Taiwan offers three primary visa routes for Mainland China foreign residents in 2025:
- visitor visa
- resident visas
- electronic visa
Visitor visas cover tourism, business, and family visits. Resident visas apply to work, study, or family reunion.
E-visas streamline short-stay applications for eligible passport holders.
Each route has distinct requirements, application windows, and processing times. Use this guide to choose the right path and prepare every document in advance.
Visitor Visa Requirements
Foreign residents of China that require a visa to Taiwan can apply for a visitor visa through TECO offices in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, or Xiamen.
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity
- Completed application form and recent passport-style photo
- Proof of round-trip flight bookings and hotel reservations
- Bank statements showing a minimum balance of CNY 10,000 held for 30 days
- Invitation letter (if visiting family or business)
Applications must be submitted at least two weeks before travel. Group tour visas require tour operator sponsorship and a simplified document set.
Resident Visa Requirements
Resident visas are for long-term stays over six months.
Common categories include work, study, and family reunion.
Work Visa
- Official employment contract
- Work permit issued by Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor
Study Visa
- Letter of admission from a Taiwanese university
- Proof of educational credentials
Family Reunion
- Household registry copy of Taiwanese sponsor
- Proof of kinship
Processing times range from 15 to 30 business days. Approval letters are valid for 90 days to collect your visa at TECO.
E-Visa Application
Since 2023, Taiwan provides e-visas to foreign residents of China under specific conditions.
Eligibility:
- Travelers who held a valid Taiwan visa or residency permit in the past three years
- Applicants with valid visas or permanent residence in the US, UK, Japan, South Korea, or EU countries
Key benefits: - Fully online application
- Decision within three business days
- Single-entry valid for 30 days
Visit the e-Service portal of Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and prepare digital copies of your passport, passport photo, and relevant supporting documents.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose your visa type and gather documents.
- Complete the online or paper application form.
- Pay the visa fee (CNY 600 for single-entry visitor visa).
- Submit at TECO office or via the e-Visa portal.
- Track application status online or by phone.
- Collect passport with visa endorsement in person or by courier.
Estimated timeline:
- Visitor visa: 10–14 days
- Resident visa: 15–30 days
- E-visa: 3–5 working days
Sample Invitation Letter Template
[Your Company/Name]
[Address in Taiwan]
[Contact Number in Taiwan]
Date: [YYYY-MM-DD]
To Whom It May Concern,
I, [Sponsor Name], a Taiwanese citizen holding ID number [XXXXXXXX], hereby invite [Applicant Name] (passport No. [XXXXXXXX]) to Taiwan from [Start Date] to [End Date] for [purpose: tourism/business/family visit]. I will be responsible for [accommodation/expenses] during their stay.
Please grant the necessary visa approval for their entry.
Sincerely,
[Sponsor Signature]
[Sponsor Contact Information]
Real-Life Case Study
Last spring, Emma from Shanghai secured her visitor visa in just eight days by applying through TECO Shenzhen and using the fast-track window.
She submitted her application with a digital invitation letter and expedited courier service.
Her timeline:
- April 1: Documents ready and courier sent
- April 3: TECO received application
- April 8: Visa approved and returned by courier
FAQ
Q: Can I apply online without visiting TECO?
A: Only e-visa-eligible travelers may apply fully online. Visitor and resident visas require in-person submission.
Q: How many entries does the visa allow?
A: Visitor visas are typically single-entry. Multiple-entry visas require prior approval and valid justification.
Q: What if my passport expires soon?
A: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after planned entry to Taiwan.
Q: Are any vaccinations required?
A: Taiwan currently has no mandatory vaccination requirements for travelers from Mainland China.
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