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ROC (Taiwan) Resident Certificate
中華民國居留證
Zhōnghuámínguó Jūliúzhèng (Mandarin)
Tiong-hôa-bîn-kok Ki-liû-chèng (Taiwanese)
Chûng-fà-mìn-koet Kî-liù-chṳn (Hakka)
TypeIdentity document
Issued byNational Immigration Agency
Valid inTaiwan Free area of the Republic of China
EligibilityForeign residents, unregistered nationals
Expiration1–3 years
CostNT$1,000 per year
R.O.C. (Taiwan) Resident Certificate, obverse

A Resident Certificate (Chinese: 居留證; pinyin: jū liú zhèng[1]; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Ki-liû-chèng) is the identity document issued to long-term or permanent residents of the Taiwan area of the Republic of China who do not have Household registration in Taiwan. In Taiwanese laws, all nationals with household registration are issued a National Identification Card. The Resident Certificate is issued by the National Immigration Agency. Currently, there are several types of Resident Certificate that reflect the bearer's immigration status.

The Alien Resident Certificate (Chinese: 外僑居留證; pinyin: Wàiqiáo Jūliúzhèng; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Gōa-kiâu Ki-liû-chèng), or ARC, is given to foreign residents in Taiwan, while the nearly identical Taiwan Area Resident Certificate (Chinese: 台灣地區居留證; pinyin: Táiwān Dìqū jūliú zhèng; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tâi-oân Tē-khu Ki-liû-chèng), or TARC, is given to national without household registration including qualified overseas Taiwanese, qualified overseas Chinese, and recently naturalized nationals. Nationals of the People's Republic of China (including mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau) are given Taiwan Area resident certificates with special annotations.

Alien Resident Certificate

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There are various methods of qualifying for an ARC, including undertaking sanctioned employment with a work permit, joining family members (including parents, children and spouses) who are themselves legal residents in the Republic of China, undertaking missionary work, investing in a local business, or studying at an approved institution. The relevant authorities may also choose to grant an ARC to foreigners who fit none of the above categories on an ad hoc basis. The ARC is issued by the National Immigration Agency.[2]

The document itself is a plastic credit card-sized card with an embedded integrated circuit containing confidential personal data,[3] and costs the applicant NT$1,000 per year.[4] The electronic ARC cards replaced a paper version in 2007–8, and were intended to "not only bring new convenience to foreigners but would also contribute to the government's anti-forgery and anti-terrorism drives."[4] As of October 2009 around 60,000 foreign residents have yet to exchange their old paper ARCs for a new IC card. The paper cards were phased out on 1 February 2010.[5] A multiple entry permit is now included on the card, whereas previously it was stamped separately in the holder's passport. The applicant may apply for a maximum of three years validity for the ARC, with some categories (for example missionary work or study) being limited to a maximum of one year at a time. Some types of ARC (Joining Family or Teaching) require a medical examination conducted at an approved hospital.[2] Besides entitling the bearer to remain in Taiwan for the duration of the certificate's validity, the ARC is also needed to apply for a driving license in Taiwan.[6]

There is also an Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (Chinese: 外僑永久居留證; pinyin: Wàiqiáo Yǒngjiǔ Jūliú Zhèng; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Gōa-kiâu Éng-kiú Ki-liû-chèng), or APRC available. To obtain the APRC, residence (classed as 183 days or more in a year) must have been maintained for five years. Other conditions apply, including meeting minimum salary or assets requirements, and a criminal record check carried out in the applicant's home country.[7] The fee for an APRC is NT$10,000.

If the holder became eligible for an APRC through marriage to a Taiwanese national, the holder must either remain in the country for 183 days per year or else arrange an exemption with the National Immigration Agency in order to maintain permanent residency. If the holder became eligible for an APRC through work, the holder must return to Taiwan at least once in a five-year period.

The APRC card itself does not carry an expiration date and thus renewals are not required.[7] The law permitting permanent residency was established in 1999, and the first APRCs were issued in 2000.[8]

Taiwan Area Resident Certificate

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The TARC is issued to national without household registration who reside in Taiwan. These people are qualified as nationals (國民) under Taiwanese nationality law, but do not have valid household registration in Taiwan. Establishing household registration in Taiwan is required for a national over 14 years of age to possess a National Identification Card. In Taiwanese laws, household registration has close ties to exercise civil and political rights like a citizen (公民). The Taiwanese laws makes a distinction between "registered nationals" (有戶籍國民) and "unregistered nationals" (無戶籍國民), with the former having the right of abode, right to vote, and other benefits of citizenship, while the latter are subject to deportation from Taiwan and need an entry permit to visit Taiwan. While "registered nationals" are entitled to hold the National Identification Card, "unregistered nationals" may only hold the TARC. Both groups are eligible to hold the Taiwan passport.

For adult "unregistered nationals" to become "registered nationals", and thus eligible for an ID Card, they must reside in Taiwan for a certain period of time, during which they will hold a TARC instead of an ID Card. Currently, for "unregistered nationals" who have direct lineal relatives who are "registered nationals" (e.g. overseas-born Taiwanese) and foreigners who have naturalized as ROC nationals, this period is (1) continuously for one year, (2) 270 days per year for two years, or (3) 183 days per year for five years.

