Updated info about changing from Visa-Exempt entry to Resident visa - working status

Just today I have learned in Immigration office in Tainan that if you want to change your visa free entry (visa-exempt entry) to resident visa with working status, you don't have to leave the country (Taiwan), for example fly to Hong Kong. This is great regulation that save money, time and frustration.

If you want to do so, you just have to, at first, apply for visitor visa (National Immigration Agency- NIA) and then change it to Resident visa and apply for ARC in NIA or your local Immigration Office.

I live in Tainan and nearest National Immigration Agency is in Kaohsiung; local Immigration office is in Tainan. I'm not sure about the difference or the hierarchy of these offices. Just go to the local place you usually go regarding visa issues and ask them where exactly you should go.

In order to apply for visitor visa (for working purpose), you would need to have valid work permit (already issues by your employer, given to you).


The below posted website has the addresses of Immigration offices in various cities (Taiwan) http://www.immigration.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=1092844&ctNode=32289&mp=2