How to Apply for an Entrepreneur Visa in Taiwan Without Requiring Citizenship

The Entrepreneur Visa is a significant policy by the Taiwanese government aimed at infusing innovation into the country. It seeks to attract outstanding entrepreneurs and startup teams from around the world to establish and grow their ventures in Taiwan.

This article provides an overview of the qualifications, fees, required documents, and the application process for the Entrepreneur Visa.

Entrepreneur Visa

To encourage foreign talents to start businesses in Taiwan, the government has introduced the "Entrepreneur Visa" policy, drawing on international experiences and opening up applications to overseas talents.

i2i is a government-certified incubator that can co-host the Entrepreneur Visa, playing a crucial role as a bridge between the government, industry, and startups.

Features

Taiwan's Entrepreneur Visa offers several advantages compared to other countries:

• No need to establish a company beforehand

• Visa extension without the need to exit the country

• Applications can be submitted as a team

Visa Details

• Initial approval is valid for 2 years, with extensions based on entrepreneurial achievements, each extension not exceeding 2 years.

• The review authority may grant a shorter period.

• Applications and payments are done online, with a one-time fee.

• Application fees are non-refundable once the application is accepted.

Application Fees

For a two-year term

• Holders of US passports, overseas application: NT$8,105 (~$248)

• Holders of US passports, domestic application: NT$8,905 (~$273)

• Holders of non-US passports, overseas application: NT$4,200 (~$129)

• Holders of non-US passports, domestic application: NT$5,000 (~$153)

• Hong Kong and Macau residents: NT$2,600 (~$80)

For residence extension

• Foreign nationals extending for one year: NT$1,000 (~$31)

• Foreign nationals extending for two years: NT$2,000 (~$61)

• Hong Kong and Macau residents extending: NT$300 (~$9)

For reissuance due to damage, loss, or information change

• Foreign nationals: NT$2,600 (~$80)

• Hong Kong and Macau residents: NT$500 (~$15)

Application Conditions and Required Documents

According to the platform for applications by the National Immigration Agency, R.O.C. (Taiwan):

Individual Application Conditions

Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

A. Secured investment from domestic or international venture capital firms.

B. Received investment from the Executive Yuan's National Development Fund under the "Startup Angel Investment Program."

C. Obtained a foreign invention patent, a domestic invention or design patent, or demonstrated professional skills.

D. Acquired domestic plant variety rights or animal name registration, excluding those transferred or licensed.

E. Won awards in significant domestic or international entrepreneurship or design competitions, or passed government projects encouraging foreign entrepreneurs to come to Taiwan.

F. Participated in major international fashion shows, film festivals, or won international fashion awards.

G. Is the responsible person, manager, or executive of a business in Taiwan recognized as innovative, with an investment of at least NT$1 million (~$31,000).

H. Invested or raised at least NT$2 million (~$61,000) on government-recognized domestic or international startup fundraising platforms.

I. Within one year, has been recommended by an incubator approved by the central or local Taiwanese government.

Team Application Conditions

• Businesses not yet established in Taiwan must meet any of the above conditions except for condition G.

• If condition G is met, team members must serve as responsible persons, managers, or executives of the business, with a total investment of at least NT$1 million (~$31,000).

Required Documents for Application

Application Process

Domestic Application

1. Applicants holding valid Alien Resident Certificates, or with a stay period exceeding 60 days without restrictions on extension, can apply for the Entrepreneur Visa.

2. Submit application and complete online payment, then download and print the electronic receipt, passport verification notice, and visa application form.

3. Bring the documents along with the original passport to the designated application site for processing.

4. Upload the visa information from the passport to the online platform.

5. Once the visa is ready, applicants will be notified by email.

6. Applicants must present the electronic receipt to the designated Immigration Agency service station to collect their visa.

Overseas Application

1. Applicants must complete passport verification at the designated overseas office and obtain the visa.

2. Upon entering Taiwan, upload the visa information from the passport to the online platform.

3. Once the Entrepreneur Visa is ready, applicants will be notified by email.

4. Applicants must present the electronic receipt to the designated Immigration Agency service station to collect their visa.