Academic and Business Travel Card

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With the stated aim of attracting exceptional foreign professionals to Taiwan, the government established an Academic and Business Travel Card (Chinese: 學術與商務旅行卡; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Ha̍k-su̍t í Siong-bū Lú-hêng-khah) in 2009. The card is valid for three years and entitles the bearer to stay in the country for 30 days at a time, with multiple entry permission and priority queueing at immigration when entering and leaving the country. While in Taiwan, the holder can conduct academic or business affairs.[9]

Card Number Format

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Starting Jan 2, 2021, the current number format will be replaced with that aligning with that of the national ID card. Unfortunately this is causing a lot of confusion in Taiwan since it means most official and commercial websites in Taiwan are not able to accept the new format since it isn't actually the same as the format used for locals. Specifically, without recoding every website, no website will accept a card with an "8" or a "9" in the second place.

The old number format consists of two English letters followed by eight digits. The previous format has hindered foreign nationals from carrying out such matters as online shopping, ticket booking, hospital registration, and so on. The European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan (ECCT) has repeatedly drawn this situation to the attention of government agencies in its annual Position Papers.[10]

The new format consists of one English letter followed by nine digits.

(a) English letter: Area code, indicating the place of application, corresponding to the area code in citizens’ ID card numbers.

(b) First digit: Indicates gender, 8 for male and 9 for female.

(c) Last digit: checksum

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A resident certificate is an official issued by the National Immigration Agency of the Republic of to foreign nationals and certain other individuals residing long-term in the area without registration. It functions as proof of legal residency status, enabling access to , healthcare, , and within . Foreigners entering on a resident visa must apply for the certificate, formally known as the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), within 15 to 30 days of arrival, depending on visa type, with validity periods typically ranging from one to three years subject to renewal based on continued eligibility such as or family ties. The document includes a unique identification number, biometric data, and restrictions on activities like political participation, reflecting 's regulatory framework for managing and . Distinct from citizenship or pathways like the Alien Permanent Resident Certificate, the standard resident certificate underscores temporary yet extended stays, with over 800,000 such cards in circulation as of recent estimates, supporting 's foreign workforce and international community.

Introduction

Definition and Purpose

A resident certificate, also known as a居留證 (jū liú zhèng), is an official identity document issued by Taiwan's National Immigration Agency (NIA) to non-Republic of China (ROC) nationals or certain ROC nationals lacking household registration in the Taiwan area, authorizing long-term legal residence. It confirms the holder's eligibility to stay beyond short-term visa periods for specified purposes such as employment, study, investment, or family reunification, while embedding personal details including a unique identification number, photograph, and residency duration. The certificate's core purpose is to establish verifiable residency status, enabling holders to engage in daily activities like opening bank accounts, enrolling in healthcare, securing , or accessing without relying solely on passports, which are impractical for routine use. It also incorporates a multiple re-entry permit function, allowing travel in and out of without visa reapplication during the validity period, typically one to three years depending on the category, subject to NIA extensions. Foreign nationals entering on resident visas must apply for the certificate—such as the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)—within 15 to 30 days of arrival to maintain legal status and avoid fines or . By standardizing proof of residence, the certificate supports Taiwan's , tracking population movements and ensuring compliance with labor, tax, and regulations. For instance, it links to work permits for professionals and mandates reporting of address changes, facilitating government oversight while protecting holders' rights against unauthorized presence claims. Failure to obtain or renew it results in loss of residency privileges, underscoring its role as both an entitlement and regulatory tool. The issuance and regulation of resident certificates in , including the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), Taiwan Area Resident Certificate (TARC), and Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC), are primarily governed by the Immigration Act of the Republic of China, originally promulgated on May 18, 2007, and subsequently amended, with key revisions effective as of February 1, 2024. This act establishes the foundational requirements for foreign nationals' entry, residency, and permanent settlement, mandating that individuals entering with a residence visa apply for an ARC within 30 days of arrival, a period extended from the prior 15 days to facilitate compliance. Articles 22 through 23-1, 26, and 31 of the act, along with Articles 5 to 13 of its Enforcement Rules, outline the procedures for ARC applications, including eligibility tied to valid residence visas and submission to the National Immigration Agency (NIA). For , Article 25 of the Immigration Act provides the basis for issuing APRCs, requiring applicants to demonstrate continuous legal residence for at least five years, with an average stay exceeding 183 days annually, except for spouses of Taiwanese nationals or those with special professional contributions who may qualify after three years. The Regulations Governing Visiting, Residency, and of Aliens further detail application processes, such as permitting certain aliens born in to obtain certificates via parental or custodial channels, and impose fees like NT$1,000 for a one-year ARC. These regulations emphasize documented proof of purpose, such as employment or , and allow for extensions or conversions, with recent amendments streamlining processes for foreign professionals under the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals. The TARC, issued to Republic of China nationals residing abroad without household registration in the Area, falls under NIA guidelines for continuous or periodic residence, derived from the Immigration Act and aligned with the Household Registration Act, enabling such individuals to maintain ties without full . Enforcement is centralized under the NIA, with penalties for non-compliance, including fines or , ensuring residency aligns with and economic needs rather than open-ended stays. Amendments, such as those in 2024, reflect empirical adjustments to residency thresholds, prioritizing sustained presence over nominal entry to mitigate overstays documented in prior immigration data.

