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FAQs

Update Date：2026-11-12

Units：International Affairs Division

Frequently Asked Questions for Foreign Nationals Living in Taiwan
  • Reporting to the Police
    • If a foreign national needs to report an incident at police station but does not speak Mandarin well, will this make communication difficult or prevent them from filing a report?
      • Answer: Limited Chinese proficiency will not prevent you from filing a police report. Police officers at police stations across Taiwan will contact the Foreign Affairs Police to arrange interpretation assistance when necessary.
    • What should I do if I cannot speak Mandarin or have difficulty communicating in another language when reporting an incident to the police?
      • Answer: To protect the rights and interests of foreign nationals, police agencies throughout Taiwan have established rosters of interpreters who can provide interpretation services when needed. If an appropriate interpreter is unavailable late at night or no suitable interpreter can be found on the roster, the on-duty police officer will assist by calling either the Ministry of Labor Workforce Development Agency's 1955 Hotline or the National Immigration Agency's 1990 Hotline and establishing a three-way call. These hotlines provide 24-hour bilingual interpretation services to effectively meet the needs of people from different countries.
  • Traffic and Road Safety
    • How can I register a two-wheeled electric micro-mobility vehicle (hereinafter referred to as an electric micro-mobility vehicle) and obtain a license plate?
      • Answer: First, you must purchase compulsory automobile liability insurance. Then, bring the following documents to a Motor Vehicles Office: Proof of the vehicle owner's identity, the certificate of new license plate issuance, issued after the physical vehicle inspection has been completed, proof of the vehicle's origin or ownership history. For more information about registration requirements, including multilingual guides, please visit the Motor Vehicles Driver Information Service website's Electric Micro-Mobility Vehicle Section: https://bit.ly/3TmVfiM.
    • What was the deadline for registering electric micro-mobility vehicles? If I ride one without a license plate and the police issue a fine, will I have a criminal record? What are the penalties?
      • Answer: Electric micro-mobility vehicles were required to be registered by November 30, 2024. Under Article 71-1 of the Act Governing the Punishment of Violation of Road Traffic Regulations, anyone who rides such a vehicle on public roads without legally obtaining a license plate is subject to a fine of NT$1,200 to NT$3,600. The vehicle will also be impounded and placed in custody. Riding an unregistered electric micro-mobility vehicle is considered an administrative violation in Taiwan, not a criminal offense. Therefore, paying the administrative fine will not result in a criminal record.
    • Can a foreign driver's license be used in Taiwan?
      • Answer: Holders of driver's licenses issued by foreign governments must apply to exchange their foreign licenses for Taiwanese driver's licenses, subject to applicable requirements. Starting from the day after entering Taiwan, applicants may apply at a regional Motor Vehicles Office by submitting the following documents: three recent color, half-length photographs, each measuring 1 inch, taken within the past two years, the original passport and a photocopy, the original foreign driver's license and a photocopy; authentication must be completed as required, a driver's license application form with a completed and passed medical examination, proof of entry and exit records. For details, please visit the Motor Vehicles Driver Information Service website's Exchanging a Foreign Driver's License for a Taiwanese Driver's License section: https://www.thb.gov.tw/cp.aspx?n=241.
    • Foreign migrant workers who wish to obtain motorcycle driver's licenses find that examinations at Motor Vehicles Offices are only offered on weekdays. Could examinations be offered on weekends?
      • Answer: Currently, examinations at Motor Vehicles Offices are conducted on weekdays. If weekend examination sessions become available, the relevant offices will announce the arrangements separately.
    • Many migrant workers purchased their electric micro-mobility vehicles online. Now that registration is required, vehicle dealers are asking them for proof of purchase, which they may not have. How can they register their vehicles?
      • Answer: Owners may authorize a dealer of electric micro-mobility vehicles to assist with the registration process. The dealer can issue a certificate for the vehicle, which the owner can then use to apply for a license plate at a Motor Vehicles Office.
