Marriage-Based Taiwanese Citizenship: Requirements and Legal Process

Foreigners married to Taiwanese citizens and residing in Taiwan on a marriage ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) may be eligible to apply for Taiwanese citizenship after five years of continuous residence. However, the process requires fulfilling specific conditions, including language proficiency, criminal record checks, and renouncing original nationality.

Eligibility for Taiwanese Citizenship

1. Marriage Duration & Residency

   • Applicants must have been married to a Taiwanese citizen for at least three years while residing in Taiwan or five years with at least 183 days of residence each year.

2. Language Proficiency

   • Applicants need to demonstrate basic proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.
   • Completion of 200 hours of Chinese language courses at an accredited institution is one way to fulfill this requirement. Schools like NTNU MTC (National Taiwan Normal University’s Mandarin Training Center) often qualify, but applicants should verify the accreditation status with the immigration office.

3. Financial Stability

   • Proof of financial means or a stable income source may be required to show the ability to support oneself in Taiwan.

4. Criminal Record Requirement

   • A criminal background check is mandatory. This usually includes both:
     • A Taiwanese police record (issued by local authorities).
     • A criminal record from the applicant’s home country (translated and authenticated by the relevant Taiwan office abroad).

5. Renunciation of Original Citizenship

   • Taiwan does not allow dual nationality for naturalized citizens. The applicant must provide proof of renouncing their original nationality before obtaining Taiwanese citizenship.

Application Process

1. Gather necessary documents, including proof of marriage, residency records, financial statements, and language certification.
2. Obtain criminal records from both Taiwan and the applicant’s home country.
3. Submit the application to the National Immigration Agency (NIA) or local household registration office.
4. After approval, renounce original nationality and provide proof.
5. Receive Taiwanese naturalization certificate and apply for a Taiwanese ID.

Important Considerations

• Some applicants have reported difficulties in getting certain institutions’ language courses recognized for the 200-hour requirement. It is advisable to confirm directly with the National Immigration Agency (NIA) before enrolling.
• The criminal record requirement varies by country, so applicants should check if they need an FBI report (for U.S. citizens) or equivalent documents.
• The process can take several months, depending on the efficiency of document verification and approval.

Where to Seek Help

• Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA) – Provides official guidelines and document requirements.
• Legal Aid Foundation – Offers legal assistance for residency and nationality applications.
• Local Household Registration Office – Handles final processing for naturalization after approval.
• Taipei City Foreign and Disabled Citizens Hotline (1999 ext. 7035) – Offers multilingual assistance for foreigners navigating bureaucratic processes.