Taiwan Permanent Residency Requires Notarized PRC Passport Renunciation

(TAIWAN) Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior said on October 30, 2025 that, starting October 31, 2025, Chinese nationals who apply for permanent residency in Taiwan must submit notarized proof that they have either not applied for, or have formally renounced a PRC passport. The ministry framed the change as a targeted adjustment to close a gap in current rules, which previously accepted loss of household registration in mainland China as sufficient evidence of status. The new requirement ties residency eligibility to a clearer break from the People’s Republic of China travel document, with officials saying the rule is designed to prevent applicants from keeping a PRC passport while seeking long-term status in Taiwan.

What changed and why

The amendment responds to concerns that current procedures allowed some applicants to retain a PRC passport even after canceling their household registration in the Mainland Area (a classification used under Taiwan law). Officials said the policy intends to align documentation with the legal framework that governs cross-strait movement and residence.

The move affects Chinese nationals already living in Taiwan on various permits as well as those planning to apply for long-term status, adding a new documentation step to the process.

New documentary requirements (summary)

Applicants will now need to provide both of the following:

• Notarized document showing they have renounced a PRC passport, or notarized confirmation that they never applied for one.
• Proof of loss of household registration in the Mainland Area.

Authorities said the two items together confirm a person’s shift away from PRC resident status. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the adjustment reflects a push to verify that applicants are not keeping parallel mainland status while building life in Taiwan, especially when applying for permanent residency.

How this differs from the previous standard

Previously, applicants only had to show that their original mainland household registration was canceled. The ministry says that standard was not always sufficient because:

• A PRC passport can remain valid even after household deregistration.
• This created inconsistencies between legal status and travel document possession.
• The new requirement closes that gap by requiring explicit proof of passport renunciation or non-application.

Implementation and timing

• The rule takes effect immediately on October 31, 2025.
• It applies to new applications and to ongoing cases that have not yet passed document checks when the rule begins.
• Applicants already preparing paperwork must adjust their files to include the required notarized proof.

Practical steps for applicants

1. If you currently hold a PRC passport:
   • Formally renounce the passport and obtain an official certificate of renunciation.
   • Have that certificate notarized as required by Taiwan authorities.
2. If you never held a PRC passport:
   • Obtain a notarized confirmation that you have not applied for a PRC passport (may involve a sworn declaration or similar).
3. Always include proof of loss of household registration in the Mainland Area.

Likely practical effects and challenges

• Applicants in Taiwan must confirm the exact form of notarized proof required and how to present it to immigration officials.
• Those dealing with mainland authorities may face delays obtaining certificates across the strait.
• Expect an initial rise in requests for supplementary documents as files submitted under the old standard are reviewed.
• Some applicants may need to take leave from work or liaise with consular/PRC authorities to secure the necessary paperwork.

Important: Incomplete submissions could be returned or put on hold. Applicants should gather all required documents before filing to avoid delays.

Legal basis and administrative intent

Officials cited the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area as the legal basis. The amendment aims to:

• Keep residency decisions consistent with the law’s definitions.
• Anchor approval decisions in reliable identity markers for cross-strait cases.
• Reduce ambiguity during review by making renounced PRC passport or “never applied” status a core file element.

Guidance from lawyers and practical advice

• Immigration lawyers expect fewer case-by-case disputes over Mainland Area residency status.
• Reviewers are likely to scrutinize dates on renunciation certificates and the notarized proof to confirm the break in status at application time.
• Applicants should keep a clear trail of certifications and obtain notarized documents early to avoid repeated requests.

Costs, processing times, and where to get updates

• The ministry did not announce new fees, but applicants commonly face notary costs and possible administrative charges when obtaining certificates through outside authorities.
• Processing times can vary depending on cross-strait procedures.
• For authoritative guidance and any implementation updates, consult the Taiwan National Immigration Agency (MOI): https://www.immigration.gov.tw.

Final takeaways

• The change is a narrow but important correction intended to align travel documents with declared legal status.
• Effective October 31, 2025, applicants for permanent residency must present:
  • A renounced PRC passport certificate or a notarized confirmation of not having applied for one, and
  • Proof of loss of household registration in the Mainland Area.
• Applicants should prepare these documents early to avoid delays in their residency applications.