Taiwan Working Holiday Visa: How to Apply Easily (UK Guide)
This guide is intended for UK passport holders residing in the United Kingdom who are considering applying for a Taiwan Working Holiday Visa under the Youth Mobility Scheme.
This visa allows eligible applicants to stay in Taiwan for up to 12 months, with travel as the main purpose and short-term work permitted on a secondary basis to help cover living expenses.
You will find a clear overview of the application process, including eligibility criteria, a practical checklist of required documents, key steps to follow and common mistakes to avoid in order to apply more smoothly.
- The Taiwan Working Holiday Visa is open to UK passport holders aged 18 to 30 and can only be granted once.
- The maximum total stay is 12 months, with travel as the main purpose and work allowed on a secondary basis.
- Applications must be submitted from the United Kingdom through the competent Taiwanese representative office.
- A complete application file is essential; missing documents are a common cause of delays or refusals.
- Travel and medical insurance covering the full stay is mandatory and checked during the application process.
- After arrival, an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) must be applied for within 30 days.
- Access to Taiwan’s National Health Insurance is not immediate and does not replace private insurance.
- Switching to another visa type may be possible, but only before the Working Holiday ARC expires.
Taiwan Working Holiday Visa: Quick Eligibility Check
Who can apply?
The Taiwan Working Holiday Visa under the Youth Mobility Scheme is open to British nationals who meet all of the following conditions at the time of application.
- 🛂 Applicants must hold a British passport and be residing in the United Kingdom when applying. Applications must be submitted through the Taiwanese representative office responsible for the applicant’s place of residence in the UK.
- 🎂 UK nationals must be aged between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application. Other participating countries may have different age limits.
- 🔁 The Taiwan Working Holiday Visa can only be granted once. Applicants who have already benefited from this scheme are not eligible to apply again.
- 👨👩👧👦 The visa does not allow dependants. Spouses, partners or children cannot be included in the application and must apply for their own visa if they wish to stay in Taiwan.
What you’re allowed to do (and not do)
The Taiwan Working Holiday Visa is designed for travel and cultural exchange. Employment is permitted, but it is secondary to the holiday purpose of the stay.
✅ Under this visa, holders are allowed to:
- Stay in Taiwan for up to 12 months.
- Work legally in Taiwan without applying for a separate work permit.
- Take on short-term or casual employment to support their travel and living expenses.
❌ There are clear limitations to respect:
- The visa is not intended for long-term residence or career-oriented employment.
- Certain professions and regulated sectors may require additional authorisations or qualifications.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their employment complies with Taiwanese regulations and with the conditions of the Working Holiday Visa.
Taiwan Working Holiday Visa: when to apply
Best time window to submit
There is no fixed annual application window for the Taiwan Working Holiday Visa for UK citizens. Applications can be submitted throughout the year, provided that eligibility conditions are met and the annual quota has not been reached. That said, the following timing principles are recommended:
- 🗓️ Apply several weeks before the intended departure date, to allow sufficient time for processing and for any additional documents that may be requested.
- ✈️ Avoid booking non-refundable flights or accommodation before receiving the visa, as approval is not guaranteed until the visa has been issued.
- 📄 Submit a complete and well-prepared application from the start, as processing time largely depends on the accuracy and completeness of the file rather than on a fixed administrative deadline.
Incomplete applications are a common cause of delays, as the authorities may suspend processing until all required documents are provided.
Is there a quota for UK applicants?
Yes. The Taiwan Working Holiday Visa is subject to an annual quota agreed between Taiwan and the United Kingdom under the Youth Mobility Scheme:
- A limited number of visas is issued each year to UK nationals under this scheme.
- The exact number of places is determined by bilateral agreement and may change over time.
- Once the annual quota is reached, further applications may be refused or deferred until the next allocation period.
For this reason, applicants are advised to apply as early as possible if they have a specific travel timeframe in mind, and to confirm current availability with the competent Taiwanese representative office before submitting their application.
