Moving to Taiwan

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Taiwan depends significantly on your nationality. Citizens from many countries, particularly those in the European Union, may enjoy visa-free entry for short stays, but this is usually not sufficient for long-term residence or employment. For extended stays, typical routes include:

• Work Visas: If you have secured employment with a Taiwanese company, your employer will typically sponsor your work visa and subsequent Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). This is the most common path for professionals.
• Family Visas: If you are joining a spouse or immediate family member who is a Taiwanese citizen or holds a valid ARC, you may be eligible for a dependent visa.
• Study Visas: Students accepted into recognized educational institutions in Taiwan will apply for a student visa, which also leads to an ARC.
• Other Residence Permits: There are various other categories, such as entrepreneurial visas or those for specific professional talents.

It is crucial to verify the most up-to-date requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation directly with the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) or the Taiwan Immigration Agency. Requirements can change, and official sources will provide the most accurate information for your specific situation.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing in Taiwan, especially in major cities, can be a dynamic process. Here’s a general overview:

• How to Find Housing:
  • Online Platforms: Websites catering to expatriates or local rental listings are a primary resource.
  • Real Estate Agents: Many expats opt for agents who can help navigate the local market, language barriers, and lease agreements. They typically charge a commission, often equivalent to half a month's rent.
  • Word of Mouth: Networking with other expats can sometimes lead to direct rentals.
• Typical Rental Process: Once you find a suitable property, you'll typically sign a lease agreement, which is usually in Chinese. It's highly advisable to have a trusted bilingual friend or agent review it. Leases are commonly for one year, though shorter or longer terms might be negotiable.
• Deposits: A security deposit, usually equivalent to two months' rent, is standard. This is refundable at the end of your tenancy, provided the property is returned in good condition. You will also typically pay the first month's rent upfront.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: Many newcomers opt for temporary accommodation (serviced apartments, Airbnb) for the first few weeks or months to allow time for property viewing, neighborhood exploration, and settling in before committing to a long-term lease.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating to Taiwan is influenced by several key factors, making each move unique:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you ship, the higher the cost. This is often measured in cubic meters (CBM) for sea freight or weight for air freight.
• Distance: While Taiwan is a fixed destination, the origin country significantly impacts shipping costs and transit times.
• Season: Peak moving seasons (e.g., summer months, end of year) can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially increased prices.
• Access at Origin & Destination: Ease of access for moving trucks at both your current home and your new residence in Taiwan (e.g., stairs, narrow streets, elevator availability) can affect labor costs.
• Extra Services: Opting for additional services such as professional packing, unpacking, disassembly/assembly of furniture, storage solutions, or specialized handling for delicate items will add to the overall cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, requesting a free quote is the best approach.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized relocation can significantly reduce stress. Here’s a general timeline and some packing advice:

4-8 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Declutter and Downsize: Start going through your belongings. Decide what to sell, donate, or discard. This reduces your shipping volume and cost.
• Research & Document Checklist: Confirm visa requirements, research neighborhoods, and start compiling essential documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, academic transcripts, medical records, vaccination cards).
• Contact Relocation Services: Get quotes for shipping your belongings.
• Notify Landlord/Utilities: Give notice to your current landlord. Start researching utility providers in Taiwan.

2-4 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Book Flights & Temporary Accommodation: If you haven't already, finalize your travel plans and initial housing in Taiwan.
• Arrange for Mail Forwarding: Set up a mail forwarding service or inform important contacts of your new address.
• Medical & Dental Check-ups: Get any necessary health checks and ensure prescriptions are filled.
• Inventory: Create a detailed inventory of items you are shipping, especially high-value items.

1 Week Before Your Move:

• Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a bag with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (documents, toiletries, a change of clothes, medications).
• Confirm Services: Reconfirm dates and times with your movers and any other booked services.
• Cancel Subscriptions: Cancel local subscriptions and memberships.
• Backup Digital Data: Ensure all important digital files are backed up.

Packing Tips:

• Label Boxes Clearly: Indicate contents and the room they belong in. "Open First" for essential items.
• Protect Valuables: Pack fragile items with extra padding. Consider shipping high-value items separately or carrying them with you.
• Separate Documents: Keep all critical documents in a secure, easily accessible bag that travels with you.
• Take Photos: Photograph electronics and how they are wired before unplugging them. Document the condition of furniture.

Start your seamless relocation to Taiwan by requesting a free quote today on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Taiwan: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Taiwan? Navigating customs can seem complex, but with the right information, your move can be smooth and stress-free. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know for importing your personal belongings.

If you're relocating as a new resident

When moving your household goods to Taiwan as a new resident, it's crucial to follow specific procedures to ensure a smooth customs clearance. Generally, a "reasonable" non-commercial quantity of used household goods and appliances (typically one of each appliance per family member) is allowed. Anything exceeding this may incur import duties and taxes. It's essential that the name on your shipping documents matches your passport and that you declare your incoming shipment upon your initial arrival in Taiwan.

What you'll need

• Copy of your passport (photo and signature pages).
• Original Ocean Bill of Lading or Airway Bill (express versions are acceptable).
• Complete inventory (packing list) of your belongings.
• Copy of your arrival flight information to Taiwan (e-ticket/boarding pass) and the corresponding entry stamp in your passport.
• Original signed Entrusting Letter for each shipment mode (usually provided by your destination agent).
• Copy of your Work Permit or ARC/Residence Certificate (for expats) or Residence ID (for Taiwanese citizens) – front and back pages.

