Department of Civil AffairsFAQ

Terms and Conditions for Applications to the Taipei City Joint Wedding Ceremony

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Registration Method

Online Registration: After completing the online registration，you will receive confirmation e-mail。
If neither of the parties have household registration in Taipei City, at least one needs to provide proof of employment or school enrollment in the city.
Foreigners must submit passport copies and documents proving unmarried status, along with a Chinese translation of those documents which has been certified by an overseas Taipei Representative Office.

Cautions:

Both parties must be on time for the prenuptial seminar to learn about the procedures for the wedding ceremony. Participants absent without good reason will be disqualified.
All must check in on time on the wedding day. The ceremony will not be postponed to accommodate latecomers.
Couples are responsible for their own makeup and hair styling.
The numbering sequence of the participants on the wedding day is based on the order in which they checked in at the prenuptial seminar.
Any changes and updates regarding the date and location of the Joint Wedding Ceremony will be announced on the website.
Participants with disabilities enjoy priority registration privileges (two couples per ceremony) and do not count against the total quota of the Joint Wedding Ceremony. Please show Disability Card at the time of registration. Please contact DOCA at 1999 (02-27208889 if calling from other areas) if on-site sign language translation services or information regarding handicapped accessible areas is needed
Participants may not object or demand compensation if the wedding is delayed or canceled due to natural disasters, wars, or other events of force majeure.
This event has no power to validate marriages legally. Legal marriage will take effect only when all substantial requirements are fulfilled according to the current Civil Code, and marriage registration is completed at the Household Registration Office.
For more information, please call 1999 (02-27208889 if calling from other areas) or visit our website at: https://umarry.gov.taipei/.

How do I apply for an alteration of the directors and supervisors of religious legal foundation?

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Application for altering the directors and supervisors of a religious legal foundation

Please prepare the following documents and bring them to the local district office for the first review, which will then be transferred to the Department of Civil Affairs:

1. Original copy of the completed application form

2. Original copies of relevant meeting minutes

3. Copies of donation and organization regulations

4. Copy of the list of former directors and supervisors

5. Original copies of consent letters of willing directors and supervisors

6. Original copy of the list of directors and supervisors

7. The original copies of the seals of the legal foundation, directors and supervisors

8. Original identifications of directors and supervisors

9. Copies of property inventory

Four copies should be submitted for each of the required documents, except the application form (one original copy), and the seals of the legal foundation, directors and supervisors (five copies each).

How do foreign persons apply for religious studies in Taiwan?

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Please prepare the following documents and bring them to the local district office for the first review, which will then be transferred to the Department of Civil Affairs:

1. The completed application form

2. Copy of the registration or accreditation certificate of the religious group

3. The relationship certificate between the religious group and the institute of religious studies, if the institute of religious studies is affiliated with the religious group

4. Copy of an official letter from religious competent authorities regarding the religious group’s financial statement of the previous year

5. Copies of certificates for routine maintenance of fire equipment in the premises of the institute of religious studies in the past year

6. Agreement letters from the neighbors sharing the same building(s) with the institute, or the agreement letter from the building management committee

7. Notices from the religious group or the institute of religious studies, and documents stating period of study, weekly courses and course hours

8. Information on the foreigner(s)

9. Reference letters from the foreigner’s affiliated religious group and copies of education certificates from high school or any higher degrees or certificates of religious studies since the earlier life stages, authenticated by the embassies, overseas offices, or consulates of the R.O.C., or other notary institutes authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Chinese translation of such certificate should be authenticated by the embassies or a public notary

10. Certificates of financial support

11. Affidavit of the guaranteed study period not exceeding the applied study period

12. Total number of students applying for the religious studies and the list of foreign students

13. Copies of the official letters from religious competent authorities regarding previous reviews of the applications (first-time applicants are exempt from this requirement)

14. An electronic file and its printout of the list of the group applicants in this application (single applicant is exempt from this requirement)

One copy for each of the required documents should be submitted via mail, by a representative, or in person.

How do I apply for a permit for the establishment of a legal religious foundation?

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Application for a permit to establish a legal religious foundation

Please submit the following documents and bring them to the local district office for a first review, which will then be transferred to the Department of Civil Affairs:

1. The completed application form

2. Original copy of donation and organization regulations

3. Original copy of the donation inventory

4. Original copies of donation certificates

5. Original copies of donor authorization letters or the minutes of preparatory meeting

6. Original copies of the minutes of the first meeting of the board of directors and supervisors

7. Original copies of the consent letters of willing directors and supervisors

8. Original copy of the list of directors and supervisors

9. Original copies of the seals of legal foundation, directors and supervisors

10. Identifications of directors and supervisors

11. Original copies of the annual business plans and annual budget reports

12. House tax receipts and certificates of the current land value

13. Original copies of the agreement letters from the neighbors

14. Original copies of the status list and photographs

15. Original copies of the history of the organization

How do I apply for the use of the Taipei NGO Assembly Hall?