    • Is riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol also punishable by up to three years in prison?
      • Answer:
        (1) The severity of penalties for drunk driving depends on various factors, and the court determines the applicable criminal penalties. Do not ride a bicycle after drinking alcohol. If an accident causes injury to another person, you may face criminal liability for negligent injury or offenses involving public safety, as well as criminal penalties and fines.
        If a person rides a bicycle or an electric micro-mobility vehicle and exceeds the prescribed alcohol limit, defined as a breath alcohol concentration of 0.15 mg/L or above, or a blood alcohol concentration of 0.03% or above, the person is subject to a fine of NT$1,200 to NT$2,400 and must immediately stop riding. If the person is riding an electric micro-mobility vehicle, the vehicle will also be impounded and placed in custody.
        (2) If a person rides an electric micro-mobility vehicle with a breath alcohol concentration of 0.25 mg/L or above, or a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05% or above, the person may face imprisonment for up to three years and/or a fine of up to NT$300,000.
    • Can I refuse a breath alcohol test when suspected of drunk driving?
      What are the penalties for refusing the test?
      • Answer:
        Refusal to undergo alcohol testing includes the following situations:
        (1) Driving a motor vehicle or motorcycle through a location where the police have posted notices indicating that alcohol testing is being conducted, but failing to stop as instructed for inspection.
        (2) Refusing to undergo an alcohol breath or blood test.
        (3) Consuming alcohol before undergoing an alcohol test.
        (4) Consuming alcohol after a traffic accident but before undergoing an alcohol test.
        Refusing an alcohol test carries a heavy penalty, including: a fine of NT$180,000, immediate impoundment of the vehicle, revocation of the driver's license, with no eligibility to apply for a new license for three years, mandatory attendance at a road safety education course. If the person commits a second offense within 10 years, the fine increases to NT$360,000. For a third or subsequent offense within 10 years, the fine increases by an additional NT$180,000 over the amount imposed for the preceding offense, with no upper limit on the cumulative fine. The person's driver's licenses for motor vehicles and motorcycles must also be revoked, and the person will be prohibited from applying for new licenses for five years.
  • Personal Safety
    • I heard that a friend in Taiwan was stalked after breaking up with her foreign boyfriend. Can she seek police assistance even if both parties are foreign nationals?
      • Answer: If you or your friends or family members experience concerns involving dating safety, including inappropriate verbal interactions, physical contact, or other conduct that may violate the Sexual Harassment Prevention Act, the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act, or the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, you may seek assistance from the police or call the 113 Protection Hotline at any time.
    • I live with my boyfriend in Taiwan, and he constantly verbally abuses me. Can I call 113 to report the situation?
      My Chinese and English are both limited. Can I still seek help?
      • Answer: Under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, domestic violence refers to physical, psychological, or economic harassment, control, coercion, or other unlawful infringement committed between family members. The definition of family members includes not only married couples but also people who live together in an intimate relationship. If you experience domestic violence, please call the 113 Protection Hotline, which is toll-free and operates 24 hours a day. Interpretation services are currently available in five languages: English, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai, and Japanese. Text messaging services are also available. If you face an immediate threat to your personal safety, please call 110 directly to contact the police first.
    • What should I do if I experience sexual harassment?
      • Answer: Provided it is safe to do so, tell the perpetrator to stop immediately and clearly express that the behavior is unwelcome. Preserve any relevant evidence as soon as possible. Call 110 to report the incident to the police or call the 113 Protection Hotline for assistance.
  • Fraud Prevention
    • Scams are everywhere in our daily lives. What can we do to avoid becoming victims of fraud?
      • Answer: Scam techniques are constantly evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated. Developing the ability to recognize and prevent fraud is therefore essential. If you receive a suspicious phone call or message that may be related to fraud, remember the following Three Principles for Fraud Prevention and Five Steps to Avoid Scams.
