Taiwan Extends Stay for Foreign Parents of Naturalized Citizens

Parents of citizens who have become naturalized through marriage can now extend their stay in Taiwan for up to one year. This change, effective from March 15, 2024, aims to assist these parents in caring for their grandchildren and is part of Taiwan’s broader efforts to support its naturalized citizens, according to the Ministry of the Interior (MOI).

The new regulations, which fall under the Regulations Governing Visiting, Residency, and Permanent Residency of Aliens, allow foreign national parents to extend their visit if they meet specific conditions. These include being on a stay of more than 60 days, having a daughter who is pregnant, or caring for a grandchild under the age of two. Those eligible must apply for the extension before reaching 180 days of their current stay.

The MOI highlighted that many naturalized citizens face challenges regarding childcare. With mothers needing time for postpartum recovery and fathers returning to work, the extension offers families additional support. “The government is working to protect the rights of our ‘new citizens,’ so restrictions are being loosened to allow foreign national parents of ‘new citizens’ to extend their visit if they qualify under the stipulated conditions,” the ministry stated.

To apply for the extension, foreign national parents must provide official medical documentation confirming their daughter’s pregnancy and expected due date, or present the Maternal Health Booklet issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. This documentation must be verified with a stamp from a hospital or medical center or signed by a medical professional within the last month.

For those applying to care for grandchildren younger than two, the necessary documents include the original and a photocopy of the child’s birth certificate or household registration to establish familial ties.

This initiative is part of Taiwan’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for its new citizens, allowing families to experience a more supportive community. The interior ministry plans to monitor the implementation of these regulations and collaborate with various governmental bodies to foster a multicultural society where all citizens feel valued and supported.

The ministry encourages eligible foreign national parents to inquire about the extension and to submit their applications at local National Immigration Agency offices or service stations.