Taiwan to open its doors to foreign entrepreneurs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Taiwan has announced that it will start taking resident visa applications for foreign entrepreneurs from 31st July.

Although yesterday’s statement released by the Ministry didn’t give full details, the programme will target people who wish to invest in and start new businesses in Taiwan.

First-time applicants will be allowed to stay in Taiwan for up to one year but will be able to apply to extend their stay for another two years, the ministry said.

MOFA has announced that there will be an annual quota of 2,000 resident visas for entrepreneurs during a two-year trial period, after which time the government will re-evaluate the programme.

People applying for the new entrepreneur visas can submit their applications to the ministry’s representative offices in their region. Foreigners who are already in Taiwan, but would like to apply to stay in Taiwan through this new route, may apply for the visas within 45 days before the duration of their current stay expires. This application can be made at MOFA’s Bureau of Consular Affairs’ headquarters in Taipei or at any of its Central, Southwestern, Southern or Eastern Taiwan branch offices.

The new programme is part of an ongoing government plan to position Taiwan as a hub for innovative entrepreneurship in the Asia-Pacific region.

For more information about the visa, visit: http://www.boca.gov.tw/content.asp?mp=2&CuItem=7109