國際學人資訊網 Information for International Scholars 國際學人資訊網 Information for International Scholars

Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)

• Who should apply for an ARC?

According to the Immigration Law and Regulations Governing Alien visits, Residence and Permanent Residence, all foreigners holding resident visas and intending to live in Taiwan for more than 180 days are required to apply for the ARC. 

 

• What are the benefits of an ARC?  

1. One may reside in Taiwan legally.

2. Along with the ARC, upon request, a re-entry permit can be issued to allow one to re-enter the country within the validation date.

3. One may open a savings account (and ATM card) in Chunghwa Post Office and banks.

4. One may join the labor insurance (for reference: http://www.bli.gov.tw/en/) and the pension plan.

5. One may join the National Health Insurance (NHI) Program. Refer to the following "Health Insurance" section for details.

 

• When should one apply for an ARC?

Once you have been granted a Resident Visa, you should apply for an ARC within 15 days upon entering the country or changing your status to a resident visa.

 

• Please have the following documentation ready to apply for the ARC.

• • Two copies of the completed application form

  • A valid passport with a resident visa

  • Two recent passport-sized photos

  • Relevant certificates (Refer to the back of the application form)

  • Application Fee:  NT$1,000 (One year) / NT$2,000 (Two years) / NT$3,000 (Three years)

 

• Once the application materials are ready, you may proceed to either one of the following two offices (shown below) to process the application. The processing needs five working days. For renewal or re-issuance (lost, stolen, or damaged) application, follow the same procedure above, except only one passport-sized photo is needed.

 

• Where to apply?

National Immigration Agency County -Taipei City Service Center

​​Address: NO.15, Guangjhou St., Jhongjheng District, Taipei City, Tel: +886-2-2388-9393; Office Hour: 08:00-17:30 (Mon. to  Fri.)

National Immigration Agency County -New Taipei City Service Center

Address: No. 168, Minzu Rd., Banciao City, New Taipei City Tel: +886-2-8964-7960; Office Hour: 8:30-17:00 (Mon. to Fri.)

 

• How to extend the validity of ARC?

The validity of ARC is for one year. Foreigners should pay close attention to the expiration date stamped on the ARC. The extension of an ARC must be applied one month before the expiration date. A surcharge may be applied to a late application. Please be reminded that it is the ARC-bearer's responsibility to renew annually.

 

• How the International Students apply or extend ARC online?

User guide of the First Time Apply ARC online for international students.

User guide of the ARC Extension Application for international students.

User guide of the Change of ARC for international students.

 

Reminder:

1. Alien residents wishing to leave Taiwan should carry their passports, valid ARCs, or re-entry permits for exit verification at the certificate-verifying unit of the airport and harbor.

2. Alien residents wishing to leave Taiwan and return must apply for a re-entry permit through the Service Center before departure. Before terminating your employment, you need to cancel your ARC and re-entry permit within 7 days of leaving your job. The following documents are needed: passport, ARC, plane ticket, and proof of your employment termination.

3. Alien residents must report to the 1st Section of the local police precinct between January and March of each year for an annual alien census check.

4. Alien residents must report any address changes to the Foreign Affairs Section of the local Police Department within 15 days after moving. For example, if one moves from Taipei City to New Taipei City, one should notify the new address to New Taipei City local Police Department within 15 days. A fine of NT$ 5000 will be applied for failing to report.