Taiwan Citizenship and Naturalization

Naturalization under the Nationality Act

Article 3 of the Nationality Act lets a foreign national with domicile in Taiwan apply after legally residing there for more than 183 days each year for at least five consecutive years. Applicants must have legal capacity, no bad conduct or criminal record, enough property or professional skills for a stable life, and basic proficiency in the national language plus basic knowledge of the rights and duties of nationals, under standards set by the Ministry of the Interior. Article 9 then requires a certificate of loss of the original nationality within one year of naturalization approval, and applicants may not reside in Taiwan on the new status until it is provided. Spouses of nationals and some other groups qualify after three years.

Residence

5 consecutive years, over 183 days each year

Spouses of nationals

3 consecutive years, over 183 days each year

Language and civics

Basic national language and knowledge of rights and duties

Dual citizenship

Renunciation proof due within 1 year, with exceptions

Government fee

Varies; confirm with the Ministry of the Interior

Requirements

• Domicile in Taiwan and five consecutive years of legal residence, each with more than 183 days.
• Legal capacity under Taiwanese law and the law of your current nationality.
• No bad conduct or criminal record, shown by a police clearance.
• Enough property or professional skills to support yourself.
• Basic proficiency in the national language and basic knowledge of citizens' rights and duties.

How to apply

1. Complete the residence period and meet, or obtain exemption from, the language and civics standard.
2. File the naturalization application under Ministry of the Interior procedures, with police clearance and proof of self-support.
3. After approval, submit a certificate of loss of your original nationality within one year.

Naturalization for high-level professionals

Status: Requires recommendation by a central authority and joint review

Article 5 of the Nationality Act opens a separate track for high-level professionals who have contributed to Taiwan's interests and are recommended by the central authority in charge of their industry. The recommendation is jointly reviewed with outside experts invited by the Ministry of the Interior, which also sets the criteria for identifying such professionals. The residence period is shorter than under the general rule. The key difference for many founders is Article 9: applicants naturalized under this track are exempt from producing a certificate of loss of their original nationality, so they may keep it. The same exemption applies to people naturalized for special contributions under Article 6.

Who qualifies

High-level professionals recommended by a central authority

Residence

Can be shorter than the general 5-year rule

Original nationality

May be retained

Review

Joint review organized by the Ministry of the Interior

Requirements

• Recommendation from the central authority responsible for your industry.
• Evidence of contributions to Taiwan's interests in your field.
• Legal residence meeting the Article 5 periods.
• Good conduct, legal capacity and the language and civics standard.

How to apply

1. Seek a recommendation from the competent central authority.
2. Undergo the joint review organized by the Ministry of the Interior.
3. File the naturalization application once recommended.