Filipinos in Taiwan 2026: MECO, Passport, OEC
Quick answer
The Philippines has no embassy in Taiwan. Consular work is done by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), with its main office in Taipei and extension offices in Taichung and Kaohsiung. An adult passport renewal costs TWD 2,000, paid in cash. Labor concerns, contract help and OWWA go to the Migrant Workers Offices (MWO) that sit with MECO in the same three cities.
MECO and MWO offices in Taiwan
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| MECO Taipei | 2F, Chang Hong New Era Building, 55 & 57 Zhouzi Street, Neihu District, Taipei 114 | (02) 2658 8825 |
| MECO Taichung Extension Office | 20F, No. 220, Section 2, Taiwan Boulevard, West District, Taichung 403 | (04) 2322 8835 |
| MECO Kaohsiung Extension Office | 9F-2, Grand 50 Tower, No. 80, Min Tzu 1st Road, Kaohsiung 807 | (07) 3985 935 |
| MWO and OWWA Taipei | 55 & 57 Zhouzi Street, Neihu District, Taipei 114 | Labor (02) 2658 9210; OWWA (02) 2658 8299 |
| MWO and OWWA Taichung | 20F, No. 220, Section 2, Taiwan Boulevard, West District, Taichung | MWO (04) 2322 8835; OWWA (04) 2322 8836 |
| MWO and OWWA Kaohsiung | 9F-3, Grand 50 Tower, No. 80, Min Tzu 1st Road, San Min District, Kaohsiung | (07) 398 2475 |
MECO is open Monday to Thursday 8:00 to 16:00 and Friday 8:00 to 13:00. On the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month it opens 9:00 to 13:00 for Filipinos only. It posts a monthly calendar of open days on its website.
Services at MECO
- Passport renewal, new passports, lost passport replacement and travel documents.
- Notarial work: affidavits, special power of attorney, reports of birth, marriage and death.
- Re-acquisition of Philippine citizenship (RA 9225).
- Assistance to Nationals, police clearance help and video-conference court hearings.
- Overseas voter registration.
Clients wearing shorts, slippers or sleeveless shirts are refused entry.
How much does it cost?
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport renewal, 10-year adult | TWD 2,000 | Cash, in New Taiwan dollars |
| Lost passport replacement | TWD 4,500 | Needs a loss report from Taiwan's National Immigration Agency |
| Passport delivery by courier | TWD 270 | TWD 290 to outlying islands |
| OWWA membership | USD 25 | Paid at the OWWA desk of the MWO or in the OWWA Mobile App |
| OFW Pass or OEC for returning workers | Free | Issued by DMW |
How long does it take?
MECO says new passports can be released as early as 5 weeks after you apply, because they are printed in the Philippines. There is no rush service.
Going home for good
Keep your ARC copy, your last payslips and your employer's release papers. Then close or continue your Philippine benefits:
- SSS for OFWs: keep paying if you want a monthly pension later.
- Pag-IBIG for OFWs: check your savings and loan balance.
- OWWA membership and benefits: reintegration and livelihood help once you are home.
Recruitment agencies with approved job orders for Taiwan (DMW list)
Frequently asked questions
Is MECO the Philippine embassy in Taiwan?
MECO is the Philippine representative office in Taiwan. It gives the same consular services an embassy would, such as passports and notarial work.
Can I renew my passport in Kaohsiung or Taichung?
Yes. MECO runs appointment systems for Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung, and passport renewals are booked through passport.gov.ph.
Who helps me with a problem with my broker or employer in Taiwan?
The MWO in Taipei, Taichung or Kaohsiung. Its OWWA welfare officers also handle welfare cases. The DMW-OWWA hotline is 1348, or +632 1348 from outside the Philippines.
How do I check an agency for a job in Taiwan?
Look it up on the DMW list before you pay any fee. See how to check an agency.
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