Any foreign national entering Taiwan is required to hold a passport with at least six months' remaining validity.

The citizens of many western countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most EU countries are not required to obtain a visa to enter Taiwan for a stay not exceeding 30 days, but must have a confirmed air ticket and seat reservation for their onward or return journey.

All other foreign nationals entering Taiwan for 30 days or less, and anyone wishing to enter Taiwan for the purpose of tourism, business or study for a period exceeding 30 days, must obtain a visitor's visa in advance from a Taiwan representative office or a Republic of China embassy (most countries do recognize the ROC as a nation state, and do not therefore permit the Taiwan government to establish an official embassy).

Visitor's visas can be issued on a single entry basis or a multiple entry basis for a period up to five years, and they generally permit entry to Taiwan for a stay of up to 60 days each time.

Documents which are required to support a work permit application include the employment agreement issued by an employer in Taiwan, full details of qualifications and work experience, academic qualification certificates, two passport-size photos, and details of the employer's income tax return, company or business licenses and certificate of recognition. Documents should be submitted in English, notarized and signed by the Taiwan consulate or equivalent representative. Some western countries are exempt from this requirement for consular certification. Two to three weeks are normally required to process applications.