Taiwan – Citizenship

Who is eligible to apply for citizenship in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s framework for citizenship is governed by the Nationality Act (國籍法), which establishes several distinct pathways to nationality. The principal routes are: naturalisation through residency, citizenship by descent from a Taiwanese parent, citizenship through marriage to a Taiwanese national, and a dedicated pathway for high-level professionals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions. Each route comes with its own set of conditions.

Naturalisation through residency

For standard naturalisation, applicants must have legally resided in Taiwan for a minimum of 183 days per year across five consecutive years, possess full legal capacity under both ROC law and the laws of their home country, and hold a clean record free of criminal conduct or misconduct. They must also demonstrate sufficient assets or professional qualifications to support themselves financially and show a basic command of the language along with an understanding of their rights and obligations as a national.

In practical terms, this means being physically present in Taiwan for more than 183 days annually over at least five unbroken years — or three years if married to a Taiwanese citizen. Critically, only residence for the purposes of professional employment or as a spouse qualifies. Time spent in Taiwan as a student, as a blue-collar migrant worker, for medical treatment, or under visa-exempt entry does not count towards the residency threshold. This distinction surprises many prospective applicants and can derail otherwise well-prepared applications.

Holders of Permanent Residence (an APRC) are exempt from the requirement to demonstrate personal financial standing. All other applicants must supply supporting documents — including tax records, payslips, and bank statements — showing a monthly salary exceeding twice the minimum wage (i.e., above NT$57,180 as of 2025). This figure is reviewed periodically, so applicants should always verify the current threshold through official channels.

Citizenship by descent

Taiwan’s nationality system is centred on the concept of a “national,” and the rights most people associate with full citizenship are tied to what is known as “Household Registration.” Nationals who hold full residential and voting rights are designated “Nationals with Household Registration.” However, a significant number of Taiwanese nationals living outside Taiwan — referred to as “Nationals without Household Registration” (NWOHR) — may not realise they carry Taiwanese nationality, because they do not automatically have the right to live or work in Taiwan without taking further steps.

On 1 January 2024, the legal provisions governing citizenship for individuals with Taiwanese parents were revised significantly, making acquisition of nationality considerably more accessible than it had previously been. For anyone seeking to claim citizenship through Taiwanese parentage, the first step is to establish whether their parents ever held Household Registration. Locating that documentation and presenting it to the nearest Taiwanese diplomatic mission is the recommended starting point, as the mission can provide tailored guidance on how to proceed.

Citizenship by marriage

The spouses of Taiwanese nationals may apply for naturalisation after accumulating three years of qualifying residency, alongside cultural integration requirements and the standard obligation to surrender their prior nationality. Where an applicant is married to a Taiwanese citizen or has Taiwanese children, certain requirements are eased. Taiwan’s three-year spousal route is broadly in line with comparable timelines in countries such as Germany, and considerably shorter than the standard five-year pathway required under many other jurisdictions’ naturalisation frameworks.

High-level professionals and exceptional contributions

In May 2024, Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Nationality Act that relaxed the naturalisation criteria for “high-level professionals” and introduced support for stateless children navigating the naturalisation process. Under the revised rules, qualifying individuals in this category need only maintain legal residence for a minimum of 183 days per year across two consecutive years — a reduction from the previously required three years.

The application process for a high-level professional begins with a formal request to the appropriate central government ministry for a recommendation letter recognising the individual as a High-Level Professional eligible for naturalisation, after which the naturalisation application itself is submitted to the local Household Registration Office. Between 2016 and the close of 2023, this pathway produced just 281 new Taiwan citizens — a figure that underscores how selectively it is applied in practice.

What are the steps involved in applying for citizenship in Taiwan?

The citizenship application process in Taiwan is administered primarily through the local Household Registration Office (戶政事務所), with certain stages handled by the Ministry of the Interior (MOI). The process unfolds across multiple phases — from assembling documents and demonstrating financial stability, to language testing, health checks, and ultimately registering a household. The following is a step-by-step overview for a standard (non-descent) applicant:

