(FWA 2026/9/12)To attract international talent, Taiwan has continued to relax the regulations of the Nationality Act. In December 2016, the act was amended to allow high-level professionals to naturalize without having to renounce their original nationality. In May 2024, the residency requirement concerning Taiwan naturalization for high-level professionals was further reduced to two years. Since December 2016, a total of 400 expat professionals from five continents worldwide have successfully naturalized and acquired Taiwanese citizenship.
The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) pointed out that on August 26, the review committee approved the naturalization application of the 400th high-level professional, a Mr. Bao, who is an expert in the electronic power field. Mr. Bao stated that Taiwan possesses a globally leading advantage in key technologies such as semiconductors, electronic manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and energy technology, providing him with a broad space for career development through top-tier talent and a complete industrial ecosystem. Furthermore, the hardworking and friendly nature of the Taiwanese people, coupled with a safe and convenient living environment, as well as fascinating mountains, coastlines, and a rich culinary culture, allow him to enjoy a good quality of life while pursuing his career. These are the main reasons why he chose to become a part of Taiwan.
The MOI indicated that among the 400 high-level professionals, the largest group comes from Asia (170 people), followed by the Americas (128 people), Europe (76 people), and Oceania and Africa (13 people each). In terms of professional fields, education and academic research account for the most with 149 people, followed by economics (85 people), technology (61 people), and culture or the arts (50 people). This demonstrates that the international talent naturalizing in Taiwan comes from a wide range of sources with diverse professional backgrounds.
Based on the review process for foreign high-level professionals , the MOI explained that the current system offers multiple naturalization channels:
General High-Level Professional Process (一般高專流程): Applicants can be recommended by central competent authorities, which issue a letter of recommendation valid for 6 months. The applicant submits this to the Household Registration Office. The MOI then convenes the High-Level Professional Review Committee for approval before issuing the naturalization certificate.
Plum Blossom Card High-Level Professional Process (梅花卡高專): Expats holding a Plum Blossom Card (Permanent Residency for Senior Professionals) do not require a recommendation from a central competent authority. They can apply directly at the Household Registration Office. The MOI will then consult the relevant competent authorities for a written review. Upon passing, they will obtain the naturalization certificate without losing their original nationality.
The MOI emphasized that in the face of global competition for talent, Taiwan will continue to create a friendly regulatory and living environment to attract more outstanding foreign nationals to develop their careers and settle down in Taiwan. Relevant information can be found in the “Special Section for High-Level Professionals Applying for Naturalization” on the MOI’s Department of Household Registration global website (English URL: https://www.ris.gov.tw/app/en/763).
