Regulations for Foreigners Applying for a Temporary Amateur Radio Operating Permit in the Republic of China (Taiwan)

Applications for a temporary amateur radio operating permit for foreign nationals are processed in accordance with the "Regulations Governing Amateur Radio Operators and Stations of the Republic of China" and related regulations issued by the competent authority.

CTARL may assist foreign nationals in applying for a temporary operating permit in Taiwan. However, the approval authority rests solely with the national regulatory body. CTARL is not the final approving authority. The regulatory body retains the right to review, approve, or reject any application based on applicable laws, administrative procedures, and the conditions of each individual case.

CTARL is generally supportive of and willing to assist foreign nationals who wish to engage in lawful amateur radio operations in Taiwan. However, whether the applicant's country has a reciprocal amateur radio agreement with Taiwan remains an important factor in the regulatory body's review. If no such reciprocal agreement exists, it may affect the outcome of the application.

To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings or complications for foreign applicants and CTARL members applying on their behalf due to incomplete documents, unmet conditions, or procedural errors, please follow the guidelines below carefully.

1. Reciprocal Agreement with Taiwan

Whether the applicant's country has a reciprocal amateur radio agreement with Taiwan is one of the important conditions in the review process.

A "reciprocal agreement" means that under the principle of equal international status and reciprocity, Taiwanese amateur radio operators traveling or residing in the applicant's country may also obtain a temporary operating authorization or temporary callsign under equivalent terms.

At present, Japan and the United States have not concluded a relevant reciprocal agreement with Taiwan. Applicants from these countries should be especially mindful of the regulatory body's review outcome.

2. Positive Standing

The applicant should have no negative remarks or actions against Taiwan, and should be a supportive and friendly person toward our association.

3. First-time Applicants

Foreign nationals applying for a temporary operating permit for the first time are generally required to apply through a CTARL member via one of the local chapters.

This procedure is intended to give chapter officials an opportunity to become acquainted with the applicant, understand their operating needs during their stay in Taiwan, and provide nearby assistance with radio operations.

After accepting the application, the chapter should forward the documents to the CTARL secretariat for further processing.

As the application documents contain personal data, the applicant, the sponsoring member, the chapter, and all relevant personnel must maintain strict confidentiality regarding the application materials.

Subsequent applications may be submitted directly to the CTARL secretariat by email.

4. Validity Period

The validity of the temporary operating permit is based on the applicant's actual duration of stay in Taiwan and shall follow the terms approved by the competent authority.

5. Long-term Residents

Applicants who reside in Taiwan on a long-term basis and have a recurring need to apply for extensions or renewals should become sponsoring members of CTARL.

Applicants must provide a fixed address, contact phone number, and email address to facilitate CTARL's communication assistance records and, when necessary, to receive notifications regarding CTARL activities or related matters.

6. Carrying the Permit and Keeping Logs

Holders of an approved temporary operating permit must carry valid proof of their operating authorization at all times while operating.

Applicants are also required to maintain logs of their amateur radio operations and make these records available to the competent authority for inspection upon request.

7. Misconduct

If an applicant is found to engage in inappropriate speech, unlawful speech, illegal operation, or other misconduct during the approved period, CTARL may immediately report the matter to the competent authority to request revocation of the temporary callsign or temporary operating authorization.

In serious cases, CTARL may refuse to process any future applications from that individual.

8. Prohibition on Unauthorized Station Setup

Foreign nationals are not permitted to independently establish amateur radio stations in Taiwan.

Violations of applicable telecommunications laws may result in sanctions by the competent authority and may adversely affect future entry, residency, or related applications in Taiwan.

The sponsoring member bears responsibilities for assisting with the application, serving as a liaison, and fulfilling supervisory, management, and guarantor duties. The following requirements must be observed.

1. Membership Requirement

The sponsoring member must be a CTARL member holding the nationality of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

A processing fee of NT$600 is required for each application. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether the regulatory body approves or rejects the application.

2. Processing Time

The application process generally takes at least 20 days. The actual processing time depends on the administrative schedule of the regulatory body.

The sponsoring member and applicant are advised to submit the application well in advance of the applicant's expected arrival date in Taiwan to avoid delays in approval and operation.

3. Application Documents

The sponsoring member should assist the applicant in completing CTARL Form A and Form B, and submit one copy each of the following documents:

1. Applicant's passport.
2. Residence certificate, visa, or any document proving the duration of stay in Taiwan.
3. The applicant's amateur radio operator certificate or station license issued by their home country.
4. Any other documents required by the competent authority.

Per regulatory requirements, if entry/exit records are required, the applicant must use manual immigration clearance and obtain entry/exit stamps in their passport as valid proof documents.

4. Permit Duration and Accompanied Operation

The temporary callsign or temporary operating permit for foreign nationals is approved for a maximum period of six months. The actual duration shall follow the terms approved by the competent authority.

During operations, the Taiwanese amateur radio station licensee or the sponsoring member must be present, and operation logs must be maintained.

5. Prohibition on Independent Operation

Foreign nationals in Taiwan are not permitted to independently bring personal radio equipment, antennas, or related devices to any location for unaccompanied amateur radio operations without prior approval, a licensed host station, or a Taiwanese amateur radio operator present.

These regulations are compiled based on the amateur radio management laws of the Republic of China, CTARL's internal rules, and international amateur radio conventions, for reference by foreign nationals applying for a temporary operating permit and CTARL members sponsoring such applications.

In the event of any amendments to laws, changes in administrative procedures, or case-specific review requirements by the competent authority, the most current regulations and approved terms of the competent authority shall take precedence.