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How Can Foreign Nationals Immigrate to Taiwan? Documents Required for Naturalization
Phase 1 - Preparation for Residence Application Before Naturalization
Foreign nationals or stateless individuals who wish to immigrate to Taiwan must first obtain a residence permit. To apply for a Foreign National Residence Permit, the applicant must enter Taiwan with a valid visa that has no restrictions and meet the following conditions:
The spouse must be a national of Taiwan or a foreigner with approved residence or permanent residence in Taiwan. However, foreign spouses who are permitted to work under specific conditions in Taiwan (as outlined in Article 46 of the Employment Service Act) are not eligible to apply.
Foreign nationals under 20 years old must have a direct lineal relative (parent) who is a Taiwanese national or has approved residence or permanent residence in Taiwan. If the relationship is due to adoption, the adopted person must live with the adopter in Taiwan.
Foreign nationals permitted by the central labor or business authorities to work in Taiwan under specific work categories as defined in the Employment Service Act.
Individuals who have made significant investments in Taiwan, as approved by the relevant business authorities, or representatives of foreign corporate investors.
Individuals who are responsible for foreign companies that are officially recognized by Taiwan’s Company Act.
Foreign nationals who have been specially approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa changes based on diplomatic considerations.
[Click for more details - How Foreigners Can Apply for Residence in Taiwan?]
Phase 2 – Application for Naturalization
Requirements for Naturalization
After obtaining a residence permit, if the individual meets the conditions outlined in Article 3 of the Nationality Act, they may apply for naturalization:
Have legally resided in Taiwan for a total of 183 days or more each year for five consecutive years.
Have full legal capacity according to both Taiwanese law and the laws of their home country.
Have no criminal record or police certificate indicating criminal charges.
Have sufficient financial assets or professional skills to support themselves or be self-sufficient.
Have basic proficiency in the national language and an understanding of citizens' rights and obligations.
It is important to note that, from the time of applying for naturalization, the individual must have legally resided in Taiwan for at least 183 days each year for a continuous period of five years. If the individual exceeds a 30-day stay outside Taiwan, it will still be considered as continuous residence, but these days will not be counted toward the legal residence days!
Documents Required for Naturalization
Once the applicant meets the above requirements, they can apply for naturalization by submitting the following documents to the local Household Registration Office:
Naturalization application form.
Valid foreign resident permit or permanent residence permit.
Police criminal record certificate or other relevant documents issued by the applicant’s home country government (if the foreign residence status is “family reunification,” this is not required).
Proof of basic language proficiency and understanding of national rights and duties as outlined in Article 3 of the Naturalization Standards.
One recent color photo (same specification as a national ID photo).
A fee of NT$1,200.
Other related documents (e.g., foreign spouse must provide a marriage certificate).
Once the Ministry of the Interior approves the naturalization, the applicant must submit proof of renouncing their original nationality within one year. If not submitted within the time frame, the naturalization approval will be revoked unless the applicant can provide evidence that the original country’s laws or administrative procedures prevented them from doing so, in which case an extension may be requested.
Phase 3 – Applying for a Settling Permit
After obtaining the residence permit and naturalization approval, applicants must reside continuously for one year from the approval date, or have resided for two years with 270 days of residence each year, or have resided for five years with 183 days of residence each year. They may then submit the following documents to the "Immigration Agency of the Ministry of the Interior" in their city or county to apply for a settlement permit:
Settlement application form.
A copy of the Taiwan residence permit or foreign resident permit.
One recent color photo (same specification as a national ID photo).
Health check certificate from the last three months.
Police criminal record certificate from the applicant’s place of residence or residence abroad.
Other related documents.
Once the Ministry of the Interior issues the settlement permit, the applicant can apply for a national ID card at the Household Registration Office within 30 days!
Immigration procedures are complex, and the above primarily covers the requirements for general foreign nationals or stateless individuals seeking naturalization in Taiwan. Different regulations and required documents apply to foreign spouses or highly skilled professionals. Therefore, it is advisable to consult immigration or legal professionals before proceeding to avoid potential obstacles in the process.
Reference: Ministry of Digital Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) - My E-Government、Nationality Act