Many foreigners find themselves liking life in Taiwan so much that they end up staying in Taiwan longer than they expected, and some even decide to make it official by applying for their APRC (Alien Permanent Resident Certificate). Getting your APRC automatically qualifies you for getting an Open Work Permit. So what advantages does holding an APRC with an Open Work Permit offer over a regular work visa? Here are the most obvious benefits:
Sounds great, right? Sure, but they're not giving them out for nothing just yet! So, who qualifies? Anyone who has had an ARC for five consecutive years, with a physical presence in the R.O.C. for at least 183 days each year, and makes at least double the mimimum wage. At the time of this writing, that was approximately $NT430,000 a year, but if there's any doubt, check to make sure that this number is still valid. If you still think you're a likely candidate for an APRC, here are ten steps you need to go through. Some of them are simple, and some are not, but they're all necessary.
1. The very first thing to do is to go to the local NIA (National Immigration Agency) offices and make sure you qualify. Once your eligibility is confirmed, talk to an NIA agent and tell them you want to apply for your APRC. They'll give you an application form or you can just download it here: http://www.immigration.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=1093192&ctNode=32316&mp=2
2.You're going to need some photos - probably only 4 or 5, but you might as well get a dozen or so to be safe. The photos have to be 4.5 X 3.5 centimeters (height by width), with the face occupying 3.2 to 3.6 centimeters. Don't worry too much about the dimensions if you're getting them done in Taiwan. These are standard photos and local photo shops are used to doing this.
3. You're also going to need to get a CCRD. (Clear Criminal Record Document). There are different processes in place for different countries. Here are the instructions for getting a CCRD from:
4.Once you've got your CCRD, you're going to need it, and a Chinese translation of it, signed by the local TECO (Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office) in your home country. The details can be found in Getting a CCRD.
6. Getting your Health Check is next. You'll need the Type B Form, which is also the same form as the marriage health check form.
The cost is about $NT1600, and you'll need to provide a passport photo. You'll need to do a chest X-ray, talk to a doctor, and have a blood test. Results are usually ready in a few working days.
7. If you've been previously getting your ARC on the basis of employment, you're now going to have to provide some documents from your previous employers. You're going to need your original work permits for the last three years. Make sure you have all the work permits for all the places you are employed. Make copies - you will get the originals back form the NIA. You will also need your contracts for the last 3 years as well as the original employment certificate with the company’s official chop. Again, make copies. The NIA will give the originals back to you. The immigration agent will give these back to you. You will also need copies of your withholding and nonwithholding tax statements for the past three years. This is what your employer gives you when you do your taxes.
8. Death and Taxes. Ok, no dying required, but you DO have to make sure your taxes are in order. WIth ARC and passport in hand, make your way to the local tax office. You need to get your income statements for the past 3 years you have worked. Make sure your gross earnings are over $NT430,000 per annum. Once you have your income statements, go to another counter and get your tax payment list for the last three years. The staff are always very helpful, so don't be afraid to ask.
9. Make an appointment with an NIA agent to submit your douments. Although you could just walk in (especially in Taipei or Xinbei), it's better to call ahead.
10. It's Interview Time! Ok, it's the big day. Remember to bring two passport photos, all your documents, and copies of your documents, including your ARC, your old passports, and of course, your current passport. The agent will go over all your documents and make sure everything is signed and in order before you submit them. They call it an interview, but it's really just a document inspection process - no questions are asked, so you don't have to worry! Once this is over, you need to sit back and wait. People have gotten their APRCs in as little as two weeks, but more commonly it takes closer to a month. Your letter of approval will be sent to your residence, but somebody has to be at home to accept it - you'll need to sign for it. With approval in hand, you go back to the NIA, pay them $NT10,000 and then wait another two weeks, when you will return and pick up your newly-minted APRC.
Next step, Open Work Permit! You're almost there!
Copyright 2011 Taiwanease. Taiwanease is published by the Asianease Partners Group