Taiwan Requirements for OFWs: Visa, Documents, and Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Planning to work in Taiwan as an OFW? The process can feel overwhelming at first. But once you break it down into clear steps, it becomes much easier to manage.

This guide covers everything you need to know — from Taiwan visa requirements and documents to application steps, costs, and what to expect after you arrive.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

Can Filipinos work in Taiwan as OFWs

Filipinos can work in Taiwan as OFWs, but must follow a legal process. This ensures you are cleared by both the Philippine and Taiwanese governments and helps protect your safety while working abroad.

First, you’ll need to register with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)¹ and attend PEOS training². You can then apply for a job. Once accepted, you’ll process your documents, complete a medical screening³, and sign your contract. Then, get your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), and you’ll be ready to go. We’ll cover all of these steps below.

If you choose to use an agency, make sure it’s fully licensed. Illegal recruitment agencies may try to charge excessive fees or offer tourist visas instead of work visas⁴. You can check if an agency is licensed using the DMW’s official database⁵.

Taiwan requirements for OFWs

Requirements vary depending on your job, but here are the key documents needed to work in Taiwan as an OFW.

Personal and document requirements

Taiwan requires several documents to apply for a work visa as a contract worker⁶:

• Completed visa application form
• Two recent passport-sized photos
• Valid passport (at least 9 months validity)
• Letter of Recruitment and Visa Permit from Taiwan’s Ministry of Labour
• Medical Examination Clearance from an accredited hospital³
• Employment Contract authenticated by MECO
• NBI clearance
• PSA birth certificate
• Valid government ID (UMID, national ID, etc.)
• Training certificate or CAV (if required)
• Additional documents requested by TECO

Some documents you may already have, while others can be completed during the process.

Your employer may also require additional documents depending on your role.

Philippine government requirements

Before leaving the Philippines, you must complete several government requirements designed to protect OFWs.

Register with DMW

You’ll need to register with the DMW e-registration system⁷. This allows you to:

• Track your application
• Apply for jobs
• Process your exit clearance

You can also explore job opportunities through the DMW job portal or job fairs⁸.

Attend PEOS

The Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) is required for all OFWs⁹. It’s free and available online, covering:

• Working abroad basics
• Your rights as an OFW
• How to avoid illegal recruitment

Get your OEC

Before departure, you must secure an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)¹⁰.

This is mandatory and provides benefits such as:

• Travel tax exemption
• Terminal fee exemption

Without an OEC, you won’t be allowed to leave the Philippines.

Taiwan entry and work requirements

To work as a factory worker, operator or fisherman, Taiwan has a minimum age of 20 years old, and to be a caretaker or domestic helper, you’ll need to be 23.

You’ll also need the documents outlined above. In order to get a work visa, you’ll first need a work permit, which your employer must get on your behalf¹¹.

Taiwan visa process for OFWs (step-by-step)

To become an OFW in Taiwan, you’ll need a resident visa. Make sure you understand the Taiwan visa requirements for Filipinos.

To get your visa, you’ll need the documents listed above, including a letter of employment. This is a letter in which your employer confirms that you will be working for them when you arrive.

How to apply for work in Taiwan from the Philippines

Applying to work in Taiwan from the Philippines has several stages. It’s vital that you complete all, and in the correct order, to increase your chances of success and make sure that your employment is legal.

Step-by-step application process

To apply for work in Taiwan, you’ll need to do the following:

1. Register with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) - you can do so via their online portal.
2. Attend PEOS training, which covers a variety of topics relevant to OFWs.
3. Apply for a job, either through the DMW website or a licensed agency.
4. Undergo interviews to be accepted for a job.
5. Process your documents, receive a medical screening, and sign your employment contract.
6. Apply for and receive your Work Visa for Taiwan.
7. Pay all the necessary fees.
8. Get your OEC or OFW pass.
9. Depart.

Note that you can use an agency to help you find a job - they will also be able to help you get a visa and all necessary permits before you go.

Can you apply without an agency?

As well as applying through an agency, you can also apply through the DMW government placement branch. The Filipino government signs contracts with governments abroad that require foreign workers in specific sectors. They can then help match you with a suitable opening, without needing an agency.

Costs, insurance and processing time

As well as the process to become an OFW in Taiwan, there are also costs and fees that you’ll need to pay, some of which your employer will pay, as well as insurance and processing time.

Fees and costs to expect

Placement fees can be up to one month’s salary. Agencies are not allowed to charge more than this.

Other costs include:

• Passport application or renewal
• NBI clearance
• Medical exam fees³
• Document processing

Agencies must issue official receipts for all payments.

Taiwan insurance for OFWs

If you work for a company which employs more than 5 migrant workers, your employer is legally required to enroll you in labour insurance. Benefits include support for injury, disease and occupational hazard healthcare expenses.

You must also enroll in National Health Insurance, which requires you to pay a premium but gives you equal access to healthcare should you fall ill. You will be automatically enrolled by your company from the day you are employed.

Processing time

Processing times will vary on a case-by-case basis. To reduce this, make sure to have all required documents early - for example, make sure to apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible.

Your Taiwan Visa will take 6 working days to process, but this can be expedited to 3 working days for an additional fee of 1,750 PHP. This process cannot be further expedited, even if you already have tickets booked.

What happens after you arrive in Taiwan

Once you arrive in Taiwan, you’ll need to undergo a medical examination within 30 days. You’ll also need to apply for an Alien Residence Certificate within 15 days, accompanied by your employer. Here you will give your fingerprints. Your employer will also need to notify the authorities of your arrival and apply for a work permit within 3 days, as well as apply for extensions to your work permit when necessary.

Once you’re living and working in Taiwan, you’ll need to easily be able to manage your money across countries and currencies. A Wise account can help you - more on this in a minute.

Managing your money as an OFW with Wise

Working in Taiwan often means sending money home to the Philippines. Since Wise doesn’t yet support holding New Taiwan dollars (TWD), you’ll need to convert your salary first. After that, you can send money home without unnecessary markups.

You can also use your Wise card to pay in Taiwan, with automatic conversion from your other balances.

The Wise account is an easy way to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, including PHP, USD, CNY, and more. All you need to do is create a free account to get started.

With Wise, you can exchange currencies at the mid-market rate each time, with low, transparent conversion fees from 0.57% and absolutely no markups. Plus, you can order a Wise card for convenient spending at the same great rate, without any foreign transaction fees. At times you need cash, you can also make up to 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 12,000 PHP when you're overseas. You'll even get 8+ local account details to get paid conveniently to your Wise account in PHP and a selection of other major global currencies.

Sending money or making payments abroad? Wise also offers fast, low cost transfers to 140+ countries - you can track your transfer in your account and your recipient will also be notified when a transfer reaches them.

✍️ Sign up for a free account now

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Sources:

1. DMW - Online services
2. POEA memorandum - Guidelines for implementation of mandatory PEOS seminar
3. POEA memorandum - Implementing guidelines on the registration of direct hire OFWs
4. DMW - Identify illegal recruitment agencies
5. DMW - Licensed recruitment agencies
6. ROC Taiwan - What do I need to prepare if I want to apply for a visa in Taiwan as a contract worker?
7. Migrant workers organisation - DMW e-Registration
8. POEA - Online services
9. DMW - PEOS index
10. Philippines Bangkok consular office - OEC frequently asked questions
11. Workforce Development Agency Taiwan - Handbook for foreign workers