Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, has specific criteria for individuals who wish to apply for citizenship. Generally, eligibility for Taiwanese citizenship is based on a person’s ancestry or length of residency in Taiwan.
To be eligible for Taiwanese citizenship, one must be:
A person who has the status of a “mainland area resident” and has been living in Taiwan for a continuous period of not less than four years (except for a person who is married to a Taiwan national and has been living in Taiwan for a continuous period of not less than six months).
A person who is a stateless person or does not have the nationality of any country, has been living in Taiwan for a continuous period of not less than ten years, and has a legitimate source of living.
A person who was born overseas to a Taiwan national parent and has not yet acquired any nationality, or a person who was born in Taiwan to non-Taiwanese parents and has no other nationality, may apply for Taiwan citizenship.
A person who is married to a Taiwan national and has been living in Taiwan for a continuous period of not less than six months.
A person who has resided in Taiwan for more than ten years and has made significant contributions to Taiwan’s economic, social, cultural, or educational development may apply for citizenship, subject to the approval of the competent authorities.
Process of Applying for Citizenship in Taiwan
The process for applying for Taiwanese citizenship varies depending on the individual’s situation.
For those who have been living in Taiwan for a continuous period of not less than four years (except for those who are married to a Taiwan national and have been living in Taiwan for a continuous period of not less than six months), they must submit an application to the Ministry of the Interior’s National Immigration Agency. The application must be accompanied by supporting documents, including a valid passport, proof of residence in Taiwan, and other relevant documents. The application process usually takes six months to a year.
For stateless persons or individuals without a nationality who have been living in Taiwan for a continuous period of not less than ten years, they must also submit an application to the National Immigration Agency. In addition to the documents required for the first category of applicants, they must also provide proof of their stateless status or lack of nationality.
For individuals born overseas to a Taiwan national parent or born in Taiwan to non-Taiwanese parents, they may apply for Taiwan citizenship at any Taiwan representative office overseas or at the National Immigration Agency in Taiwan. The application must be accompanied by a birth certificate, the applicant’s parents’ household registration documents, and other relevant documents.
For individuals who are married to a Taiwan national and have been living in Taiwan for a continuous period of not less than six months, they must submit an application to the National Immigration Agency. The application must be accompanied by a marriage certificate, proof of residence in Taiwan, and other relevant documents.
For those who have resided in Taiwan for more than ten years and have made significant contributions to Taiwan’s economic, social, cultural, or educational development, they must apply to the National Immigration Agency for citizenship. The application must be accompanied by supporting documents, including a resume, letters of recommendation, and other relevant documents. The competent authorities will evaluate the application, and the process can take up to a year.
Advantages of Being Granted Citizenship in Taiwan
Being granted citizenship in Taiwan has several advantages. Citizens of Taiwan enjoy the right to vote and run for public office, access to Taiwan’s national healthcare system, and eligibility for scholarships and other educational opportunities. Taiwanese citizens can also travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to many countries, including Japan, South Korea, and most countries in Europe.