Using a Chinese Name as an Ethnic Chinese Person in Taiwan

[eugenequ]

This might be a bit of an unusual question, but perhaps other Chinese Americans, ethnic Chinese individuals who have moved to Taiwan, or even Japanese people who have experience with using names in characters can provide some insight.

I’m currently in the final stages of getting my Taiwan Gold Card approved. However, I noticed that on my passport submission slip, they still addressed me using my legal name (in the alphabet), despite the fact that I provided my Chinese name during the Gold Card application. I assume this is because:

1. My legal name is in the alphabet, which is the one appeared on all my application documents including my passport.
2. My Chinese name isn’t officially registered as my legal name—it’s just the name I use at home with my parents. So how do I even prove I have a Chinese name… lol…

I suppose this isn’t a big deal, as my official legal name and the name I personally identify with don’t necessarily have to be the same. Once I move to Taiwan, I plan to use my Chinese name in daily life.

That said, what’s the common practice in Taiwan for situations like this? Do foreigners of Chinese descent often adopt a Chinese name for daily use, even if their legal name remains in their original passport? Would I need to officially register my Chinese name somewhere to use it more formally?

[tempogain]

@eugenequ

Do foreigners of Chinese descent often adopt a Chinese name for daily use, even if their legal name remains in their original passport?

Foreigners of any descent do, definitely.

@eugenequ

Would I need to officially register my Chinese name somewhere to use it more formally?

There are processes for this, not sure exactly about the gold card but I’m sure it won’t be an issue.

[qwert_zuiop]

@eugenequ

despite the fact that I provided my Chinese name during the Gold Card application.

Your Chinese name will be printed on your Gold Card. If not, you can get it added.

When opening a bank account, you can opt for using the Chinese name. Most banks will then address you with that one.

[anon91239224]

@qwert_zuiop

When opening a bank account, you can opt for using the Chinese name. Most banks will then address you with that one

I hope this is true. My full English/Italian name has caused nothing but problems at the ban. I think they told me it has to match my passport.

[Helpful1560]

If you plan on seriously staying in Taiwan for 5+ years, try to use your Chinese name at banks, leases, etc.

Otherwise, English name is fine and nobody will care you have a Chinese name or not.

The physical gold card will list your Chinese name but as a gold card “foreigner”, businesses still tie things to your foreign passport name and number.

[teggs]

@anon91239224

My full English/Italian name has caused nothing but problems at the ban.

Mine too! My middle name is Christopher which is 11 letters long. As I remember, they insisted on using the name according to my passport. My health card just has my 2-character Chinese name on it which is much easier.

[qwert_zuiop]

@anon91239224

I think they told me it has to match my passport.

Issues will start to arise if you have more than one bank account in Taiwan and use different names for those or if you do international transfers. But most banks can actually save both names - especially gor FCY-accounts.

[Marco]

@qwert_zuiop

@eugenequ

despite the fact that I provided my Chinese name during the Gold Card application.

Your Chinese name will be printed on your Gold Card. If not, you can get it added.

When opening a bank account, you can opt for using the Chinese name. Most banks will then address you with that one.

While not impossible, I have had to fight tooth and nail and my foreign name is still on many of my accounts because most absolutely refuse to use the Chinese name.

bUt ThE pASspOrT