1. Verify your residency qualifications. Confirm that your period of lawful residence in Taiwan satisfies the threshold applicable to your route: five years for the standard pathway, three years for spouses, and two years for high-level professionals as of 2024. Ensure that the basis of your residence qualifies — only professional employment and spousal status count, not student visas, blue-collar worker permits, or visa-exempt stays.
2. Compile your supporting documentation. You must present a clean criminal record from both Taiwan and your existing country of citizenship. The overseas criminal record check must be certified by the Taiwanese diplomatic mission with jurisdiction over that country. All documents originating abroad must be authenticated by an ROC embassy or consulate and further verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Any documents in a foreign language must be submitted alongside a verified Chinese translation.
3. Undergo a health examination. In most circumstances, applicants are required to pass a health check conducted at an approved medical facility in Taiwan.
4. Demonstrate financial sufficiency. Provide tax records, payslips, and bank statements confirming a monthly salary exceeding twice the minimum wage (over NT$57,180 as of 2025), unless you already hold an APRC.
5. Fulfil the language and civics requirement. Either pass the written or oral language and civics test at your local Household Registration Office, or submit a valid certificate of attendance from a government-recognised course. Further details are provided in the dedicated section below.
6. Submit proof of renunciation of your original nationality (where applicable). Under Article 9 of the Nationality Act, applicants for naturalisation must supply a certificate confirming loss of their original nationality within one year from the date on which naturalisation is approved. Confirm the requirements with both your home country’s authorities and the relevant Taiwanese diplomatic mission in advance.
7. Lodge your complete application at your local Household Registration Office. The Household Registration Office receives the application and forwards it to the relevant municipal or county (city) government, which in turn refers it to the Ministry of the Interior for final approval.
8. Pay the naturalisation certificate fee. The fee for the naturalisation certificate is NT$1,200 (as of 2025), payable by postal money order to the MOI. Verify the current fee on the official MOI website before submitting, as it is subject to change.
9. Receive your Certificate of Naturalisation and apply for a Taiwan Area Residence Certificate (TARC). Once your application is approved, you will be issued a Certificate of Naturalisation. While you are Taiwanese at this point, full residency rights and formal citizen status have not yet been conferred. You must first apply for a Taiwan Area Residence Certificate (TARC) and then complete a further qualifying period of residence in Taiwan.
10. Complete Household Registration. Upon satisfying the post-naturalisation residency requirement, apply for Household Registration, receive your national ID card, and attain full citizen status.

Processing durations vary. A standard application will generally take several months from submission to outcome. For high-level professionals, document collection alone typically requires two to three months, with the recommendation letter processing adding a further one to three months. For the latest processing timelines, consult the Department of Household Registration (戶政司) directly.

What tests, interviews, or ceremonies are required as part of the citizenship process in Taiwan?

Taiwan requires most applicants to demonstrate a foundational grasp of Mandarin Chinese and civic knowledge as part of the naturalisation procedure. There are two means by which this requirement can be satisfied: by sitting a formal examination or by completing an approved programme of study.

The language and civics test

The examination may be taken in written multiple-choice format in Mandarin, or orally in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, or an indigenous language. Either format comprises 20 questions drawn at random from a pre-defined pool of approximately 200. A pass mark of 60% applies to applicants whose spouse is Taiwanese, who have resided in Taiwan for more than ten years, or who were born in Taiwan and have at least one Taiwanese parent. All other applicants are required to achieve a score of 70%. The full question bank is publicly accessible via the Department of Household Registration website, enabling applicants to prepare thoroughly in advance.

For context, other countries with comparable language and civics testing requirements — such as the United Kingdom’s “Life in the UK” test or Germany’s “Einbürgerungstest” — similarly use multiple-choice formats with roughly equivalent pass thresholds, so applicants familiar with those systems will find Taiwan’s approach broadly recognisable.

The course attendance alternative

As an alternative to sitting the examination, applicants may complete a specified number of hours at a government-recognised educational institution and present the resulting attendance certificate. The required hours are 100 for applicants who were adopted by a Taiwanese citizen, were born in Taiwan, act as the legal guardian of a Taiwanese national, or have spent more than ten years in the country. The threshold is 72 hours for those who have a Taiwanese parent, have married a Taiwanese national, have Taiwanese children, or are aged 65 or above.

Background checks and health examination

A clean criminal record in both Taiwan and the applicant’s existing country of citizenship is mandatory. The health examination, carried out within Taiwan, screens for specific conditions. Unlike Australia or Canada, where a formal citizenship ceremony involving oath-taking is a recognised milestone, Taiwan does not conduct an equivalent ceremony — instead, the completion of Household Registration serves as the concluding formal step through which full citizen status is conferred.

What are the benefits of citizenship in Taiwan?

Attaining full Taiwan citizenship — specifically, becoming a National with Household Registration — confers a broad range of rights and tangible advantages that are unavailable to mere residents or visa holders. These encompass civil and political rights, labour entitlements, and the considerable travel benefits that come with holding a Taiwan passport.