Step-by-step: Taiwan Working Holiday Visa application
- Complete the online application form (BOCA) and print/sign: when filling in the form, applicants must select a long-stay visa and choose Working Holiday / Youth Mobility Scheme as the purpose of stay. Once completed, the form must be printed and signed. ⚠️ Unsigned forms are not accepted and will be returned unprocessed.
- Prepare your documents (see full checklist below): applicants must gather all required supporting documents before submission. These typically include a valid passport, proof of sufficient financial means, proof of return or onward travel, and travel and medical insurance covering the full duration of the stay. ⚠️ All documents must strictly meet the requirements set by the authorities. Missing, expired or non-compliant documents are a common cause of delays.
- Submit your application to the correct office (London or Edinburgh) : applications must be submitted to the Taiwanese representative office responsible for the applicant’s place of residence in the United Kingdom. Depending on the consular district, it can be the Taipei Representative Office in London or the one in Edinburgh. 💡 Submission methods, such as in-person appointments or postal applications, depend on the procedures of each office and should be verified in advance.
- Wait for a decision : processing begins only once a complete application has been received. There is no guaranteed processing time, but applications are usually processed within several working days to a few weeks, depending on the representative office and the completeness of the file.
Once issued, the visa must be used within the validity period indicated on the visa sticker. Applicants should check this date carefully before travelling.
The most frequent reasons for applications being delayed or returned unprocessed include missing insurance certificates, insufficient proof of funds, unsigned forms and incomplete document sets.
👉 Submitting a clear and fully compliant application from the outset helps reduce processing delays and unnecessary follow-up requests from the consular authorities.
Document checklist (UK applicants): what you need to provide
Below is a consolidated checklist of the documents required for a Taiwan Working Holiday Visa application for UK citizens. Requirements are set by the Taiwanese authorities and must be strictly respected.
Document required | Mandatory? | Application step | Useful information |
|---|---|---|---|
📄 Printed visa application form (BOCA) with signature | Yes | Step 1 – Online form | The form must be completed online via the BOCA system, then printed and signed. ⚠️ Unsigned forms are not accepted. |
🛂 Passport | Yes | Step 2 – Document preparation | The passport must be valid for at least 12 months at the time of application and have sufficient blank pages. |
🎒 Proof of purpose of stay (“holiday-first”) | Yes | Step 2 – Document preparation | Applicants must demonstrate that the main purpose of the stay is travel and cultural exchange, not long-term employment or settlement. |
✈️ Proof of intention to leave Taiwan | Yes | Step 2 – Document preparation | This is usually demonstrated through a return or onward ticket, or sufficient funds to purchase one before the visa expires. |
💷 Proof of sufficient financial means | Yes | Step 2 – Document preparation | Applicants must show they can support themselves financially during their stay. YouthTaiwan refers to a minimum of around €2,000 or equivalent, which corresponds to approximately £1,700. |
🎟️ Return or onward travel ticket (or funds to purchase one) | Yes | Step 2 – Document preparation | Either a confirmed ticket or clear financial proof that a ticket can be purchased is required. |
🩺 WHV travel and medical insurance covering the full stay | Yes | Step 2 – Document preparation | Insurance covering medical care and hospitalisation for the entire duration of the stay is required and is carefully reviewed during processing. |
📑 Additional supporting documents | Possibly | Step 3 or during review | The authorities may request additional documents such as authentication, clarification of financial proof, or an interview, depending on the individual application. |
Applicants are advised to prepare all documents carefully before submission and to ensure that all information is consistent across the application file. As requirements may evolve, the latest document checklist should always be confirmed with the competent Taiwanese representative office before applying.
Travel and medical insurance is a mandatory document for the Taiwan Working Holiday Visa and is closely reviewed by the authorities. Beyond the application itself, adequate coverage is essential to protect against medical expenses, hospitalisation and unforeseen events during a long stay in Taiwan.
Compare the best WHV insurance plansHow much does the Taiwan WHV cost?
