Nationality of Taiwan: all obtaining pathways
Taiwan requires five years of residence for ordinary naturalization — one as a resident and four as a permanent resident — reduced to three years in the case of marriage to a Taiwanese national. People with distinguished merits can obtain total or partial exemptions, and nationality is passed on by descent — ius sanguinis.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- LEGAL residence in R.O.C. territory over 183 days per year for at least 5 CONSECUTIVE YEARS (Nationality Act, art. 3(1))
- Current domicile within R.O.C. territory
- Full legal capacity under R.O.C. and own-state law (art. 3(2))
- No bad conduct or criminal record (Police Clearance Certificate) (art. 3(3))
- Enough property or professional skills for self-support (art. 3(4)) — WAIVED for the spouse of an R.O.C. national
- Basic Chinese language knowledge and of R.O.C. nationals’ rights/duties (art. 3(5))
- Approval: the MOI issues the naturalisation permit; renunciation of prior nationality required upon household registration (art. 9)
Documentation
- Naturalization application form
- Valid ARC (Alien Resident Certificate)
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin and from Taiwan
- Income or employment certificate
- Certificate of renunciation of the previous nationality
- Chinese-language proficiency certificate
2Naturalization by marriage to a Taiwanese national
Naturalization by marriage to a Taiwanese national
Requirements
- Spouse of an R.O.C. national: legal residence 183+ days/year for at least 3 CONSECUTIVE YEARS (Nationality Act, art. 4)
- EXEMPTION from the art. 3(4) property/means requirement for the spouse (art. 4(1))
- Also available to the R.O.C. national’s domestic-violence divorcee (unremarried) and the unremarried widow(er) (art. 4(2))
- The remaining art. 3(2-5) requirements still apply
- The ARC→APRC ladder is the practical residence route, but the statutory naturalisation term is that of arts. 3-4
Documentation
- Marriage certificate registered in Taiwan
- Taiwanese spouse's Household Registration (huji)
- Valid ARC
- Criminal record certificate
- Certificate of renunciation of the previous nationality
3Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a national of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
- Registration in the huji (family register)
- For children born abroad, registration before a diplomatic mission within set deadlines
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Taiwanese parent's huji
- Parent's ROC passport
4Special naturalization for distinguished merits
Special naturalization for distinguished merits
Requirements
- Outstanding contribution to Taiwan in technology, the economy, education, culture or sport
- Recommendation of the competent government agency
- The residence requirement may be reduced
- Partial exemption of the economic requirements
Documentation
- Letter of recommendation from the relevant ministry
- Documented evidence of exceptional contributions
- Passport and identity documents
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Taiwan
How many years of residence does Taiwan require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Taiwan (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 consecutive years with 183+ days/year of legal residence (Nationality Act, art. 3(1)). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Taiwan allow dual nationality?
Approval: the MOI issues the naturalisation permit; renunciation of prior nationality required upon household registration (art. 9)
Can the nationality of Taiwan be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by marriage to a Taiwanese national pathway (3 consecutive years with 183+ days/year (Nationality Act, art. 4)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Taiwan require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Naturalization application form; Valid ARC (Alien Resident Certificate); Criminal record certificate from the country of origin and from Taiwan; Income or employment certificate; Certificate of renunciation of the previous nationality; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Taiwan?
Taiwan provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization by marriage to a Taiwanese national, Nationality by descent, Special naturalization for distinguished merits.
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