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:00:00 GMT

You will need the completed application form, certified documents of the organization (registration certificate of the legal person, and the accreditation certificate of the civil organization) and a brief introduction of the activities (documents such as an activity plan, general regulations, and flyers). Please apply from 3 months to 10 days in advance, and pay in full by 7 days before the day of use. You can submit the application via mail, a representative, over the internet, or in person.

Who should I talk to for legal advice? What are the office hours, location, contact number, and consultation methods for each district office?

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The office hours for the legal advice desk in district offices are: Monday to Friday 09:30am~11:30am, accepting 5 reservations in person or another 5 via phone. Our legal consulting service is provided by Taipei Bar Association’s pro bono lawyers, who offer free legal advice in each district office. The service does not include drafting indictments. Due to the limited time, please be well-prepared ahead of time, bringing with you all related documents and questions to be consulted.

Flowchart for the Application for Naturalization in Marriages between Foreign Nationals and R.O.C. Citizens and Household Registration

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Flowchart for the Application for Naturalization in Marriages between Foreign Nationals and ROC Citizens and Household Registration(2022).pdf

How are marriages between R.O.C. citizens and foreigners registered?

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Documents required:
If you married in Taiwan, you will need to prepare:

Household certificate
ROC ID card
seal (signature).
One photograph
Marriage Agreement (bearing signatures of two witnesses)
Chinese name declaration.
Identification Cards of foreign spouses.
Marital status certificates of the parties with Chinese translation (shall be notarized and authenticated by Taiwan diplomatic missions; the Chinese translation shall be notarized by a notary public in Taiwan if the translation is done in Taiwan) (Effective for 6 months from the date of issuance) .

If you married abroad, you will need to prepare:

Household certificate
R.O.C. ID cards
Seals (signature)
One photograph
Marriage certificates with Chinese translation and certified (verified) by R.O.C. foreign missions, plus “This juridical act conforms to the formal requisites under the law of the place affixed. Then marital status certificates could be exempted.
Identification cards (e.g., passport) of foreigen spouses.
If the foreign spouses unable to return to the R.O.C. with the nationals, then additionally the foreign spouse must submit his/ her Chinese name declaration certified by R.O.C. foreign missions.

Notes:
1. If you married in Taiwan,you and your spouse shall apply for marrige registration in person in any household registration office. However, the applicant can be one of the parties if the marriage was effective.
2. If your country is one of the particular countries announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you need to complete the marriage registration in your country first. Afterwards, submit all necessary documents to ROC embassy/consulate/ representative office to apply for an interview. Then, complete the marriage registration at any household registration office in Taiwan with the marriage document verified by ROC embassy/consulate/ representative office. Please contact ROC embassy/consulate/ representative office in your country for relevant details.

How do ROC citizens and foreigners file for divorce?

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

(I) Application Process:
1.Those divorced in the ROC
Both parties shall apply for registration in person to any household registration office. (In the case of a decree of divorce, court mediation or court settlement, either party or an appointed agent may undertake the aforesaid application
2.Those divorced abroad
(1)The party concerned must apply for registration at any household registration office.
(2)Applicants who are unable to apply in person may appoint a representative by power of attorney (translated into Chinese and notarized by the ROC embassy/consulate/representative office); that person with power of attorney must be approved by jurisdictional household registration office.
(3)Where the applicant is not able to apply in person, he/she may appoint a an agent by power of attorney (power of attorney established abroad must be translated into Chinese and notarized by ROC embassy/ consulate /representative office).
(4)Applicants may request in person for ROC embassy/consulate/ representative office to forward their marriage registration application and required documents to the appropriate household registration office in Taiwan.
(II) Required Documents:
1.Those divorcing in ROC:
(1)The household certificate of the party with household registration in Taiwan, ROC identification card and seal (or signature).
(2)Identification certificate of the foreign spouse.
(3)Divorce agreement (bearing signatures of two witnesses); in the case of a sentenced divorce, the court sentence and documentation of authenticity or agreement of settlement/mediation in court.
2.Those have divorced abroad:
(1)The party concerned applies to the ROC household registration office
A.The household certificate of the party with household registration in Taiwan, ROC identification card and seal (or signature).
B.Identification certificate of the foreign spouse.
C.Divorce certificate with Chinese translation and certified (verified) by R.O.C. foreign missions. (For divorce under the law of the place, such divorce certificate should affixed the juridical act conforms to the formal requisites under the law of the place).
(2)If theparty concerned apply abroad through the ROC embassy /consulate/representative office
A.Divorce document with Chinese translation.
B.Declaration form for divorce.
(III)At the time of filing registration for divorce, the spouse who has assumed the surname of the other should apply to revert to his/her own surname.
(VI)If a ROC citizen, after registering his/her same-sex marriage to a foreigner from a nation or region where same-sex marriage has been legalized, would like to have his / her same-marriage registration terminated, he/she may go to any household registration office in Taipei City for the information regarding relevant procedures and required documents.