Civil and political rights

In practice, the exercise of most citizenship-related rights — including the right to vote and access full labour protections — is contingent on possession of the National Identification Card, which is issued exclusively to individuals with household registration in the Taiwan Area who are aged 14 or older. Once full household registration is completed, citizens gain the right to participate in elections, stand as candidates for public office (subject to applicable restrictions), and enjoy equal access to the complete spectrum of public services.

The Taiwan passport

As of 2026, Nationals with Household Registration enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 139 countries and territories, placing the Taiwan passport at approximately 33rd position globally according to the Henley Passport Index. For many applicants, this represents a meaningful improvement in international mobility compared to their current travel document. The passport grants hassle-free access to destinations across Europe, North America, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

Employment and residency rights

Citizens holding full household registration may work across any sector without the work permit restrictions imposed on foreign residents. They enjoy unconditional rights of abode and are not bound by the residency conditions attached to an ARC or APRC. Foreign residents who have not yet naturalised lack equivalent access to many public services, welfare entitlements, and participation in public affairs — all of which are secured upon the completion of naturalisation.

Access to public services and social welfare

Full citizens are entitled to enrol in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme on the same basis as all other citizens, access public housing programmes, apply for government positions, and receive the full range of social welfare benefits. Taiwan’s universal NHI is broadly recognised as one of the world’s most comprehensive healthcare systems, and full citizenship guarantees access on entirely equal terms.

Does Taiwan allow dual citizenship, or will you have to renounce your existing nationality?

This is one of the most consequential and frequently misunderstood aspects of Taiwan’s nationality law, and it deserves careful consideration before any application is initiated. The answer depends entirely on how Taiwanese nationality was acquired or is intended to be acquired.

The general rule: renunciation required for naturalised citizens

Taiwan’s Nationality Act is underpinned by a single-nationality principle. Under current law, foreign nationals can only obtain Taiwanese citizenship by relinquishing their existing nationality. This obligation is set out in Article 9 of the Nationality Act, which stipulates that applicants for naturalisation “shall provide a certificate of loss of original nationality within one year from the day of approval of naturalisation.”

Under these rules, almost all foreign nationals who seek to naturalise as Taiwanese citizens must first surrender their original passport — a requirement absent from the naturalisation frameworks of countries such as the United States, Canada, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. This is a fundamental consideration for anyone weighing up whether to pursue Taiwanese citizenship.

Exceptions: birth nationals and high-level professionals

Nationals by birth are free to hold dual citizenship without restriction. Naturalised citizens must relinquish their original nationality unless they qualify as high-level professionals or have made special contributions to Taiwan. Put differently, if you are of Taiwanese descent and are acquiring nationality through the descent pathway rather than through naturalisation, you are under no obligation to renounce your existing passport.

It is worth noting that Taiwan’s dual citizenship prohibition operates differently from that of countries like Singapore, which applies restrictions to both native-born adults and foreign-born applicants alike. Taiwan’s restriction is directed solely at foreign applicants, leaving Taiwan’s native-born citizens — many of whom already hold multiple passports and reside abroad — entirely unaffected.

Country-specific nuances

In certain circumstances, foreign nationals have successfully naturalised as Taiwanese without formally surrendering their previous nationality. Japanese applicants, for instance, have completed the process by presenting paperwork from Japanese authorities confirming that their renunciation application was not approved. Nationals of countries where renunciation is categorically impermissible — such as Argentina — and those who qualify as “high-level professionals” are likewise not required to provide evidence of having relinquished their original nationality.

Government position as of 2024

The MOI determined that any proposal to abandon Taiwan’s single-nationality principle in favour of a dual citizenship model “involves major national policies and the exercise of sovereignty,” and declined a 2024 petition seeking such a change. The law may nonetheless evolve over time, and it is advisable to monitor official announcements from the Ministry of the Interior for any developments.

It is equally important to investigate the rules of your home country. Some states treat naturalisation elsewhere as an automatic trigger for the loss of your original nationality; others do not. Always consult your home country’s immigration or foreign affairs authority before taking any steps toward Taiwanese naturalisation.

How long does it typically take to become a citizen of Taiwan?

The journey from arriving in Taiwan as a resident to achieving full citizen status spans several distinct phases, and the overall timeline is best measured in years rather than months. The following is a realistic breakdown of what to expect.

