Taiwan Resident Card (ARC) for Students
Every degree student in Taiwan needs a resident card (ARC). You apply online within 30 days of entering Taiwan. It costs 1,000 New Taiwan dollars (NT$) a year.
TaiwanTAIWAN RESIDENT CARD (ARC)
Type: Student
ID#: A123456789
ID: R123456789
Status: Student
Program: Master's Program
Institution: National Taiwan University
Your ARC is the card that lets you live in Taiwan. Keep it valid for as long as you study.
What Is the ARC?
The resident card (ARC) is the card that lets you live in Taiwan as a student. Taiwan's immigration office, the National Immigration Agency (NIA), gives it. Your visa only gets you in. The ARC lets you stay.
Visa vs. ARC
Stamped in your passport before you travel.
Lets you enter Taiwan.
Given by a Taiwan office in your home country.
A card you get after you arrive.
Lets you live and study in Taiwan.
Given by the National Immigration Agency.
How It Works
You apply, renew and update your ARC on the NIA online system for students.
Key Documents
Resident card (ARC)
Your residence and ID card in Taiwan.
Passport and visa
Your passport and the visa you entered with.
Proof of enrollment
From your university. Needed for the first ARC and each renewal.
Work permit
Only if you want a job. Students apply online.
Fines to Avoid
What You Must Do
Stay enrolled
Your ARC follows your proof of enrollment. Each renewal needs a new proof.
Apply on time
Apply within 30 days of entering Taiwan. Renew in the 3 months before it ends.
Keep your address up to date
Tell the NIA about a new address within 30 days.
Get a permit before you work
A job needs a work permit from the Ministry of Labor as well.
Join health insurance
After 6 months in Taiwan with an ARC, you must join National Health Insurance.
Types of ARC Applications
Students deal with the NIA for four things: the first ARC, a renewal, a change of details and a new card.
Key Deadlines
Enter Taiwan
Day 1
Apply online
Within 30 days
NIA review
5 working days
Pay the fee
Within 5 working days
Get your card
3 working days after paying
What You Can Apply For
First ARC after you arrive
For students who entered on a resident visa for study.
Key Requirements:
- Passport and resident visa.
- A photo taken in the last 2 years.
- Admission letter or proof of enrollment issued within the last month.
- Proof of your address in Taiwan.
First ARC after a visitor visa
For students who came on a visitor visa for study.
Key Requirements:
- The same papers as a first ARC.
- A health certificate made within the last 3 months.
- An extra fee of NT$2,200.
- Do not leave Taiwan while it is being processed. That cancels the application.
Renewing your ARC
Your new ARC end date follows your proof of enrollment.
Key Requirements:
- Your current ARC.
- Proof of enrollment issued within the last month.
Changing your details
For a new address, a new passport or other changed details.
Key Requirements:
- Your ARC.
- Proof of the change, such as your new address or new passport.
Replacing a lost or damaged card
A new card costs NT$500.
Key Requirements:
- Your ARC if you still have it.
- A loss statement or police report if it was lost.
From Landing to Card
Enter Taiwan
Your 30 days to apply start now.
Duration: Day 1
Apply online
Upload your papers on the NIA student system.
Duration: Within 30 days
NIA review
If papers are missing, you get 15 days to add them.
Duration: 5 working days
Pay the fee
Pay online. You can use an ATM transfer, a bank account number made for you (virtual account) or an e-Bill.
Duration: Within 5 working days
Get your card
Pick up the chip card at the NIA service center you chose.
Duration: 3 working days after paying
How to Apply for Your ARC
Everything is done online, except picking up the chip card.
First ARC, Step by Step
Get your papers ready
Scan each paper as a clear colour file of 512 KB or less.
Passport, photo, visa, proof of enrollment and proof of address.
Apply on the NIA student system
Do this within 30 days of entering Taiwan.
Make an account, fill in the form and upload your files.
NIA review
The NIA takes 5 working days.
If papers are missing, you get 15 days to add them.
Pay the fee
Pay within 5 working days of approval.
NT$1,000 a year, plus NT$2,200 if you came on a visitor visa.
Get your ARC
Keep your ARC with you.
Print the electronic ARC, or pick up the chip card 3 working days after paying.
Renewing Your ARC
Check the end date
Look at your ARC. Plan to renew in the 3 months before it ends.
Get proof of enrollment
Ask your university for one issued within the last month.
Apply online
Use the NIA student system and upload your papers.
Pay and swap your card
Pay online. Hand in your old card when you pick up the new one.
Documents for Your Student ARC
Upload these on the NIA student system. Documents made outside Taiwan need a Chinese translation and must be attested (officially stamped as real) by a Taiwan office.
For your first ARC
Passport
Your valid passport.
Photo
A 2-inch colour photo taken in the last 2 years, like an ID photo.
Visa
Your resident visa, or visitor visa for study.
Admission or enrollment proof
Issued within the last month.
Address proof
Proof of where you live in Taiwan.
Health certificate
Only if you came on a visitor visa. It must be from the last 3 months.
For a renewal
Current ARC
The card you have now.
Proof of enrollment
Issued within the last month.
For a change of details
Current ARC
The card you have now.
Proof of the change
For example a new rental contract, a new passport, or a police report for a lost card.
How Long the ARC Takes
The NIA takes 5 working days to process a student ARC. Paying and picking up add a few days.
Student ARC Steps
Before you fly
You need a resident visa, or a visitor visa for study, to apply.
Key Activities:
- Get your resident visa for study.
- Keep a scan of your admission letter and passport.
Apply online
Fill in the form and upload your papers.
Key Activities:
- Make an account on the NIA student system.
- Upload clear colour files, each 512 KB or smaller.
Review
The NIA looks at your application.
Key Activities:
- The NIA checks your papers.
- If something is missing, you have 15 days to add it.
Pay
Pay after the NIA approves.
Key Activities:
- Pay online by ATM transfer, a bank account number made for you (virtual account) or e-Bill.
Get your card
Your ARC is ready.
Key Activities:
- Print the electronic ARC right away.
- Pick up the chip card at your chosen service center.
What Can Slow It Down
Missing papers
You get 15 days to add them. The 5 working days then start again.
Late payment
You must pay within 5 working days of approval.
Unclear uploads
Files must be clear, in colour and 512 KB or smaller.
NIA Processing Times
Fastest Cases
Typical Cases
Complex Cases
Keeping Your ARC Valid
A few dates matter. Miss them and you can be fined or have to leave Taiwan.
Simple Habits
Carry your ARC
Keep it with you and keep a photo of it on your phone.
It is your ID card in Taiwan.
Renew on time
Apply in the 3 months before it ends.
Use a proof of enrollment issued within the last month.
Report a move
Do it within 30 days of moving.
Upload proof of your new address.
Work permit first
Get it before you start any job.
Students apply online with the Ministry of Labor.
Common Mistakes
Plan Ahead
Most problems come from missed dates. Set reminders and they are easy to avoid.
Common Taiwan ARC Questions
Short answers to the questions students ask most about the ARC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Links
Need More Help?
Your university's international office helps new students with the ARC. You can also call the 1990 helpline for foreigners.
Useful Numbers in Taiwan
Save these numbers in your phone when you arrive.
- 1990: help line for foreigners, 24 hours, in English, Chinese and Japanese.
- 110: police.
- 119: fire and ambulance.
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