Visa fee
As with the Australia Working Holiday Visa, the Taiwan Working Holiday Visa is subject to a visa application fee. This fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.
The exact amount depends on the Taiwanese representative office handling the application and on the applicable local fee schedule, but as a reference, a single-entry resident visa (the category that includes the Working Holiday Visa) normally costs approximately USD 60–132 (about £50–£115) when applied for outside Taiwan
💡Applicants should consult the official “visa fees” page of the relevant office at the time of application to confirm the current amount.
After arrival fees
After arrival in Taiwan, Working Holiday Visa holders must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). The official fee for the ARC is NTD 1,000 per year.
💡 The ARC application must be submitted within the required timeframe after entry (15 days), as missing the deadline may affect the legal stay.
Budget extras most people forget
In addition to official visa and residence fees, applicants should budget for several additional expenses that are often overlooked. These costs vary depending on individual circumstances and service providers, but the following estimates can help with financial planning.
- Police certificate (if requested): approximately £45–£60
- Document translation or notarisation (if required): approximately £20–£80 per document
- Application postage or courier services: approximately £5–£20
- Passport photos: approximately £5–£10
- Medical checks (if required by the authorities): approximately £50–£150
- Travel and medical insurance for a 12-month stay: approximately £250–£500, depending on coverage
These amounts are indicative only. Applicants are advised to confirm exact costs with the relevant service providers and authorities before submitting their application.
Taiwan Working Holiday Insurance
Is Taiwan Working Holiday insurance mandatory?
Yes. A full medical and hospitalisation insurance covering the entire duration of the stay is required for the Taiwan Working Holiday Visa. This requirement is explicitly stated by the official YouthTaiwan programme and is checked at the time of application.
Insurance is not only required to submit a valid visa application, but also to ensure protection from the moment of arrival in Taiwan. Public health coverage through Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI), when accessible, does not apply immediately and does not cover all risks. As a result, comprehensive travel and medical insurance remains essential, particularly during the first months in Taiwan and for expenses such as emergency care, hospitalisation or repatriation.
Which Taiwan Working Holiday insurance should you choose?
When choosing insurance for a Taiwan Working Holiday stay, coverage should be adapted to a long-term stay and local risks. Key criteria to consider include:
- Coverage for the full 12-month duration of the visa
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation with sufficient limits
- Emergency repatriation to the United Kingdom
- Reasonable deductibles and clear reimbursement ceilings
- Coverage for sports and everyday activities, including scooter or motorbike use, which is very common in Taiwan
- Optional but useful coverage such as personal liability and baggage insurance
💡 To prove insurance coverage, applicants are usually asked to provide an insurance certificate in English clearly stating the insured person’s name, coverage period (matching the intended stay), and medical and hospital benefits.
Choosing appropriate insurance is a key step in securing both visa approval and reliable protection throughout a working holiday in Taiwan.
Get your Working Holiday insurance certificate in 2 minutes
What to do after you arrive in Taiwan
Apply for your ARC
After entering Taiwan on a Working Holiday Visa, applicants must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). This application is mandatory and must be submitted within 30 days after entry.
The ARC acts as the residence permit and includes a re-entry permit, allowing the holder to leave and re-enter Taiwan during the validity of the stay.
National Health Insurance (NHI): what’s special for UK nationals
UK nationals holding an ARC may become eligible for Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) after a qualifying period: usually after six months of continuous residence in Taiwan.
NHI does not apply immediately and offers limited coverage: It involves co-payments and does not cover certain risks such as medical repatriation, private care or non-medical emergencies. This is the reason why travel and medical insurance remains essential, particularly during the first months in Taiwan.
Working in Taiwan on a Working Holiday Visa
What kinds of jobs can you do?
Holders of a Taiwan Working Holiday Visa are allowed to work, provided that employment remains secondary to travel and cultural exchange. This means taking short-term or casual jobs to support living expenses rather than pursuing long-term or career-oriented employment.
