Job Discussion Forums

[Double Clutcher]

I've accepted a teaching position in Taipei and will be travelling to Hong Kong soon to get a resident visa. I am wondering if anyone out there who has applied for a resident visa in Hong Kong can give me some info. I'm located in PRC so of course the TW websites are blocked. I've done some searches here and on forumosa but still have a couple of questions.

I need to know if I need any documents besides the application, passport, work permit, and health certificate.

Can the health certificate be issued in PRC?

Also, how long does it take to process the resident visa?

Thanks a lot,
D.C.

[MomCat]

D.C.

From the TW gov's web site.
1. A passport valid for at least six months;
2. A duly completed application form with two photos;
3. An outbound airline ticket or verifiable proof of purchase of steamship ticket ;
4. Documents verifying the purpose of visit; and
5. Other relevant documents.

For docs verifing the purpose you should have at least the name and address of a hotel. If you have a reservation, show them that.

Don't worry about the other relevant documents (#5).

As lame as this might sound, dress up a bit. Flip flops and a wife-beater will not help smooth the way.

As I recall it took two days to get the visa. Drop the application off one morning and pick it up the next afternoon.

You'll need to get your medical here in Taiwan.


Good luck and welcome to Taiwan,
Cat

[Double Clutcher]

Thanx for the info Momcat.

[MomCat]

D.C.

I'm sorry, I just re-read your OP and realized you asked about a resident, not visitor's visa. Do you, or will you, have your work permit and a copy of your contract? They'll be provided to you by your school. If not, you'll need to enter Taiwan on a visitor's visa.

If you will have your work permit you can also get your health exam in HK. I have no idea if they would accept one from the PRC.

Cat

[Double Clutcher]

That's okay Momcat, I'm glad to hear I can get the health check in HK. The school is going to send the work permit to me, post restante, there.

It would really help me plan my trip if anyone knows how many days it takes to process the resident visa.
Thanx, D.C.

[MomCat]

D.C. I got my residence visa in Singapore and it also took two days. Dropped the paperwork off in the morning and picked it up the next afternoon.

From the TW Gov website:
Health Certificate:
A health certificate issued within the past three months either by one of the designated local hospitals in Taiwan (list attached) or by a licensed foreign hospital or clinic. In the case of a foreign certificate, the applicant should have it authenticated by the ROC Embassy, Consulate or Mission, which has jurisdiction over the place where the documents are issued. The required items for examination are provided in the bulletin and subject to changes of health policies determined by the health authority.

If you want it here's a copy of the health check, which you will need before you get the resident visa. You'll need blood work, which takes a week here.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1156/531494780_390509ba4f_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1030/531494774_9dbfedc7ef_o.jpg

From the TW Gov web site:
Information on Republic of China Resident Visas:
Requirements:
1. A passport valid for at least six months;
2. A duly completed application form with two 2x2 inch color photos taken within from the last six months.
3. Supporting documents or official letters of approval from a competent authority of the ROC; and
4. Other relevant documents.
5. Health Certificate if applicable

Visa Validity: A Resident Visa is valid for three months.

Duration of stay: Resident Visa holders are required to apply for the Alien Resident Certificate and Re-entry Permit at local service of Ministry of Interior National Immigration Agency within 15 days after their arrival. They may stay in the ROC as long as the Alien Resident Certificate remains valid.

[Double Clutcher]

Thank you Cat, I can plan my move now without any major worries.
D.C.