Taiwan to Require Chinese Nationals to Prove Passport Renunciation for Residency

Taiwan will tighten residency rules for Chinese nationals starting August 2025, adding a new document test for family‑based applicants. The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) has issued a draft amendment that requires notarized proof tied to Chinese passports.

What the draft requires

Under the draft, applicants for long‑term stays or permanent residency through family ties must submit a notarized document proving either that they have renounced a Chinese passport or that they never applied for one.

The notice was issued on July 23, 2025 and awaits final approval. Officials say the change aims to verify identity status more clearly before applicants move toward household registration and, later, citizenship in Taiwan.

“We’re strengthening review of identity documents for family‑based residency to protect our system and keep records accurate,” an MOI spokesperson said.
The National Immigration Agency (NIA), which handles case processing, is expected to enforce the new check once the amendment takes effect.

How this changes the existing threshold

Previously, applicants generally proved they’d lost their original mainland household registration under:

• Articles 30 and 31 of the Regulations Governing the Residency of People of the Mainland Area, and
• Article 17 of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area (the Cross‑Strait Act).

The MOI’s new step adds an extra proof about the Chinese passport. This matters because permanent residency is a mid‑point status that lets Chinese nationals later apply for household registration, opening the door to full citizenship, a Taiwan ID, and a Taiwan passport.

Political response and human impact

• Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office called the move discriminatory and an abuse of power, threatening legal action against Taiwanese officials involved in enforcement.
• The political tension raises pressure on families—particularly mainland‑born spouses—who rely on stable status for work, health care, and schooling.

Applicants most affected are Chinese nationals applying as spouses or dependents of Taiwanese residents or citizens. The new rule may require coordination with local notary bodies in mainland China or other jurisdictions. Failure to secure acceptable proof could lead to delays, rejections, or loss of status during renewals.

Note: In April 2025, the NIA required mainland spouses with Taiwan ID cards issued before 2004 to submit proof they abandoned mainland residency by June 30, warning of possible revocation for non‑compliance. The current amendment continues that enforcement trend.

Documents applicants should prepare immediately

• A notarized document proving either:
  • Renunciation of a Chinese passport, or
  • That the person never applied for a Chinese passport.
• Supporting identity records showing loss of mainland household registration (still a separate baseline requirement).
• Copies of marriage and family relationship records, as requested by the NIA.
• A calendar check of renewal and conversion deadlines to avoid status gaps.

Notarization, authentication, and translations

• Confirm which types of notary stamps, translations, and authentication are acceptable.
• Taiwan often asks for notarization plus authentication (sometimes called legalization) by recognized offices.
• Because requirements can vary, ask the NIA before filing to avoid rework.

Pattern and official framing

• As reported by VisaVerge.com, tightening for cross‑strait family migration often arrives in stages, with new checks added as agencies review past cases. This pattern appears to continue.
• The MOI frames the measure as a safeguard. Premier William Lai’s administration has described a broader goal to “remove impurities” from identity documentation and prevent infiltration through family channels.
  • Supporters: argue clear records protect sovereignty and social order.
  • Critics: warn the rule risks splitting families if applicants can’t secure documents from mainland offices.

Two realistic scenarios

1. Mainland‑born spouse in Kaohsiung:
   • Holds long‑term residency and is eligible for permanent residency.
   • Now needs proof they never had a Chinese passport.
   • May need a statement from the local public security bureau, a notarial certificate, and a certified translation.
   • If the renewal window is short, they risk falling out of status.
2. Family‑dependent parent in Taichung:
   • Previously showed loss of household registration (sufficient before).
   • Now must also show passport renunciation.
   • They apply for a renunciation certificate but wait weeks for processing and cross‑border authentication.
   • They should seek an NIA filing extension if available.

Filing logistics and agency guidance

• Officials haven’t published a new, specific form for the passport proof. Instead, the notarized certificate must be attached to existing family residency or permanent residency filings with the NIA.
• Applicants should review the NIA’s official Residency Guidance for People of the Mainland Area to confirm current document lists and authentication steps.
• For authoritative, up‑to‑date rules and contact details, consult the National Immigration Agency’s website (residency sections).

Timeline and enforcement expectations

• The draft (issued July 23, 2025) will move through approval and public comment. The MOI signaled that implementation will follow soon after the comment period.
• Based on recent practice, agencies are likely to increase file reviews quickly once the rule is final.
• Expect NIA case officers to request clarifications or added proofs if notarizations are:
  • unclear,
  • missing proper seals, or
  • contain name mismatches across documents.

If you can’t obtain the proof: alternatives and actions

Speak with the NIA as early as possible. Possible acceptable alternatives include:

• An official “no record” letter confirming no passport issuance, with notarization.
• A sworn statement paired with police bureau records, if available.
• Evidence of formal passport renunciation filed with mainland authorities.

Practical tips:
– Keep copies of all submissions and mailing receipts.
– If facing a short renewal deadline, bring evidence of pending document requests and ask whether the NIA can place the application in suspense while you wait.
– Clear proof of active, good‑faith efforts helps even though officers have limited flexibility.

Community help and document hygiene

• Community groups and legal aid clinics can assist with organizing cross‑border documents.
• Plan for translation, name variations, and old ID formats that don’t match current systems.
• When possible, standardize name spellings across certificates to reduce case officer questions.

Practical next steps (checklist)

1. Start document collection now—don’t wait for final approval if your case is time‑sensitive.
2. Confirm notarization and authentication standards with the NIA.
3. Track filing windows to prevent status gaps.
4. Ask the NIA about options if mainland offices won’t issue needed letters.
5. Save every receipt, translation, and certificate in a single, organized file.

Final note

The new rule sits at the center of a larger debate over identity, security, and family unity across the Taiwan Strait. The human impact is real: spouses want stable lives, and authorities aim for accurate records. Careful preparation—early document collection, clear communication with the NIA, and use of community/legal resources—can help families meet the new standard and protect their path to permanent residency in Taiwan.