Taiwan eases residency restrictions for foreigners
台灣放寬外國人居留限制
| ARC, APRC restrictions eased for foreign nationals, spouses, and children
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Legislative Yuan on Tuesday (May 30) passed amendments that relax restrictions on residency and permanent residency requirements for foreign nationals, as well as their spouses and children. The Ministry of Interior (MOI) on Jan. 12 announced a series of measures designed to attract "high-quality" foreign talent, including greater parental rights, 30 days to apply for residency, and permanent residency for dependents of "high-level professionals." The Legislative Yuan passed several of these amendments to the Immigration Act (入出國及移民法). The new regulations will allow spouses, children under 18, and children with disabilities (including those over 18) of those who have made "special contributions" to Taiwan, "high-level professionals," those who have won an award in a professional field, or hold an investment visa, to also apply for an alien permanent resident certificate (APRC). Given that many foreign professionals frequently travel overseas for extended business trips, the requirement for foreigners to obtain permanent residence of more than 183 days per year for five consecutive years has been relaxed to an "average" of 183 days or more per year in the last five years. To enable foreign nationals who come to Taiwan to have enough time to find a residence and "get familiar with the environment," the time limit to apply for an ARC after arrival will be extended from 15 days to 30 days. Overseas Taiwanese, citizens without household registration who enter the country with a Taiwanese passport will no longer be required to first obtain an entry permit unless they are residing in a country that does not receive visa-free treatment from Taiwan. Those overseas Taiwanese who have stayed in the country for more than five years (the previous requirement was seven years) and have lived in the country for more than 183 days per year, can apply for an APRC. The MOI said that to prevent foreigners from overstaying their visa, fines will be increased from between NT$2,000 (US$65) and NT$10,000 to between NT$10,000 and NT$50,000. In addition, those breaking the regulations will be barred from reentering the country for a maximum of seven years, up from three years. Those who hide or harbor foreign nationals who overstay their visa will face fines of NT$60,000 to NT$300,000. Individuals who help foreigners engage in activities not covered by their visas will face fines of between NT$200,000 and NT$1 million. People who aid foreigners or Taiwanese without household registration in entering the country illegally will face a prison sentence of one to seven years or a fine of up to NT$1 million. |
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| Keoni Everington, Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2023-05-31 |
