Now, if you’re like me, you’ll find this week’s topic super interesting. However, I can forgive you if for some reason you find it otherwise. Today I wanted to share with you about the process of moving to Taiwan regarding applying for a Resident Visa and receiving your Alien Residency Card (ARC). Now, just a quick disclaimer: while I try to be as informative (and entertaining) as possible, if you are seriously considering moving to Taiwan, please consult your local Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECO). Now, without further ado let’s talk about the Resident Visa!
The whole process can be long, but as long as you are prepared in advance with all the documentation you need, you will encounter little to no problems as I have found the Taiwanese to be very communicative and efficient (the Bureau of Consular Affairs website has great info). My number one tip is to apply early and to gather everything you need in a single folder you keep safe; don’t throw out anything until the end! My process began after I was accepted into my Master’s program at NCCU, and it’s important to also mention that I received the Ministry of Education’s Taiwan Scholarship before applying for my Resident Visa, somewhat simplifying the process.
In order to apply for my Resident Visa, I had to apply through my local TECO office which was luckily located in Atlanta within driving distance of my house (otherwise you’ll have to mail your application). I brought my portfolio of documents (again, please reference the BOCA website for updated requirements) to their office and dropped it off with payment. Somewhat strangely, they didn’t accept normal forms of payment, and you’ll need a USPS money order or a cashier’s check to cover the fees for document authentication (visa fees as well, but mine were covered because I have the scholarship). Document authentication is the process in which TECO ‘notarizes’ your documents, confirming them as authentic so you can use them in Taiwan. Once you submit your application, it takes them about two weeks before you can pick up your Resident Visa or have them mail it to you (at your expense). As long as your documents are in order, the process is seamless, as was my experience.
Next, upon your arrival to Taiwan, a 30-day timer kicks off to get your ARC, or else you can get fined/deported (how fun, right?). I consider this part to be more stressful because as a student it can take some time to get together all the required materials, so please start as soon as you land (or the day after as you probably need some rest). The application itself is simple, but you’ll need a few extra items in order to apply for an ARC, two of which can take some time to get as a student. First, the enrollment certificate confirming your student status usually takes about a week and a half to receive because you must first receive your bill from the university (usually on the first day), pay it at a local bank, and then wait several days for it to be available online. Second, you will need to acquire proof of accommodation/address. If you’re like me and are renting your own apartment, then you need to sign a contract with a landlord and upload it to the application portal, the timing for this can vary from landlord to landlord. (Other possible requirements can be found on the immigration website)
Once your application for an ARC is submitted, it will take them around a week to approve it, and then a couple more days for them to create it before you can pick it up (do you see now why I said it was a slog?). Congratulations, if you made it this far then you are now the proud owner of an ARC and are a legal resident of Taiwan. Your new privileges include a few things. First, it is now infinitely easier to acquire a bank account in Taiwan (something I’ll cover soon). Second, you are entitled to unlimited re-entries into Taiwan, and third, you become eligible for the National Health Insurance (NHI) once you meet certain other requirements (the NHI is something I may cover on this blog once I actually have it).
In conclusion, the process for achieving residency in Taiwan is a long one, but ultimately something I found comparatively easy and fulfilling. The benefits you receive, especially the eligibility for public health insurance, make me feel like I receive fair treatment from the government in comparison to citizens. Next weekend will have two smaller posts, one over the weekend, and one during the following week. These will be connected as the first will be about getting a seal (how the Taiwanese do signatures), and the second will be about getting a bank account in Taiwan, something you need a seal for. The fact that locals still use a seal of their Chinese name with ink is something I find very fascinating and I can’t wait to share it with you. The reason for having two smaller posts next week is that I’ll be taking the weekend of the 12th off to travel to a mystery destination which will be announced in three weeks! While last week I was hopeful we’d reach fifty subscribers by this week, we haven’t quite yet, with forty-eight as of this post. So, here’s your reminder to subscribe to the Substack if you haven’t! Thanks for reading, and I’ll ‘see’ you all again next week!
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