top of page

Guide to ARC Application in Taiwan

The Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) is an identity document that allows foreign nationals to stay in Taiwan long-term. In this article, you will learn about different visa types and required items for obtaining an ARC.

The following information is compiled from the National Immigration Agency, R.O.C. (Taiwan), https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/.


   Documents Required for Examination:


  1. ARC: First-time applicants and those applying for replacement of lost/damaged ARC are excepted.

  2. Original of passport with resident visa: An applicant for change of reason for residency is exempted from providing an entry visa; an applicant for extension of residency in an overseas area who is unable to submit the original of their passport may submit a photocopy of their passport and resident visa authenticated by an R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas mission or the Straits Exchange Foundation.

  3. Documentary proof of reason for residency application: Documents produced outside Taiwan must be authenticated by an R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas mission. A document in a foreign language must have a Chinese translation attached. If a foreign-language document has been authenticated by an R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas mission without the Chinese translation, the Chinese translation must be notarized by a court (or notary public) in Taiwan.

  4. One color photograph: The same specifications as for a national ID card.

  5. Application for replacement of ARC due to its defacement, destruction, loss, or change of information: Must submit damaged ARC, or statement or police report of its destruction or loss or supporting evidence of the change of information.

  6. Letter of authorization: Where another person is authorized to submit the application on behalf of the applicant, a letter of authorization must be presented; an applicant who is in a foreign country, in Hong Kong or Macau, or in the mainland Area, may authorize another person to apply on their behalf when the application is only for extension of residency or change of residential address or service location.

  7. Proof of current place of residence: Such as a lease agreement or the owner’s agreement to lend a place of residence with an appended photocopy of the owner’s title deed, or a photocopy of the front and back of the ID card of a homeowner who is an R.O.C. (Taiwan) citizen and the owner’s statement of consent.


Click the link below for application information and forms:

    https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/141465/141808/

bottom of page