Work Permit for Specialized or Technical Work + ARC

Overview

Specialized or technical work is the main employer-sponsored work category for white-collar foreign professionals in Taiwan, administered by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA). The Taiwan employer applies for the work permit, and the role must meet WDA conditions on wage, education and qualifications. With an approved work permit the worker obtains a resident visa from the Bureau of Consular Affairs and then an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) from the National Immigration Agency within 30 days of arrival. Continuous residence on this basis counts toward an Alien Permanent Resident Certificate.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Secure a qualifying job offer

   Obtain an offer from a Taiwan employer for a specialized or technical role that meets WDA wage and qualification conditions.

2. 02

   Employer applies for the work permit

   The employer submits the work-permit application through the Workforce Development Agency online platform.

3. 03

   Apply for the resident visa

   With the approved work permit, apply for an employment resident visa through the Bureau of Consular Affairs or its offices.

4. 04

   Obtain the ARC and maintain residence

   Within 30 days of arriving in Taiwan, apply to the National Immigration Agency for an Alien Resident Certificate, and maintain continuous residence toward an APRC.

Also explored by

Compare Taiwan (Republic of China) with

• 🇸🇬 Republic of Singapore
• 🇯🇵 Japan
• 🇭🇰 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China

Related routes

• Taiwan Employment Gold Card

  A combined open work permit, resident visa, ARC and re-entry permit for foreign special professionals in designated fields, not tied to any single employer.

• Foreign Special Professional Work Permit

  An enhanced work-permit route under the Foreign Professionals Act for designated special professionals, allowing employment permits of up to five years and additional incentives.

• Permanent Residence (Alien Permanent Resident Certificate, APRC)

  Permanent residence for foreign nationals who have legally resided in Taiwan continuously for five years, granted by the National Immigration Agency under the Immigration Act.