Historical Development

Origins and Establishment

The resident certificate system in emerged from early post-war efforts to regulate entry, exit, and residency amid concerns during the period of mobilization against communist threats from . Initial frameworks, such as the of Entry and Exit the Taiwan Area issued by the in March 1957, focused on controlling cross-border movements but lacked standardized documentation for long-term alien stays. These measures built on even earlier controls, including the 1949 Temporary Regulations Governing Entry Permits for and civil servants and the 1952 establishment of the Entry and Exit Control Department under the Department of Defense, which handled rudimentary alien registration without formal certificates. The modern system of resident certificates was formally established with the promulgation of the Immigration Act on May 21, 1999, which took effect on , 1999. This legislation introduced structured requirements for residency permits and mandated the issuance of certificates—such as the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) for foreigners and the Taiwan Area Resident Certificate (TARC) for non-household-registered residents from or other special categories—to verify legal status for stays exceeding short-term visits. The Act centralized authority under the proposed National Immigration Agency, addressing gaps in prior ad hoc policing by the National Police Agency's Entry and Exit Bureau, and responded to Taiwan's growing international economic ties following the lifting of in 1987, which increased inflows and cross-strait interactions. Implementation of the certificates gained operational footing with subsequent guidelines, requiring foreigners entering on residence visas to apply for an ARC within 30 days and mandating it for stays over 180 days to facilitate identity verification, tax compliance, and public services access. The National Immigration Agency, responsible for processing and issuing these documents, was officially established on January 2, 2007, by reorganizing the Entry and Exit Bureau and expanding its mandate to include resident management and immigrant integration. This institutionalization marked the shift from reactive border controls to a comprehensive residency documentation regime, though requirements like ID-number-bearing certificates for aliens were further clarified in policies starting from 2004.

Evolution Through Policy Changes

The resident certificate system in traces its modern origins to the Immigration Act, promulgated on October 30, 1999, which established the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) as the primary document for foreign nationals granted residency, replacing ad hoc visa extensions under prior martial law-era regulations dating back to the 1957 Entry and Exit Regulation during the Period of National Mobilization for Suppression of Communist Rebellion. This act formalized procedures for residency applications, requiring aliens entering with resident visas to apply for an ARC within 15 days, with validity tied to employment, study, or grounds. Early policy shifts emphasized temporary stays for migrant workers under the 1991 "short-term, non-settlement" framework, limiting for low-skilled labor to initial three-year terms, later extended to six years in 2000 and nine years in 2007 to address labor shortages without encouraging . For Area Resident Certificates (TARC), issued to Republic of China nationals without household registration—such as those from or outer provinces—the system evolved alongside the 1997 Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the Area and the Mainland Area, which permitted limited entries but imposed strict residency reviews amid cross-strait tensions. Subsequent amendments prioritized skilled migration and retention. In 2021, revisions to the Immigration Act reduced the residency threshold for Alien Permanent Resident Certificates (APRC) from continuous presence to an average of 183 days per year over five consecutive years, easing paths for professionals while maintaining exclusions for blue-collar workers. This change aimed to bolster Taiwan's talent pool amid demographic decline, with APRC holders previously required to demonstrate uninterrupted stays. Recent updates reflect ongoing liberalization. Effective January 1, 2024, under revised Immigration Act regulations, the maximum ARC validity for foreign students extended from one to three years, and extension applications could be filed up to three months prior to expiration, up from one month, to reduce administrative burdens. The post-entry ARC application window also lengthened to 30 calendar days from 15, implemented , 2024, alongside eased requirements for Taiwanese nationals without registration seeking TARC conversions to full residency. These adjustments, driven by labor needs and international competition, have incrementally shifted from restrictive controls to more flexible residency frameworks, though permanent pathways remain selective to preserve considerations.

Types of Certificates

Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)

The Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) is an official identification card issued by 's National Immigration Agency to foreign nationals legally residing in the country for periods exceeding 180 days. It establishes proof of temporary residency status and is mandatory for individuals entering on a resident visa, requiring application within 30 days of arrival. Unlike permanent residency options, the ARC grants renewable temporary status tied to specific purposes such as , study, or . Eligibility for an ARC generally requires possession of a valid , which foreign nationals must obtain prior to entry or convert upon arrival, followed by submission of supporting documents including , visa endorsement, photographs, and proof of purpose (e.g., or enrollment letter). First-time applicants submit in person at a National Agency service center, while extensions or changes in residency reason (e.g., from to worker) involve similar documentation with evidence of continued qualification. Fees typically include NT$1,000 for issuance or extension, plus additional costs for re-entry permits if needed. The ARC's validity period aligns with the underlying visa, often ranging from six months to three years, and must be renewed before expiration to maintain legal status. Holders use it for essential administrative functions, including enrollment in after six months of residency, obtaining a , and banking services. For dependents, such as spouses or children of ARC holders, separate applications are processed, with newborns to foreign parents eligible within 30 days of birth upon presentation of birth registration and parental documents. Failure to apply or maintain the ARC can result in overstay penalties or .

