Which Visa to accompany Taiwanese Spouse for less than 180 Days?

Legal Visa & Residency
1

Hello,

My family is planning a visit to see and stay with family in Taiwan for around five months (less than 180 days).

My spouse and children are Taiwanese, and we got married in Taiwan. We currently reside in the USA where we are both citizens. I work for a US based company (that has ZERO operations in Taiwan) remotely already and am planning to work for the duration of our stay.

What is the correct visa for me?

I have read some suggestions to just do a visa run after the first 90 days but that it’s legally kind of gray.

I have read I should just get a visitor visa.

I have also ready to apply for a JFRV.

I have perused forumosa for quite some time but there doesn’t seem to be a clear answer but it’s possible I missed it. Surely my situation isn’t unique so I am hoping someone can provide guidance on the correct way to go about this?

Thank you!

2

One other thing I forgot to add: will I need to have my return ticket for this? Will return tickets be required? I was considering doing one way tickets to save on money at the moment.

3

Looks like you already have your answer.

4

Have you looked at the gold card?

5

I have, the worry there is the turn around. This trip is somewhat impromptu and I’m not sure I would be able to receive it in time. We are also in the middle of a move so sending/receiving documents could be complicated.

6

Whatever you do, don’t do any local work without the appropriate ARC and work permit.

But it probably isn’t wise for anyone to provide you advice on remote work, as it does appear to be a grey area.

7

I appreciate the advice and won’t. I’ve lived and worked there in the past and am not trying to skirt any rules.

8

Apply for a six month visitor visa beforehand.

1 Like
9

Digital Nomad Visa

4 Likes
10

Have they figured out the work permit arrangements for that yet? If not, what is the difference between the DNV and a visitor’s entry permit?

11

US citizen. When I booked a one-way ticket to Taiwan:

EVA called my name at the gate and asked for my return ticket/visa before boarding. This was a connection in EU.

Also on EVA at JFK, I arrived at the gate after boarding began, and when scanning my boarding pass, it gave the beeping alarm. Then they asked for my return ticket/visa.

United at SFO asked for my return ticket/visa during luggage drop off/check in.

When completing the online Taiwan arrival card, I believe you must enter your returning flight information. Sure you can lie, but that’s on you.

12

Applying for a JFRV as a spouse of a Taiwanese citizen with household registration removes any grey areas you are worried about.
Also not that hard to apply for either if all your documents are in order

13

If you see yourself spending significant time in Taiwan periodically, this likely isn’t a bad way to go!

My understanding is you just need to renew it every 3 years (but there is no “presence” requirement like a US green card)

14

Hey everyone. I appreciate all for the advice.

Given the time constraint that I have I will likely be doing the digital nomad visa, but doing so once I’m there. From the language on the BOCA site, it appears that is a valid option when you enter as visa-exempt. That being said, it would mean a return flight will need to be booked.

Just in case, I’m going to call my regional TECO tomorrow, as I have called a couple others (due to timing issues) and see if the JFRV option is practical in the time I have before our trip. We do plan on making this a more regular trip, so I think that would be a better option long-term.

Thanks again, everyone.