        (1) Three Principles for Fraud Prevention
        A. Stay calm.
        Whenever you receive a phone call or message, remain calm regardless of how urgent or alarming it may sound. Do not let your emotions influence your judgment.
        B. Verify the information.
        Always verify unfamiliar calls or suspicious messages with the relevant authorities or people you trust. Call the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline or visit the 165 Anti-Fraud Dashboard website to check the information. Never trust suspicious claims without verification.
        C. Report it to the police.
        If you suspect that you have become a victim of fraud, call 110 immediately and provide the police with relevant information so that they can respond promptly.
        (2) Five Steps to Avoid Scams
        A. Do not answer.
        Do not answer calls from unknown or suspicious numbers. Always verify the caller's identity or establish a personal verification code with your family members to help prevent fraud.
        B. Do not believe what you hear.
        Do not trust investment advice or requests to transfer money from strangers or online acquaintances.
        C. Do not disclose personal information.
        Under no circumstances should you provide sensitive personal information, such as your national identification number, bank account details, or credit card number, without proper verification.
        D. Do not click suspicious links.
        Whether you receive a text message or an email, do not casually click links included in unfamiliar messages or download investment apps from unverified sources. Search for the official website independently or contact the organization's official customer service to verify the information.
        E. Do not trust suspicious claims.
        Be wary of investment opportunities promising high returns within a short period with zero risk. Also beware of scammers impersonating police officers or prosecutors who claim that your bank account must be monitored or that you must pay a security deposit.
        For more detailed fraud prevention information, visit the 165 Anti-Fraud Dashboard or the 165 National Anti-Fraud Website. You may also follow the official LINE account 165 Anti-Fraud Awareness, the official Facebook page 165 National Anti-Fraud, and the official Instagram and YouTube channels of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, National Police Agency, Ministry of the Interior, to stay informed about the latest scam prevention information.
    • A friend recently lost a substantial amount of money in an online romance scam. How can I recognize this type of scam?
      • Answer: Online romance scams take many forms. Common tactics include using attractive profile photos on Facebook and dating apps such as TanTan, Pairs, and Tinder to establish relationships with potential victims. Scammers may then invent stories about family members falling ill and needing money, losses from failed investments, gifts being sent to the victim, or plans for an international visit or romantic meeting. They may ask victims to pay large shipping fees or customs duties by transferring money to a designated bank account. Once the money is received, the scammer disappears. Always exercise caution when meeting people online. Do not disclose personal information carelessly, and remain alert whenever strangers ask you to transfer money for any reason. If you have doubts, call the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline or the 110 Police Emergency Hotline for advice. Staying vigilant can help protect your money.
    • How should I seek assistance if I suspect that I have encountered a fraud case?
      • Answer: If you suspect fraud, you may call the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline for consultation at any time. If you discover a suspicious person, situation, or object, or if you have unfortunately become a victim of fraud, gather the relevant evidence and report the incident at the nearest police station as soon as possible. Do not seek assistance from unknown or unverified organizations or individuals. You should also avoid disclosing victims' personal information to others to prevent falling victim to secondary scams.
    • How can we protect older adults from fraud?
      • Answer: As people age, certain cognitive abilities, including memory, judgment, and comprehension, may gradually decline. This may make older adults more vulnerable to persuasive tactics used by scam groups. Older adults may also take longer to process information. We encourage you to share fraud prevention tips with older family members regularly and establish a personal verification code with them to help prevent scams. The police will continue to work with village and neighborhood chiefs to promote fraud awareness at venues and gatherings frequently attended by older adults. These efforts also involve religious organizations, temples, and medical institutions. Appropriate anti-fraud educational materials will be distributed, and fraud prevention ambassadors will be trained. The police will also coordinate with convenience stores, financial institutions, medical facilities, religious venues, and other places frequently visited by older adults to promote awareness through posters, leaflets, and personal outreach. These initiatives aim to strengthen older adults' ability to recognize and avoid scams.