Taiwan Area Resident Certificate (TARC)

The Area Resident Certificate (TARC) is an identity document issued by the National Immigration Agency (NIA) to Republic of China (ROC) nationals who lack household registration in the Area, enabling legal residence without full privileges such as voting or unrestricted property ownership. It serves primarily to regulate stay for individuals from the Mainland Area, , , or overseas ROC nationals, or those newly naturalized pending household registration, facilitating access to employment (with permits), healthcare, and banking while distinguishing them from fully registered citizens. Unlike the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), which applies to non-ROC foreigners under the Immigration Act, TARC targets unseated ROC nationals under Articles 10 and 16, reflecting legal separation of "Taiwan Area" (ROC-controlled territories) from the "Mainland Area" (PRC-controlled). Eligibility for TARC requires demonstrating ties or contributions justifying residence, including marriage to an ROC citizen with household registration (lasting at least three years, or shorter if children are born), lineal or relations with registered residents, birth abroad to a Taiwanese parent with , continuous legal stay of at least five years (averaging 183 days annually), investments exceeding NT$10 million approved by authorities, or /special professional skills endorsed by relevant agencies. Mainland Chinese applicants face additional scrutiny due to cross-strait regulations, often requiring proof of no criminal ties and clearance. Naturalized foreign spouses, after acquiring ROC nationality (typically following four years of marriage-based residence), must apply for TARC as "Taiwan Area nationals without household registration" before integrating into the system. Applications are submitted in person at NIA service centers in Taiwan's municipalities or counties, with a processing time of seven working days excluding holidays. Required documents include a completed residence application form with photograph, eligibility proofs (e.g., , family ID transcripts), a health certificate issued within three months, and a certificate (within one year, with exemptions for minors or certain relatives). Mainland-born applicants submit extra verifications like entry permits; fees total NT$600 per case. Upon approval, the TARC is issued, often valid for one to five years depending on category (e.g., up to five years for / residents), with renewals tied to ongoing eligibility under Regulations Governing Stay, Residence, and Permanent Residence Permits (Articles 24, 27). Permanent residence applications follow after one year of continuous stay (at least 335 days) or five years periodic, submitted within two years of qualification. The TARC features a card format akin to the ARC, including a unique identification number for tracking, but denotes national status without implying full household integration. It must be carried for identification, and loss requires immediate NIA reporting for reissuance. Revocation occurs if residency grounds cease (e.g., divorce without children or violence exceptions allowing continuation), or upon acquiring household registration, at which point the TARC is surrendered. This system enforces causal residency requirements, prioritizing verifiable family, economic, or professional links over indefinite stays, amid Taiwan's policy of controlled cross-strait integration.

Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC)

The Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC), issued by 's National Immigration Agency (NIA), grants foreign nationals indefinite residency rights in the Taiwan Area, allowing residence and without time limitations or frequent renewals, distinct from the temporary Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). It functions as an for non-citizen permanent residents, enabling access to services like healthcare and banking while excluding political rights such as voting. Eligibility mandates at least five consecutive years of legal residence, with more than 183 days annually in , reaching age 18 or older, no verified by , and proof of good conduct. Alternative criteria apply under the Act for and of Foreign Professionals, reducing the residency period for certain high-skilled individuals, such as those with master's degrees from Taiwanese universities or substantial investments exceeding NT$15 million that create at least five local jobs. Applications must be filed in person at an NIA service center, commencing with a completed APRC form alongside supporting documents like passport, ARC history, residence proofs (e.g., tax records or employment certificates), financial statements demonstrating self-sufficiency, and health checks if required. Processing typically takes 2-3 months, with fees around NT$1,000 for issuance, and approvals subject to national interest assessments, including security clearances. Successful applicants receive a card with a 10-digit ID number prefixed "BC" for permanent status, biometric data, and anti-forgery holograms, valid indefinitely unless revoked for violations like prolonged absence exceeding two years without notification. Holders of an APRC face obligations such as annual address reporting to NIA within 15 days of changes and potential for criminal convictions or failure to maintain residency intent, as amended in guidelines effective April 2024 to accommodate global talent mobility by flexibly counting border-crossing days toward the 183-day threshold. Unlike , APRC does not permit household registration or issuance, but facilitates visas and pathways to after additional residency. In 2024, policy revisions lowered barriers for professionals, such as waiving the full five-year wait for Taiwan-educated graduates, reflecting efforts to attract skilled migrants amid demographic pressures.

Specialized Cards

The Taiwan Employment Gold Card, launched in September 2018, serves as a specialized resident certificate targeting foreign professionals in fields such as , economics, education, culture, , , , , or national defense. It consolidates a resident visa, , Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and re-entry permit into a single document, enabling holders to reside and work in without separate approvals for employment changes. Eligibility requires meeting criteria like an annual salary exceeding NT$5 million (approximately US$160,000), possession of a or higher with relevant experience, or demonstrated exceptional achievements; the card is initially valid for one to three years and renewable based on continued qualifications. The Plum Blossom Card represents a variant of the Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) designed for individuals with special contributions, senior professional expertise, or substantial investments in , allowing direct without the standard five-year continuous residence requirement. Established under guidelines from the National Immigration Agency, it targets those whose skills or investments—such as NT$15 million in approved sectors or equivalent contributions to national development—benefit 's economy or society, granting indefinite stay, work authorization, and access to privileges like property ownership. Applications involve submitting evidence of qualifications to the Immigration Agency, with approvals bypassing typical ARC progression. Other specialized instruments, such as the Academic and Business Travel Card, facilitate short-term engagements for foreign nationals in contractual academic research or business activities, permitting stays beyond standard visitor limits while requiring proof of specific invitations or contracts; however, it does not confer long-term residency equivalent to ARC or APRC. These cards reflect Taiwan's policy emphasis on attracting targeted talent through streamlined, purpose-built documentation, often exempting holders from certain bureaucratic hurdles faced by standard applicants.

