Q: How can high-level professionals apply for naturalization?
A: Foreign nationals who are recommended by the central competent authority in fields such as technology, economy, education and academic research, culture or arts, sports, and other professional sectors may apply for naturalization if they meet one of the criteria outlined in the "Recognition Standards for High-Level Professionals Applying for Naturalization." When applying for naturalization, they are exempt from providing proof of renunciation of their original nationality.
Required Documents:
- Recommendation letter for high-level professionals applying for naturalization (holders of the Plum Blossom Card are exempt from this requirement). The required documents for each competent authority's recommendation letter can be found at: https://www.ris.gov.tw/documents/data/5/5/e53d23fe-8f50-4123-b2e2-63bce4707701.pdf
- Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) or Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC)
- Certificate of Foreign Residency
- Police record issued by the government of the applicant's home country or other relevant documents
- Proof of sufficient property or professional skills to support oneself or evidence of a stable livelihood
- Proof of basic language ability and knowledge of national rights and obligations
- One recent front-facing color photo without a hat (taken within the last two years)
- Certificate fee: NT$1,200
Application Process:
- Applicant: Prepare award records, professional achievements, academic research, or other significant contributions and apply for a recommendation letter from the central competent authority.
- Central Competent Authority: Reviews and issues a recommendation letter to the applicant if approved.
- Household Registration Office in Place of Residence:
- The applicant submits the recommendation letter along with other required documents for naturalization, residence, and settlement at the household registration office.
- After the initial review, the household registration office forwards the application to the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) for further review.
Ministry of the Interior (MOI):
- A panel comprising public representatives, experts, and officials assesses whether the applicant qualifies as a high-level professional.
- The MOI further reviews the applicant’s qualifications for naturalization.
- Applicant: If the applicant meets the qualifications for high-level professionals and fulfills all naturalization requirements, they receive a Naturalization Certificate from the MOI without the need to renounce their original nationality.
- Household Registration Office: Processes the initial household registration using the settlement permit and issues the National Identification Card and Household Registration Book.
Foreign nationals marrying ROC citizens: Application process for naturalization and household registration (Photo: Screenshot from the National Immigration Agency website)
Q: After my naturalization, how can my spouse apply for naturalization?
A:
I. Naturalization Requirements
According to the Nationality Act, your spouse may apply for naturalization if they legally reside in the Republic of China (ROC) and meet the following conditions:
- They have legally resided in Taiwan for at least 183 days per year for five consecutive years.
- They possess full legal capacity under ROC laws and their home country’s laws.
- They have no criminal record or misconduct and provide a police clearance certificate.
- They have sufficient property or professional skills to support themselves or demonstrate financial stability.
- They possess basic language proficiency and knowledge of national rights and obligations.
Alternatively, if your spouse has legally resided in Taiwan for ten consecutive years or has resided for at least 183 days per year for three consecutive years after your naturalization and meets conditions 2 to 5 above, they may also apply.
II. Application Process:
- The applicant (your spouse) applies at the local Household Registration Office, which forwards the application to the municipal or county (city) government and then to the MOI for approval.
- Once the MOI approves the application, the applicant must renounce their original nationality within one year.
If the applicant cannot provide proof of renunciation due to legal or administrative restrictions in their home country, they may apply for an extension. Otherwise, the MOI will revoke the naturalization approval.
III. Required Documents:
- Naturalization application form
- Valid Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) or Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC)
- Police clearance certificate issued by the applicant’s home country (exempt for dependents or APRC holders)
- Proof of basic language ability and knowledge of national rights and obligations
- One recent photo (same specifications as a National ID card photo)
- Naturalization certificate fee: NT$1,200 (to be paid via postal money order to the MOI)
- Other supporting documents as required
IV. Relevant Regulations:
Nationality Act and Implementation Rules: https://reurl.cc/Y4GjEo
Q: After my naturalization, how can my minor children apply for naturalization?
A:
I. Explanation for Minor Unmarried Children’s Naturalization
Your minor unmarried children may apply for naturalization along with you under Article 7 of the Nationality Act.
II. Application Process:
The child’s legal guardian must apply in person at the local Household Registration Office, which forwards the application to the municipal or county (city) government and then to the MOI for approval.
Once the MOI grants naturalization approval, the child must renounce their original nationality within one year.
If renunciation is delayed due to legal or administrative barriers in the home country, an extension may be granted. Otherwise, the MOI will revoke the naturalization approval.
III. Required Documents:
- Naturalization application form
- Valid Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) or Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC)
- Police clearance certificate issued by the applicant’s home country (exempt for minors under 14 or those who entered Taiwan before age 14 and never left)
- Proof of single status and parental consent (if required by home country regulations)
- Naturalization certificate fee: NT$1,200 (to be paid via postal money order to the MOI)
- One recent photo (same specifications as a National ID card photo)
- Other supporting documents, such as birth certificates or proof of parent-child relationship
IV. Relevant Regulations:
- Nationality Act and Implementation Rules
- Frequently Asked Questions on Nationality
Important Notes:
Documents issued abroad must be authenticated by ROC embassies or consulates and re-verified by the MOFA.
Foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a verified Chinese translation.
If special circumstances apply, the applicant must follow additional requirements per MOI regulations.
Related Links:
- Guidelines for High-Level Professionals Applying for Naturalization: https://www.ris.gov.tw/app/portal/763
- Foreign Nationals' Guide to Naturalization: https://www.ris.gov.tw/documents/html/8/7/2/144_Q01.html
- Recognition Standards for High-Level Professionals Applying for Naturalization: https://law.moj.gov.tw/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=D0030033
- FAQs on Nationality Issues: https://reurl.cc/kMkLO9
- Required Documents for Spousal Naturalization: https://reurl.cc/36R5XL
- Required Documents for Voluntary Naturalization: https://reurl.cc/NbnZQq
- Required Documents for Minor Children Applying for Naturalization: https://reurl.cc/xpoEaN
