[Forward] Regarding the Requirement for Foreign Students to Obtain Work Permits and Comply with the Employment Service Act

We respectfully request your assistance in informing all foreign students enrolled at your institution of the following legal obligations and regulations concerning part-time employment during their studies.

  1. In accordance with Article 43 of the Employment Service Act:
    “Unless otherwise stipulated by this Act, foreigners may not engage in work within the territory of the Republic of China without prior approval by the competent authority via employer application.”
    Furthermore, Article 50 provides:
    “The employment of the following categories of students shall not be subject to the restrictions outlined in Article 46, Paragraph 1. During regular academic terms, however, the maximum number of work hours permitted is 20 per week, excluding summer and winter breaks:
    (1) Foreign students enrolled at accredited public or registered private institutions of higher education;
    (2) Overseas Chinese and other ethnic Chinese students enrolled at accredited public or registered private senior secondary or higher-level institutions.”

  2. To ensure that foreign students who wish to engage in part-time work do so in accordance with the law, please widely disseminate the following requirements:

    • (1) Students must apply for and obtain a Work Permit from the Ministry of Labor before commencing any form of employment.

    • (2) During academic terms, the maximum permissible work hours are 20 hours per week, excluding summer and winter vacations.

    • (3) Violations will result in penalties ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$150,000, in accordance with Article 68 of the Employment Service Act.

  3. In light of the increasing prevalence of emerging industries (e.g., digital content creation and social media), we also remind institutions to inform foreign students that any participation in such sectors—including co-producing videos, appearing on online platforms, or similar activities—is considered employment under the law, regardless of whether compensation is received, and therefore requires prior application for a work permit.

  4. Moreover, the labor conditions applicable to foreign students must comply with the Labor Standards Act. To safeguard students' rights and ensure lawful working conditions, please also promote awareness of the relevant provisions under the Labor Standards Act. In cases involving disputes or concerns related to labor rights, students may contact the Ministry of Labor’s Workforce Development Agency via the 1955 Labor Consultation and Complaint Hotline.

  5. For detailed information and official updates, please refer to the website of the Workforce Development Agency, Ministry of Labor:
    https://www.wda.gov.tw/