👉 Typical jobs include roles in hospitality, tourism, language-related activities or other temporary positions.
Employment that is considered incompatible with the purpose of a working holiday stay is not permitted. In addition, work in certain environments, including so-called “places of ill repute”, is explicitly restricted under Taiwanese regulations.
Do you need a separate work permit?
No separate work permit is required. For UK nationals, the Working Holiday Visa under the Youth Mobility Scheme is recognised as authorisation to work in Taiwan during the validity of the stay.
💡 Regulated professions may still require specific qualifications, licences or additional authorisations. It is the responsibility of the visa holder and the employer to ensure that all conditions are met before starting work.
Taxes: what to expect as a foreigner
Income earned in Taiwan is subject to local tax rules. Foreigners working in Taiwan are generally subject to income tax withholding, with the applicable rate depending on factors such as length of stay and residency status for tax purposes.
💡 During the first 183 days in Taiwan, foreign workers are generally subject to a higher withholding tax rate. This situation may be adjusted later depending on tax residency status.
Working holiday makers may be required to file a tax return, even for short-term or temporary employment. As tax obligations can vary, applicants are advised to consult official guidance from the Taiwanese tax authorities or seek professional advice to ensure compliance.
Can you extend, leave & re-enter, or switch to another visa?
Can you extend the stay beyond the initial period?
The Taiwan Working Holiday Visa is issued for a limited stay (12 months) and is not renewable beyond its maximum validity.
In some cases, a short extension may be granted under general immigration rules, for example up to 180 additional days, depending on individual circumstances. Applicants should contact the NIA directly to confirm whether an extension is possible in their specific situation.
Can you switch to a work or study visa?
Yes, switching to another type of visa may be possible for UK nationals, provided the application is made before the Working Holiday ARC expires.
According to official UK–Taiwan guidance, holders of a Working Holiday Visa may apply for a work visa or a student visa if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria, such as securing an eligible job offer or being accepted by an accredited educational institution. Approval is not automatic and depends on compliance with the rules of the new visa category.
This is a common question among working holiday makers who wish to stay longer in Taiwan. Anyone considering a change of status should start the process early and confirm requirements with the competent Taiwanese authorities.
Mistakes that delay or ruin applications
Several common mistakes can lead to delays, requests for additional documents or refusal of a Taiwan Working Holiday Visa application. The following points should be carefully checked before applying.
- Insufficient financial means or unclear proof of funds, such as incomplete bank statements or documents that do not clearly show available balances.
- Poor timing, including entering Taiwan before the visa validity starts or failing to respect the deadline for applying for the ARC after arrival.
- Assuming the scheme can be used more than once. The Taiwan Working Holiday Visa is granted only once and cannot be reapplied for in a later year.
- Missing insurance or insurance dates that do not cover the full intended stay, which may result in the application being returned unprocessed.
Careful preparation and verification of these points significantly reduce the risk of administrative issues during the application process.
FAQ
Yes. The scheme is open to British passport holders who are residing in the United Kingdom at the time of application and meet the age and eligibility requirements.
The maximum total stay is 12 months. The visa may be issued in one or more periods, but the total duration cannot exceed one year.
Yes. The Working Holiday Visa authorises holders to work legally in Taiwan without applying for a separate work permit, provided that employment remains secondary to travel.
Yes. A full medical and hospitalisation insurance covering the entire duration of the stay is required and is checked as part of the visa application.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves in Taiwan. Official guidance refers to a minimum of around €2,000 or equivalent in pounds, in addition to a return or onward travel ticket or funds to purchase one.
Yes. Working Holiday Visa holders must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) within 30 days after entering Taiwan. The ARC acts as the residence permit and includes a re-entry permit.
UK nationals holding an ARC may become eligible for National Health Insurance after a qualifying period, usually after six months of continuous residence. NHI does not apply immediately and does not replace the need for private insurance.
No. The Taiwan Working Holiday Visa can only be granted once. Applicants who have already used this scheme are not eligible to apply again.
