Steps on how to apply for a Taiwan Working Holiday Visa
Taiwan is a dream come true for travelers who want to secure a working holiday visa.
The island nation offers endless attractions and activities to visitors, including lush green countryside, ancient ruins, world-renowned nightlife, and a host of fascinating cultural experiences.
However, if you do not have the time or money to explore all of Taiwan? Fear not! A working holiday visa can make traveling to Taiwan easier and more affordable.
Working holiday visas are not always easy to obtain, so be prepared to submit documentation and wait long periods for a decision.
This article outlines the prerequisites for obtaining a work holiday visa. Thus, the process and requirements are comprehensive, but with careful planning and preparation, you can secure a working holiday visa.
Where is Taiwan located?
Taiwan is a country in the eastern Pacific Ocean, about halfway between China and Japan.
The island is about 23,000 square miles and has a population of approximately 23 million.
Furthermore, Taiwan has 23 major islands, including the main island of Taiwan and the smaller islands of Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu.
The Taiwanese people are fiercely independent and proud of their culture and heritage.
Taiwan is one of the most open societies, with strong economic ties to both Mainland China and the United States.
In addition, political stability and moderate economic growth have made Taiwan one of the East Asian “tiger economies.”
What is a Taiwan working holiday visa?
Taiwan has a unique visa program called the working holiday visa. This visa is for tourists who want to spend a few months in Taiwan and work while they are here.
The visa allows you to work legally in Taiwan for up to twelve months, and you can stay in Taiwan after your visa expires.
In addition, people from other parts of Asia who want to visit Taiwan and work without getting a work permit also use the visa.
Applicants must meet the requirements, including having a job offer from a Taiwanese employer, being able to provide proof of health insurance, and an invitation letter from your employer.
Who needs is a Taiwan working holiday visa?
Every year, thousands of people from all over the world visit Taiwan on a working holiday visa.
Additionally, the majority of visitors are young adults seeking an opportunity to experience a different culture and work in a new environment.
Hence, the following countries are eligible for a working visa in Taiwan.
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Germany
- Czech Republic
- France
- Canada
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Korea
- Luxembourg
- New Zealand
- Poland
- Japan
- Slovakia
- The United Kingdom
Who is eligible for a Taiwan working holiday visa?
Taiwan’s working holiday visa program allows citizens of selected countries to spend a year in Taiwan and enjoy many of the benefits of living in Taiwan, such as a low-income tax rate.
To qualify for a working holiday visa, applicants must meet several requirements, including having a valid passport, fluency in Mandarin, and a college degree or equivalent.
Furthermore, applicants must be eighteen (18) years or older to be eligible for the visa, provided they have a valid passport and enough money to support themselves while in Taiwan.
The maximum age for citizens/residents of Canada, Slovakia, and Hungary are thirty- five years, while citizens/residents of the Czech Republic is twenty-six.
Residents/citizens of the United Kingdom must apply for a residence permit within fifteen days of arriving in Taiwan.
More so, applicants for this visa must have never received a working holiday visa to Taiwan.
Finally, applicants must demonstrate that they will have a positive experience while in Taiwan and will not abuse the Taiwan visa system.
Conditions for obtaining a Taiwan work holiday visa
To secure a Taiwan work holiday visa, applicants must meet certain conditions, including
- Applicants for this visa are not allowed to bring any dependents (spouses, children, or parents) to Taiwan.
- Applicants can only work with an employer for a maximum of three months. However, citizens/ residents of Korea, Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom are exempted.
- Applicants, who work in the technology industry or other skilled jobs, meet the relevant qualification and decrees as required by the Taiwan government.
- Taiwan requires applicants on a working holiday visa to have a health insurance policy.
- Applicants cannot swap a Taiwan working holiday with another type of visa in Taiwan.
- Finally, applicants cannot enroll in full-time courses in any Taiwanese educational institution.
You can only register for a language course for a maximum period of three months.
Requirements for Taiwan working holiday visa
Taiwan is a popular destination for international workers, and the Taiwanese government has created several programs to attract and retain these workers.
