Every year, the Taiwan Working Holiday Visa attracts young Belgians eager to discover Asia in a way that goes beyond a simple tourist trip. Between the modernity of Taipei, traditional temples, renowned street food, and spectacular natural landscapes, Taiwan offers a unique balance between cultural immersion and professional opportunities.
But behind this still relatively unknown destination lies a specific administrative framework: limited quotas, document legalization procedures, medical certificates, Chinese translation… The Working Holiday Visa in Taiwan requires rigorous preparation, especially for Belgian applicants. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to organize your Working Holiday Visa in Taiwan as a Belgian citizen.
The Taiwan Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is a temporary visa allowing young Belgians to stay in Taiwan for a maximum of 12 months , while having the possibility to work to finance their stay.
Unlike some countries that issue a one-year visa from the outset, Taiwan operates on a different system. The authorities initially grant a six-month visa, and you can then apply for a single six-month extension. To obtain this extension, you must apply in person at the National Immigration Agency .
The Taiwan Working Holiday Visa is designed as a cultural exchange visa. Work is permitted, but it remains regulated:
The program has an annual quota limited to 200 places for Belgians. This means that applying well in advance is essential.
Before you begin preparing your application, make sure you meet all the criteria required by the Taiwanese authorities. The Working Holiday Visa in Taiwan is available, but the process remains strict and administrative.
For Belgian citizens, you can apply as long as you are between 18 and 30 years old inclusive at the time of application. In other words, you must be under 31 years old on the day you apply . Unlike in Canada , where age at the time of the lottery is the determining factor, here it is the application submission date that counts.
Your Belgian passport must be valid for at least 15 months after the visa issue date . This is a point that is strictly checked. If your passport is about to expire, it is best to renew it before submitting your application to avoid any complications.
You must:
The application is submitted to the Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium in Brussels.
The Taiwan Working Holiday Visa is only available once in a lifetime . If you have already completed a Taiwan Working Holiday Visa before, you are no longer eligible. However, having completed a Working Holiday Visa in another country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, etc.) is not a problem.
Belgian applicants must demonstrate savings of at least €2,500 . In addition, you must provide:
This proof may be requested upon arrival in Taiwan. Therefore, it is recommended to have a recent and clear bank statement.
You must provide a certificate of good conduct. Note: for Belgians, this document must:
This administrative step takes time. It is important to plan ahead.
The Taiwan Working Holiday Visa also requires a medical examination including a chest X-ray, serological tests, and proof of measles and rubella vaccination. The certificate must then be legalized successively by the Federal Public Service for Health, the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, and the Taipei Representative Office.
Insurance is not a mere administrative formality for the Taiwan Working Holiday Visa. It is a mandatory requirement for obtaining your visa. For your application to be accepted, you must provide proof of insurance covering the entire duration of your stay (a maximum of 12 months, with an initial 6 months plus a possible 6-month extension).
Without a valid certificate, the visa will not be issued.
To secure your application and your stay, we recommend our partner WHV insurance , specifically designed for Working Holiday Visas. It precisely meets the requirements of the Taiwan Working Holiday Visa and includes, in particular:
The contract is valid worldwide, which also covers you if you travel to other Asian countries during your Working Holiday Visa.
Learn more – Subscribe to our Working Holiday Visa insurance
| Document | Detail / Requirement | Important characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Application form | Completed online Working Holiday form, then printed and signed | Please fill in without accents or special characters |
| Belgian passport | Valid for a minimum of 15 months after the visa is issued. | Original + photocopy of identification pages |
| Belgian identity card | Valid | Original + photocopy |
| ID photos | 2 recent color photos | Format 35 mm x 45 mm (Belgian passport standard) |
| Proof of funds | Minimum 2 500 € | Recent bank statement |
| Return ticket | OR sufficient funds to buy a return | To be presented upon deposit |
| Working Holiday Visa Insurance Certificate | Covering the entire duration of the stay (illness, hospitalization, repatriation, maternity) | Must cover a full 12 months |
| Extract from criminal record | Recent Belgian certificate | Chinese translation + legalization by the Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs + authentication by the Taipei Bureau |
| Medical certificate | Less than 3 months old | Legalization FPS Public Health → FPS Foreign Affairs → Taipei Office |
| Visa fees | 86 € | Cash payment |
| Legalization fees | Approximately €99 in total | In addition to the visa |
Key point to remember: the Taiwan Working Holiday Visa involves several legalization and authentication procedures. It is strongly recommended to begin these processes at least 6 to 8 weeks before your intended application submission date.
The legalization process involves:
Some procedures can be done via the e-legalization , but it is recommended to allow several weeks for the entire process.
The Taiwan Working Holiday Visa application is submitted directly to the Taipei Representative Office in Brussels . Here are the main steps to anticipate.
The application process begins with the official form available on the Taiwanese government website. A few important points:
Once completed, the form must be printed, signed, and highlighted as requested (marking "Working Holiday" and the submission office). No changes are possible after submission.
The Working Holiday Visa for Taiwan requires more administrative preparation than for other destinations. Belgian documents require several authentication steps (Ministry of Health, Foreign Affairs, Taipei office). It is advisable to begin the process 6 to 8 weeks in advance .