Minimum qualifying residency

Standard naturalisation requires at least five consecutive years of lawful residence in Taiwan, with more than 183 days of physical presence each year. For those married to Taiwanese citizens, this period is shortened to three years. Following the 2024 amendments to the Nationality Act, high-level professionals need only satisfy a two-year residency threshold.

Post-naturalisation residency (TARC period)

Approval of the naturalisation application does not immediately confer full citizen status. Additional post-naturalisation residency must be fulfilled: either one year of uninterrupted residence, 270 days across a two-year window, or 183 days spread over five years. Only after meeting this requirement can an applicant apply for full Household Registration and receive their national ID card.

Application processing time

Once submitted, a citizenship application typically takes several months to be processed. For high-level professionals, document assembly alone can occupy two to three months, and securing the ministerial recommendation letter takes a further one to three months. Standard applications submitted through the Ministry of the Interior may also require several months, particularly given the multi-stage referral process from the Household Registration Office to the municipal government and on to the MOI.

Taking all stages into account, applicants should plan for a minimum of six to seven years from first arriving in Taiwan as a qualifying resident to holding a full national ID card under the standard route, three to four years via the spousal pathway, and roughly two to three years for high-level professionals. For current processing timelines, consult the Department of Household Registration and the Ministry of the Interior.

What are the main reasons an application for citizenship in Taiwan might be refused?

Familiarising yourself with the most common grounds for refusal can help you submit a stronger application and avoid avoidable setbacks. The most frequent reasons an application may be rejected include the following:

• Criminal record. Applicants must have an entirely clean criminal record in both Taiwan and their existing country of citizenship. Any significant criminal history — particularly involving serious offences — constitutes grounds for rejection.
• Insufficient or non-qualifying residency. Time spent in Taiwan as a student, as a blue-collar migrant worker, receiving medical treatment, or on visa-exempt entry does not contribute to the qualifying residency period. Falling short of the required number of days per year, or any gap in legal residency, will disqualify the application.
• Failure to meet language or civics requirements. Applicants must demonstrate a basic command of the language and a working knowledge of their national rights and obligations. Failing the examination without completing an alternative course, or failing to produce a valid attendance certificate, will prevent the application from proceeding.
• Inability to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. Applicants must show that they have sufficient property or professional skills to support themselves. Failure to furnish the required income or asset documentation is a recurring cause of delay or outright refusal.
• Incomplete or improperly certified documentation. All documents originating overseas must be authenticated by ROC embassies or consulates and re-verified by MOFA. Foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a certified Chinese translation. Applications with missing, expired, or incorrectly certified documents will be returned or declined.
• Failure to renounce original nationality within the required timeframe. A certificate confirming loss of original nationality must be provided within one year of the naturalisation approval date. Missing this deadline renders the naturalisation null.
• Health check failure. A health examination is required in most cases, and certain medical conditions may result in refusal depending on the MOI regulations in force at the time of application.

Where an application is refused, applicants may generally pursue a formal administrative appeal through Taiwan’s established administrative review procedures. If your application is declined or your circumstances are particularly complex, it is strongly advisable to seek advice from a licensed attorney with relevant expertise in Taiwanese immigration and nationality law.

Where can you find reliable, up-to-date information about citizenship in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s citizenship requirements, applicable fees, and processing times are liable to change — as the 2024 amendments to the Nationality Act clearly demonstrated. The only authoritative sources for current requirements are official government bodies. The key institutions to consult are listed below:

• Department of Household Registration (戶政司) — Ministry of the Interior: The principal body responsible for processing naturalisation applications. The department’s website hosts official guidelines, the civics and language question bank, and downloadable application forms. Visit: www.ris.gov.tw
• Ministry of the Interior (內政部): Oversees nationality policy and issues final approval for naturalisation cases, including those involving high-level professionals. Visit: www.moi.gov.tw
• National Immigration Agency (移民署): Administers residence permits, the APRC, and all residency-related matters that feed into the naturalisation process. Visit: www.immigration.gov.tw
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部 — MOFA): Responsible for authenticating documents originating overseas and handling consular affairs. For applicants based outside Taiwan, Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices (TECOs) worldwide function as de facto consulates and can advise on document certification procedures. Visit: www.mofa.gov.tw
• Taiwan Immigrants’ Global News Network (新住民全球新聞網): A government-operated platform that publishes Q&A content and updates on naturalisation in multiple languages. Visit: news.immigration.gov.tw

Official government websites are the sole reliable source for current requirements, fees, and processing timelines. Material found on personal blogs, expat forums, and third-party websites — however well-meaning — may be outdated, particularly in the wake of legislative amendments.