Eligibility and Application

General Eligibility Criteria

Foreign nationals intending to reside in for periods exceeding six months must qualify for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) by first obtaining a resident visa aligned with approved purposes, such as , , study, missionary work, or with Republic of China (ROC) nationals. Eligibility requires legal entry into and submission of an ARC application within 30 days of arrival, supported by documentation verifying the purpose of stay, including job offers, school enrollment letters, or proof of familial ties. Applications are processed by the National Agency, with validity periods ranging from six months to five years depending on the category. Common prerequisites across categories include possession of a valid , demonstration of financial self-sufficiency or sponsorship, and adherence to and checks. Applicants must exhibit good conduct, typically evidenced by police certificates showing no , though explicit verification varies by subcategory. Minors under 18 may apply through legal guardians, while adults generally must be at least 18 years old for independent applications; dependents of eligible foreigners or ROC citizens qualify under provisions. Exclusions apply to spouses of foreign migrant workers and ROC nationals with pending obligations. For progression to permanent residency via an Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC), initial ARC holders must maintain continuous legal residence for at least five years, averaging over 183 days annually, while upholding the aforementioned conduct and self-support standards. Spouses of ROC nationals or certain foreign professionals may qualify after three years under reduced thresholds. These criteria ensure alignment with national interests, including economic contributions or familial stability, without automatic entitlement based solely on duration of stay.

Application Procedures

Foreign nationals entering with a resident must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) within 30 days of arrival at a National Agency (NIA) service center corresponding to their place of residence or through the NIA's online application system. Applications require submission of a completed form, a recent color photograph meeting national ID specifications, original and photocopies of the passport, proof of residence or no fixed abode, and additional documents specific to the applicant's category, such as employment contracts or enrollment letters. Online applicants upload scanned documents, complete payment of NT$1,000 per year of validity (plus NT$2,200 for those entering on visitor s requiring conversion) within five days via bank transfer or credit card, and receive an electronic ARC for immediate or a smart-chip ARC for collection. For extensions or reissues of ARC, applicants follow similar procedures, submitting to the NIA service center or online, with processing times typically ranging from 8 to 10 working days; approval is not guaranteed and depends on compliance with residency conditions like continuous or study. In-person applications at NIA centers require appointments via the online booking system, available during service hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and may involve biometric data collection for smart-chip cards. To apply for an Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC), eligible foreigners holding a valid ARC for at least five consecutive years—with an average annual stay of days or more—must submit an application form, one color , originals and photocopies of current and previous passports and ARC, a health examination certificate from an NIA-designated confirming no infectious diseases like , proof of no from and the home country (apostilled if applicable), and evidence of financial self-sufficiency or . Applications are filed in person at an NIA service center, incur a NT$10,000 , and undergo review for up to two months, during which applicants may need to attend interviews or provide supplementary evidence of contributions to , such as professional expertise or to a Taiwanese citizen. APRC issuance waives subsequent visa requirements but mandates annual re-entry or stay to avoid cancellation, with procedures updated as of April 2024 to streamline digital submissions. Taiwan Area Resident Certificates (TARC) for Republic of China nationals are handled separately through household registration offices under the Ministry of the Interior, involving verification of status rather than approval, and do not follow NIA procedures. All applications, regardless of type, require accurate documentation to avoid rejection, with NIA emphasizing in-person verification for high-risk cases to prevent fraud.

