passport number are correct. If there are any errors, you should immediately apply to the Immigration Department for correction.

ARC Extension Application Steps

The validity period of your ARC (Advanced Research and Extension) is usually the same as the duration of your work permit. You can start the renewal process 2-3 months before it expires; don't wait until the last minute!

Documents required for extension

Original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Existing ARC original
Application for Residence Permit for Foreigners (Extension)
Work permit extension letter (provided by the employer after applying to the Department of Labor)
Two 2-inch color photos
Application fee NT$300

Extension process

The employer should first apply to the Ministry of Labor for a work permit extension.
After obtaining the new work permit letter, take all documents to the Immigration Department.
Pay the fee and complete the review.
Collect the new ARC after notification

⚠️Note: Failure to renew your ARC before it expires may result in overstaying penalties , and in severe cases, could even affect your future application for permanent residency. Please be sure to handle this in advance!

Common Situation Handling

Scenario 1: I changed jobs, do I need to reapply for ARC?

When changing jobs, your new employer needs to apply for a new work permit. After obtaining the work permit, you will need to update your employer information on your ARC (Archived Reference Number). Please bring your new work permit letter, your existing ARC, and your passport to the Immigration Department to complete the information change .

Scenario 2: I've moved, do I need to update my address?

Yes! According to regulations, you must report a change of address to the Immigration Agency within 15 days . Prepare a lease agreement or other proof of address for your new address and go to any Immigration Agency service center to complete the address change process. The fee is NT$200.

Scenario 3: What to do if ARC is lost?

First, report the loss to the local police station and obtain a police report .
Prepare your passport, photos, police report, and NT$200 for replacement fees.
It takes approximately 7 to 14 business days to obtain a new card after applying for a replacement at the Immigration Agency.

Scenario 4: My passport has been renewed, do I need to change my ARC?

After renewing your passport, the passport number on your ARC (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority) will have expired. You will need to go to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to renew it , which costs NT$200. Simply bring your old passport, new passport, and the original copy of your current ARC.

Employment Gold Card vs. Regular ARC: Which one is right for you?

If you are a professional with specialized skills, the Taiwanese government offers a more convenient Employment Gold Card program:

Comparison items	General ARC	Employment Gold Card
Application prerequisites	You need an employer and a work permit first.	No employer required; you can apply on your own.
Contents	Residence status (work permit must be applied for separately)	Four-in-one: Work Permit + Residence Visa + ARC + Re-entry Permit
Validity period	Depending on the length of the work permit (usually 1 to 3 years).	1 to 3 years (optional)
Application fee	NT$1,000 (First time in the country)	USD$100-310 (depending on the year)
Apply for APRC eligibility	5 years of continuous residence	You can apply after three consecutive years of residency.
Suitable for	Foreign workers generally employed	Specialized talents in science, art, academia, and other fields

Employment Gold Card application platform: goldcard.nat.gov.tw

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: When do I need to complete the ARC?

A: The application should be completed within 15 days of entry. Failure to do so may result in fines and may also affect the legality of subsequent activities in Taiwan.

Q: Are ARC and work permits the same thing?

A: No. A work permit is applied for with the Ministry of Labor and allows you to work in Taiwan; an ARC ( Archived Reference Certificate) is applied for with the Immigration Agency and allows you to reside in Taiwan. Both are required. Usually, the employer assists in applying for the work permit, and you apply for the ARC yourself.

Q: Can I apply for ARC outside of Taiwan?

A: Yes, it's called "overseas application". The fee is NT$1,300. It can be processed at a Taiwanese representative office overseas. After entering Taiwan, you can pick up the physical ARC card at the Immigration Agency.

Q: Can my spouse or family members apply for residency together?

A: Yes. The principal applicant's spouse and minor children can apply for dependent residency . Marriage certificates or birth certificates, etc., need to be prepared separately and submitted to the Immigration Department for processing.

Q: What should I do if I forget to extend my ARC (Advanced Research and Development Program) when it expires?

A: Please go to the Immigration Agency immediately and explain your situation. Failure to do so may result in a fine, but proactive action usually minimizes the impact. If you have any questions, please call the Immigration Agency service hotline 1990 or contact us at zisung1024@gmail.com

Q: How long after obtaining an Employment Gold Card can I apply for permanent residency (APRC)?

A: Employment Gold Card holders only need to reside in Taiwan for 3 consecutive years (generally ARC requires 5 years) to apply for permanent residency (APRC), which is an important advantage for highly skilled talents coming to Taiwan.