I’m a US citizen who was born in Taiwan and immigrated when I was 10 yrs old. I’m interested in getting a ROC passport to start (before going down the path to full dual citizenship). I have been to the Immigration Ministry in Taipei as well as contacting a consulate here in the US. My problem is that all the instructions are in Chinese (Google Translate has been somewhat helpful here) but I want to make sure I’m not missing any critical steps. Can anyone recommend suitable professional help here (perhaps English speaking Taiwanese counsel who focus on immigration issues)? TIA
A few before anyone can help you…
- Were your parents Taiwan citizens?
- You say “immigrated” but were you born a US citizen?
- What do you mean by dual citizenship? If you were born here to ROC parents, you should be in the system. The next steps would be proving who you are.
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Sorry for being unclear - my parents were both Taiwanese citizens (father deceased, mother currently resides in Taiwan and holds nations ID). I have an old expired ROC passport from when we left Taiwan. I also have a PDF government document which lists everyone in my household. The Ministry document mentioned needing birth certificates, marriage licenses and death certificates- none of which I have.
My understanding of having true dual citizenship begins with first obtaining an ROC passport and then spending the required time in Taiwan to apply for national ID (I could be off here).
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Marriage license and death certificates would NOT be needed if you were born before after 1980 February 10 as citizenship can be passed from the mother since then.
Depending on the year born… the hospital should have records. You can take these to any HHR and ask for their records and take it from there. You will also be able to easily get death certificates for your father and marriage license (if needed). I would just get them anyway just in case.
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Awesome! Thanks for your help!!
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But your mom should be able to go straight to the HHR office herself and get your birth records from there.
As you are already a citizen she should be able to add you to her HHR and then you can apply for your passport immediately.
My mom is unfortunately suffering from advancing dementia which is why I’m going to Taiwan to be with her indefinitely. I’m curious if you’re aware of anyone who may offer a service to take care of the legwork.
Generally Taiwan is very simple that most people do this themselves. You can do it easily while only speaking English. I suggest coming here and giving it a try yourself.
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EZPERMIT and Platalea are licensed immigation specialists who may be able to help.
Satellite TV on these forums is an unlicesned expert who may be able to at least point you in the right direction.
Audrey Lu is a Taiwanse lawyer who might be able to help if things turn out to be complicated. Excellent English. Harvard LLM.
Themis law specializes in family law . They will be more expensive.
You can also pm me if you are are really truly desperate but people I work with are very $$$$ by Taiwan standards (not international). Try the others first.
As comfy says, you can usually do this yourself with a lot of legwork and patience.
Good luck!
Thank you both so much!
You are a citizen here so you don’t need to go down any path.
Your passport will have your ID number in it. Apply for a new passport.
Enter Taiwan then you just need to register an address in Taiwan and get an ID card and Household registration document. You do not need to apply for citizenship you were born a citizen here.
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HE is born a citizen in Taiwan to ROC parents. He doesn’t need to apply for citizenship. He just needs to get an address, I assume he could use hos mothers address, and register at her HHR and simply get an ID card.
Household Registration Office staff do speak English nowadays.
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Mostly, but much better than before (which was none)
No English when I naturalized. Was much better when you need to use the language of the country you live in lol
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