1. What Is Taiwan's Investment Immigration Program?

 

Foreign nationals can obtain residency in Taiwan through an Investor Resident Visa by investing in a Taiwanese business.

 

The most common pathway is:

Investment → Resident Visa → ARC (Resident Certificate) → APRC (Permanent Residency) → Eligibility for Naturalization

 

 

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2. Main Investment Immigration Option

 

Investor Resident Visa

This is the most widely used immigration pathway for foreign entrepreneurs and investors.

 

Minimum Investment Requirement

The applicant must invest at least:

US$200,000 (approximately NT$6 million)

into:

• A newly established Taiwan company

• An existing Taiwan company

• Acquisition of shares in a Taiwan company

The investment must receive approval from Taiwan's investment authorities.

 

 

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3. Who Can Apply?

 

Eligible applicants include:

Foreign Individuals

• Any foreign national with a valid passport

• Individuals capable of proving the legal source of investment funds

• Entrepreneurs, investors, business owners, and company shareholders

 

Eligible Family Members

The investor may sponsor:

• Spouse

• Minor children

• Other qualified dependents under Taiwan regulations

Dependent family members can obtain residency together with the primary applicant.

 

 

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4. Benefits of Taiwan Investment Immigration

 

Residency Rights

• Legal long-term residence in Taiwan

• Multiple-entry privileges

• Ability to manage and operate your business

 

Family Benefits

• Family residency eligibility

• Access to Taiwan's education system

• Access to Taiwan's healthcare system after meeting enrollment requirements

 

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Eligible investors may apply for:

 

APRC (Alien Permanent Resident Certificate)

after satisfying residency requirements.

 

Potential Future Naturalization

Qualified permanent residents may eventually apply for Taiwan citizenship subject to applicable laws and requirements.

 

 

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5. Step-by-Step Application Process (SOP)

 

Step 1: Prepare Your Investment Plan

Determine your investment structure:

 

Option A: Establish a New Company

Suitable for:

• Startups

• Consulting businesses

• Trading companies

• Technology companies

• E-commerce businesses

 

Option B: Invest in an Existing Company

Suitable for:

• Passive investors

• Strategic business partnerships

• Joint ventures

 

Option C: Acquire Shares of a Taiwan Company

Suitable for:

• Corporate acquisitions

• Business expansion strategies

 

Prepare:

• Business plan

• Passport copy

• Investment proposal

• Proof of financial resources

 

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Step 2: Apply for Foreign Investment Approval

Submit an investment application to Taiwan's investment authorities.

 

Required documents generally include:

• Investment application form

• Passport copy

• Business plan

• Company incorporation documents

• Source of funds documentation

• Authorization documents (if using an agent)

 

Processing Time

Approximately:

1–3 months

depending on the complexity of the case.

 

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Step 3: Remit Investment Funds to Taiwan

After receiving approval:

1. Open a preparatory company bank account

2. Transfer investment funds from overseas

3. Complete capital verification procedures

 

You must demonstrate:

• Legal source of funds

• Actual remittance of investment capital

 

 

Step 4: Complete Company Registration

Register the business with the relevant authorities.

 

Typical procedures include:

• Company registration

• Tax registration

• Opening a corporate bank account

• Obtaining required business licenses (if applicable)

 

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Step 5: Apply for an Investor Resident Visa

Once the investment and company registration have been completed, apply for a Resident Visa.

 

Required documents generally include:

• Passport

• Visa application form

• Passport photos

• Investment approval letter

• Capital verification documents

• Company registration documents

 

Processing Time

Usually:

Approximately 5–10 working days

depending on the application location and circumstances.

 

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Step 6: Obtain Your Resident Visa

Upon approval, you will receive a Resident Visa allowing you to proceed with residency registration.

 

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Step 7: Apply for an ARC (Alien Resident Certificate)

After entering Taiwan with your Resident Visa (or converting status if eligible), apply for an ARC.

 

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Important

The ARC application should generally be submitted within:

30 days

of receiving residency authorization.

The ARC serves as your official Taiwan residence permit.

 

 

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6. Investment Timeline Overview

Stage                                       Estimated Time

Investment Planning                 1–4 weeks

Investment Approval                 1–3 months

Capital Remittance                   1–2 weeks

Company Registration              2–4 weeks

Resident Visa Processing         1–2 weeks

ARC Issuance                           1–2 weeks

Total Estimated Timeline        2–5 months

 

 

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7. Permanent Residency (APRC)

 

Foreign investors may apply for:

Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC)

after meeting residency requirements.

 

General Requirements

• Legally reside in Taiwan for 5 consecutive years

• Stay in Taiwan for at least 183 days per year

• Maintain lawful residency status

• Meet financial and legal eligibility requirements

 

Benefits of APRC

• Permanent residency rights

• No need to renew work authorization based on investment

• Greater flexibility in employment and business activities

• Long-term residence security

 

 

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8. Business Sectors Open to Foreign Investors

 

Foreign investment is generally permitted in most industries, including:

1. echnology

2. Artificial Intelligence

3. Software Development

4. International Trade

5. Consulting Services

6. E-Commerce

7. Manufacturing

8. Renewable Energy

9. Biotechnology

10. Healthcare Services

11. Education Services

12. Food & Beverage Businesses

Some regulated industries may require additional approvals.

 

 

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9. Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed or Rejected

 

A. Unclear Source of Funds

Applicants must clearly document:

• Personal savings

• Business income

• Asset sales

• Investment gains

• Inheritance or gifts (with supporting documentation)

 

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B. Lack of Genuine Business Operations

Authorities may question applications when:

• No actual office exists

• No employees are hired

• No business activity is conducted

• The company appears to exist solely for immigration purposes

 

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C. Insufficient Investment Amount

The minimum investment threshold must be fully satisfied.

Investments below:

US$200,000

are generally not eligible for the Investor Resident Visa.

 

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D. Incomplete Documentation

Missing documents, inaccurate translations, or inconsistent information may significantly delay processing.

 

 

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10. Tax Considerations

 

Foreign investors should obtain professional tax advice regarding:

• Taiwan individual income tax

• Corporate income tax

• Dividend taxation

• International tax treaties

• Tax residency status

Tax obligations vary based on individual circumstances and length of stay.

 

 

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11. Practical Tips for New Investors

 

Before Applying

✓ Prepare a detailed business plan

✓ Ensure funds can be legally traced

✓ Use experienced legal, accounting, and immigration professionals

✓ Understand Taiwan's tax and labor regulations

 

After Arrival

✓ Obtain a local bank account

✓ Apply for National Health Insurance when eligible

✓ Maintain proper accounting records

✓ Renew residency documents on time

✓ Keep business operations active and compliant

 

 

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Quick Summary

Item                                             Details

Immigration Route                       Investor Resident Visa

Minimum Investment                   US$200,000

Eligible Investments                    New Company, Existing Company, Share Acquisition

Family Sponsorship                     Yes

Estimated Processing Time         2–5 Months

Residency Permit                        ARC

Permanent Residency                 APRC after 5 years

Citizenship Pathway                    Possible through naturalization

Key Success Factors                   Legal source of funds, genuine business operations, complete documentation

 

 

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Useful Official Resources

• Taiwan Employment Gold Card & Talent Portal

• Invest Taiwan Service Center

• Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA)

• National Immigration Agency (NIA)

 

 

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Disclaimer:

Immigration regulations, investment requirements, processing times, and government policies may change. Always verify the latest requirements with the relevant Taiwan government authorities before making investment or relocation decisions.

 

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If there is any updated information, please feel free to let us know so we can make corrections.

Thank you !

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