Born after 84

Being born after 1984 is a big hassle. Now Acquiring work for the long term in Taiwan will probably be very difficult.


First of the old laws were once every four months. However, as people from the 1984 and above generation came to draft age, the government decided to take some measures with them.

That's right every 182 days you have to leave Taiwan. Oh yeah this is also cumulative count.

Now time to bust some myths related to this rule.

Myth one: I can stay 6 months every year.

Truth: No you can't. Like those born before 1984 you also prohibitted from three visits over four months. So after your second 6 month visit, you only got 4 months.


Myth 2: I'll just run out and then come back in. That's the ticket.


Truth: Unfortunately, that's not the ticket and if you do that you might not even be able to use your plane ticket anymore. Remember you aren't on that 4 month rule. Your days are CUMULATIVE.

ex.) You land in TW on November 2009. That means from Nov 09 to Nov 2010. You cannot have set foot in Taiwan for 183 days. You don't get a reset, you get a cumulative count. A


Myth 3: I can stay 6 months right?

Truth: Yes and no. For 1984 and below they count by the dates. Like for example if you enter Sept 30, 2009. The last day you can reside in Taiwan without army service(assuming this isn't your 3rd offense over 4 months) is Sept 29, 2010. As long as the dates don't match up or exceed you are fine.

However, for those born AFTER this date, they don't count by the dates. They count the number of days you actually LIVE in Taiwan. So don't go six months happy cause you might just regret it.



This is all I can offer, it is very hard for people born in these years to avoid military service using a loophole . But at least you can visit for a while and not worry about being conscripted.

Interesting Fact: Many sons of Taiwanese politicians also use this loophole and in fact Lien Chen's son has never gone to the army.