How do foreigners apply for ROC citizenship?

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

(I) Application Process:According to Article 3、8、9 of ROC Law of Nationality, Article 2 to Article 8 and Article 13 、15、17 of the Enforcement Regulations of Law of Nationality, people who have domiciles in the territory of ROC and meet related regulations may apply for naturalization through the ROC township household registration office in person.(II) Required Documents: 1. Application for Nationality Naturalization (including two photographs taken in the recent 2years; refer to the photograph specifications required for the renewal of national ID cards)2. Stateless certificate or certificate stating the abdicating of original nationality or documents issued by foreign affairs institutes as required by the Article of Nationality Act.3. Legal and valid Alien Residence Certificate or Permanent Residence Certificate.4. Alien Residence Certificate (ARC) （The period of residence should be consecutive without breaks in between）.5. Certificates of the arrival and departure dates of a foreigner.（The applicant is not required to submit this document as the household registry agency shall enquire for the documents on the applicant’ behalf）.6. Police Criminal Certification that issued by original government.7. Police Criminal Record Certificate issued by municipality and county (city) government police bureaus during aliens’stay in the R.O.C.（The applicant is not required to submit this document as the household registry agency shall enquire for the documents on the applicant’s behalf）8. Certificates of sufficient property or professional skills to be self-reliant or to ensure personal sustainability (adhering to Article 7 of the Enforcement Rules of Nationality Act, though aliens with Permanent Residence Certificate or has obtained “Certificate of ROC Naturalization Candidature” are exempt from filing this certificate).9. Certificates of the basic language command and requirements of Article 3 of Standards for Identification of Basic Language Abilities and Common Sense of National Rights and Duties of Naturalized ROC Citizens. (Those who have obtained “Certificate of ROC Naturalization” is exempt from providing the said certificate in this item)10. Certificate fee of NT$1,000 (to be paid via postal money order with the Ministry of Interior as the payee).

How does a foreigner, who is the spouse of a ROC citizen, apply for the ROC citizenship?

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

(I) Application Process: According to Section 1 of Article 4 、8、9 of ROC Law of Nationality, Article 2 to Article 8 and Article 15 、17 of the Enforcement Regulations of Law of Nationality, a foreigner who is the spouse of a ROC citizen, may apply for naturalization through the ROC township household registration office. (II)Required documents:1. Application for Nationality Naturalization (including two photographs taken in the recent 2years; refer to the photograph specifications required for the renewal of national ID cards)2. Stateless certificate or certificate stating the abdicating of original nationality or documents issued by foreign affairs institutes as required by the Article of Nationality Act.3. Legal and valid Alien Residence Certificate or Permanent Residence Certificate.4. Alien Residence Certificate (ARC) （The period of residence should be consecutive without breaks in between）.5. Certificates of the arrival and departure dates of a foreigner.（The applicant is not required to submit this document as the household registry agency shall enquire for the documents on the applicant’ behalf）.6. Police Criminal Record Certificate issued by municipality and county (city) government police bureaus during aliens’ stay in the R.O.C.（The applicant is not required to submit this document as the household registry agency shall enquire for the documents on the applicant’s behalf） 7. Certificates of sufficient property or professional skills to be self-reliant or to ensure personal sustainability (adhering to Article 7 of the Enforcement Rules of Nationality Act, though aliens with Permanent Residence Certificate or has obtained “Certificate of ROC Naturalization Candidature” are exempt from filing this certificate).8. Certificates of the basic language command and requirements of Article 3 of Standards for Identification of Basic Language Abilities and Common Sense of National Rights and Duties of Naturalized ROC Citizens. (Those who have obtained “Certificate of ROC Naturalization” is exempt from providing the said certificate in this item)9. Household registration copy with completed marriage registration (The applicant is not required to submit this document as the household registry agency shall enquire for the documents on the applicant’ behalf).- applicants failing to submit household registration copy shall enclose wedding certificates, identification certificates of foreign and R.O.C spouses. Those marrying in the R.O.C. shall also enclose the marital status certificate of the foreign spouses translated into Chinese and authenticated by R.O.C. foreign missions.10. Certificate fee of NT$1,000 (to be paid via postal money order with the Ministry of Interior as the payee).

