How to get a Taiwan Working Holiday Visa (for all nationalities)

Visa applications are never fun, but if you know what steps to anticipate, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this chapter, we will walk through 1) where to fill out the application form, 2) what supporting documents to gather, and 3) how to submit everything.

1. Check the quota

First, you may want to first confirm with the Taiwanese authorities of your jurisdiction that the annual WHV quota for your nationality has not yet been reached. You can do so by contacting the Taiwan mission responsible for your jurisdiction (find it here). Here are the annual quotas for a few nationalities:

• Australians: 1,000
• Canadians: 1,000
• Irish: 400
• New Zealanders: 400
• For all other nationalities’ quotas, check Taiwan’s official website.

Annual quotas do not change significantly year to year, if at all.

Usually the quotas are not filled, so you should have nothing to worry about. In the event that there are no more available spots left, unfortunately you will have to wait until the following program year to apply. For the best chances, apply early in the program year, as applications are processed on a first come first serve basis.

2. Complete and sign the application form

You can start your application online on the Taiwan e-visa portal. Select the following fields.

• Duration of stay: select 1-180 days. As explained in chapter 1, your one year stay will be granted as 180+180 days. Exception: UK citizens can select “above 180 days”.
• Number of entries: select multiple
• Purpose of travel: select Working Holiday (Youth Mobility)

This will take you to the start of the WHV application. Below are a couple more tips to be aware of.

The application will ask you for an address and mobile number in Taiwan. If you are able to provide those of a friend, you can use those. If you have no contacts in Taiwan, use the address of the hotel or Airbnb that you plan to stay in upon arrival. As for the phone number, you can try putting the landline of the hotel, even if the form says mobile. Your plans for accommodation are not binding, so don’t worry if they change later on.

In the section in the above screenshot, select the Taiwanese embassy or mission where you will be submitting your application.

Once you are done, print and sign the completed application form. The Taiwanese authorities have provided an example of what a completed and signed application should look like (using France as an example). They suggest that you highlight the three fields indicated in the example, so that processing authorities clearly see the nature of your application.

3. Gather supporting documents

In addition to the visa application form, you will also need to gather some supporting documents. Standard items include your:

• Printed application form
• Passport
• ID photos (35×45 mm, colour, within 6 months)
• Proof of medical insurance (covering medical and hospitalisation expenses) for full duration of stay, or at least first 4 months if you are a UK national
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Additional documents by nationality

If you have any questions about the exact requirements, contact the Taiwan mission responsible for your jurisdiction (find it here).

4. Submit your application

Once you have all your papers in order, contact the Taiwan mission responsible for your jurisdiction (find it here) to make an appointment for application submission. You will likely be given one or multiple of the following options:

• Submission in person – appointment
• Submission in person – no appointment required
• Send documents by mail

Choose the option that is most convenient for you.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you’ve submitted your application! Remember that once you get your visa, you have 12 months to enter Taiwan. If you are British, you must do so within 3 months.

Please consider sharing your application experience in the comments below so that other applications from your country can know what to expect.