Good to know

• Your household goods must arrive in Taiwan within six months of your own arrival.
• You must be in Taiwan before your shipment arrives.
• Upon your first entry into Taiwan, you must fill out a customs declaration form and proceed through the RED CHANNEL at the airport to declare your incoming shipment. Failing to do so will result in duties and taxes being imposed.
• Do not use the "express" channel when first arriving; ensure your passport receives an entry stamp from an immigration officer. If you miss this, you'll need to apply for an "Entry Certificate" from the Entry and Exit Bureau.
• Container trailers are prohibited in downtown areas.
• Some used household goods, such as pianos, may be subject to duties (up to 10% of their value).

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing cars or motorcycles to Taiwan involves significant duties and taxes, typically ranging from 52% to 65% of the vehicle's value. There are specific requirements and permits needed before shipping your vehicle.

What you'll need

• Copy of relevant passport pages.
• If a Taiwanese citizen, a copy of the owner’s Resident ID.
• If a foreigner, a copy of your ARC/Residence Certificate ID.
• Original paperwork for the vehicle.

Good to know

• Duties and taxes are estimated at 52% – 65% of the vehicle's customs value.
• Vehicles under 2,000 cc face 17.5% duty and 25% commodity tax.
• Vehicles over 2,001 cc face 17.5% duty and 30% commodity tax.
• An additional 5% VAT, 0.3% Harbour tax, and 0.04% trade promotion tax apply.
• After customs clearance, you must apply for testing at the Automotive Research & Testing Center (ARTC) before the vehicle can be driven in Taiwan.
• If your car's value exceeds USD 20,000, an import permit from the Board of Foreign Trade is required. For cars under this value, an import license application from the customs department is needed (takes 3-4 days).
• The car cannot be shipped until the import license is obtained in Taiwan.
• Only one car is allowed per family.
• The car can be shipped with household goods in the same container, but no belongings should be placed inside the vehicle.

Pets

Bringing pets like dogs and cats to Taiwan, especially from rabies-affected areas, requires careful planning, permits, and quarantine. Certain countries are exempt from quarantine requirements.

What you'll need

• Import permit.
• Photocopy of your passport (photo and signature pages).
• Blood test report from a reference laboratory showing the dog/cat passed the rabies test. This test must be done 180 days to 1 year before arrival.
• Origin certificates of Health and rabies vaccination (with killed virus) from a government or state-sponsored agency.
• Health certificate date must be within 10 days before departure.
• Vaccination date must be more than one month and less than one year before departure.

Good to know

• Dogs and cats from rabies-affected areas will require at least 7 days of quarantine.
• No quarantine is needed for dogs and cats from Japan, UK, Sweden, New Zealand, and Iceland (rabies-free areas).
• Dogs and cats cannot be imported from China or Bangladesh; avoid transferring pets through these areas.
• All dogs and cats shipped to Taiwan must have a microchip implant. If not, one will be implanted upon arrival.
• For birds, a Certificate of No Fowl Pest, No Newcastle disease, No Psitta Casis, approved by the Department of Agriculture of Local Government, is required. Birds may face up to 7 days of quarantine.

Restricted & prohibited items

Taiwan has strict regulations on certain imports. Be aware of items that are restricted or completely prohibited to avoid confiscation and potential penalties.

Good to know

• Prohibited Items: Counterfeit currency, gambling equipment, obscene materials, publications propagating communism, weapons, illegal narcotics, toy guns, ornamental swords/knives, and items infringing on patents or copyrights.
• Restricted Food & Animal Products: Fruits, vegetables, and other foodstuffs from areas with injurious pests or plant diseases are prohibited. Animals and pets from infected areas are also prohibited.
• Endangered Species: For furs, skins, ivory, etc., from endangered species, CITES approval is mandatory before importation. Without it, goods will be confiscated, and you may face prosecution.
• Origin Restrictions: Although uncommon, articles produced, manufactured, or originated in Communist China, North Korea, Vietnam, Albania, Romania, countries of the former U.S.S.R., and Cuba can be confiscated.

Alcohol & tobacco

There are limits on the amount of alcohol you can import and duties will apply.

Good to know

• You may import a maximum of 5 liters of wine, liquor, or beer by paying import duty and tax.

Wooden Packaging Materials

All wooden packaging materials (WPM) used for your shipment must meet international phytosanitary standards.

Good to know

• Since January 2009, all incoming shipments with wooden packaging (pallets, dunnage, crating, etc.) must be fumigated or bear an ISPM 15 standard seal.
• WPM must be treated under the supervision of the exporting country's plant quarantine authority according to ISPM 15 (Methyl bromide fumigation or Heat treatment).
• Treated WPM must be marked with the IPPC symbol, country code, unique number, and treatment method (MB for methyl bromide or HT for heat treatment).
• WPM without the required mark will be returned or treated. If WPM is too large for treatment facilities or cannot be separated from goods, the entire shipment may be returned.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be in Taiwan when my household goods arrive?
Yes, you must be physically present in Taiwan before your shipment arrives for customs clearance.

What happens if I don't declare my shipment at the airport upon arrival?
If you fail to declare your incoming shipment at the Red Channel upon your initial arrival, customs authorities will impose duty and tax on your belongings.

Is there a time limit for importing my household goods after I arrive?
Yes, your household goods must be imported into Taiwan within six months of your arrival date.

Will all my used household items be duty-free?
While a reasonable amount of used household goods is generally allowed duty-free, certain items like pianos or an excessive quantity of appliances may be subject to import duties and taxes.

Can I bring any type of pet to Taiwan?
Most common pets like dogs and cats can be imported with proper permits and health documentation, but specific restrictions apply to animals from certain countries (e.g., China, Bangladesh) and all pets must have a microchip.

Are there any restrictions on what kind of books or publications I can bring?
Yes, publications and articles propagating communism, as well as obscene or indecent materials, are strictly prohibited.

For personalized assistance with your move to Taiwan and detailed customs guidance, please contact relocation123.com.

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