Job Discussion Forums

oxygenleaves · Joined: 15 Mar 2009 Posts: 1

Hello board members,
I am an Englishman who is coming to Taiwan to stay in early June. I am married to a Taiwanese woman - we married in Taiwan over 6 years ago (I have a marriage certificate from the Taiwan court with original copies in both Chinese and English). But after getting married, we have since lived in England.
But because her mother is not very well, I have been granted a sabbatical from my job in England and we both plan to live in Taiwan for 6 months.
I would like to do some part-time work - teaching English and/or editing, but at the moment I am very confused what VISA I need before I come.
Do I just apply for a visitor VISA and then apply for a JFRV after I land in Taiwan?
Or do I just use the new law for UK citizens which allows me 90+90 days? (I am worried about this because I'm not sure I can upgrade this landing VISA). Could I enter Taiwan with this new law and then upgrade it to a resiedential VISA as my wife is Taiwanese or would I have to leave the country?
Or do I apply for a JFRV before I leave at my local TRO?
I would also like some advice about what documents I will need. For example, the TRO in London say I need a Household Registration document, but how can I get that when I don't live in Taiwan right now? And how do I do the health check in England?
I just want to know what would be the easiest way for me and my wife to live and maybe work for a 6 month period in Taiwan.
Sorry for the amount of questions - I probably have many more!.
Any help is very much appreciated!
Jon

BigWally · Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 4:38 pm Post subject:

You should probably contact your local TECO office for such a complex issue, especially since there are "new laws" that govern UK citizens like you said.

LKJ · Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 57

As you have read, the Taiwan government have just reciprocated a visa deal with the UK. As a UK citizen you can now enter Taiwan on a landing visa and stay for 90+ days. That alone does NOT entitle you to work (hence, it's called a landing or tourist visa). If you want to work, you must get a marriage visa or a work permit & ARC.

Get a marriage visa asap.

To get a marriage visa you must bring your UK subject access report (aka criminal record check) with you. It must be legalized in the UK and then stamped by the TRO in either London or Edinburgh. It will be valid for 3 months from date of letter head. This is an essential part of applying for a JFRC.

Get your wife to call the immigration office of the region you will be located in when you come back to Taiwan. Their rules matter - not us internet posters.

I hope this helps.

LKJ.