Belgians must go in person to:
Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium
Square de Meeûs 26-27
1000 Brussels
The day of the appointment:
The standard delivery time is approximately 7 working days .
One of the strengths of the Taiwan Working Holiday Visa is the ability to finance your stay with temporary employment while enjoying the cultural experience. The program isn't designed for permanent settlement or taking on a permanent job, but it offers genuine freedom to work legally in the country.
Unlike in some other Working Holiday Visa countries, your Working Holiday Visa in Taiwan is considered a work permit. You can work legally without needing to obtain a specific permit from the Ministry of Labor.
This means that, in principle:
However, please note: your work must remain temporary , in accordance with the spirit of the Working Holiday Visa, which is to combine cultural discovery and financial support.
With a Working Holiday Visa in Taiwan, you can work in various sectors, depending on your skills, your level of Mandarin or English and local demand.
Having a basic knowledge of English is often essential. Knowledge of Mandarin significantly improves your job prospects, particularly in service-oriented or customer-facing roles.
Even though there isn't a very strict official list like in some Working Holiday Visas, it's recommended to avoid:
While this is only an indication, the minimum wage in Taiwan is approximately NT 26,400 per month for a full-time job, which gives a rough idea of the possible gross salary there. This figure can vary depending on:
Before detailing the specifics of the Taiwanese market, here is an overview of the main housing solutions.
| Type of accommodation | Indicative monthly budget | Benefits | Points to consider | Ideal profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared accommodation (share house) | NT$6,000 to NT$18,000 (€170 to €520) | Flexible, furnished, social | Room size sometimes reduced | Arrival on a Working Holiday Visa, expatriates |
| Studio / apartment | NT$12,000 to NT$25,000 (€350 to €720) | Independence, privacy | Deposit 1–2 months, lease often 12 months | Long-stay Working Holiday Visa |
| Hostel / Airbnb (short term) | €300 to €900 per month depending on the city | Flexible, no commitment | Higher cost over time | First month of installation |
(Indicative budgets in Taipei: other cities are generally 20-30% cheaper.)
The Taiwanese rental market is dynamic and relatively accessible, especially compared to destinations like Canada or Australia . However, it operates differently from Belgian standards. In Taipei, apartments are smaller but well-designed . In cities like Taichung, Tainan, or Kaohsiung, rents are more affordable and the spaces are often more generous.
Sharing an apartment remains the simplest option when starting out . Rooms are usually furnished and the paperwork is streamlined. It's also an excellent way to quickly build a network, which can be invaluable in the first few weeks.
If you opt for a studio apartment , expect to pay a security deposit equivalent to one or two months' rent. Some landlords prefer annual leases. The language barrier can also complicate communication if you don't speak Mandarin, a point not to be underestimated.
Many working holiday visa holders choose to book short-term accommodation for 2 to 4 weeks (Airbnb, hostel, flexible shared accommodation). This approach allows them to:
Accommodation in Taiwan is snapped up quickly. Being already there makes the search much easier.
With the public transport network being particularly efficient, living slightly outside the city limits remains an excellent option.
One of the great advantages of the Working Holiday Visa in Taiwan is the compact size of the country . The island is relatively small but impressively diverse. In just a few hours by train, you can go from an ultra-modern metropolis to tropical beaches, from misty mountains to traditional villages.
The rail network (TRA) and the high-speed train (HSR) make travel simple and affordable. This allows for more weekend getaways without breaking the bank. Here are some cities and regions that are particularly attractive for Belgian working holiday visa holders.
A vibrant capital, Taipei is often the entry point for working holiday visa holders. It offers:
In less than 30 minutes by MRT, you can hike Elephant Mountain or relax in the Beitou hot springs . Taipei is intense, dynamic, but surprisingly breathable thanks to its surrounding mountains.
Located in the center of the island, Taichung attracts many expats with its more relaxed atmosphere. The city is known for:
Rents are more affordable there than in Taipei, making it an attractive alternative for a more financially balanced Working Holiday Visa.
The former capital, Tainan, is the ideal city for those who want to experience Taiwanese culture in depth. With its traditional temples, ancient architecture, and renowned local cuisine, the atmosphere is slower and more authentic. Many working holiday visa holders spend a few weeks there to immerse themselves and slow down.
To the south, Kaohsiung offers a more tropical setting. Less densely populated than Taipei, the city is appealing because of:
This is an interesting option for those seeking a sunnier and less stressful environment.
For lovers of breathtaking scenery, the East Coast is a must-see. Taroko National Park , with its marble gorges and hiking trails, remains one of the most impressive sites on the island.
Obtaining a Working Holiday Visa in Taiwan allows young Belgians to live on the island for up to 12 months, via an initial 6-month visa renewable once. However, this program is subject to specific criteria: age limit of 30 years inclusive, limited annual quota (200 places for Belgians), and a complete application including a legalized medical certificate and criminal record check .
Thorough preparation is essential. Administrative procedures (translations, legalizations, in-person filing in Brussels) require anticipation and organization to avoid any delays or refusals.
At VisaVacancesTravail.be , we support young Belgians at every stage of their project:
You can also participate in a free online information session to ask your questions and prepare for your departure with complete peace of mind. Don't hesitate to contact us to develop your Working Holiday Visa project in Taiwan within a professional and secure framework.
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