Required Documentation and Fees

Required documentation for resident certificates in Taiwan depends on the certificate type and the applicant's purpose of stay, as stipulated by the National Immigration Agency (NIA). For the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), standard submissions include a completed application form, one recent color adhering to national ID card specifications (taken within two years), the original and photocopy of the applicant's (including any resident or visitor visa pages), and proof of current such as a lease agreement, photocopy of a property ownership deed, or the host's national ID with consent statement. Purpose-specific documents are mandatory; employment-based applicants must provide an approval letter from the Workforce Development Agency and an employment certificate issued within one month, while dependent applicants (e.g., spouses or children) require authenticated proof of relationship (such as or birth certificates) and evidence of the sponsor's monthly exceeding NT$53,000 for mid-level technical roles. Investors need an investment approval letter confirming at least US$200,000 committed, along with company registration documents and a list of directors. Students submit enrollment verification, with Mandarin language programs limited to certificates valid for up to one year. Missionaries provide a religious organization's registration and invitation letter. For standard employment-based ARC reapplications or extensions after expiration, these purpose-specific documents suffice without requiring a Taiwan police clearance (criminal record certificate), distinguishing from permanent residency applications which mandate criminal record certificates from both Taiwan and the home country; minor overstays under 30 days permit reapplication following penalty payment, without additional clearance requirements. For the Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC), applicants submit a dedicated application form, one color photograph (national ID specifications), originals and photocopies of current and prior passports, the existing ARC (original returned upon verification), a health examination clearance (Form B), national criminal record certificates from the home country (covering the past five years, translated into Chinese), a Taiwan police criminal record certificate (valid within three months), and proof of assets (e.g., property valued over NT$5 million or income tax returns) or specialized skills (e.g., professional certifications). Category-specific additions apply, such as work approval letters for professionals or investment proofs for entrepreneurs; Mainland China-born applicants include Service Center for Verification and Information Management certificates. Dependents provide relationship proofs and, if applicable, disability documentation. The Taiwan Area Resident Certificate (TARC), issued to eligible Taiwan Area residents (e.g., certain Mainland Chinese entrants), requires NIA-verified proofs of identity and residence status, often including household registration documents or cross-strait travel permits, though exact submissions align with ARC guidelines for verification purposes. ARC fees scale with validity period: NT$1,000 for one year, NT$2,000 for two years, NT$3,000 for three years, NT$4,000 for four years, and NT$5,000 for five years; reissues or replacements cost NT$500. Applicants entering on visitor visas or visa exemptions pay an additional NT$2,200 conversion fee. Overseas compatriot students receive a 50% discount on ARC fees. APRC applications incur a flat fee of NT$10,000, regardless of category. TARC fees vary by application location, at NT$1,300 for overseas submissions or aligned with ARC rates for in-country processing. All fees are payable in New Taiwan Dollars at NIA service centers.

Card Features and Usage

Physical Design and Security

The Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) are produced as durable, credit card-sized plastic cards equipped with an embedded chip for storing . This design facilitates portability and integration with electronic verification systems used by Taiwanese authorities. The Taiwan Area Resident Certificate (TARC) follows a comparable format, serving as an identification for eligible residents without household registration. Security features emphasize tamper resistance and , with the chip protected by digital signatures to prevent unauthorized replication or alteration of stored information, including biometric and residency details. validation protocols require of the card's photo, printed , and chip-readable elements to confirm forgery-proof attributes, such as embedded security mechanisms verifiable via National Agency systems. These measures, implemented through partnerships with secure document providers like (now Thales), align with international standards for electronic identity documents to mitigate risks of counterfeiting. Specialized variants, such as those for or under the Foreign Talent Act, incorporate the same chip-embedded structure but may include status-specific annotations on the obverse side for quick visual identification by officials. The cards' polycarbonate-like material enhances physical durability against wear, supporting repeated scanning at borders, banks, and government services without compromising embedded security.

Numbering and Identification Format

The numbering system for Taiwan's resident certificates, including the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC), and Taiwan Area Resident Certificate (TARC), underwent a significant update on January 2, 2021, transitioning to a Unified Identification Number (UI No.) format to align with the structure of Republic of China (ROC) citizens' national ID numbers and facilitate integration with government services such as taxation, healthcare, and digital registration. Prior to 2021, the identification number consisted of two uppercase English letters followed by eight digits, where the letters often denoted categories such as or residency type (e.g., "AD" for certain employment-based ARCs), serving primarily as a without direct alignment to citizen IDs. The current format comprises one English letter followed by nine digits, mirroring the 10-character structure of ROC national IDs: the initial letter typically represents the administrative region of application (e.g., "A" for Taipei City, following citizen conventions), the first digit after the letter indicates gender (8 for males, 9 for females), subsequent digits encode serial information, and the final digit functions as a for validation. This UI No. is printed prominently on the front of the physical card, alongside the holder's photograph, name in English and Chinese (if applicable), date of birth, , and residency status, enabling its use as a ID for banking, employment verification, and public services; existing holders of pre-2021 certificates were required to exchange them for new versions to access updated systems. For APRCs and specialized variants, the format remains identical, though the residency type may influence eligibility rather than the numbering itself. TARC numbers follow the same updated structure, applied uniformly to residents without registration.

Validity Periods and Renewal

The Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) possesses indefinite validity and does not necessitate periodic renewal, distinguishing it from temporary resident permits. Holders must, however, sustain an average annual residence of at least 183 days over the preceding five consecutive years—calculated from January 1 of the year following issuance—to preserve status; failure to meet this threshold in the most recent five-year period may result in revocation by the National Immigration Agency, unless exempted under provisions such as of the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals. Revocation extends to accompanying dependents, and eligible individuals may reapply within 30 days of notice, subject to standard permanent residency criteria including good conduct and no . In contrast, the Taiwan Area Resident Certificate (TARC), issued primarily to residents from , , or under cross-strait regulations, carries a validity period aligned with the approved duration of stay, often requiring extensions for continued residence. Extensions are permissible within the current validity window and are capped at six months per application, with applicants submitting proof of ongoing eligibility such as marriage certificates or employment verification to the National Immigration Agency or designated offices. Duplicates or entry permits linked to TARC hold a fixed six-month validity from issuance, calculated from the approval date, to facilitate travel or administrative needs. Prolonged non-residence or violations of stay conditions can lead to expiration without automatic renewal, prompting reapplication akin to initial procedures. Both certificates mandate prompt reissuance of physical cards if lost, damaged, or expired in format—typically every few years for technological updates—via in-person application with a of approximately NTD 200-1,000, though this addresses card replacement rather than status renewal. Failure to maintain residency or apply timely for extensions incurs overstaying penalties, including fines up to NTD 10,000 and potential .

