Residence Permit: Q&A for Foreign Spouses and Newborns

Q: How many years must a foreign spouse live in Taiwan after marriage to obtain citizenship?
A: The entire process for a foreign spouse to obtain citizenship takes at least 4 years.

Q: Will the duration for obtaining citizenship be shortened if the foreign spouse has children after marriage?
A: Foreign Spouses, National Health Insurance, Newborns, Birth Certificate, Alien Resident Certificate, New Residents, Second Generation New Residents

Q: How long after obtaining a residence permit can a foreign spouse join the National Health Insurance system?
A: Foreign Spouses, National Health Insurance, Newborns, Birth Certificate, Alien Resident Certificate, New Residents, Second Generation New Residents

Q: After naturalizing and obtaining Taiwanese citizenship, how does a foreign spouse with a Taiwan Area Resident Certificate (TARC) handle travel abroad?
A: Foreign Spouses, National Health Insurance, Newborns, Birth Certificate, Alien Resident Certificate, New Residents, Second Generation New Residents

Q: Can a foreign spouse extend their Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) if they are involved in a domestic violence case?
A: Foreign Spouses, National Health Insurance, Newborns, Birth Certificate, Alien Resident Certificate, New Residents, Second Generation New Residents

Q: Can a foreign spouse continue to reside in Taiwan after divorcing a Taiwanese spouse?
A: The National Immigration Agency will revoke the residency permit of a foreign national if the reason for their stay ceases to exist and cancel their Alien Resident Certificate. However, in the following cases, the foreign spouse may be allowed to continue residing in Taiwan:

1. The dependent (spouse) has passed away.
2. The foreign national is the spouse of a Taiwanese national and has been divorced due to domestic violence, provided they have not remarried.
3. The foreign national has custody of a minor child who holds household registration in Taiwan after the divorce.
4. Revoking the residency permit and deporting the foreign national would cause irreparable harm to a minor child who holds household registration in Taiwan.
   
   

Q: Can a foreign spouse continue to reside in Taiwan if their Taiwanese spouse dies?
A: The National Immigration Agency will revoke the residence permit and cancel the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) for foreign nationals if the reason for their stay ceases to exist. However, if the reason is the death of the dependent (spouse), the foreign spouse can apply to continue residing in Taiwan. The foreign spouse should apply at the local service center, and attention should be paid to the following details:
If the Taiwanese spouse dies, the foreign spouse is legally allowed to apply to continue their residency. However, if any illegal activities are discovered, the residency permit can still be revoked.Process for Foreign Spouses to Apply for Nationality After Marriage in Taiwan (Image/Source: My E-Government)

Q: If a foreign spouse has a Permanent Resident Certificate (ARC) and has lived in Taiwan for over 7 years, without applying for naturalization or an identity card, what happens in the event of a divorce? Will they only be allowed to stay in Taiwan for 15 days, or will they be deported to their home country? Can they continue to reside in Taiwan?
A: According to current regulations, foreign nationals who lose the reason for their stay will have their residency permit revoked and their ARC canceled. However, there is no provision requiring a foreign spouse with a Permanent Resident Certificate to have it revoked upon divorce from their Taiwanese spouse. Therefore, a foreign spouse with permanent residency does not need to return to their home country within 10 days and can continue to reside in Taiwan.

Q: How do foreign newborns (including children born to foreign workers) born in Taiwan apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)?
A:

1. Foreign newborns born in Taiwan to parents who hold an ARC or Permanent Resident Certificate must apply for an ARC within 30 days after birth. The required documents include the newborn’s birth certificate, a 2-inch photo, one of the parent’s ARC or Permanent Resident Certificates, and the relevant application fees. Once the passport is obtained, the passport number must also be updated on the ARC.
2. The newborn can apply for National Health Insurance once they obtain their ARC. For more information, please contact the National Health Insurance Administration's consultation hotline at 0800-030-598.
3. According to the amended Nationality Act of February 9, 2000, children born in Taiwan after that date, with at least one parent holding Republic of China (Taiwan) nationality, automatically obtain ROC nationality and should register their birth with the local household registration office, instead of applying for an ARC.Newborns Obtaining Alien Resident Certificate Can Apply for Health Insurance (Image/Source: NHI Facebook Page)
   
   

Q: If a foreign worker becomes pregnant and gives birth in Taiwan while the child's father (the foreign worker’s spouse) is also working in Taiwan, can the child apply for residency based on the father?
A: According to Article 26 of the Immigration Act, foreign nationals born in Taiwan to parents holding an ARC or Permanent Resident Certificate must apply for an ARC within 30 days of birth. A child born to foreign workers in Taiwan can apply for an ARC based on the mother by providing the child’s birth certificate. If applying based on the father, both parents must provide a marriage certificate authenticated by a Taiwan representative office abroad, as well as the child’s birth certificate, to apply for an ARC for the child.