Resident Visas & Alien Resident Certificates (ARC)

Those who intend to stay in Taiwan for more than six months for the purpose of accepting employment, making investments, doing missionary work, joining family, pursuing studies, or engaging in other permissible activities should apply for a Resident Visa.
Once a holder of a Resident Visa arrives in Taiwan, this must converted into an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) within 15 days.  The holder may stay in Taiwan as long as the ARC is valid.
An ARC is an identity document, similar to the National ID cards held by local citizens - and allows the foreign ARC holder many (but not all) of the privileges of a local citizen.  ARCs are applied for from the local office of the National Immigration Agency (see below for Taichung details).  
For more details on obtaining a Resident Permit, please check with the National Immigration Agency website (see below).

National Immigration Agency (downtown)
91, GanCheng St., Nantun District, Taichung City
TEL: 04-22549981、04-22542545、04-22541803、04-22548930
FAX: 04-22545662

National Immigration Agency (Fengyuan District)
280, ZhongShan Rd., Fengyuan District
TEL: 04-25261087、04-25269777、04-25261052、04-25263974、04-25267615
FAX: 04-25268551

Information for Foreigners 24-hour hotline: 0800-024-111

Useful Links
National Immigration Agency