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TAIWAN: Dependent Status Can Now Be Granted to Same-Sex Spouses
June 4, 2019
Qualifying same-sex spouses are now eligible to apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC).
The as-yet unpublished government policy, communicated verbally, follows the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Taiwan on 17 May 2019.
The policy applies to nationals of the following countries that recognise same-sex marriage: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, parts of Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland), the United States and Uruguay.
Who Qualifies?
The same-sex foreign spouse of a work permit holder
- Both foreign spouses must be nationals of one of the 26 countries;
- The marriage must have taken place in the country of nationality of one of the spouses; and
- The marriage must be registered in the other spouse’s country of nationality.
The same-sex foreign spouse of a Taiwanese national
- The foreign must be a national of one of the 26 countries;
- The marriage must have taken place in the country of nationality of the foreign spouse; and
- The marriage must be registered in Taiwan.
Dependent Status
Dependent status allows foreign national spouses of work permit holders or of Taiwanese nationals to:
- stay in Taiwan for the duration of their spouse’s work permit;
- receive National Health Insurance (NHI) contributions;
- work in Taiwan in certain circumstances.
Our Advice
Employers whose employees may benefit are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.
For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Taiwan, please email us at [email protected]