Rights, Obligations, and Implications

Granted Rights and Access

The Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) establishes legal residency for foreign nationals in , functioning as a primary identification for interactions with agencies, financial institutions, and service providers. It verifies the holder's authorized stay beyond 180 days, distinguishing it from temporary visitor status and enabling sustained participation in daily life without repeated visa reapplications for short-term purposes. Holders gain practical access to key services requiring proof of residency, including opening personal or business bank accounts, subscribing to mobile telecommunications contracts, and securing residential leases or utility connections. The ARC also qualifies individuals to apply for a Taiwanese after meeting examination and residency requirements, thereby permitting vehicle ownership and operation under local regulations. Eligibility for the (NHI) program arises after six consecutive months of residence with a valid ARC, providing coverage for medical expenses on par with Taiwanese nationals, subject to premium contributions based on income or employment status. For dependents such as spouses or children accompanying ARC holders on visas, similar access extends to education enrollment in public schools, though may impose additional criteria. The certificate does not inherently confer employment authorization, which depends on the associated resident visa (e.g., work or categories), but it serves as the requisite proof for labor permit validations and processing. Paired with a re-entry permit—often applied for concurrently—it allows multiple exits and returns without visa forfeiture, maintaining residency continuity for up to the ARC's validity period, typically one to three years. These provisions facilitate while upholding oversight, as non-compliance risks certificate revocation.

Restrictions and Compliance Requirements

Holders of the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) in are subject to specific compliance obligations to maintain legal residency status. Foreign nationals entering on a resident visa must apply for an ARC within 30 days of arrival, a requirement extended from the previous 15-day limit effective April 10, 2024. Failure to comply may result in overstay penalties or under the Immigration Act. ARC holders must report changes in address, employment, or marital status to the National Immigration Agency (NIA) within 30 days of the occurrence, submitting their passport, ARC, and relevant proof documents. Address updates may also require notification to local police foreign affairs sections within 15 days in some interpretations, though official NIA guidelines emphasize the 30-day window for comprehensive changes. Non-compliance with reporting can lead to fines ranging from NT$2,000 to NT$10,000 or cancellation of residency status. Renewal applications must be submitted up to three months prior to expiration to avoid lapses, with validity periods tied to the underlying or permit conditions, such as contracts. For work-related ARCs, holders are restricted to the sponsoring employer and approved job scope; unauthorized changes require prior NIA approval and a new , with violations subject to fines up to NT$300,000 and potential deportation. Permanent residency applicants transitioning from ARC status face stricter compliance, including maintaining at least 183 days of physical presence in Taiwan annually to avoid eligibility loss. All ARC holders must adhere to general immigration laws, including obtaining re-entry permits for extended absences to prevent automatic invalidation, and are prohibited from activities threatening national security or public order, as determined by NIA revocation procedures.

Integration into Taiwanese Society

The Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) enables foreign nationals to establish long-term presence in , facilitating integration through access to essential public services and economic participation. Holders are eligible for compulsory enrollment in the (NHI) system if residing for more than six months, providing comprehensive medical coverage including outpatient, inpatient, and preventive care on par with Taiwanese citizens. This access extends to social insurances such as Labor Insurance for occupational injury, maternity, and retirement benefits, as well as eligibility for banking, telecommunications, driver's licenses, and public education for dependents. Children of ARC holders can enroll in compulsory education at public schools without additional residency barriers, promoting cultural assimilation through immersion in Taiwan's bilingual (Mandarin and local languages) curriculum. Employment tied to work permits under ARC allows professionals to contribute to the workforce, with recent policy amendments permitting certain APRC holders—attainable after five years of continuous ARC residence (at least 183 days annually)—to work without separate permits, enhancing job mobility and societal embedding. The National Immigration Agency supports integration via funded programs, particularly for new , including counseling hotlines for residency, employment, and health queries, as well as courses to bridge technological gaps. These initiatives, extended to ARC holders through local governments, emphasize adaptation via classes, vocational training, and community outreach, though primarily targeted at marriage migrants from and . APRC eligibility further incentivizes integration, requiring demonstrated good conduct, financial self-sufficiency (e.g., assets or exceeding twice the national ), and no , without mandatory or tests but implicitly through sustained societal compliance. Despite these provisions, full civic integration remains limited; ARC and APRC holders lack voting rights in national or local elections and face restrictions on property ownership scales compared to citizens. Recent expansions, such as including long-term APRC holders (10+ years) in certification and financial aid packages, signal incremental inclusion, yet bureaucratic hurdles in program access persist for non-marriage-based migrants.

