Taiwan (Republic of China) · work sponsored · Leads to settlement
Work Permit for Specialized or Technical Work + ARC
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
The standard employer-sponsored route for foreign professionals: the employer obtains a work permit from the Workforce Development Agency, then the worker applies for a resident visa and Alien Resident Certificate.
- Processing time
- Indicative only. Separate steps run through the Workforce Development Agency (work permit), BOCA (resident visa) and the National Immigration Agency (ARC); check current timelines on the official pages.
- Government fees
- Indicative only. Government fees apply at the work-permit, resident-visa and ARC stages; refer to the official WDA, BOCA and NIA pages for current amounts.
- Typical duration
- Work permit and resident visa run with the employment contract (which must have more than six months remaining at application); renewable.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
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
Typical criteria
- ✓Hold a job offer from a Taiwan employer for a role classified as specialized or technical work, with the employment period more than six months from the date of application.Workforce Development Agency (Taiwan) ↗
- ✓Meet the Workforce Development Agency conditions on wage, education level and working qualifications for the relevant category.Workforce Development Agency (Taiwan) ↗
- ✓The employer applies for the work permit on the worker behalf through the WDA online platform.Workforce Development Agency (Taiwan) ↗
- ✓After the work permit is granted, apply for a resident visa and then an Alien Resident Certificate.Workforce Development Agency (Taiwan) ↗
Common blockers
- !The role does not meet the WDA wage, education or qualification thresholds for specialized or technical work.Workforce Development Agency (Taiwan) ↗
- !No Taiwan employer is willing to sponsor, or the contract has less than six months remaining.Workforce Development Agency (Taiwan) ↗
- !Failure to convert the work permit into a resident visa and ARC within the required windows after arrival.Workforce Development Agency (Taiwan) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Employment contract or letter of appointment specifying the role and duration.Workforce Development Agency (Taiwan) ↗
- ·Educational certificates and proof of relevant professional qualifications or experience.Workforce Development Agency (Taiwan) ↗
- ·Valid passport with at least six months validity and copies of the data page.Workforce Development Agency (Taiwan) ↗
- ·Approved work permit document for the resident-visa and ARC applications.Workforce Development Agency (Taiwan) ↗
Application pathway
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.
Employer applies for the work permit
The employer submits the work-permit application through the Workforce Development Agency online platform.
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.
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.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Work Permit for Specialized or Technical Work + ARC route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Work Permit for Specialized or Technical Work + ARC.
Workforce Development Agency (Taiwan) · verified
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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.
Frequently asked questions
Who applies for a Taiwan work permit, the employer or the worker?+
For specialized or technical work the Taiwan employer applies for the work permit through the Workforce Development Agency. Once the permit is granted, the foreign worker applies for the resident visa and then the Alien Resident Certificate. The employment contract must have more than six months remaining at the time of application.
What is the difference between a work permit and an ARC?+
The work permit, issued by the Workforce Development Agency, authorizes employment. The Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), issued by the National Immigration Agency, is the residence document you hold while living in Taiwan. You typically obtain the work permit and resident visa first, then apply for the ARC within 30 days of arrival.
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