Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Taiwan. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Taiwan may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences or seminars
• Tour a company facility
• Buying goods for sale outside the country

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Taiwan?

European Union, Canadian, United States and a few other select nationals do not require a visa to enter Taiwan to conduct business activities. If your nationality is not on the list of nationals eligible for a visa waiver, you must obtain a Visitor Visa prior to travel from a Taiwanese consulate or embassy.

Residents of Hong Kong or Macau are eligible to apply for an Entry and Exit Permit (EEP) online or at the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in either Hong Kong or Macau, depending on the duration of travel.

Nationals from Mainland China (PRC) must apply for an Entry and Exit Permit (EEP) online with the National Immigration Agency prior to travel.

Taiwan is a member of the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Foreign nationals in possession of valid APEC Business Travel Cards (ABTC) endorsed with “Valid for travel to TWN” are permitted to enter Taiwan without a visa to conduct business activities.

Working in Taiwan

What sorts of activities require a work permit/work visa?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Taiwanese law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Taiwan, even if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning or implementation
• Marketing
• Auditing

In some cases, you may be eligible for a work permit exemption under a performance contract arrangement to conduct hands-on work activities for less than 30 days. However, a legal assessment is recommended prior to travel.

If I am traveling to Taiwan for work, what type of work visa do I need?

Whether you require a work visa depends on your qualifications, on whether your employer has an entity in Taiwan, and on the nature of your work. The most common work authorization for Taiwan is the Work Permit (high-skilled work permit).

The Taiwanese government currently does not permit Mainland Chinese (PRC) nationals to work in Taiwan. However, multinational enterprise companies in Taiwan are permitted to transfer Chinese nationals to Taiwan to conduct professional business.

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no countries with established work permit exemptions for Taiwan.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.

Updated Nov. 13, 2018.