Recent Developments and Reforms

Key Policy Updates

In 2024, amendments to Taiwan's Immigration Act, effective January 1, extended the maximum validity period of Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs) for foreign students from one year to three years, facilitating longer uninterrupted studies without frequent renewals. This change aimed to reduce administrative burdens on educational institutions and students while maintaining oversight of residency compliance. Further refinements took effect on March 1, 2024, allowing ARC holders to apply for extensions up to three months prior to expiration, compared to the previous shorter window, to provide greater flexibility amid processing delays. Concurrently, overstay penalties for ARC violations were increased to NT$10,000–50,000, scaled by duration, enforcing stricter adherence to residency terms and deterring unauthorized extensions. On April 10, 2024, the National Immigration Agency updated online application guidelines for residence, extensions, and status changes specifically for foreign professionals and dependents, streamlining digital submissions and clarifying eligibility under the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals. Effective January 1, 2025, ARC renewal mandates a minimum annual stay of 183 days in , raised from 120 days, to ensure genuine residency intent and curb nominal certificate usage. Dependent ARCs were aligned in validity with the primary holder's, simplifying renewals but tying their status more directly to the sponsor's compliance. These measures, alongside heightened documentation for continuous presence, reflect efforts to balance talent attraction with and fiscal .

2024 Immigration Amendments

In January 2024, amendments to Taiwan's Immigration Act, effective from January 1, took effect to streamline residency processes and enhance flexibility for foreign nationals. These revisions, involving 63 clauses, relaxed entry and stay regulations while introducing measures to deter overstays, such as extended application timelines for Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs). Key changes included extending the maximum validity period of for foreign students from one year to three years, aligning with durations of study programs to reduce administrative burdens. ARC renewal applications could now be submitted up to three months before expiration, previously limited to shorter windows, facilitating better planning for holders in employment, study, or categories. For entrants arriving with resident visas, the timeframe to apply for an ARC was lengthened from 15 to 30 calendar days, providing additional grace for documentation preparation. Provisions for foreign spouses were eased, including simplified first-time ARC issuance or status changes due to , with exemptions from certain entry restrictions for those previously barred if the prohibition period had lapsed. Related updates affected pathways to ; for foreign special professionals, the continuous residence requirement for an Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) was reduced from five years to three, potentially shortened further by investment or contribution criteria. These reforms aimed to attract talent while maintaining security vetting, though implementation guidelines emphasized case-by-case reviews by the National Immigration Agency.

Criticisms and Policy Debates

Bureaucratic and Practical Challenges

Obtaining an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) in requires navigating a multi-step process that begins with securing a resident abroad or converting a visitor visa domestically, followed by application at a National Immigration Agency (NIA) service center within 15 days of entry, often entailing extensive documentation such as proof of , enrollment, or , with failure to meet deadlines resulting in overstays subject to fines payable only in , potentially causing flight delays. This rigidity stems from 's immigration framework, which mandates seamless paperwork trails amid archaic bureaucratic systems, where minor discrepancies in documents—like outdated addresses or details—can lead to rejections or prolonged processing times exceeding standard 8 work days for in-country applications. Renewal poses additional hurdles, as ARC validity ties directly to underlying qualifications (e.g., continuous or study), requiring fresh proofs like enrollment certificates or tax records, with students facing particular risks if travel near expiration prevents timely reapplication, sometimes necessitating extensions via online portals that still demand in-person verification. Address changes must be reported promptly to avoid invalidation, yet delays in ARC pickup or system glitches—such as automated rejections of even Alien Permanent Resident Certificates (APRCs) in certain services—compound frustrations, reflecting broader inefficiencies in digitization where paper ARCs complicate international travel check-ins. Practically, these requirements impede daily integration; for instance, ARC holders may encounter denials for routine services like contracts or driver's licenses due to inconsistent acceptance of the card over passports, exacerbating reliance on employers or schools for compliance amid Taiwan's stringent controls aimed at but criticized for overly complicating legal residency. Foreign professionals report that the cumulative burden of parallel permits (e.g., work permits alongside ARCs) and frequent re-verifications fosters administrative fatigue, with some processes unchanged despite digital initiatives, underscoring a gap between policy intent and execution efficiency.

Geopolitical and Security Concerns

Taiwan's issuance of resident certificates, particularly to nationals from the (PRC), has raised significant concerns amid ongoing cross-strait tensions. The island's geopolitical vulnerability to PRC influence operations, including and infiltration, prompts rigorous vetting processes under the Immigration Act, which allows entry bans for individuals posing threats to national interests or public order. These measures aim to mitigate risks of covert agents embedding within society through pathways like marriage migration or employment leading to Alien Resident Certificates (ARC). Chinese espionage in Taiwan has intensified, with systematic operations targeting , officials, and , often facilitated by long-term residency. In 2025, Taiwan's National Security Bureau reported heightened infiltration attempts, including cases where PRC-linked individuals obtained residency under false pretenses. For instance, authorities deported several Chinese immigrants suspected of spying activities, enforcing stricter oversight on residency applications from the mainland. Policy responses include amendments to cross-strait regulations, such as the Mainland Affairs Council's April 2025 interpretation prohibiting dual residency with PRC permanent certificates, which could enable divided loyalties or intelligence gathering. Additionally, Taiwanese citizens holding PRC residency have faced citizenship revocation, as seen in a June 2025 case where a man lost his status for possessing a mainland certificate, underscoring efforts to prevent reciprocal breaches. These actions reflect broader geopolitical realism, prioritizing defense against PRC unification tactics over unrestricted , despite criticisms from pro-Beijing outlets framing them as discriminatory.

References

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