If you’re a foreign national seeking to reunite with a family member in Taiwan, you’ll need to apply for a Taiwan Join Family Visa. This visa, a subtype of the Taiwan Resident Visa, is designed for those planning long-term stays in Taiwan.

Eligibility Criteria for Taiwan Join Family Visa

To qualify for a Taiwan Join Family Resident Visa (JFRV), you must fall into one of the following categories:

1. Foreign Spouse of a Taiwan Citizen:

   If you are married to a Taiwanese citizen.

2. Child or Grandchild of a Taiwan Citizen:

   If you are under 20 years of age and a direct descendant of a Taiwan citizen.

For spouses or dependents of foreign nationals with work permits in Taiwan (but not Taiwanese citizens), a different set of rules applies.

Required Documents for Taiwan Join Family Resident Visa

When applying for a Taiwan Family Visa, you need to prepare and submit the following documents:

1. Completed Application Form:

Fill out and sign the Taiwan Resident Visa Online Application Form.

2. Valid Passport:

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six more months and has at least three blank pages.

3. Passport Copy:

Provide a photocopy of your passport's personal information page.

4. Photographs:

Submit two passport-sized photos taken within the last six months.

5. Visa Fee Payment:

Pay the applicable Taiwan Visa fee.

6. Health Certificate:

Obtain a health certificate issued in the past three months by an authorized hospital. This certificate must be legalized by a Taiwanese diplomatic mission if issued outside Taiwan. Children under six are exempt from this requirement.

7. Police Clearance:

A certificate of police clearance from your home country, issued within the past year.

8. Marriage Certificate:

For spouses, provide a marriage registration or certificate (both original and photocopy).

9. Household Registration Certificate:

If your family member has Taiwan Household Registration, provide a certificate showing marriage registration, your name in your native language, and your nationality.

10. Alien Residence Certificate:

If your family member does not have Taiwan Household Registration, provide their valid Alien Residence Certificate or Alien Permanent Residence Certificate.

11. For Children Under 20:

- Birth certificate showing parents’ names.

- Proof of parents’ marriage.

- Household Registration proof if parents are Taiwanese citizens.

- Custody proof if parents are divorced.

12. For Children Under 20 Joining a Grandparent:

Obtain permission from the parents or legal guardians.

Note: This list may not be exhaustive. The Taiwanese authorities might request additional documents based on your individual case.

All documents must be in Chinese or English, or translated into these languages. Translations need to be authenticated by a Taiwanese diplomatic mission overseas.

Application Process for Taiwan Join Family Visa

You can apply for the Taiwan Family Visa in two main ways:

Applying from Abroad

1. Complete the Online Application:

➤ Fill out and print the Taiwan Resident Visa Application Form.

2. Prepare Documents:

➤ Gather all necessary documents.

3. Submit Application:

➤ Submit your application and documents at a Taiwanese diplomatic mission in your country or the nearest one if there is no representation in your country.

4. Pay the Fee:

➤ Follow the payment instructions provided by the diplomatic mission.

5. Interview:

➤ You may be required to attend an interview.

6. Processing:

➤ If further review is needed, your application will be sent to the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) in Taiwan.

7. Visa Approval:

➤ Once approved, you must enter Taiwan within three months and apply for a residence permit at the National Immigration Agency within 15 days.

Applying in Taiwan

1. Visitor Visa:

➤If already in Taiwan on a Visitor Visa, you can apply to convert it into a Resident Visa at the BOCA.

2. Application Timing:

➤Apply at least eight days before your Visitor Visa expires.

3. Residence Permit:

➤After receiving your Resident Visa, apply for a residence permit at the National Immigration Agency within 15 days.

Taiwan Residence Permit (Alien Resident Certificate)

To stay in Taiwan long-term, you must obtain an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) from a local National Immigration Agency service center. The ARC allows for stays longer than three months and is renewable for one, two, or three years. Renew it at least 30 days before expiration.

After living in Taiwan with an ARC for at least five years, you may be eligible for a Taiwan Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC), provided you meet certain residency and self-sufficiency criteria.

Visa Validity and Work Permissions

The Taiwan Join Family Resident Visa is valid for a maximum of three months. To live in Taiwan long-term, you must obtain an ARC, which also acts as a re-entry permit.

Work Permissions: If married to a Taiwanese citizen and holding a Join Family Resident Visa and ARC, you do not need a separate work permit. However, if you are the spouse or dependent of a foreigner with an ARC/Resident Visa, you will need a separate Work Permit.

Visa Fees

Visa fees vary depending on where you apply:

Abroad (at a Taiwan diplomatic mission):

➤ Single-Entry Visitor Visa: US$50

➤ Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa: US$100

➤ Single-Entry Resident Visa: US$66

➤ Multiple-Entry Resident Visa: US$132

In Taiwan:

➤ Single-Entry Visitor Visa: NT$1,600

➤ Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa: NT$3,200

➤ Single-Entry Resident Visa: NT$2,200

➤ Multiple-Entry Resident Visa: NT$4,400

Payment methods may vary by location, so check the specific requirements before applying.

This guide aims to help you navigate the process of applying for a Taiwan Join Family Visa and ensure a smooth transition to living in Taiwan with your loved ones.