    • I recently received a phone call from overseas but did not answer it. Could it have been a scam call?
      • Answer: Some scam operations have relocated overseas. In response, the National Police Agency (NPA), Ministry of the Interior, has worked with the National Communications Commission (NCC) to urge telecommunications operators to implement call-blocking measures. Since March 2023, operators have implemented comprehensive blocking of incoming calls displaying the prefixes “+8860” through “+8868” and conditional blocking of calls displaying the prefix “+8869.” Interactive Voice Response (IVR) voice warnings have also been implemented for international incoming calls. When an incoming call displays an international prefix beginning with “+,” an approximately seven-second anti-fraud warning in Mandarin and Taiwanese Hokkien is played before the call proceeds. Therefore, if you receive a call from a number beginning with “+,” it could be a scam. Please exercise caution.
    • If my bank account is designated as an account under fraud alert, will only that account be frozen, or will all accounts under my name be affected?
      • Answer: Once a bank designates an account as an account under fraud alert, all transactions involving that account, including withdrawals, transfers, and deposits, will be suspended. Other accounts held by the same person may also be designated by the bank as “derivative control accounts,” meaning that certain account functions will be suspended. The National Police Agency handles applications to remove fraud-alert status in accordance with the Regulations Governing the Deposit Accounts and Suspected Illegal or Abnormal Transactions. A revised Application Form for the Removal of Fraud-Alert Account Status has been in use since October 15, 2021. Except for accounts whose fraud-alert status is automatically lifted upon expiration of the alert period, applicants should review the eligibility requirements listed in the form's instructions, complete two copies of the application form, prepare the relevant supporting documents, and submit the application in person to the police agency responsible for the case.
    • A family member recently lost several million New Taiwan dollars after joining an investment group on LINE. How can I tell whether an investment group is legitimate or a scam?
      • Answer: Investments should be made through investment trust companies or other channels legally approved or authorized by the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC). To verify whether an investment website or app may be fraudulent, you can use the following two methods:
        (1) Check the list of legally approved securities and futures trading platforms.
        Visit the following website to check the list of legitimate securities and futures trading platforms approved by the FSC: https://3434.twsa.org.tw/. You can also use the search function in the warning section for securities and futures operators and products that have not been approved by the FSC to check whether a particular platform or product has been reported. Platforms that claim to offer stock, securities, or futures trading services without FSC approval are highly likely to be fraudulent.
        (2) Search official anti-fraud websites.
        Visit the 165 Anti-Fraud Dashboard or the 165 National Anti-Fraud Website and enter relevant keywords on the homepage to check whether the website or app has already been reported as fraudulent.
  • Interpretation Services
    • Will the police station cover the additional nighttime taxi fare when an interpreter needs to travel to the station?
      • Answer: Interpretation fees and transportation expenses paid by police agencies follow the payment standards set out in the Ministry of Labor's Guidelines for Local Governments on Non-Profit Organizations Accompanying Foreign Nationals During Questioning. If an emergency requires an interpreter to arrive immediately, police officers may ask the interpreter to take a taxi. Transportation expenses will be reimbursed in full based on the amount shown on the taxi receipt, including nighttime surcharges. However, the actual amount payable remains subject to the financial circumstances of the relevant local government.
    • Do courts and police stations have different rules for reimbursing interpreters' transportation expenses? Are the expenses reimbursed based on actual costs?
      • Answer: Courts reimburse transportation expenses in accordance with the Regulations Governing the Appointment of Contract Interpreters by Courts. Article 12 stipulates that transportation expenses are reimbursed based on actual costs. Police agencies reimburse transportation expenses in accordance with Points 6 and 7 of the Ministry of Labor's Guidelines for Local Governments on Non-Profit Organizations Accompanying Foreign Nationals During Questioning, with reimbursement based on actual expenses incurred. Although the regulations governing courts and police agencies differ, both reimburse transportation expenses based on actual costs.