How do parents of a child born legitimately to a foreign national father and an ROC national mother file the child's household registration?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

(I) After the Nationality Law was amended on Feb. 9th, 2000, parents of a child born legitimately in the ROC to a foreign national father and an ROC national mother shall file the child's household registration at the household registration office of mother's area .(However those whose children are under 20 years old (born after Feb.10th ,1980),by the time of the Nationality Law promulgated, can apply for Permanent Residency at the National Immigration Agency in order to file initial household registration .) The child's Chinese surname should be recorded in accordance with the rules regulating in the Article 1059, Civic Law and the Chinese customs of using surname. The order of birth is recorded according to the father's part; even the father is a foreign national. Those whose children were born abroad should file the application along with the identification certificate translated in Chinese issued by competent organizations abroad and notarized by ROC representative office. (II) Application Process1. Child born in the ROC(1)Either parent may apply through the mother’s district household registration office.(2)When adopting parent is not able to apply in person, she/he may appoint a representative by power of attorney (power of attorney established abroad must be translated into Chinese and notarized by ROC foreign missions).2. Child born Abroad(1)If the child is younger than 20, entering the ROC using an ROC passport, entry permit or foreign passport, the family head or legal representative may apply for initial household registration to local household registration office with the permanent resident certificate.(2)If the child is older than 20, application may apply for permanent residency for the child first and, with that, apply for household registration in accordance with Immigration Law and Related regulations. (III) Required Documents:1. Child born in the ROC(1)Applicant’s identification and seal (or signature).(2)Mother’s household registration.(3)Original of birth certificate (agreement of children’s surname enclosed).2. Child born abroad(1)Household certificate of the applicant for initial household registration, family head or legal representative’s ID card and seal(or signature);(2)Permanent resident certificate(1 photograph enclosed).

How do parents of a child born out of wedlock to a foreign national father and an ROC national mother file the child's household registration? How does the biological father file for paternity?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

(I) Application Process1. Child born in the ROC(1) The biological mother shall file application with the household registration office of her resident area.(2) When the biological mother cannot apply in person, a representative may file on her behalf.2. Child born abroad(1) If the child is younger than 20, entering the ROC using an ROC passport, entry permit or foreign passport, the family head or legal representative may apply for initial household registration to local household registration office with the permanent resident certificate.(2) If the child is older than 20, application may apply for permanent residency for the child first and, with that, apply for household registration in accordance with Immigration Law and Related regulations.(II) Required Documents:1. Child born in the ROC(1) Applicant’s identification and seal (or signature).(2) Mother’s household registration.(3) Original birth certificate.2. Child born abroad(1)Household certificate of the applicant for initial household registration, family head or legal representative’s ID card and seal;(2)Permanent resident certificate.(3) Mother’s household registration.(III) Registration for Adoption by Biological Father1. Application Process(1)Biological father should file application at any household registration office.(2)When biological father is not able to apply in person, she/he may appoint a representative by power of attorney (power of attorney established abroad must be translated and notarized by R.O.C. foreign missions); that person with power of attorney must be approved by jurisdictional household registration office.(3)A child whose biological father has a Chinese surname may apply for a name change to reflect father’s surname.2. Required Documents:(1)Written parentage documents.(2)Applicant’s proof of identification and seal (or signature).(3)Child’s household registration and ROC identification (except in cases where ROC ID has not been issued).(4)Those who intend to use his/her father's surname as his/her legal surname should present "Agreement of Children's surname"

How do parents of a child born legitimately to an ROC national father and a foreign national mother file the child's household registration?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

(I) Application Process1. Children born in the ROC(1)Either parent may apply through the father’s district household registration office.(2)When adopting parent is not able to apply in person, she/he may appoint a representative by power of attorney (power of attorney established abroad must be translated and notarized by R.O.C. foreign missions).2. Children born abroad(1)If the child is younger than 20, entering the ROC using an ROC passport, entry permit or foreign passport, the family head or legal representative may apply for initial household registration to local household registration office with the permanent resident certificate. (2)If the child is older than 20, application may apply for permanent residency for the child first and, with that, apply for household registration in accordance with Immigration Law and Related regulations. (II) Required Documents:1. Child born in the ROC(1) Applicant’s identification and seal (or signature).(2) Father’s household registration.(3)Original of birth certificate (agreement of children’s surname enclosed).2. Child born abroad(1)Household certificate of the applicant for initial household registration, family head or legal representative’s ID card and seal;(2)Permanent resident certificate.

