Visa & Residence
Before coming to Taiwan to study Mandarin Chinese, please make sure that you have the appropriate visa. After arrival, you are responsible for keeping track of your permitted period of stay, attendance record, and eligibility for residence. The following guide explains the general process for Mandarin language students.
Before Arrival | Apply for a Visitor Visa
International students who plan to study Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan should normally apply, before entering Taiwan, for a Visitor Visa for the purpose of studying Mandarin Chinese at an overseas mission of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Documents Generally Required
- Completed visa application form
- Two 2-inch color photographs taken within the past six months
- Original passport valid for at least six months and a photocopy
- Admission letter issued by a Mandarin language center recognized by the Ministry of Education
- Study plan
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
- Any additional documents requested by the overseas mission
Mandarin courses are generally required to provide at least 15 hours of classes per week, Monday through Friday. Students entering Taiwan visa-exempt, with a landing visa, or with a Visitor Visa issued for a purpose other than studying Mandarin Chinese may not be eligible to use the same extension-of-stay or residence procedures. Please confirm your visa type and applicable restrictions before traveling to Taiwan.
After Arrival | Extension of Stay
If you hold an extendable Visitor Visa for studying Mandarin Chinese and your permitted period of stay is approaching its expiration date, you should apply to the National Immigration Agency (NIA) within 15 days before your permitted stay expires.
Documents Generally Required
- Application form for extension of stay
- Passport
- Visa used for your current entry into Taiwan
- Certificate of enrollment / study issued by the Mandarin language center
- Attendance record for the most recent three months
- Any additional documents requested by the NIA
Students are responsible for checking the validity of their passport, visa, and permitted period of stay. If you need a certificate of study or attendance record from CLEC, please request the documents in advance to allow sufficient processing time.
After 4 Months of Study | Apply for Residence
Students who entered Taiwan with a Visitor Visa for the purpose of studying Mandarin Chinese may apply to the National Immigration Agency (NIA) for residence if they meet the applicable requirements.
- You have studied continuously at the same qualified Mandarin language center for at least four months.
- You have registered to continue studying for at least three additional months.
- You attend at least 15 hours of classes per week, Monday through Friday.
- Your absences, including approved leave, do not exceed one-quarter (25%) of the total class hours.
Documents Generally Required
- Passport
- Photograph meeting the applicable requirements
- Visitor Visa issued for the purpose of studying Mandarin Chinese
- Certificate of study and proof of continued enrollment
- Attendance record
- Proof of residential address in Taiwan
- Health examination certificate, where required
- Any additional documents requested by the NIA
If You Enter Taiwan with a Resident Visa
If you obtained a Resident Visa overseas before entering Taiwan, you must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) with the National Immigration Agency within 30 days beginning from the day after your arrival.
How CLEC Can Assist You
Based on your actual enrollment and attendance, the Chinese Language Education Center can assist in issuing relevant school documents, including:
Please note that decisions regarding visas, extensions of stay, and residence applications are made by the competent government authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) overseas missions, and the National Immigration Agency.
Official Information
Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) Visitor Visa for Studying Chinese → National Immigration Agency (NIA) Extension of Stay, Residence & ARC Information →National Immigration Agency — Taichung City Second Service Center
Before applying for an extension of stay, residence, or an ARC, please check the NIA website for the latest application procedures, required documents, fees, and office hours.
Visa and immigration regulations are subject to change. The information on this page is provided as a general guide only. For current eligibility requirements, required documents, fees, and application procedures, please refer to the latest information published by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) overseas missions, and the National Immigration Agency.
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