    • Can interpreters claim transportation expenses if they travel using their own cars or motorcycles?
      • Answer: Interpreters who use their own cars or motorcycles may claim transportation expenses based on the fare for the equivalent type of public or privately operated bus service on the same route.
    • How are interpretation fees calculated?
      • Answer:
        (1) Daytime interpretation
        For each assignment, NT$1,000 is paid for the first two hours. From the third hour onward, an additional NT$500 is paid for each hour.
        (2) Nighttime interpretation
        If interpretation services are provided during nighttime hours, defined as 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. the following day, NT$2,000 is paid for the first two hours of each assignment. From the third hour onward, an additional NT$1,000 is paid for each hour.
        (3) Assignments spanning daytime and nighttime hours
        If the first two hours of an assignment span both daytime and nighttime periods, the nighttime rate applies. From the third hour onward, if an hour spans both daytime and nighttime periods, the nighttime rate applies to that hour. The remaining hours are calculated according to the applicable rate for each period.
    • I work for a migrant worker recruitment agency. Can I provide interpretation services for a migrant worker recruited through my agency?
      • Answer: Personnel from manpower recruitment agencies may not serve as interpreters in cases related to their own recruitment business. A separate interpreter must be arranged.
    • A foreign national's bank account has been misused, and they want to report the incident at a police station but do not speak Chinese well. Can an interpreter be provided?
      • Answer: If a foreign national needs to report an incident but has limited Chinese proficiency, the police officer receiving the report will assess the individual's needs and the circumstances of the case and contact the Foreign Affairs Police or an interpreter for assistance as appropriate.
  • Other Questions
    • Can international students work at restaurants or beverage shops in Taiwan?
      • Answer: Yes, provided they comply with the relevant requirements of Taiwan's Employment Service Act. International students must apply for and obtain an individual work permit before undertaking part-time or other employment in Taiwan. Students who work for others without first applying for and obtaining the required work permit are subject to a fine of NT$30,000 to NT$150,000. Employers who hire foreign nationals without legally obtaining the required work permits are subject to a fine of NT$150,000 to NT$750,000. Please also note that, except during winter and summer vacations, international students may work no more than 20 hours per week.
    • International students may encounter problems outside campus involving healthcare, taxation, traffic, and other aspects of daily life. If they have difficulty communicating in Chinese when seeking police assistance, are there other channels they can use?
      • Answer: The National Immigration Agency (NIA), Ministry of the Interior, operates the 1990 Foreigners Living in Taiwan Hotline, which provides consultation services in seven languages: Mandarin Chinese, English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai, and Khmer. Service hours are as follows: Mandarin Chinese, English, and Japanese: 24 hours a day, year-round, including public holidays, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai, and Khmer: Monday through Friday, excluding national holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The hotline provides information on a wide range of topics, including immigration and residency regulations, daily life in Taiwan, and social welfare. If you need immediate assistance while living in Taiwan, please call the hotline and request its three-way calling service, which enables a professional interpreter to assist with communication over the phone.
    • If I want to become a police officer in the future, what pathways are available?
      • Answer: Police officers in Taiwan are civil servants. Applicants must hold Republic of China (Taiwan) nationality and may not simultaneously hold foreign nationality. Eligible applicants may enroll in the Central Police University or the Taiwan Police College. After graduation, they must pass the relevant national examination and successfully complete the required training to qualify for appointment as police officers. Those who did not graduate from either of these institutions may also take the relevant national examination directly and qualify for appointment after successfully completing the required training.
    • Are foreign nationals required to carry identification documents when going out in Taiwan, or must they memorize their identification numbers?
      • Answer: According to Paragraph 1, Article 28 of the Immigration Act, foreign nationals aged 14 or older who enter Taiwan for a stay, obtain residency, or hold permanent residency must carry their passports, Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs), or Alien Permanent Resident Certificates (APRCs) with them at all times so that their identities can be verified when necessary.