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The as-yet unpublished government policy, communicated verbally, follows the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Taiwan on 17 May 2019.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]