How do parents of a child born out of wedlock to a foreign national mother and ROC national father file the child's household registration? How does the biological father file for paternity?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

(I) The child who has not been recognizer by his/her biological father is considered a foreign national and can not file for household registration. However those whose children are under 20 years old by the time of the Nationality Law amended on Feb. 9th 2000, application must be filed in accordance with Immigration Law and Related regulation, no need to apply for the ROC citizenship. (II) Registration of Parentage.1. Application ProcessIf the child has not yet acquired ROC citizenship, the parentage application shall be recorded in the biological father’s household registration.(1) The biological father should file application with any household registration office.(2) When the biological father is not able to apply in person, she/he may appoint a representative by power of attorney (power of attorney established abroad must be translated and notarized by R.O.C. foreign missions); that person with power of attorney must be approved by the jurisdictional Civil Administration Office.2. Required Documents(1) Written parentage documents which meet ROC and foreign legal standards.(2) Adoptee’s birth certificate (birth certificate made abroad must be translated in Chinese and be notarized by R.O.C. foreign missions).(3) Applicant’s proof of identification and seal (or signature).Marital status certificate of mother must be translated into Chinese and authenticated by R.O.C. foreign missions.

How do foreign parents adopting a child with ROC citizenship file for adoption?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Application Process:
1. The party concerned petition for adoption admission to the court.
2. The adopter or adoptee files application at any household registration office as the applicant.
3. Where the applicant is not able to apply in person, he/she may appoint a representative by power of attorney (power of attorney established abroad must be translated into Chinese and notarized by ROC embassy/ consulate /representative office)
4. Where the adoptee’s surname is in conformity with local customs, the adopted child’ may be changed to that of the adoptive parents or keep the original one. t
Required Documents:
1. Applicant’s identification certificate and seal (or signature).
2. Adoptee’s household certificate and ROC ID card (except in cases where ROC ID has not been issued).
3. Court ruling document and final ruling certificate.
4. Parent’s agreement for Children’s surname.

How do ROC citizen parents adopting a foreign child file for adoption?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

(I) Application Process:

1.The party concerned petition for adoption admission to the court

2.The adopter or adoptee files application at any household registration office as the applicant.
3.Where the applicant is not able to apply in person, he/she may appoint a representative by power of attorney (power of attorney established abroad must be notarized by ROC embassy/ consulate /representative office)
4.Where the adoptee’s surname is in conformity with local customs, the adopted child may be changed to that of the adoptive parents or keep the original one.
(II) Required Documents:
1.Applicant’s identification certificate and seal (or signature).
2.Child’s household certificate and ROC ID card (except in cases where ROC ID has not been issued).
3.Parent’s agreement for child’s surname.
4.The agreement for the executing or exercising of the rights and obligations of minor children concerned.

How do foreign adoptive parents of ROC citizen children file for termination of adoptive relationship?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

(I)Application Process:
1.The adopter or adoptee files application at any household registration office as the applicant.
2.Where the applicant is not able to apply in person, he/she may appoint a representative by power of attorney (power of attorney established abroad must be translated into Chinese and notarized by ROC embassy/ consulate /representative office).
3.The party concerned petition for adoption admission to the court if the adopted children are under age.
4.The child shall revert to his/her birth name
(II)Required Documentation:
1.Applicant’s identification certificate and seal (or signature).
2.The adoptee’s household certificate and ROC ID card (except in cases where ROC ID has not been issued; those who have received should change).
3.Certificate for valid adoption under ROC laws. (Those document made abroad must be translated into Chinese and notarized by the ROC embassy/consulate/representative office.)

How do ROC citizen adoptive parents of foreign children file for termination of adoptive relationship?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

(I)Application Process:
1.The adopter or adoptee files application at any household registration office as the applicant.
2.Where the applicant is not able to apply in person, he/she may appoint a representative by power of attorney (power of attorney established abroad must be notarized by ROC embassy/ consulate /representative office).
3.The party concerned petition for adoption admission to the court if the adopted children are under age.
(II)Required Documentation:
1.Applicant’s identification certificate and seal (or signature).
2.Certificate for valid termination of adoption under ROC laws. (Those document made abroad must be translated into Chinese and notarized by the ROC embassy/consulate/representative office.)e office.)