Frequently asked questions about citizenship in Taiwan

Do children born in Taiwan automatically acquire citizenship?

Not automatically, as would be the case in countries operating unconditional birthright citizenship (jus soli). Taiwan’s nationality system is primarily based on jus sanguinis — that is, descent. A child born in Taiwan acquires nationality where at least one parent is a Taiwanese national with household registration. A child born in Taiwan to two foreign parents does not acquire Taiwanese nationality at birth and must follow a separate process. Since January 2024, the rules for children of Taiwanese nationals have been streamlined.

Can Taiwan citizenship be lost or revoked?

Yes. Residents of the Taiwan Area are prohibited from holding household registration in mainland China or carrying passports issued by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Should a person obtain a PRC passport or mainland household registration, they will be stripped of their ROC passport and household registration in Taiwan. Citizenship may also be forfeited through voluntary renunciation or by committing certain acts that trigger revocation under the provisions of the Nationality Act.

What happens to my citizenship application if I move abroad during the process?

Once the criminal record certificate issued by your existing country of citizenship has been obtained, leaving Taiwan will render that document invalid. More broadly, departing Taiwan for extended periods during the qualifying residency phase breaks the continuity of lawful residence and may restart the eligibility clock entirely. Applicants are strongly advised to exercise caution about any international travel during the critical stages of the process.

What is the difference between a “National without Household Registration” (NWOHR) and a full citizen?

NWHRs are entitled to hold a Taiwan passport, but they lack a national ID number, which substantially curtails the practical usefulness of that document. Children of Taiwanese nationals born abroad are considered nationals and are eligible for Taiwan passports, but without household registration they have no automatic right to reside or work in Taiwan, and no voting rights. Full citizenship — comprising an ID card and completed household registration — is the status that unlocks the complete suite of civil and political rights.

Do I need to speak Mandarin to apply for citizenship?

Applicants must be able to demonstrate a basic command of Chinese (Mandarin) and familiarity with Taiwan’s culture, customs, and laws. This is typically assessed through a language proficiency and civics test. However, the oral examination may be taken in Taiwanese (Hokkien), Hakka, or an indigenous language as an alternative to Mandarin, and a course attendance certificate may be substituted for the test in its entirety.

Can I apply for citizenship if I am stateless?

The 2024 amendments to the Nationality Act incorporated provisions designed to ease the naturalisation process for stateless children residing in Taiwan. Stateless adults may also have recourse to specific provisions within the Nationality Act. Given the inherent complexity of such cases, it is strongly recommended to consult the National Immigration Agency or a qualified immigration lawyer for personalised guidance.

Does my home country allow me to renounce my nationality?

Rules on renunciation differ considerably from one country to another. Some states permit voluntary renunciation; others do not, or impose significant barriers to doing so. Nationals of countries where renunciation is categorically impermissible — such as Argentina — and individuals who qualify as “high-level professionals” are not required to demonstrate that they have surrendered their original nationality when naturalising in Taiwan. You should contact your home country’s consulate or the relevant government authority before commencing the naturalisation process in Taiwan.

Can I include my children in my citizenship application?

Minor children of a naturalising parent may in certain circumstances acquire nationality through their parent’s naturalisation under conditions specified in the Nationality Act. The precise requirements depend on the children’s ages, their country of birth, and whether the other parent is already a Taiwanese national. Your local Household Registration Office can provide guidance tailored to your family’s specific situation.

What is a Taiwan Area Residence Certificate (TARC) and do I need one?

Following the issuance of a Certificate of Naturalisation, an applicant is Taiwanese but has not yet been granted full residency rights or formal citizen status. The next step is to apply for a Taiwan Area Residence Certificate (TARC), which operates similarly to a standard ARC. The applicant must then reside in Taiwan for an additional qualifying period before becoming eligible to apply for Household Registration, claim their national ID card, and attain full citizen status.

Is there an investment route to citizenship in Taiwan?

Taiwan does not operate a conventional “citizenship by investment” scheme of the kind found in some other countries. However, individuals who have made substantial economic contributions to Taiwan may be eligible under the “exceptional contributions” or “high-level professional” provisions of the Nationality Act, which also waive the renunciation requirement. Each such case is evaluated individually by the Ministry of the Interior’s Citizenship Committee and approval is not guaranteed. The 2024 legislative amendments additionally exempt individuals who have made substantial contributions from paying the nationality documents fee.