Taiwan Dependent Visa - Definitive Guide

Whenever the spouse and the children or the dependent parents of an employment visa holder in Taiwan are willing to visit Taiwan, a Taiwan dependent visa is issued. It allows the family of the Indian national to stay in the country for a certain period of time and the holder of the employment visa sponsors the trip and the stay. The validity and period of stay also depend on the work visa holder’s period of stay. A dependent visa is generally a sponsored visa and cannot be issued otherwise.

In order to apply for the Taiwan dependent visa, the applicant first needs to meet the eligibility criteria put forth by the Taiwan Consulate. The procedure for the same is given as follows:

1. You can start by visiting the official website of Taiwan Immigration.
2. You can then fill out the visa application form for Taiwan dependent visa.
3. The sponsorer can meanwhile submit the visa application to the authorities in Taiwan.
4. When the form has been filled out correctly, download and print the form.
5. Attach the photographs as per the photo specifications.
6. Attach the supporting documents as per the list of documents provided.
7. Submit the form to the visa application centre
8. Pay the required visa fee and wait for the final verification

When you are filling out the form, you need to make sure that the information provided on the visa application form checks out with the details on your passport and other documents. If there is any incorrect or unverifiable information, there are chances that the visa application may get rejected. This kind of visa rejection can even affect your future applications for any further application for a dependent visa for Taiwan or any other kind as well. To avoid such an incidence, you can even acquire consultation from the professionals to make sure not to make a mistake that could have consequences.

There are eligibility criteria that are to be followed mandatorily before carrying on with the application process. These are important to get the visa that you require. The parameters are listed as follows:

You must have a resident sponsor in Taiwan

• The applicant must be directly related to the work visa holder in Taiwan.
• The applicants must be sponsored by the work visa holder in Taiwan.

You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Taiwan.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
• You must be within the age limit to be able to apply for a work permit.

You must meet the character requirements

• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Taiwan.
• You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).

You must have sufficient funds

• There must be sufficient funds to support your stay in the country.
• The travel insurance must be issued from a certified company only.
• Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are different kinds of documents required as per the nature of the Taiwan dependent visa. It is issued for not only the spouse and children but also for the dependent parents. The common list of documents is given as follows:

• Original passport with validity at least 6 months ahead of the date of travel
• Completely filled visa application form
• Two photos as per the photo specifications
• Travel Itinerary
• Proof of relationship - Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate
• Proof of confirmed travel dates - Air tickets
• Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Taiwan - ITR, Bank Statement
• Proof of accommodation - Invitation letter, Sponsor's address proof
  
  

• Two copies must be provided
• Photo size: 2 inches x 2 inches.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 60-70% of the frame - 32mm x 36mm.
• Head should well-centred.
• A gap of 2mm to 6mm must be kept between the top of the head and the frame.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The time required for the processing of the Taiwan dependent visa is about 3 to 5 days. The time will still vary depending on certain factors like the workload at the consular office, the staff availability, whether the documents are complete or the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others. The time increases and decreases affected by these parameters. An additional factor that might affect if there is a requirement document attestation for commercial documents. 

There are various aspects on which the Taiwan dependent visa fee is dependent upon. These include the type of visa, the validity of the visa required, the urgency of the visa issuance, etc. The fee includes the charges paid to the Taiwan Consulate and the visa services that you avail. The fees can be paid online or offline as per the instructions.

At the time of submission of the visa application form and the documents -

• The documents to be submitted must be in good condition and there is no need for an appointment for the submission. 
• The completely filled and signed visa application form can be submitted to the visa application centre or directly to the Consulate. 
• You can submit the documents to your nearest branch of the visa application centre. The application form must be submitted in person. 
• If in case you are more than 200 miles (300 km) away from the Consulate, or if you do not have access to a nearby visa application centre, you can mail the documents through a registered courier service. 
• If sending the application through the mail, the courier company hired must be registered.
• If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the embassy or the agency must be informed.
• If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the embassy/agency.
• You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime. 
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application.
• The visa fee is generally not refundable.

In order to know the status of your Taiwan dependent visa, you can visit the website of the visa agency through which you have applied or the visa application centre website. Alternatively, you can even do it offline by calling the embassy with the visa application number and enquire about the status.

When the processing is done and you have your visa, there are certain things that must be kept in mind. There are guidelines to be followed that are provided along with the visa. Some of the important ones are listed as follows:

Before you travel

• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Taiwan within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.

At the Border

• Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
• Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.

When you enter Taiwan

• You may be allowed to get involved in some kind of employment but it must first be checked out with the authorities.
• The rules and restrictions of the country must be taken seriously and followed at any cost.
• The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
• Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.