Taiwan – Dependent Status Can Now Be Granted to Same-Sex Spouses
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The as-yet unpublished government policy, communicated verbally, follows the legalization of same-sex marriage in Taiwan on May 17, 2019.
The policy applies to nationals of the following countries that recognize 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.
Action Items
Employers whose employees may benefit are encouraged to contact an immigration specialist for case-specific advice.