Thanks for the quick reply. Can you explain what you mean by a 3-year GC does not lead to an ARPC anymore? I am aware that it has to essentially expire to even meet the “time stayed” criteria, so people were bridging with an ARC to even be able to file for one
This is no longer working?
I am also getting contradicting information regarding the 1-2 year gc + renewal strategy. Some say it is treated just like a new application, others say that the time spent in Taiwan will be considered.
Exactly: While applying for APRC, you need to be on a valid ARC - and you can only apply after staying at least 3 years on a GC, so you definitely either need to extend your GC once or switch to a job-seeking ARC.
However, they have recently tightened APRC eligibility while on said job-seeking ARC - see APRC application on job-seeking ARC. This change also seems to apply to GC holders. It used to be easier.
You need to apply before your first GC expires (4 months before expiration is the earliest possible date). If there’s a gap in between the cards, it will be counted as a new application (and you’ll start from zero regarding APRC eligibility) - otherwise, the validity of your GC will be extended. Those who say it’s like a new application most likely missed the window and let their GC expire before their application was approved…
Of course, for APRC eligibility, days in TW still matter; you cannot get an APRC through a GC without meeting the residency requirement.
Yeah with “time spenr in tw” i mean that they would not accept an older tax document despite being within the 3 years.
I am not aware of anyone who has tried this and confirmed it tho. In the thread they mention that you need to be employed, but is that not a no-brainer?
What I did comes the same effect as 2 + 3…
Mine is 3 + 3 but I delayed moving to taiwan and had another tax year in my home country.
It didn’t use to be that way!
Some people applied for a GC with their overseas job (primarily salary requirement), came to TW to learn Chinese / enjoy life / staying unemployed and/or working under the table without paying taxes. After 3 years, switch to job-seeking ARC, then some days later apply for APRC using the NT$5 million threshold (which they wired into TW just before getting a bank statement and afterwards wire back) and - voilá - APRC granted.
Of course, for those “extreme” cases it’s understandable that they’re tightening the rules; but it’s also getting more difficult for everyone else because of side effects from these regulations…
Yeah, this is what I would do. I nees to work this year anyways, so would then get a new tax document for 2026 which I can then use for a 3-year renewal. Sure the rules might change, but this seems more appealing as the first route is an already confirmes gamble.
Would a tax document from 2026 fall in the “within 3 years category”? Or do I need a 2027 document for that? In 2029 a 2026 tax statement should work, or am I dumb?
Because then 3 + 3 might actually be the best option.
Depends on the dates.
When will your first gold card be issued?
Will tax return be after that first gold card is issued?
Will any of the income tax year fall after the first gold card is issued?
What income tax year does your home country follow? calendar year? some other 12 month period?
First gold card would probably be issued in august/september. Tax certificate would then be issued in january of 2027, so after the first GC. It is issued every year in january for the previous year. So 2026 statement is released in january 2027.
It might not work, you might have to work another year for it to work.
Or go for 2 + 3
Yeah, I will be thinking about it. I could just keep working and hold the gold card on the side.
It definitely does not seem as attractive as initially thought given the weird uncertainty regarding the weird in-between state of a 3-year GC.
But it may work as they say tax statement issued within 3 years.
But cutting it fine… as some initial gold card applications take a few months.
Are you applying now for first gold card? Earlier the better, if you are to use this income tax year for renewal.
This would be my first gold card yeah and I have all the documents already. I will just go for the three year gold card and then I still have the option to either use this years tax income, or continue working in 2027.
It should go quick since my CoE also states my salary, describes my job etc. I made sure that they just dump every info they could onto it. I do not see how it should take unusually long.
The issue that delays processing is usually not verification of salary, but verifying that your job title actually fits to your category of application.
Not an issue for some - a big issue for others.
Gold Card Office told me it should be no problem, but yeah I will see how it goes and come back with the result. Thanks for all the help so far.
Seems like your route is currently the best and was confirmed by the gold card office:
Yes, you may provide a valid tax statement from any of the three years prior to applying for an extension. In this case, your 2026 tax statement will be acceptable.
We hope this clarifies the situation.
(This is as of now and could change). So yeah my 3 year GC is fine.
The first 3 are automated… with regard to the 4th one, that date might end up changing in the end.
Hello, I’ll be extending my Gold Card next week, four months before expiration, after which I can apply for APRC. Does anyone know how long the extension process usually takes? I’ve read different wait times, and I understand it may depend on the category - mine is Economy. If anyone has any information on this, I’d appreciate it.
Is it true that this is not really an extension, but more like a fresh application? I have a business trip coming up and will need to leave the country in four weeks, so I was hoping I could apply and get everything sorted before then. Thanks.
Depending on the category, the requirements, the documents submitted and personal circumstances, the process can take anywhere from 1 week to multiple months. “Usually” it takes between 3-6 weeks, I would say.
You need to make sure to choose the correct menu option: Apply for extension before your card expires. Then, they’ll extend the validity of your Gold Card by another 3/2/1 years (added to the current expiration date!).
Should not be an issue at all - your card stays valid - even if you’re approved for an extension. Just collect the new card once you’re back.
