A Few Things To Know About Taiwan’s Investor Visa

The reputation of Taiwan as a highly advanced economy in the world is undisputed. Overall, it ranks excellently in terms of education, healthcare, freedoms, and entrepreneurial spirit. Ever since the “Taiwan Miracle” in the 20th century, the country has witnessed a rapid growth in industrialization, modernity, and a foreign-friendly outlook. The Taiwanese environment brims with opportunities waiting to be tapped, and this is where investor visas come into the picture.
Now, like every investor visa, Taiwan’s visa comes with its own conditions, which must be followed for a successful application. The investor visa may become a route to citizenship, provided you take note of certain things on the list. A few of those things will be mentioned in today’s article. Here are four things to know about Taiwan’s Investor Visa.

1. A Brief Overview
   In order to apply for the visa, the applicant is required to invest USD 200,000 in any active business, investment fund, or make any such investment that contributes to the economy. However, you should know that mere investment of the required amount does not itself suffice. It is also mandated that the applicant maintains the said investment throughout the residency permit period. However, the investment requirements may change if you seek permanent residency. For example, you can apply for permanent residency if you make an investment of NTD 15,000,000 in any active business and have contributed to job creation.

2. The Residency Requirement
   It must have become clear by now that a residency requirement is stated in the terms and conditions of the visa. After having obtained a residency permit upon the investment of USD 200,000, you are required to live in the country for a minimum of 183 days per year. Your temporary residency becomes permanent only after five years. Note, however, that you must show that you were physically present for the aforesaid 183 days every year. There are exceptions to the residency requirement as well: one can apply for a permanent residence permit if he had invested NTD 15,000,000 in any active business and created jobs over a period of 3 years or made a minimum investment of NTD 30,000,000 in government bonds for the same period.

3. Documents to be submitted
   A certain set of documents will have to be furnished before the authorities as part of their due diligence process. These documents include the following:

• Two recent passport-sized photographs.

• Certified copies of academic as well as professional qualifications.

• Original and certified copies of the passport.

• Medical Certificate of the applicant.

• Police Clearance Certificate indicating that the applicant has a good character and has been on his best behavior throughout the residence.

• All the necessary statements of the source of income.

• A well-drafted, comprehensive business plan must be provided.

4. Benefits of the visa
   Upon a successful application, the applicant will receive a visa that will entitle him to a range of benefits. These benefits include the following:

• The visa-holder will acquire the right of residence in Taiwan.

• Accessibility to the country’s educational as well as world-class healthcare services.

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a whopping 132 countries; these countries include those in the Schengen Area and the United States of America.

• Entitled to enjoy a peaceful, democratically founded, foreigner-friendly atmosphere.

• Avail of the business-friendly infrastructure and governmental policies.

• Eligibility to become a citizen of Taiwan upon the fulfillment of certain conditions.

• The right to study and work in Taiwan in the absence of any time limits.