Q1: How can the lineal ascendants (i.e., parents or grandparents) of foreign specialist professionals or foreign senior professionals whose residence or permanent residence has been approved by the National Immigration Agency apply for a visitor visa? What application documents should be prepared?
A1: To apply for a visitor visa, the lineal ascendants of foreign specialist professionals or foreign senior professionals must complete an online visa application form on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. After completing, printing, and signing this form, the applicant must submit the form, their passport (valid for at least six months), two passport-size color photos with a white background taken within the past six months, the foreign specialist professional’s or foreign senior professional’s qualifications document(s) and residence certificate, and documents proving kinship to an overseas mission of the ROC (Taiwan).
For information on requirements and application procedures, please refer to “Visitor Visa for Visiting Relatives”
(https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-158-251-e78ef-2.html)
Q2: What are the regulations governing visits by the lineal ascendants of foreign specialist professionals or foreign senior professionals whose residence or permanent residence has been approved by the National Immigration Agency?
A2: In accordance with Article 20 of the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals, your parents (lineal ascendants) are eligible to apply for a visitor visa with a multiple entry permit, which is valid for 1 year and is for a stay of up to 6 months. In case of need to continue the stay, then prior to the expiry of the time limit on the stay, the visa holder may apply for an extension, without having to leave the State. The total length of stay with the visa is limited to a maximum of 1 year.
Q3：How can the immediate relatives of special foreign professionals from Hong Kong or Macau apply for a family visit ? What are the required documents?
A3：
1.Required Documents:
(1)An application form, with a white-background 2’’ photo taken within the last 2 years (Same specification as ROC national ID photo).
(2)Original and copy of Hong Kong/Macau permanent residence ID card and Hong Kong/Macau passport (the original will be returned after verification).
(3)Application Fee: NT$600 for a single entry permit; NT$1,000 for a 1-year multiple entry permit; NT$2,000 for a 3-year multiple entry permit.
(4)A registered self-addressed stamped envelope with the recipient’s name and phone number.
(5)Power of Attorney (Not required if Hong Kong/Macau residents apply in person).
(6)Certificate of family relations.
(7)A copy of valid ARC or ROC Employment Gold Card overseas application approval notice issued to the Hong Kong/Macau special professional.
2.How to apply:
(1)In Hong Kong or Macau: Apply to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices in Hong Kong or Macau. Second application and beyond may be filed directly to the NIA.
(2)In foreign countries: Apply to ROC (Taiwan) embassies, representative offices, or other agencies authorized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3. Notice: Those who do not require long-term stay can apply for an entry and exit permit (valid for 30 days, non-extendable) online through the 'Online Application for Temporary Stay Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents' system.
Q4: I am an Employment Gold Card holder, and am starting my own business in Taiwan (without an employer). Are my parents eligible to apply for a visitor visa for visiting relatives to visit me?
A4: You are qualified as a foreign professional, that is, your parents are eligible for the application.
Q5: I am a foreign senior professional who has obtained the nationality of R.O.C. through naturalization. Can my parents-in-law apply a visitor visa for visiting relatives to visit me?
A5: You have obtained the nationality of the Republic of China through naturalization as a foreign senior professional, and your lineal ascendants (parents-in-law) are eligible to apply for a visitor visa for visiting relatives in Taiwan.