The requirements for a Taiwan working holiday visa include:
- A working holiday visa application form
- An International passport which has a validity period of a year
- Two recent passport photographs
- Fluency in Mandarin
- Airline tickets
- Proof of onward travel
- Evidence of accommodation in Taiwan
- Applicants must be in possession of a job offer from a Taiwanese employer.
- Applicants must provide an up-to-date health insurance cover policy
- Citizens/ residents of Australia and Canadians must obtain a medical certificate from their country of residence
Steps to apply for a Taiwan working holiday visa
Taiwan has a program that allows citizens of select countries to work and travel in Taiwan for up to one year.
The following are the steps you must take to apply for a working holiday visa in Taiwan.
#Step 1. Gather the necessary documentation
If you plan to travel to Taiwan for a working holiday, you must gather the necessary documentation.
This includes a passport valid for at least six months after your planned departure from Taiwan, a visa application form (available at most embassies or consulates), and other relevant documents.
However, if you are from a country that does not require a visa for Taiwan, be sure to bring your airline ticket and proof of onward travel.
#Step 2. Submit the documents at the Taiwanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence
If you are a citizen of a country that participates in the Taiwan working holiday visa program, you can apply for a Taiwan working holiday visa by submitting the relevant documents at the Taiwanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
However, there are different requirements for each country, so be sure to check the website before you travel.
#Step 3. Proceed to pay the Taiwan working holiday visa fee
The next step for eligible travelers wishing to work in Taiwan for one year is to pay the Taiwan working holiday visa fee.
The fee, which was increased from NT$250 to NT$370, must be paid in cash at any regional immigration bureau.
After paying the fee, travelers will receive a confirmation letter from the ministry.
#Step 4. Wait for your visa approval
Suppose you are traveling to Taiwan on a working holiday visa; it is essential to know that your visa application may take some time to be approved.
Additionally, the embassy or consulate may request additional information or documents from you; the process can sometimes take several weeks.
While waiting for your visa approval, it is essential to keep up with your immigration paperwork and be sure the necessary documents are submitted to the appropriate quarters.
Can I extend a Taiwan working holiday visa?
If you have been working in Taiwan for at least 183 days during the 180 days before your visa expires, then you may be able to extend your visa.
To do this, you must go to a local immigration office and apply for an extension.
However, you must provide documentation of your work, pay a fee, and sign a form stating that you will return to your home country after the extension.
Also Read: Taiwan eVisa – Application, Requirements, and Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to process a Taiwan working holiday visa?
If you intend to visit Taiwan for a working holiday, apply as soon as possible.
Depending on your nationality and the time of year, the visa application process can take anywhere from three to six months.
Make sure you have all of your paperwork ready, and be patient – the process can be time-consuming!
Can I work in Taiwan without a visa?
Yes, you can. The majority of foreign workers in Taiwan do not have visas.
The laws governing work in Taiwan are relatively liberal, and employers are generally willing to accommodate foreign workers.
Show your passport when you apply for a working visa, and most employers will be happy to authorize you to work in Taiwan.
What is the minimum age to work in Taiwan?
The Taiwanese government has set the age limit for working in Taiwan at 18 years old.
However, depending on the job title and specific duties involved, the age limit may be lower or higher.
For example, most grocery store cashiers must be 16 years old or older, while many factory jobs require adults to stay safe.
What jobs can foreigners get in Taiwan?
Taiwan is known for its high-quality education and infrastructure, making it a desirable workplace.
There are many opportunities for foreigners to get jobs in Taiwan, including in the public, private, and agricultural sectors.
In addition, foreigners may also find employment in the tourism industry.
How can I permanently live in Taiwan?
There are many ways to live permanently in Taiwan, but the most common route is to apply for a visa and then get a resident permit.
The visa process can be time-consuming and expensive, but it is worth it if you want to live in Taiwan for a long.
Applicants must provide proof of income and investment, including proof that they have a valid residence permit in their home country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a working holiday visa should be your top priority if you want to experience a new culture and enjoy some relaxation.
Taiwan is the perfect place to start your journey. Many excellent opportunities for work and adventure are available.
With careful planning, you must make the most of your time in Taiwan and come away with memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Apply now!
